My Trip to the Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024
So, I finally did it this year. Went down to the Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024. Heard about it for ages, seen clips online, but never actually made the trip. Decided 2024 was the year.
Getting there was, well, about what you’d expect. Left early but still hit some traffic heading towards Chonburi. Everyone seemed to have the same idea. You could feel the excitement building up though, seeing other cars obviously heading the same way.
Found parking eventually, a bit of a walk, but man, as soon as you get close… the sound. It hits you first. That roar of engines bouncing off the buildings. It’s not like watching on TV, not at all. Found my way towards the trackside.
The place was packed. Lots of people, vendors selling gear, food smells mixing with the scent of fuel and tires. It’s a whole vibe. They really do just turn the regular beachside roads into a racetrack. Barriers up, fences, grandstands popped up everywhere. Pretty cool setup.
Managed to find a decent spot to watch near one of the corners. Watching those cars fly past, just feet away sometimes, is intense. You feel the vibration as much as you hear the noise. Saw a few different races:
- Touring cars banging doors.
- Some single-seater action, looked quick.
- Pickup truck racing, which is always wild here.
Seriously loud. Earplugs might have been smart, but I forgot mine. Just soaked it all in. There were a few spins and minor bumps, nothing too crazy while I was watching, but it keeps you on edge.
Walked around between the races. Checked out some of the team paddocks you could get near. Lots of activity, mechanics working flat out. Grabbed some street food – grilled squid, some iced tea. Way better than stadium food back home.
It’s impressive how they manage the whole thing on public roads. You can see the normal shops and condos right behind the barriers. Must be crazy for the locals living right there. Talked to a few guys nearby, shared some stories. Mostly good energy, everyone just there for the racing.
By late afternoon, I was pretty beat. Sun, noise, crowds – it takes it out of you. Headed back before the main rush out, ears still ringing slightly. Overall? Yeah, it was worth the effort. A proper raw motorsport experience, not sanitized like some permanent circuits. If you like cars and noise, you should probably check it out sometime.
