Parks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bangkok, but the city's green spaces are perfect for escaping the traffic chaos—and digesting those delicious Thai dishes! From traditional parks to modern rooftop gardens, Thailand Awaits blogger Paula Morgan shares her favorite spots to relax between shopping and temple visits. Each place has its own unique charm, whether you're an early bird like me or prefer to enjoy the sunset.

Lumphini Park

My favorite way to start the day in Bangkok is to watch Lumphini Park awaken. From 7 a.m. onwards, the paths around the lake fill with Tai Chi groups and joggers, while the famous monitor lizards bask in the sun. A leisurely stroll around the lake takes about 40 minutes – perfect for working up an appetite for breakfast.

For the most beautiful photos, head to the southwest corner of the lake, where the morning light bathes the skyscrapers in a warm glow. If you're traveling with children, the free, duck-shaped pedal boats offer a great way to escape the heat – rentals open at 10 a.m.

On the road in Lumphini

  • Use the Silom MRT station and exit at Rama IV.
  • From 6 am onwards, food stalls set up near the Rama IV entrance and sell fresh fruit, drinks and Thai snacks.
  • Fitness stations and dumbbells are distributed around the lake, should you wish to complete a proper workout.

    • Benjakitti Forest Park

    Since its expansion in 2022, Benjakitti has transformed from a simple lakeside park into one of the most popular spots for an evening stroll. The original area still offers a great 2km circular path around the lake, but the new woodland area is my personal highlight. Three levels of elevated walkways wind through wetlands where, with a bit of luck, you might spot monitor lizards and kingfishers.

    I usually start on the lower boardwalk in the shade and then work my way up to the highest one to enjoy the sunset. Bring your camera – the boardwalks offer perfect photo opportunities of the sunset behind the Bangkok skyline. Early morning is quieter and better for birdwatching – I've seen herons fishing in the wetlands.

    Visitor tips:

  • Don't miss the scale model of Bangkok at the Forest Park Museum (free entry, air-conditioned!) – please note that it closes for lunch every day from 12 to 1 pm.
  • Access via Queen Sirikit MRT station, Exit 4
  • Bicycle rental (80 Baht/hour) near the main entrance to the lake.
  • Water refill stations are located near both main entrances – please bring a bottle.

    • A Bangkok city park

    This expansive green space comprises a central park and footpaths connecting it to Lumphini and Benjakitti Parks, forming one of Bangkok's largest green corridors. The wide, shaded paths are perfect for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll, and there are plenty of quiet spots to relax.

    The park is open 24/7 and well-guarded. Thanks to the large, shady trees and attractive landscaping, it is two to three degrees cooler than the surrounding streets. In the evenings, the fountains between the shopping areas and the event space are illuminated, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

  • Several entrances connect Lumphini and Benjakitti parks.
  • There are great photo opportunities everywhere, including sculptures and water features.

    • Dusit Central Park: Bangkok's newest rooftop garden

    The four-story rooftop garden, opened in September 2025, is a spectacular sight at any time of day. Access begins on the 6th floor, where a 750-meter-long wooden walkway winds its way through the garden. Here you'll find numerous places to linger, watch the Skytrains whizzing by, or simply enjoy the view over Lumphini Park. The pathway lighting creates a particularly atmospheric ambiance at dusk.

    On the ground floor, there's an interactive water feature where fountains create constantly changing patterns of squares and rectangles. Each shape is surrounded by jets of water for about 30 seconds before the pattern changes. It's like a game of cat and mouse: with the right timing, you can hop back and forth between the dry spots, or, if you're too slow, playfully get splashed! On my last visit, the local schoolchildren were having a blast trying to outsmart the fountains, and I was very tempted to join in!

    The garden is lush and green (all plants are nicely labeled, should you be interested in them). In the lower area, you'll find amphitheater-style seating – perfect for enjoying the sunset or a relaxing lunch break. Even on hot afternoons, there are plenty of shady spots to keep you comfortable.

    In the center of the garden, an architectural bird's nest structure has become a popular selfie spot. The lower level houses a children's playground and an amphitheater with tiered seating. Barrier-free paths crisscross the entire garden, making it accessible to everyone.

  • Take the MRT to Silom or the BTS station Sala Daeng and enter the Central Mall shopping center. Take the elevator to the 6th floor to access the garden from the upper level.
  • Access to the roof garden is possible daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

    • Make the most of Bangkok's parks

    Plan your visits carefully to get the most out of each park. Visit Lumphini before 9 a.m. to join the morning bustle and take advantage of the best light for photos. Need a shopping break? The rooftop gardens of One Bangkok and Dusit Central Park, with their plenty of shade, are perfect for a lunchtime respite. Save Benjakitti for sunset—arrive 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the best views of the city from the elevated walkways.

    Connections between the parks: As the Green Mile footpath is closed for renovations (2025), the MRT provides convenient access to all the parks. From Silom station, you can reach Dusit Central Park, Lumphini Park, and One Bangkok. To reach Benjakitti Forest Park, take the MRT to Queen Sirikit station.