Basketball has never been hugely popular in Bangkok or Thailand, but nevertheless there are a fair amount of options for ballers and most schools here have a court or a hoop.

Thai and Asian players often make handy guards due to their explosive speed and power, but their general lack of size means that westerners will usually have a big size and height advantage. That hasn’t stopped the Filipinos from making basketball their national sport though.

The courts here tend to be mostly Thai with some westerners and Filipinos thrown in too. As usual, the Thais are a friendly bunch and will usually incorporate you into the game if you ask nicely. However, in some of the busy courts it can be hard to squeeze in so it’s best to make a team of 5 and then assert yourself onto the court when given an opportunity.

Thais don’t like sunlight, so you’ll find that these courts are usually quiet in the daytime, busy in the evening when it gets cooler and darker.

Here’s a pretty comprehensive list of basketball courts in Bangkok and what they’re like to play at. Click on the link for a Google map of how to get there. Nearest Skytrain and MRT stations are noted. Please let me know if there are any I’ve missed out.

These courts and other points of interest can be viewed on our Bangkok Fitness Map

Benjasiri Park  Phrom Phong BTS, Sukhumvit MRT

Probably the best located public court in Bangkok, this court is situated in the park right next to Emporium shopping centre (Phrom Phong BTS). The surface is not perfect but playable and the rings are good. It gets busy in the evenings so try and get there nice and early to establish yourself.

Lot Fai Park (Train Park) Morchit BTS, Phahon Yothin MRT

One of my favourite courts in Bangkok. It’s a little out the way from the centre but easy to get to by MRT and BTS. There are two high standard courts that have games that go on into the evening. Courts are floodlit and there are also futsal and tennis courts in this great all-round area for sport.

Lumphini Park  Saladaeng BTS, LumphiniMRT

This is an indoor court that’s near the Lumphini MRT station. I haven’t played here much but they have games every evening and on the weekend too. A good quality court and I’ve been told a good standard of play.

Red Bull X-Park Saladaeng BTS, Lumphini MRT

Sadly I’ve never been here but I’ve been told that it has one of the best basketball courts in Bangkok. Built by Red Bull (which is co-owned by a Thai), Red Bull X-Park is situated in the middle of Bangkok’s business district. This sports facility has two floodlit basketball courts that are open until late and a high standard of play.

NIST International School  Asoke BTS, Sukhumvit MRT

The New International School of Thailand on Sukhumvit soi 15 has some of the best sports facilities in Bangkok. Their huge gymnasium is available for rent but the only pick up session that I know of is the long-running ‘NIST Hoops’ crew. Almost exclusively expat, this Tuesday night run out starts at 7.00pm and runs for 1-2 hours. It’s usually pretty lively and a great place to meet people. Contact at: nist_hoops@yahoogroups.com

Chulalongkorn University  National Stadium BTS, San Yan MRT

This university complex near the well-known MBK shopping centre has many sports facilities including an indoor basketball court. I haven’t played midweek but Saturday mornings is a good time to go and find a game. There is a minimal entrance fee (30 baht, I think) and the players are mostly young Thais. Walking from MBK it is on your right hand side. It’s a little tricky to find

Huamark Stadium and ABAC

A little tricky to get too as there are no MRT or BTS stops nearby. There are 4 outdoor courts at the front of Huamark Stadium with welcoming Thais playing friendly games, and there’s a better court at ABAC university about 5 minutes walk away. There is also an indoor court inside Huamark Stadium but it’s not always available.

Romaaneenart Park

This park in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok has a public basketball court. I’ve not played here so I can’t comment on the standard.

Suan Luang Park

This park is miles away from the centre, but if you live in the Prawet area of Bangkok or nearby, this might be good for you.

Kasetsart University

Kaset University in North Bangkok has some good basketball courts and the students and players here are happy to accommodate new players.

Sathorn Pier

I’ve not played at this court but I’ve been told that it’s located under a bridge on the Thonburi side of Sathorn pier, where the skytrain crosses the river. It is located directly left of the ferry station and is under a bridge so it’s good to play there all day. There are basketball or Takraw courts. If anyone has any more infomation about this one I’d love to hear it.

Muang Thong Thani

Thailand’s biggest arena/concert venue has a lot of sports facilities nearby that include basketball courts. Again, a little out the way for most expats but if you’re in North Bangkok it might work for you.

Any University!

Almost all schools have a basketball court but they may not be cool with people just strolling in and shooting some hoops. Universities, on the other hand, should generally bit more welcome. Just get chatting to some sporty looking students.

Top Flight Men’s Basketball League

An ex-NBA basketball player who now runs a basketball academy at many of Bangkok’s international schools has set up the city’s first true expat basketball league, the only one previous was a Filipino league that didn’t have many foreigners.

Ike Nwanko has set up the league of 8 teams and they’ve had a very successful first season which will provide a good foundation for the league to grow. With this expansion they’re keen on growing the number of teams and players so if you want to get involved contact him at his site:

Top Flight Basketball

The league is played at NIST on Sukhumvit 15 on Sundays and follows an NBA-style league then playoff format. There are some very competitive players in the league but it’s good-natured overall. Their new season should be starting soon so get in touch!

When I first moved here it took me ages to find a game, so I hope this guide to basketball in Bangkok helps you get a game in the city.

Let me know if there are any great courts I’ve missed out on!

If you’d like to improve your sports conditioning, check out our range of group classes at BASE.