Bangkok’s reputation for skyscrapers and bustling markets is well-deserved, yet the city also conceals a vibrant green core. Planners have strategically connected a series of parks in the city center, offering residents and tourists a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle. This blog post explores a particular route: a verdant journey beginning at Lumphini Park, continuing along the Green Mile, and concluding at the expansive Benjakitti Forest Park.
- Lumphini Park – The City’s Original Green Lung
- The Green Mile – Connecting Nature in the Sky
- Benjakitti Forest Park – Bangkok’s Newest Oasis
- A Green Day in the City
Lumphini Park – The City’s Original Green Lung
Lumphini Park, often dubbed Bangkok’s “Central Park,” established the city’s outdoor recreation scene. This 142-acre park features running tracks, cycling paths, paddle boats, and ample shaded spots for relaxation. Early mornings show a lively atmosphere with joggers, tai chi practitioners, and locals participating in aerobics. As a consequence, the park offers an authentic glimpse into local life.
The park is also home to its most notable residents: giant water monitor lizards. Do not be alarmed if you encounter one; they are harmless unless provoked. Indeed, they have become a unique emblem of Lumphini. In fact, many people come to the park specifically to spot them.
The Green Mile – Connecting Nature in the Sky
(The Green Mile is temporary closed due to upgrade of bicycle lane)
From Lumphini, visitors can continue their journey on the Green Mile, an elevated pedestrian and cycling bridge directly linking to Benjakitti Park. This 1.3 km walkway provides the city with a secure, car-free green corridor, making it a popular route for joggers, cyclists, and casual walkers. Ultimately, the bridge was built to create a seamless connection between the two parks.
As you traverse this path above the traffic, you will enjoy views of the Bangkok skyline while being surrounded by trees, hanging vines, and scattered urban art. This unique experience offers a rare moment of peace, connection, and forward-thinking design within the city.
Benjakitti Forest Park – Bangkok’s Newest Oasis
The Green Mile leads you to the crowning jewel of Bangkok’s urban greenery: Benjakitti Forest Park. What was previously a tobacco factory has now been transformed into a 177-acre eco-park with wetlands, elevated skywalks, and extensive cycling paths. Benjakitti’s design embraces a wilder, more natural aesthetic, distinguishing it from Lumphini’s manicured lawns. Here, you will find reed beds, lotus ponds, and winding trails that evoke the feel of a small urban jungle. Consequently, the park feels completely different from other green spaces in the city.
The park’s main attractions include:
- Elevated Skywalks that allow you to walk above the wetlands and capture panoramic views.
- Running and Cycling Tracks that circle the expansive lakes, providing a perfect setting for a breezy workout.
- Birdwatching Opportunities, which are plentiful thanks to the park’s rewilded wetlands.
As a result, the park feels less like an escape from Bangkok and more like an exciting vision of its future. Author and urban theorist Jane Jacobs noted, “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Benjakitti Forest Park exemplifies this philosophy, incorporating natural elements that reflect a new, collective urban vision for the city. This transformation serves as a model for other megacities seeking to integrate nature with urban development.
A Green Day in the City
A morning spent walking or cycling from Lumphini to Benjakitti is arguably one of the best free activities in Bangkok. You could start with the sunrise at Lumphini, continue on the Green Mile, and finish with a peaceful walk in Benjakitti Forest Park. The journey reveals a new side of Bangkok, one that effectively balances urban energy with the tranquility of nature. Therefore, it offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s usual pace.
Whether you are a runner, a family searching for a picnic spot, or a traveler needing a respite from temples and street food, Bangkok’s parks provide a refreshing reminder that nature thrives even within a mega-city.
As can be seen from the map, a walk around all three parks is approximately 10 km.
