Things To Do at IMPACT Arena and Nearby Muang Thong Thani
Key Takeaways
Muang Thong Thani in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, is one of the busiest event districts in the Bangkok region. IMPACT Arena and its surrounding venues host international concerts, trade exhibitions, and conventions year-round. This guide covers what to see and do in the area, how to get there from both airports, and where to stay for a comfortable visit.
Muang Thong Thani sits in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi, about 20 minutes north of central Bangkok by expressway. Most visitors come for a specific reason: a concert at IMPACT Arena, a trade exhibition at Challenger Hall, or a football match at SCG Stadium. What many first-timers don’t realize is that the area has more to offer beyond the main event. Lakeside dining, go-kart racing, outlet shopping, and local food markets all sit within walking or short driving distance of the main venues. Here’s a practical guide to the area, including the things to do in Muang Thong Thani and how to plan your stay.
Where Is Muang Thong Thani?
Muang Thong Thani at a Glance
Muang Thong Thani is a planned satellite city in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. It sits along Chaeng Watthana Road and the Udon Ratthaya Expressway, approximately 20 km north of downtown Bangkok. Don Mueang International Airport is about 13 km to the east. Access by car or taxi from central Bangkok takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Why Muang Thong Thani Is Famous
The area is anchored by IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, one of the largest venue complexes in Southeast Asia with over 140,000 square meters of indoor space. Key venues include IMPACT Arena (capacity 11,000+), IMPACT Challenger (the largest column-free exhibition hall in Thailand), Thunder Dome, and IMPACT Forum. The complex hosts international concerts, consumer trade fairs, food festivals, auto shows, and business conventions throughout the year.
Things To Do in Muang Thong Thani
Explore the IMPACT Lakeside Area
IMPACT Speed Park is an 800-meter outdoor electric go-kart track at Muang Thong Thani Lakeside. The facility uses Sodi RTX karts imported from France and offers two-seater options for families. It’s open daily, with the track layout changing monthly. IMPACT Lakeside itself is a waterfront area with jogging paths, cafes, and restaurants. Evening visits are popular for lakeside dining with open-air views.
Shopping and Local Experiences
Cosmo Bazaar is a community mall within the Muang Thong Thani complex offering casual dining, cafes, and retail shops. Outlet Square sits nearby with fashion and lifestyle brands at reduced prices. For a more local feel, the Muang Thong weekend market draws crowds on Saturdays and Sundays with street food, clothing, and household goods at market prices.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
SCG Stadium, home of Muangthong United F.C., seats 15,000 and hosts Thai League 1 matches during the March to October season. Matchday atmosphere is lively, with local fans and visiting supporters filling the stands. The stadium is within walking distance of IMPACT Arena.
Eating and Nightlife Near IMPACT
Restaurants and Casual Dining
Food courts inside the IMPACT complex serve Thai and international dishes at reasonable prices during event days. Outside the main venues, lakeside restaurants along IMPACT Lakefront offer Thai seafood, grilled dishes, and fusion menus. Several are open until late, making them a natural stop after evening concerts or exhibitions.
Nightlife Around Muang Thong Thani
Muang Thong Thani is quieter than Bangkok’s main nightlife districts. Post-event options center on casual bars and late-night cafes rather than clubs. That suits visitors who want a meal and a drink after a concert without commuting back into the city.
Muang Thong Thani Nearest Airport and Transport
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang is the nearest airport to Muang Thong Thani, approximately 13 km east via the expressway. A taxi or ride-hailing car takes about 15 to 20 minutes outside of rush hour. Don Mueang handles domestic flights and regional international routes through carriers like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport for long-haul flights. It sits approximately 40 km south of Muang Thong Thani. The drive takes 35 to 50 minutes via expressway depending on traffic. There is no direct train connection, so taxis and private transfers are the most practical options from Suvarnabhumi.
Getting Around Muang Thong Thani
Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt) are the main transport options. During major events, traffic around Chaeng Watthana Road can be heavy, so arriving 30 to 45 minutes early is worth it. Public vans run from Victory Monument to Muang Thong Thani, and the MRT Pink Line’s Si Rat Station provides a rail connection into the area.
Hotel Near IMPACT Arena: Where To Stay
Staying within Nonthaburi rather than commuting from central Bangkok reduces travel stress, especially on event nights when traffic is at its worst. A hotel near IMPACT Arena in Bangkok’s northern suburbs keeps the venue within a short taxi ride while offering more space and a calmer atmosphere than city-center options. For visitors flying through Don Mueang, a Nonthaburi stay also keeps both the airport and the venue close.
Riverine Place: A Riverside Hotel Near IMPACT Arena
Riverine Place Hotel & Residence sits on the Chao Phraya River in central Nonthaburi, approximately 20 to 30 minutes from IMPACT Arena by car. The property offers studios from 24 sqm and suites up to 195 sqm, which is considerably more space than most hotels near Bangkok in the Sukhumvit or Siam corridors. A 50-meter pool, 5,000 sqm sports club, and River Cuisine Restaurant on the 11th floor are all on-site.
For visitors attending multi-day events, exhibitions, or conferences at IMPACT, the hotel offers daily accommodation in Nonthaburi with flexible booking. The riverside location means the evening return from a loud concert or long trade show day ends at a quieter property, away from main road traffic. Don Mueang Airport is approximately 20 km from the hotel.
References
- IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center (Thailand). Retrieved June, 2026, from https://www.mmiasia.com/business/getting-there/impact-exhibition-and-convention-center-thailand/
- IMPACT Speed Park. Retrieved June, 2026, from https://impactspeedpark.com/en/
Frequently Asked Questions About Muang Thong Thani
What are the best things to do in Muang Thong Thani outside of events?
IMPACT Speed Park offers electric go-kart racing on an 800-meter outdoor track. IMPACT Lakeside has jogging paths, cafes, and waterfront dining. Cosmo Bazaar and Outlet Square provide casual shopping and food options. On weekends, the Muang Thong market has street food and local goods.
What is the nearest airport to Muang Thong Thani?
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is the closest, approximately 13 km away or 15 to 20 minutes by taxi. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international hub but sits further at about 40 km, taking 35 to 50 minutes by car via expressway.
Is there a hotel near IMPACT Arena that offers larger rooms?
Riverine Place Hotel & Residence in Nonthaburi is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from IMPACT Arena and offers suites up to 195 sqm. Room types include studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom configurations with kitchens and river views.
How do I get from Don Mueang Airport to IMPACT Arena?
The fastest option is a taxi or Grab, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes via the expressway. Public vans from the airport area to Chaeng Watthana Road are a budget option but take longer. There is no direct train connection between Don Mueang and IMPACT.
