Running, Walking and Cycling at Bang Wad Reservoir
Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu has been my go-to running spot for years. It’s one of the rare places in Phuket where you can exercise outdoors in real peace, surrounded by thick greenery, no tourist buzz, and hardly any traffic. The 6.4-kilometre loop around the water is just right for walking, jogging or cycling, and it’s shady enough that even a midday run doesn’t feel like a punishment.
A Loop Wrapped in Jungle
The entire path circles the reservoir through a beautiful stretch of jungle and rubber trees. Most of the way, you’re under a thick canopy of trees — something you don’t find often in Phuket. It’s not just decorative shade either. On hot days, it genuinely helps. The cool air under the trees makes the route surprisingly comfortable, even during the hotter hours.
The green is everywhere. Ferns, tall trees, dense forest—it all feels very alive and very separate from the town below. It’s hard to believe you’re just 15 minutes from Central Festival.
A Proper Road, Made for Moving
One of the best things about Bang Wad Reservoir is how good the road is. It’s fully paved and in great condition — no potholes, no broken edges, no gravel patches. Just a wide, smooth path with gentle curves and a few rolling slopes to keep things interesting.
Whether you’re running intervals, walking to stretch your legs, or cycling to shake off a lazy day, the surface makes it easy. It’s wide enough that you rarely have to sidestep anyone, even on busier evenings.
Hardly Any Traffic
This is a public road, technically, but you’ll rarely see a car. Maybe one or two pickup trucks a day, usually local workers heading to the back plantations. A few scooters pass by here and there, but it never feels like traffic. It’s one of the reasons I keep coming back — the whole place feels like it belongs to the walkers and runners, not the vehicles.
There’s no rush, no honking, no fumes. Just the sound of shoes hitting the road, maybe a bike whirring past, and the rustle of trees above. It’s very nature-oriented — more like a trail loop than a road.
Best Time to Go
If you show up early — say just after sunrise — it’s quiet and fresh. You’ll see some regulars: early joggers, a few cyclists warming up, maybe a couple of older locals doing a walk-and-talk. The air’s cool, the light’s soft, and the birds are active.
Evenings around 5 pm are also nice, with golden light and a gentle breeze across the reservoir. It never gets packed. There’s a steady flow of people, but everyone gives each other space. It’s not a place where you’ll have to dodge crowds or squeeze past groups.
Running, Walking or Riding
Bang Wad Reservoir full loop is 6.4 km, perfect for laps or a long single run. I’ve used it for everything: slow recovery walks, 5K time trials, bike warmups, or just to clear my head. The terrain is mostly flat with a couple of long, shallow inclines. Enough to keep your legs honest without breaking your rhythm.
Walkers usually take just over an hour to go around once. Joggers average 35–45 minutes, depending on pace. Cyclists sometimes do a few rounds if they’re building distance. It’s not a speed circuit, but it’s perfect for steady rides or cardio without distractions.
No Shops, Just the Road
Facilities are minimal, which I don’t mind. Sometimes there’s a food cart or two near the dam selling grilled chicken or iced drinks, mostly on weekends. There’s a basic toilet near the entrance, but I wouldn’t count on it. Bring your own water and maybe a snack if you plan to stay a while. It’s really just the road, the trees, and the lake. And that’s kind of the point.
If you live in Phuket or you’re here long-term and want a consistent place to run or ride, Bang Wad is still one of the best spots. It doesn’t change much — and that’s exactly why it works.
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