Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant and bustling city known for its rich culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, visitors and locals alike can find respite in the many parks that Bangkok has to offer. These green spaces provide a welcome break from noise and pollution and offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. In this post, we will take a look at some of the best parks in Bangkok, highlighting their unique features and what makes them worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, a spot for a family outing, or a place to enjoy art and culture, Bangkok’s parks have something for everyone.
LUMPHINI PARK
Lumphini Park is Bangkok’s oldest and most popular park. It covers an area of over 140 acres and is home to a wide variety of trees and plants, making it a popular spot for nature lovers. The park is also home to a lake, where visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy the scenery. There is also a playground and a fitness area, making it a great place to bring the whole family. Lumphini Park is also a popular spot for joggers, who take advantage of the park’s well-maintained paths. One of the best things about Lumphini Park is its central location. It is situated in the heart of Bangkok’s Silom area, making it easily accessible by public transport from Saladaeng BTS station or Silom MRT station. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the park, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The park is also home to a number of monuments, including a statue of King Rama VI and a monument to the war heroes of World War II. Additionally, Lumphini Park is a great place to experience Bangkok’s local culture. Visitors can sometimes watch traditional Thai dances and performances at the park’s open-air stage, or go to see the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra when they perform there.
BENJAKITTI PARK
This giant park is situated in Bangkok’s business district on Ratchadaphisek Road, opposite office block towers such as Lake Rajada. It features a stunning lake as its center point, and around it is an excellent cycle path and walking/jogging track with an impressive length of 1.8km. The skyscraper backdrop behind the lake also makes a spectacular photo opportunity. You can also use the outdoor gym free of charge, featuring pull-up bars if fitness through calisthenics is your thing. Although the original park opened its doors in 1994, Benjakitti Park has now completed its expansion into nearly 480,000 square meters of green space in 2022, taking over an area where a factory run by the Tobacco Authority of Thailand once was, another giant leap forward in making Bangkok a better, greener metropolis. You can get to this via the ‘Green Mile’ walk that runs from nearby Lumphini Park right into Benjakitti park.
CHATUCHAK PARK
Chatuchak Park, also known as JJ Park, is a large park located in the heart of Bangkok. It covers an area of over 100 acres and is home to a variety of trees and plants, as well as a lake where visitors can take a boat ride. The park also boasts a playground and a fitness area, making it a great place for families to spend their time. Additionally, the park features a large open field, perfect for picnics and games. The park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby ‘JJ market’ – After you’ve finished shopping, why not take a stroll or have a picnic at Chatuchak Park before heading home on the BTS from Mo Chit station. You can also use the park to relax before going on a day trip from the Bangkok Van terminal, which is also close to the park. For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Chatuchak Park is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Visitors can take a stroll around the lake, enjoy a picnic, or simply sit and watch the world go by. The park is also a great place for exercise, with its well-maintained paths and fitness areas.
QUEEN SIRIKIT PARK
Located near Chatuchak Weekend Market, Queen Sirikit Park is situated between Chatuchak and Vachira Banchathat parks. It was opened on August 12, 1992 to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. The Park covers an impressive area of 120,000 sq.m. and was designated as one of Thailand’s ideal botanical gardens, where more than 2,000 species of local and foreign plants are contained. With several attractions and activities within the park, Queen Sirikit Park is an ideal spot for a leisure weekend amid the lush trees and beautiful landscape. The park can be easily reached from Mo Chit BTS Station on the Sukhumvit Line, or from Chatuchak Park Station on the MRT Blue Line.
ROT FAI PARK
Wachira Benchathat Park also known as ‘Suan Rot Fai’ which means ‘The Train Park’ in English, is a unique park located in the heart of Bangkok. It is built around an old railway track and is home to a number of vintage trains and other railway memorabilia. As it’s very popular with nearby local residents , most tourists who discover the park, tend to think of it as a real hidden gem. Furthermore, you can get to the park after shopping at Chatuchak (JJ) market easily as it’s just a short taxi ride away. One of the best things about Rot Fai Park is its railway museum, which showcases the history of the Thai railway and its evolution over time. Rot Fai Park was formerly the State Railway of Thailand’s golf course, but it was decided to convert the 150-acre plot of land into a park for local people. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and learn about the role of the railway in Thailand’s development.
These are just a few of the many parks that Bangkok has to offer. Each park has its own unique character and offers something different to visitors. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, a spot for a family outing, or a place to enjoy art and culture, Bangkok’s parks have something for everyone. So, next time you’re in Bangkok, make sure to take a break from the city and visit one of these beautiful parks, you won’t regret it!
