When thinking about things to do during your time in Bangkok, then I’m sure cycling around the airport isn’t even on your radar. The track at Happy & Healthy Bike Lane follows the 23.5km perimeter of the BKK airport and is exclusively for use by cyclists. Given how hectic the roads in the city can be, this provides a great way to cycle in a safe and exciting environment during your stay in Bangkok; this being one of the world’s most unique cycle tracks, with planes flying right overhead!

If you are looking to try this out then there’s a few things to know before you attend to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 

What To Bring 

• Passport 
• Water bottle (they don’t allow single use plastic) 
• Towel 
• Money 
• Padded shorts (not essential)
• Suncream 

What Not to Bring 

• Large backpacks 
• Single use plastic bottles 
• Cameras

Bike Hiring Process

When you arrive you need to find the check in booth near the entrance to the track. Here you will hand over your passport in addition to providing a Thai contact phone number and address. You will have your photo taken and then receive a wristband which you can use on all subsequent visits. 

This wristband allows entry onto the track by tapping it at the cycle through gates. The wristband can also be topped up at stations or online to pay for things like refreshments and bike hire. 

If you already have a bike then the track is free to use. However, if you need to hire a bike then you need to use contactless mobile payment or top up your wristband to pay for the hire. The prices range from 420-1500 baht (£9.32-£33.29) for 4 hour bike hire depending on model of bike. If this is something you are looking to do then you can book online here. This price includes a helmet. 

Track Use

Once you have your bike and wrist band you can head to the entrance of the track. There is only stopping at designated areas of the track and you can only travel in an anti-clockwise direction. These stops are every 5km on a flat-terrain (so feel quite frequent), and provide an area to use restrooms and purchase refreshments from the vending machines (only accepts wrist band payments).

The track is split into two different coloured lanes: blue for recreational riders and purple for those taking the bike ride more seriously. You can complete the 23.5km loop as many times as you want as long as you’re back with your bike in time if you hired one. 

The ride didn’t feel too strenuous, even for beginners. There was also a nice cooling breeze as the bike got moving, even on an extremely hot day. We went as a family with children and everyone found the track manageable and great fun! (Note the main track has a minimum age of 7+ to ride, but there is also a children’s track at the entrance for 4-12 year olds).

Beware that the track is a continuous loop so you will need to look for the exit sign to leave the track. You will need your band to exit through the gates again. 

Facilities Available

Between the car park and the cycle track, you’ll find various food and smoothie stalls to replenish your energy after your ride. Again, the wristbands can be used to pay at the stalls. Additionally, there is a KFC and 7-Eleven if needed which accept cash. There are also well maintained restrooms next to the car park and stall area. 

Final thoughts

Overall, this is a unique experience that is well worth the journey slightly further out towards the airport. If you love planes then this is a great experience for you, as you pass the terminals and can see the planes take off and land nearby during your cycle. 

We arrived at Happy & Healthy Bike Lane around 8:30am on a Saturday and the track was slightly busy, but come 10:00am it was more quiet. This is a common theme here as the days can become hot and relentless so try a come early to avoid the heat. On the downside you may have to put up with a few more people, but not so much that you can’t go at your own pace around the track.

The track is popular with locals but less so with foreigners. Therefore, if you want to experience something unique when in Bangkok, then this bike ride is for you.

Location