When I first moved to Bangkok, I had this brilliant idea that Zeus, my hyperactive Australian Shepherd, would thrive at the local dog park in Bangkok.
I pictured relaxing afternoons, watching him zoom around while I sipped on an iced coffee, maybe even feeling like one of those put-together dog owners.
Reality check: I almost killed my dog from heat exhaustion.
That's when I learned—timing is everything.
Because in Bangkok, there are good times to visit a dog park… and there are times that will make you question your life choices.
🚨 The Absolute Worst Time: Midday (10 AM - 3 PM) 🚨
I will never forget the first time I took Zeus to the park at noon.
The moment we arrived, he took off like a rocket, chasing another dog. I thought, great, he's having fun!
Five minutes in: He's panting hard.
Ten minutes in: His tongue is practically touching the ground.
Fifteen minutes in: He stops running, flops down, and refuses to move.
I had to carry my 25kg dog off the field like a firefighter rescuing a casualty.
The sun in Bangkok doesn't play around. Pavement turns into a frying pan. Water evaporates on contact. Even in the shade, the humidity makes it feel like you're breathing through a wet sock.
💀 Lesson learned:
- ❌ Never go midday, unless you enjoy heatstroke.
- ❌ Even in the shade, the heat is dangerous for dogs.
- ❌ Some parks don't even open until late afternoon—which should have been my first clue.
☀️ The "Still Pretty Bad" Time: Late Afternoon (3 PM - 5 PM)
You would think that by 3 or 4 PM, things would cool down, right?
Wrong.
The sun is still out for blood, the pavement is still lava, and Zeus still looks at me like I've betrayed him every time I try to walk him before 5 PM.
The only difference? More people start showing up.
And that's its own problem.
By this time, the park is usually full of:
- 🐕 Overexcited dogs who've been waiting all day to go out.
- 🐶 Dogs who haven't been socialized properly and don't know how to play.
- 🙄 Owners who think "letting dogs work it out" is a personality trait.
If your dog is reactive or just doesn't do well in chaotic situations, this is not the time to go.
🥵 Lesson learned:
- ❌ Still too hot—pavement is dangerous for paws.
- ❌ Too many unpredictable dog interactions.
- ❌ Some dogs have been inside all day and are way too hyped.
🌅 The Absolute Best Time: Early Morning (6 AM - 9 AM)
There is a golden window for Bangkok dog parks, and it's called "way too early for normal humans."
Before I had a dog, the only thing I woke up early for was a flight.
Now? I'm in the park at 6:30 AM, half-asleep, clutching a coffee, and watching Zeus live his best life.
☁️ The temperature is manageable.
🐶 The dogs are calmer (mostly because they're still waking up, too).
🧍♂️ The owners are more responsible—no chaotic energy, just people trying to let their dogs get exercise before work.
It's not crowded, it's peaceful, and best of all?
Zeus actually enjoys himself.
🌅 Lesson learned:
- ✅ 6 AM - 9 AM is perfect.
- ✅ Dogs are more relaxed, and play is more controlled.
- ✅ Way less chance of getting trampled by an overstimulated Labrador.
🌆 The "Pretty Decent" Time: Evening (6 PM - 8 PM)
Evenings are also a good time, but they come with some trade-offs.
On the plus side:
- ✔️ It's cooler, but still warm.
- ✔️ There's a nice mix of active and chill dogs.
- ✔️ If your dog is social, this is when they'll find the most friends.
On the downside:
- ❌ Bigger crowds = higher chance of dog fights.
- ❌ Some owners are not paying attention at all (scrolling TikTok while their dog is causing chaos).
- ❌ Mosquitoes. Everywhere.
🌆 Lesson learned:
- ✅ Good if your dog likes to play with others.
- ✅ Keep an eye on dog behavior—some dogs get overstimulated.
- ✅ Bring mosquito repellent. Seriously.