Bangkok is often associated with a bustling metropolis where the movement never stops. Somehow, it blends luxurious skyscrapers that cut through the sky and dazzle with their mirrored shine, enormous shopping centers, magnificent parks and gardens full of greenery and flowers, Buddhist temples filled with an atmosphere of serenity and mystery, wooden and metal shacks, and what is known as slum exotica.
Narrow crowded streets intersect with huge highways. It creates an impression of chaotic, never-ending movement, where thousands of people move around using personal and public transport, and exhaust fumes from cars and motorcycles, along with aromas from restaurants and street cafes, hang in the air.
Despite the city’s alarming ecology, there are many “green zones” that help maintain the natural balance. Today, we will talk about the best parks in Bangkok.
Lumphini Park
First of all, I want to talk about the oldest park in Bangkok — Lumphini. It is the largest urban park, spanning over 500,000 square meters, located in the old part of the city. Founded by King Rama VI in the last century, this gift to the city’s residents was meant to be a place not only for rest but also a flower and Thai craft exhibition center.
The idea of such an open-air exhibition was gradually realized over the years, but the goal of unity with nature took precedence. Today, Lumphini is a recognized spot for greeting the dawn and admiring the sunset. Here, you can find elderly people doing morning exercises, couples relaxing by the ponds, and many people engaging in sports.
Bangkok’s park areas are considered zones of a healthy lifestyle, and Lumphini is no exception. Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited here. Although at the entrance, shrewd traders might offer unsuspecting tourists a can of cold beer and cola, violating Thai laws can result in huge fines, and police officers seem to appear out of nowhere. Therefore, an atmosphere of order and tranquility prevails in any green zone of the capital.
Only the towering skyscrapers remind you that this is the city center. Blooming alleys and intricate paths magically lure visitors deeper into the park. Walking through these labyrinths, you can observe various reptiles. Lumphini is also known as the “park of monitor lizards.” The reptiles feel great here and roam freely. They are calm and well-fed. No one disturbs their measured life.
Larger representatives usually stay a bit away from visitors, on the other side of the ponds, where there are no paths. Monitor lizards may calmly approach people and enjoy the food offered to them. They may accompany joggers, running alongside them, but at a distance. The ponds also attract attention with their inhabitants. Various types of turtles and fish often show their mouths out of the water, also eager for a treat.
Exotic flora, unusual fauna, the peace and quiet of Lumphini allow visitors to momentarily forget that they are in the heart of a huge city. It is open for free visits from 04:30 to 21:00. The easiest way to get there is by metro, with entrances opposite the Silom or Lumphini stations.
Chatuchak Park
The next green oasis in Bangkok is Chatuchak. Opened in the last century, it is also popular and one of the most visited parks. It got its name from the market of the same name in the north of the capital. The territory of this green zone is crisscrossed with small canals with miniature bridges, allowing not only boat rides but also observation of the voracious pond inhabitants.
Here, visitors can be surprised by the diversity of the separated Herbal Garden. The coolness of the shady alleys allows you to spend time beneficially: you can exercise or calmly read a book.
High attendance has led to its territorial expansion. Two new recreation zones were added to the main area. Today, there is a golf course, modern playgrounds for ball games, and tennis courts. It is open to visitors from 04:30 to 21:00. The main entrance is opposite the Chatuchak Park metro station.
Santiphap Park
Santiphap was designed by the Thais as a venue for musical celebrations, concerts, and festivals. Geographically, it is located between Rang Nam Rd and Ratchawithi Rd, near Victory Monument. It is smaller in area compared to other capital recreation zones, but its size does not diminish its significance. Here, city dwellers can combine outdoor recreation with visits to various musical venues of different themes and genres.
Couples and entire families with children come here, introducing youngsters to music from an early age. The largest number of people gather in Santiphap during jazz concerts and festivals. It is open to visitors from 05:00 to 21:00.
Sanam Luang
On Rattanakosin Island lies the world-famous Sanam Luang or Royal Field. Its exterior and interior atmosphere allow visitors to get closer to and touch the history of Bangkok. Since the city’s founding, this land has historically been designated as the cremation site for Thailand’s royals.
It was moved outside the old city walls only in the 19th century, by the decree of King Rama III. Official ceremonies, religious celebrations, mass cultural events, and various festivals have always been held here. Every square meter of the area surrounding Sanam Luang is connected with history.
The names of the landmarks located near the Royal Field speak for themselves: the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Defense, the National Gallery, and the National Museum. The Royal Field Park is always a place of gatherings for many people.
Rattanakosin Island not only “marks” significant national holidays such as Constitution Day, the King’s birthday, and New Year but also “gathers” people for political rallies and marches. Its location is isolated from the city’s hustle and bustle, away from public transport lines. You can get here either by taxi or river transport. For guests, there are two piers on the island – Chang and Maharaj.
Queen Sirikit Park
The Queen’s Park is located near the Children’s Museum (Children’s Discovery Museum). It was opened in 1992 to celebrate the anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Luxurious manicured landscapes, organized over an area of more than 20 hectares, captivate from the first moments of being there. A huge botanical garden opens up to the eyes.
The landscape is adorned with elegant ponds and pools, where the water surface is covered with water lilies and lotuses, exquisite stone paths, along which exotic plants bloom. The highlight of this landscape ensemble can rightfully be called the vast collection of rare tree species gathered from all regions of Thailand.
These plantings are organized into a single space and designed in the form of a geographical map of the kingdom. To get to this place, you need to walk from the Chatuchak Park or Phahon Yothin metro station. First, head towards the Chatuchak market, then in the direction of the Children’s Museum. This walk will take no more than 30 minutes.
King Rama IX Park
Founded in 1987 to mark the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King, this magnificent botanical garden is divided into thematic zones. The central place is occupied by the “Garden of the Great King.” The golden-yellow crowns of Ratchapreuk trees in this part symbolize royal power and the wealth of Thailand, setting the overall tone for the entire landscape ensemble.
During a walk, visitors will encounter various natural oases: a zone where many types of decorative and medicinal plants are collected, the Rommanee Garden, representing the landscape of all the country’s provinces, a water park with aquatic inhabitants, and a multifunctional Sanam Rat zone designated for sports events and festivals.
There are also smaller but no less attractive zones – the international garden, the stone walls garden, the magnolia and lotus gardens. These unique areas make visitors explore every corner. When planning your visit, allocate enough time to appreciate the splendor of the entire territory.
It opens at 5 AM and closes at 6 PM. Located on Sukhumvit Street, the easiest way to get here is by taxi.
Muang Boran
Muang Boran or the Ancient City (Ancient City) is an open-air museum featuring over 100 full-sized replicas of the most beautiful palaces, temples, and other structures from all over Thailand. It is the largest museum of its kind in the world, covering 320 hectares. To get a general idea of the exhibits, allocate at least 4 hours in your schedule.
The structures are divided into three types: replicas of existing buildings in Thailand (sometimes using fragments of the actual prototypes); structures that existed before but did not survive to our time; and the creations of Thai architects’ imagination – buildings that exist only in legends and myths.
You can’t walk around the entire area on foot. A tram runs through Muang Boran for tourists, although the guide speaks Thai. However, you can get an audio guide. Bicycles are provided for free, and you can rent a golf cart for a fee. Travelers by car are allowed to drive through the park. Opening hours are from 9 AM to 7 PM, and an adult ticket costs 350 baht.
Dream World Amusement Park
Dream World can be found near Don Mueang Airport. It leaves a lasting impression on tourists of all ages. The attractions are divided into several zones based on the age and preferences of tourists. Among them are Dream World Plaza – the central gathering point for visitors, the place for shows and carnivals.
Dream Garden will delight fans of blooming flower beds, beautiful sculptures, and impressive photos. Adventure Land is an extreme area for adults and older children. Lastly, Fantasy Land opens the doors to the homes of fairy-tale characters – the house of Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and the giant’s abode.
Additionally, for an extra fee, you can experience real winter in the Snow Town, with all the associated activities. There’s also a small water park, a farm with animals, and a room with puppies that you can pet. It is worth spending an entire day here, as it closes in the evening with a parade of cartoon characters and fireworks. Dream World operates from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 7 PM on weekends.
Siam Park City
The name of the largest amusement park in Bangkok comes from the names of its “owners” – the kittens Si and Am. Essentially, it is a combined water park and amusement park on the outskirts of Bangkok. The Water Park boasts the Guinness World Record for the largest wave pool (13,600 square meters), and there are plenty of other water attractions.
The land areas include Small World for children with horses, carousels, and other entertainment for the little ones; Fantasy World with various attractions like flying saucers, orbits, and the like.
Family World is suitable for the whole family – you can see dinosaurs in Dinotopia or Jurassic Park, ride a double-decker carousel. Finally, thrill-seekers are awaited in X-Zone with 10 breathtaking attractions. The park operates from 10 AM to 6 PM, and the water park from 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
Safari World
Safari World is a must-visit for animal lovers and children. On a vast territory, wild animals roam freely in their natural habitat. It is divided into two parts, which can be visited together or separately. In Safari World, you can meet lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, ostriches, and zebras.
You can drive along the 5-kilometer road in your own car or take the park’s bus without an extra charge. The second part – Marine Park – introduces the inhabitants of the seas and more. Various shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, birds, and crocodiles are held here daily. Don’t miss the chance to feed the giraffes; it’s the most memorable experience of visiting Safari World.
Benjakitti Park
Benjakitti, a relatively new park opened in 2004, occupies an area of 20 hectares and is unlike other similar places in Bangkok or Thailand in general. You won’t find people walking with pets or having family picnics here. It is a place for romantic walks and sports activities, a kind of island of solitude and a healthy lifestyle.
In the middle of this place is an artificial lake, surrounded by a 2-kilometer running track. Around the lake, you can simply stroll, and during the day, the skyscrapers around it are reflected in its mirror surface, while in the evening, numerous lanterns light up, creating a romantic atmosphere.
There are also bike paths, and you can rent bicycles for a symbolic 40 baht. You can ride a pedal boat or a boat on the lake. Walking along the shady alleys is pleasant even on a very hot day. The park is well-maintained, adorned with sculptures and other elements of landscape design.
Perhaps there is no need to come to Bangkok specifically for Benjakitti, but if you are in the city, you can spend a few pleasant hours here. Entrance is free, and it is open from 5 AM to 8 PM daily.
Princess Mother Memorial Park
The Princess Mother Memorial Park is an architectural proof of filial and popular love. It was built in honor of Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of King Rama IX and the “common mother” for all Thais. The princess was born into an ordinary, non-noble family and did a lot for the needs of ordinary people.
A replica of the house where Srinagarindra spent her youth is recreated here, a luxurious garden is laid out, and a belvedere with a statue of the princess is installed. Two exhibition halls operate here, narrating the life of the princess and her good deeds. Interestingly, when the park was planned, and it was discovered that nothing remained of the real house of the Princess Mother, the owners of the nearby houses gave their property to the king so that the memorial to the people’s mother could be built.
In the souvenir shop located in the memorial garden, products made in institutions under Srinagarindra’s patronage are sold, and the proceeds go to charity. The garden is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM, and entrance is free.
Dusit Zoo
This zoo, of course, loses to Safari World, as it is located in the center of Bangkok and lacks sufficient space for the comfortable accommodation of its inhabitants. But you can still have a fun time here, especially with children.
Initially, a botanical garden was located here, so the territory is green and beautiful. Then, only members of the royal family could visit the garden, and in 1938, Dusit was opened to the public. More than 1,500 animals and birds live here, including rare ones like the barking deer and white tiger. You can ride a boat on a large lake, feed turtles and fish.
You can walk along a 10-meter-high path among the trees, watching monkeys and giraffes. You can feed the latter, as well as hippos, sheep, and some other zoo residents. Free sea shows are held daily in Dusit. You can move around the territory by bike, on foot, or on a special tram. It is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
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