Parks might not be your first thought for Bangkok, but the city’s green spaces are perfect for escaping the traffic chaos – and walking off all that amazing Thai food! From traditional parks to new rooftop gardens, Thailand Awaits blogger Paula Morgan shares her favourite spots to recharge between shopping and temple-hopping. Each offers something special, whether you’re an early bird like me or prefer sunset views.
Lumphini Park
My favourite way to start the day in Bangkok is watching Lumphini Park come alive. By 7am, the paths around the lake fill with tai chi groups and joggers, while the famous monitor lizards start sunbathing. The lake walk takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace, perfect for working up an appetite for breakfast.
For the best photos, head to the southwestern corner of the lake where you’ll catch the morning light hitting the skyscrapers. If you’re visiting with kids, the free duck-shaped paddle boats are a fun way to escape the heat – the rental booth opens at 10am.
Getting Around Lumphini
- Use Silom MRT station and exit at Rama IV gate.
- Food vendors set up near the Rama IV entrance from 6am – selling fresh fruit, drinks and Thai snacks
- Fitness stations and free weights scattered around the lake if you want a proper workout.
Benjakitti Forest Park
After its 2022 expansion, Benjakitti transformed from a simple lake park into one of the most popular spots for an evening walk. The original section still has a great 2km track around the lake, but it’s the new forest area that I love. Three levels of elevated walkways weave through wetlands where you might spot monitor lizards and kingfishers.
I usually start at the lower walkway for shade, then work my way up to the highest level for sunset. Bring your camera – the walkways are perfectly positioned for photos of the sun setting behind Bangkok’s skyline. Early mornings are quieter and better for birdwatching – I’ve spotted herons fishing in the wetlands.
Visitor Tips:
- Don’t miss the Forest Park Museum’s scale model of Bangkok (free entry, air-conditioned!) – note it closes daily for lunch 12-1pm
- Enter via Queen Sirikit MRT Station, Exit 4
- Bike rental (80 baht/hour) available near the main lake entrance
- Water refill stations near both main entrances – bring a bottle
One Bangkok Urban Park
This expansive green space includes a central park space and walkways that connect the park to Lumphini and Benjakitti parks, creating one of Bangkok’s largest green corridors. The wide, shaded walkways make it perfect for a morning jog or afternoon stroll, and you’ll find lots of quiet spots to relax.
The park is open 24/7 with good security, and thanks to the large shade trees and landscaping, it stays two to three degrees cooler than the surrounding streets. At night, fountains light up between the mall areas and performance space, creating a lovely evening atmosphere.
Visitor Tips:
- Use Lumphini MRT Exit 1
- Multiple entry points connect to both Lumphini and Benjakitti parks
- Great photo spots throughout, including sculptures and water features.
Dusit Central Park: Bangkok’s newest Rooftop Garden
Opened in Sept-2025, this four-level rooftop garden is spectacular any time of day. Access starts from the 6th floor, where a 750-metre wooden boardwalk winds up and down through the space. You’ll find plenty of spots to pause and watch skytrains zip past or gaze over Lumphini Park, with path lighting making it particularly atmospheric at dusk.
The main floor features an interactive water grid where fountains create ever-changing patterns of squares and rectangles. Each shape is outlined in water jets for about 30 seconds before the pattern shifts. It’s like a game of cat and mouse – time it right and you can hop between the dry spaces, or get playfully sprayed if you’re too slow! On my recent visit, local schoolkids were having a blast trying to outsmart the fountains, and I was very tempted to join in!
The garden is packed with greenery (all nicely labelled if you’re interested in plants). Head to the lower level to find amphitheater seating – perfect for catching the sunset or enjoying a peaceful lunch break. Even on hot afternoons, there’s plenty of shade to keep you comfortable.
At the garden’s center, an architectural bird’s nest structure has become a popular selfie spot. The lower level features both a children’s play area and amphitheater seating, with wheelchair-friendly paths throughout making the entire garden accessible to everyone.
Visitor Tips:
- Take MRT to Silom or the BTS Sala Daeng and enter through Central Mall – Ride the elevator to level 6 to enter the garden from the upper level.
- Access to the roof garden is between 7am-10pm daily
Making the Most of Bangkok’s Parks
Time your visits right and you’ll get the best from each park. Visit Lumphini before 9am to join the morning crowd and catch the best light for photos. Need a shopping break? One Bangkok and Dusit Central Park’s rooftop gardens are perfect midday retreats with plenty of shade. Save Benjakitti for last light – arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best city views from the elevated walkways.
Getting Between Parks: With the Green Mile walkway closed for renovation (2025), the MRT connects all parks easily. From Silom station, you can reach Dusit Central Park, Lumphini Park, and One Bangkok. For Benjakitti Forest Park, take the MRT to Queen Sirikit Station.