Often described as an urban jungle, Bangkok actually possesses a large number of parks for visitors and locals. Bangkok’s best parks are measured by accessibility, facilities, and the quality of the park’s grounds. Whether visitors are looking for a quiet place to read, paths for jogging, or pick – up basketball games, Bangkok’s parks provide ample activities along with insights into the quirks of Thai culture.
Visit Bangkok’s parks
Jogging is a popular pastime in many of Bangkok’s parks, many of which also have mass dance aerobics classes every evening around five thirty. Viewing this spectacle is worthwhile as is watching small Tai Chi classes gather as well. Benjasiri Park (Queen’s park) is popular with families with its exercise and playground facilities. A former golf course, Railway Park (Suan Rot Fai) is incredibly large and familiar to Thai picnickers while several people relax in Chatuchak Park on their way back from the famous Chatuchak weekend market.
Quieter parks can also been found in Bangkok, notably in Phra Pradaeng, but also Santichaiprakan Park near Phra Athit Road along the Chao Phrya River, close to the touristy Khao San area. Young break dancers gather here early evenings on Saturday to practice dancing and occasional theatre performances can be seen as well. While this park is not very green, it is popular with readers and others looking to steal a breeze while gazing at the boats passing along the river.
Lumphini Park – Bangkok, Thailand
Lumphini Park is a jewel in the heart of Bangkok lying next to the busy Silom district. A large park centered around a lake, it is not unusual to see monitor lizards prowl around the water. A public swimming pool, an open air gym, and hundreds of joggers along with daily aerobics and Tai Chi classes have something to offer for everyone. A large child friendly playground as well as walking paths and benches for reading make Lumphini park a pleasant visit. Watching young children play badminton or boys play tak raw (foot volleyball) makes the park a vibrant place. Some of the city’s best street food is found near the Western parking lot as well.
Exercise in Bangkok
These parks offer a variety of activities and facilities:
- Lumphini Park (Suan Lumpini)– jogging trails, large playground, swimming pool, aerobics class, Tai Chi Chu’an (near western bridge), basketball courts, gym, paddle boats
- Railway Park (Suan Rot Fai) – jogging trails, cycling
- Benjasiri park – jogging, swimming pool, Tai Chi Chu’an, playgrounds, volley ball, skate park, aerobics, takraw, basketball
- Chatuchak Park (Suan Chatuchak) – jogging, playground
- Santichaiprakan Park (Phra Athit Road) – Break dancing, street theatre
- Phra Pradaeng – Cycling, paddle boats
The parks listed here are easily accessible except for Phra Pradeang which is across the Chao Phrya River.
- Lumphini Park – The Lumpini or Silom MRT stations or the Sala Daeng BTS station will place visitors next to Lumpini park.
- Chatuchak and Railway Park – The Mo Chit BTS stop and the Chatuchak MRT stop exit into Chatuchak Park. Railway park is a short walk away, or can be arrived at by motorcycle taxi.
- Benjasiri Park – The Phrom Phong BTS stop exits into the park.
- Santichaiprakan Park – On Phra Athit Road, take the water taxi to Tha Phra Athit pier, this park is a short walk from Khao San Road.
- Phra Pradaeng – take a ferry from the Khlong Toei pier to Ban Ka Chao. The park is a 15 minute walk.
