Horse Racing Korat: Bung Ta Lua Track Weekend Atmosphere

This is one of my favorite place in Korat. Not for enjoying so much the horse races but to feel the ambiance. People screaming, betting, eating downstairs. Plenty of food and I am sure you will have a great time.nnThe Korat horse track near Bung Ta Lua. Races are normally on weekends. Normally on Saturday.nIt starts at noon and there are 10 races, almost every 30 minutes. Each race has 10 to 12 horses and it ends around 6pm. It cost 40 baht to enter. They have large parking but we recommend you to go on motorcycle and avoid leaving at the last race because of the traffic jam.n

nThe stadium is quite spacious, offering a variety of food and beverages. My ex-wife hails from Korat and has fond memories of visiting the stadium with her father around 25 years ago. Her father used to place small bets, typically 50 baht, while they enjoyed the famous “Moo satay” available at the venue. According to her recollection, the stadium remains unchanged from 25 years ago. You can still purchase canned beer for 30 baht, with the minimum bet set at 50 baht for horse races.nn

nnWhile I’m still learning about the different types of bets available, the simplest options are to bet on a horse to “Win” or “Place”. The terminology used is in English, making it easy to understand. For example, you can select horse “7” to “win”, requiring it to finish first for you to win. Alternatively, choosing “Place” means your horse can finish either first or second.nn

nnThere are two boards displayed upfront. The left board explains the potential winnings for a “WIN”, while the right board displays the numbers for “Place” bets.nnThere are booths where you can place your bets. Betting is open between races until the race commences. To determine when a race starts, many people wait until the last moment to observe the odds on the horses. If you delay too long, the race might begin before you can place your bet.nThe board provides information on the bets placed. The main board consists of two sections. The left section details the potential winnings for each horse in the “WIN” category. For instance, if it shows “10”, it means you win 10 baht for every 10 baht bet, breaking even. If it displays “29 baht”, you receive 29 baht for every 10 baht bet. For example, if you wager 100 baht on horse 6, and horse 6 has a “56” score for “win” on the board, you would win 560 baht if that horse emerges victorious.nn

nnEvery Saturday or Sunday, the stadium offers affordable food and drinks, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Yesterday, I participated in four races, winning one and losing three. We indulged in drinks and food, spending a total of 300 baht for two people, covering entrance fees, drinks, betting, and factoring in our winnings.n