Green lungs and urban canopies: Bangkok’s parks, the back story

About Green lungs and urban canopies: Bangkok’s parks, the back story

By the ULTIMATE Bangkok Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Bangkok grew from a city of canals and orchards into one of concrete and expressways, and its green spaces became precious. Lumphini Park is the city’s central park; Benjakitti, on former industrial land, has been reborn as a forest park; and south of the centre, the green bend of Bang Krachao is often called the city’s lungs.

Lumphini

Lumphini Park, between Silom, Sathorn and Wireless Road, has lakes, lawns and shaded paths; TAT gives its hours as 4:30am to 9pm. At dawn and in the early evening it fills with joggers, tai chi groups and families, and monitor lizards bask on the banks.

Benjakitti

A few minutes east, Benjakitti Park on Ratchadaphisek Road has been extended into a forest park of wetlands and trees, crossed by raised walkways; TAT gives its hours as 5am to 9pm. The two parks are linked by an elevated green walkway.

Go at dawn or after five, when the heat eases and the city comes out to run.

North and east

In the north, Queen Sirikit Park and Chatuchak Park sit side by side next to the weekend market. In the east, Suan Luang Rama IX in Prawet is a large park of themed gardens and lakes (TAT).

Bang Krachao

Across the river from Khlong Toei, the bend of Bang Krachao is a protected pocket of orchards, mangroves and village lanes, reached by small ferry and best explored by bicycle.

When to go

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times. Carry water, and dress modestly in the smaller temple gardens.

Our advice: run or walk Lumphini at dawn, then cross the walkway to Benjakitti.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Green lungs and urban canopies: Bangkok’s parks, the back story before you go.