LifestyleWhether it's traversing the relatively cosmopolitan “urban free-for-all” that is Bangkok, with its trendy malls, urban wellness centers and posh fitness centers, or perhaps traversing the wild trails outside city limits, explore activities to suit your lifestyle.
Most city dwellers wouldn’t normally expect much in the way of opportunities to participate in water sports, but following the opening last year of Buengnongbon Water Sports Center, Bangkok residents don't have to venture too far to experience exciting water-borne sports activities.
Located by Suan Luang Rama IX Park in Khet Prawet ('Prawet district'), the center represents the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s first foray into the world of water sports. Natural surroundings
The center itself is also very much like a public park thanks to lush trees, shrubs and plants, along with pavilions and benches. But the centerpiece of Buengnongbon Water Sports Center is its huge man-made lake, which covers 538 rai (160 hectares).
The BMA purchased the land decades ago and developed it over time into the well-maintained water sports center it is today, which has become a popular weekend destination among die-hard water sports fans, as well as folks who are just interested in learning more about these activities. Members can make the most of sailboats, kayaks, row boats, or windsurfing boards and sails. Newcomers can organize lessons with qualified instructors. While regular training sessions are regularly scheduled at 10 am and 2 pm, it's also possible to organize sessions at other times should there be sufficient numbers to form a small group.
It doesn't take very long to pick up the basics. For example, learning how to steer and some of the other basics can be picked up in less than an hour, while you should be able to take charge of a small vessel very soon after being taught the basics, such as safety, with a minimum degree of intervention by the instructor.
The center has about 40 kayaks, 20 sail boats and a few row boats and windsurfing boards and sails. If you own your own, you can take them along and use them, although it should be noted that visitors are not permitted to take along vessels equipped with engines.
Peaks and troughs
According to the center, about 300 members per day visit the center and
make use of its water sport facilities. The center is particularly busy
late in the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays, so you may have to
contend with queues if visiting on the weekend. If you happen to live
or work nearby, you may be able to visit on a weekday evening. However,
please note that the center closes at 6.30 pm.
While you may imagine that the center mainly targets adults, it's
actually open to people of all ages. It's not unusual to see a whole
family pay the center a visit, including children as young as five, as
well as elderly grandparents. While they may also wish to participate
in activities, there's a small island in the center of the lake, which
includes benches in the shade, if you really just want to kick back and
rest or relax.
The center provides life jackets for those taking part in water sports,
while there are also life guards on duty during opening hours. Pay
close attention when near the water, however, since the lake can be as
deep as 10-20 meters in places.
Options for landlubbers
For persons who are not interested in the water sports activities,
there are still plenty of other attractions - the center also boasts an
outdoor basketball court, a futsal pitch, and two Sepak Takraw courts.
To make use of the center's facilities, members of the public simply
need to show their membership cards. The annual fee for membership is
extremely affordable at just 10 baht for children (aged 5-18) and 40
baht for adults. The center opens daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
For further information, contact Tel: +66 (0)2 328 0236. Transport connections: Car/Taxi: Buengnongbon Water Sports Center is located on Soi Chalermphrakiart 43, off Chalermphrakiart Road in Prawet district.
Bus:
Take air-conditioned bus number 206 or 11 and get off at Soi
Chalermphrakiart 43. From there it's easy to take a motorcycle taxi or
taxi to the center.
Lifestyle
Whether it's traversing the relatively cosmopolitan “urban free-for-all” that is Bangkok, with its trendy malls, urban wellness centers and posh fitness centers, or perhaps traversing the wild trails outside city limits, explore activities to suit your lifestyle.
contact 
sitemap
advertise with us
