There are more parks and green spaces in Bangkok than you think!
As the rainy season draws to a close there is even more reason to get out and enjoy the parks and green spaces in Bangkok. Being close to green space is a luxury in most cities and if you are lucky enough you may have a garden as part of your condominium or house. For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors, there are a number of big parks in the city that spring to mind that are great for a run or as an escape from the city. However, there are some lesser known green spaces of Bangkok that you may not know about which we have selected for you.
Soi Ari (Phahonyothin Soi 7 by Ari BTS)
The one thing that Ari is missing is a park. Some of the restaurants try and make up for this with an artificial garden but head to the end of Soi Ari towards the government buildings and you will be greeted to two green options.
The park on the left hand side opposite The Revenue Department of Thailand has a running/walking track, tennis courts, outdoor gym, lake and also houses in the grounds the Broadcasting Museum Bangkok which is dedicated to origins of radio in Thailand.
On the other side of Soi Ari is the Revenue building filled with perfectly manicured trees and tropical plants. A beautiful lake is the centre piece, which is encompassed by a covered walkway that provides shade and acts as a great wind tunnel on hotter days. Head to the reception of the revenue building to buy some fish food for a few baht to feed the fish. Not many governments across the world would let you step a foot in their ground, so make the most of this opportunity to do so.
Quartier Water Gardens at EmQuartier
One of Phrom Phong’s glitzy shopping mall is probably not an obvious place for a bit of outdoor space. But head up to the fifth floor for this largeartificial garden complete with tropical plants and fake grass. Not only does it provide a great retreat from the hecticness of the shopping mall, but come here in the rain duck into the undercover area as the rain lashes down outside you will feel like you are in an actual jungle and not just a concrete one.
Chuvit Gardens, Sukhumvit Road
Situated at the top of Sukhumvit Soi 10 is the small green space of Chuvit Gardens. With a grass area, park benches and shade, this is a lovely little oasis for people who live on the even number Sois in Sukhumvit from Nana to Asoke. This is a privately owned park that is open between 8:00 am to 10:00 am, and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm when it becomes a hive if activity for locals and their families.
Suanluang, Rama IX
As much of the attention of parks focuses on the Lumphini Park and the other green spaces of Sukhumvit, Suanluang on Rama 9 gets ignored. Open from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, this pretty park is over 500 rai in size. There are numerous gardens, including The Garden of the Great King, Romanee Garden, The Botanic Garden and The Winter Garden. With a pavilio, lake, and wide walkways great for cycling, plenty of trees to provide shade and even a playground, Suanluang is a bit of a secret and so has less crowds. Shhh, don’t tell a soul!
Dusit Zoo
A trip to the zoo does not just need to be about seeing the animals. Dusit Zoo is also a great place to go to enjoy the great outdoors. With a huge area to explore and an impressive lake to peddle out into, Dusit Zoo also has other amusements geared towards children. There is a small entrance fee but it is well worth it as you can quickly pass a day here in Thailand’s oldest zoo.