Check out what these public parks in Bangkok offer for a lot of baht-less entertainment!
Bangkok is such a fun city offering every possible activity you may want to entertain yourself with—from cultural life to water parks, from yoga studios to Muay Thai rings, from quaint coffeehouses to delicious street food, from ancient monuments to go-go bars. One thing that all this fun stuff might have in common, however, is that it costs money … but what if we told you it is possible to enjoy yourself in the city for free?
For those inclined to enjoy wide-open green spaces to relax, exercise, have a picnic, take photographs, or a nap, here are some of the most easily accessible public parks in Bangkok.
Lumphini Park
BTS Sala Daeng; MRT Silom
Lumphini Park—created in the 1920s by King Rama VI, whose imposing statue stands at the southwestern entrance of the park—is probably the most popular of all the public parks in Bangkok, as well as one of the oldest and biggest. Locals and foreigners frequent the park for some form of exercise, usually in the late afternoons, and especially on weekends. And, during holidays, families gather here for a picnic or to just relax. Many events are held here and, during the cool season, concerts and other shows are organized. Lumphini has Bangkok’s first public library and dance hall.
Benjasiri Park
BTS Phrom Pong
Another high-profile park because of its location is Benjasiri Park, built in 1992 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Often referred to as the “Queen’s Park,” it boasts several examples of the best in Thai sculpture. The park is also a favorite venue for local events. Because of its location next to The Emporium shopping center on Sukhumvit Road and many hotels and office buildings, the park is a preferred venue among executives for jogging, yoga, or other forms of exercises, especially in the afternoons and on weekends.
Chatuchak Park Complex
BTS Mo Chit
For those who live or stay nearby Chatuchak—the famous weekend market—there is another spacious place where baht-less entertainment seekers can go: Chatuchak Park on Phaholyothin Road. This park complex, adjacent to the market, is actually three parks in one. The first, and most accessible one, is Chatuchak Park, which opened in December 1980. Popular with young lovers, it also includes a train museum. Then there is the Queen Sirikit Park, a botanical garden built to honor Her Majesty the Queen in 1992, located behind the weekend market’s parking lot. Some of the plants collected in the garden include hibiscus, plumeria, and palms. Within the park compound is the Children’s Museum. The biggest and newest among the three is Wachirabenchathat Park, formerly called the State Railway Public Park, but renamed in July 2002 to honor HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 50th birthday. This place is known for its butterfly park and the tallest fountain in Thailand.
Santichaiprakan Park
Near Banglampoo Pier
As many visitors will notice, Bangkok still has many remnants of the old city, and around one of the few remaining structures of the old city fortifications, a park was built for both local residents and foreign visitors: Santichaiprakan Park. In the evening, the park fills up with families as well as foreigners. From there, a riverside walkway leads south to Phra Pinklao Bridge and beyond. The park passes many historical buildings, which are living reminders of the glory of the old city. Santichaiprakan Park is on the riverfront side of the infamous “backpacker area” of Khao San Road.
Saranrom Park
Near Ta Thien Pier
Diagonally opposite of Wat Po and across from the rear of the Grand Palace is an almost forgotten shady oasis known as Saranrom Park. The park makes for an interesting place to rest if you’re trying to explore the old royal city beyond the confines of the Grand Palace and Wat Po.
Sanam Luang
Near the Grand Palace
Sanam Luang is an open field and public square in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. Located in Phra Nakhon district—the historic center of Bangkok—it has been a place for royal ceremonies and functions since the days of Rama I. The Fine Arts Department has listed Sanam Luang as a historical site in 1977. The 12-hectare Sanam Luang is still one of the most popular public parks in the city, with a variety of activities available for rest and recreation, such as kite flying. It’s also still a preferred venue for many events, especially during Thai holidays and special days.
