As summer approaches and outdoor activity surges globally, a new wellness trend called “color walking” has captured the internet’s imagination and is now trending on social media platforms like TikTok. Unlike previous viral walking trends, such as the “hot girl walk” or “silent walking,” color walking is earning praise for its simplicity and its potential to bolster both mental and physical wellbeing. As more Thai people seek innovative and accessible self-care practices—especially in urban environments—color walking may offer a refreshing path to mindfulness and relaxation that aligns closely with local values and natural beauty.
Color walking involves choosing a specific color before heading out for a walk, then focusing on finding objects of that color along your route. According to photographic wellness expert Dale Orton of CEWE, interviewed in a recent explainer by Tom’s Guide, this practice echoes existing mindfulness techniques and grounding techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method or deep breathing. By anchoring one’s attention to the search for, say, orange marigolds, blue tuk-tuks, or green mangoes, walkers pull their minds out of rumination and into the present moment. Orton notes, “It also trains your eyes to notice the small details, which heightens sensory awareness,” and recommends the addition of nature photography to further boost positive effects (Tom’s Guide).
The trend’s growing popularity stems partly from its accessibility—it requires no equipment or expensive memberships, just curiosity and a willingness to slow down. For Bangkok residents navigating urban stress or rural communities wanting to deepen their connection with nature, color walking invites both groups to see their environments with new eyes. Social media users in Thailand are beginning to share vibrant photos of bougainvillea blossoms, colorful kites in Lumphini Park, and the neon reds of Yaowarat’s China Town, using the trend not only as a method for mindfulness, but also as a creative, community-building act.
Experts say that benefits go beyond mere distraction. Mindfulness-based walking interventions have a growing evidence base for reducing anxiety and stress (PubMed - Mindful Walking). Psychological researchers from Chulalongkorn University point out that practices centered on presence—like color walking—activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and improving emotional regulation. “Simple, sustainable practices that encourage sensory awareness are highly compatible with Southeast Asian philosophies of wellness,” notes a clinical psychologist affiliated with a Thai university hospital.
The principle of color walking also dovetails with Thai cultural traditions that value attentive observation and engagement with the senses. Practices like mindful alms rounds, where Buddhist monks walk quietly, absorbing the world around them, or the Thai concept of “sanook” (joyful presence and playfulness), encourage Thais to live fully in the moment. In this way, color walking can be seen not only as a global trend but as an extension of distinctly Thai approaches to contentment and wellbeing (Bangkok Post).
To try color walking, expert advice emphasizes picking a route—either familiar or new—where colors are likely to be vivid, such as parks, wet markets, or old town neighborhoods. “Step away from the dull greys of city buildings, if possible, and seek out green spaces,” recommends Orton. For city dwellers, urban art tours, riverside promenades, or temple grounds offer abundant sources of inspiration. Selecting your color in advance creates a playful challenge: a walker in Chatuchak Park, for example, might hunt for yellow sunflowers, pastel bicycles, or the vibrant shirts worn by fellow strollers. If time is limited, just ten minutes of focused walking can bring benefits—more important than the length of the walk is the intention and attention invested.
The activity is especially recommended for anyone struggling with digital overload or an overactive mind. As noted by Tom’s Guide’s reporter, color walking encourages participants to switch their phones to airplane mode, unplug headphones, and step away from constant notifications. With distractions set aside, walkers often report an increase in enjoyment and a sense of relaxation. “I found myself genuinely relaxing and switching off my brain,” writes the reporter. The shift from habitual, task-oriented movement to mindful exploration is one that many Thais—confronting fast-paced urban living—may find offers relief.
Color walking’s popularity has roots in the pandemic, when walks became one of the primary outlets for movement and stress relief. But with renewed interest, particularly among young Thais engaged with social media trends, the method is poised to see a new wave of adoption. Its adaptability is a major strength: those for whom color perception is difficult are encouraged to focus instead on sounds, textures, or even aromas, such as the scent of grilling chicken or blooming jasmine.
Skeptics may wonder if color walking can deliver meaningful health effects, or if it’s just another fleeting internet craze. However, published research underscores the value of mindful movement. A study published in the journal Mindfulness found that simply modifying walking routines to include attentional focus—through either the environment or the body—was associated with heightened positive mood and lowered stress (Mindful Walking - Mindfulness Journal). Thai public health officials have long promoted walking as one of the best exercises for people of all ages and abilities, as it requires minimal equipment and is safe, particularly for older adults or those with chronic health conditions.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation has introduced similar campaigns aimed at increasing daily step counts and encouraging urbanites to reconnect with green spaces. The foundation’s community programs frequently incorporate elements of mindfulness, breathing, and sensory awareness. In a statement, a foundation official highlighted, “Small innovations that help people notice their environment and reduce anxiety are valuable tools in our increasingly stressful world.” The official suggested that public parks in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok could host “color walk” events in the future, blending wellness, art, and community engagement (Thai Health Promotion Foundation).
For those interested in getting started, here are some expert-backed tips tailored for the Thai context:
- Choose routes rich in local color: parks, flower markets (Talad Dok Mai Pak Khlong Talat), temple fairs, or wet markets.
- Pick a culturally meaningful color—red for good fortune, gold for prosperity, or blue for calm—and see what objects and details you spot.
- Invite friends or family to join, transforming the walk into a social and creative experience.
- Slow your pace. Allow the mind to wander over each find, reflecting on textures, patterns, scents, and sounds.
- Consider taking photos to create a visual diary or share discoveries online—many Thais are already posting their colorful finds using hashtags, fostering a digital community.
- Experiment with other sensory focuses, such as the different sounds of a Bangkok street or the cool touch of early morning air during a riverside walk.
Looking ahead, color walking may become more than just a viral trend, but a wellness practice integrated into Thailand’s health and tourism initiatives. Cultural tourism experts have already expressed interest in leveraging the activity for themed urban walking tours, where guides blend heritage storytelling with the mindful hunt for color—offering visitors a deeper, more personal immersion in local life.
The future may also see collaboration between public health agencies and municipalities to encourage mindful walking in city planning—for instance, integrating vivid, diverse plantings along footpaths or supporting pop-up art installations in neighborhoods to inspire color spotters. As climate change and urban congestion challenge traditional approaches to health and happiness, practices like color walking offer innovative yet simple strategies for urban and rural Thais alike.
For Thai readers eager to embrace color walking, the advice is simple: step outside, pick a color from the world around you, and let your senses guide you. Whether strolling through the golden hues of Krung Thep’s temples, the purple splashes of jacaranda trees in Chiang Mai, or the colorful chaos of Phuket’s fresh food markets, this mindful movement trend may just be the key to finding calm, creativity, and connection in the midst of daily life.
Sources: Tom’s Guide, Mindful Walking - PubMed, Mindfulness Journal, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Bangkok Post