11 Great Parks in Bangkok

Benjakitti Park covers a rectangular area of about 208,000 sq m just opposite the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The park forms a narrow swathe of green around the expansive Lake Ratchada, with dedicated bicycle and jogging tracks encircling the whole park. The water’s edge is also nicely framed by some pretty, well-maintained plant life, and colorful flowers adding to the tranquillity. You’ll also find playgrounds, skate ramps, a central pavilion with fountains, and an impressive half-circle courtyard that’s popular for picnics in Benjakitti Park.

Benjasiri Park is the place to be for sculpture lovers, as some of the best examples of Thai sculpture are scattered around the park. The centerpiece fountain, showcasing the work of master sculptor Mesium Yipinsoy, hosts multimedia water dance shows 3 times daily. The park offers outdoor sports facilities rarely found at other public parks in Bangkok, including a basketball court, roller skating/skateboarding rink, tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, and a multi-purpose court for sports. Benjasiri Park is located next to the Emporium shopping mall, about 100 meters northwest of the Phrom Phong BTS Skytrain Station.

Chatuchak Park offers something for everyone at this park – some may walk or jog along the green tracks line, while others can appreciate nature in the Thai Literature and Herb Garden. Located right next to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the park's northern end has many tennis courts and soccer fields available for anyone to use. While you're there, make sure not to miss the Train Museum and Youth Traffic Garden. You can get there by the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway train – both stations are right in front of Chatuchak Park.

Lumpini Park (or Lumphini Park) is one of the largest green spaces in central Bangkok. Founded in the 1920s, this inner-city park spans over 500,000 sq m and is home to various flora and fauna. Bangkok residents would gather for a round of jogging, light workouts, aerobics, and leisure activities throughout the day. If a stroll through the park is more your style, just follow the maze-like pathways that overlook lush gardens, picnic areas, and an artificial lake.

Queen Sirikit Park is a tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on her 60th birthday on 12 August 1992. The 22-ha park delights visitors with its vast and manicured landscape, which has a botanical garden, sculpted pond, the Lotus and Water Lily Yard. An auspicious tree garden has trees from Thailand's 76 provinces planted in a garden in the shape of Thailand's geographical map. Queen Sirikit Park is adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum in Chatuchak.

Rama IX Park is one of the largest green spaces in Bangkok, with a beautiful botanical garden, huge lake and gardens inspired by countries around the world. A visit to this urban park makes for a nice break from the city. Located in the outskirts of Bangkok, Rama IX Park remains relatively free of tourists and offers a genuine experience of how locals spend their afternoons off. Rama IX Park is around 6.5 km west of the Udom Suk BTS Skytrain Station.

Romaneenart Park is the only non-ceremonial park in Bangkok’s Old City. Built on the site of the old city jail, the park retains 1 wall and several old guard towers as part of its architectural features. You’ll also find neo-classical buildings in the style of King Rama V period. Fountains help keep the park cool in the middle of the big city. Romaneenart Park is on Siriphong Road, close to the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat.

Rod Fai Park is a wide grassy expanse in the north of Bangkok. The park is one of the city’s most popular bicycle and picnic spots. You'll find hordes of cyclists every weekend as the track is flat and easy to ride. You can rent bikes at the entrance – costs depend on which bike you choose. A popular stop is the Bangkok Butterfly Garden, which houses a multi-storey greenhouse filled with flowers and butterflies. Other activities available at Rod Fai Park include tennis, swimming, basketball, sepak takraw (kick volleyball), and kayaking.

Sanam Luang (the Royal Field) has been around since the founding of Bangkok in 1782. Located on Rattanakosin Island, the area was also known as 'Thung Pra Meru' (Royal Cremation Ground). The park is also surrounded by famous landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum, National Gallery, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of Defense.

Sanam Luang is a gathering ground for various activities throughout the year. Take part in the kite flying festival in March to see a plethora of colors in different shapes and sizes floating in the sky. On most days, you can enjoy a family picnic in the breezy late afternoon while watching an exciting game of sepak takraw (kick volleyball).

Santichaiprakan Park is built around one of the few remaining structures of the old city fortifications. The park is popular with tourists and city dwellers, especially in the evening when the park fills up with families, young Thais, and foreigners. Situated on the Chao Phraya riverside, it’s one of the few places where you can see the picturesque Bangkok sunset.

On weekends, the park comes to life with street artists, who convene voluntarily to practice before a live audience. The nearby Phra Artit Road has several restaurants, pubs, and bars. You can also make your way to the famous Khao San Road, which is about a 10-minute walk away.

Santiphap Park sits in the middle of Bangkok’s Victory Monument area. The 32,375-sq-m park may be smaller than most parks in the city, but it's often buzzing with activities, most of which are music-related. People sitting and enjoying the soft sound of jazz while watching their children play is a common sight. Birdwatchers can spot over 30 species of birds in the park, including the zebra dove, rock pigeon, spotted dove, and plaintive cuckoo.