Lumphini Park

Lonely Planet review

Named after Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, this is Bangkok's largest and most popular park. An artificial lake in the centre is surrounded by broad, well-tended lawns, wooded areas, walking paths and, around sunset, the odd ambling turtle - it's the best outdoor escape from Bangkok without leaving town.

One of the best times to visit the park is in the early morning before 07:00 , when the air is fresh (well, relatively so for Bangkok) and legions of Chinese are practising t'ai chi, doing their best to mimic the aerobics instructor or doing the half-run half-walk version of jogging that, you have to agree, makes a lot of sense in this oppressive humidity. Meanwhile, vendors set up tables to dispense fresh snake's blood and bile, considered health tonics by many Thais and Chinese. A weight-lifting area in one section becomes a miniature 'muscle beach' on weekends. Facilities include a snack bar, an asphalt jogging track, a picnic area, toilets and a couple of tables where women serve Chinese tea. There are no shops inside the park but cold drinks are available at the entrance.

During the kite-flying season (mid-February to April), Lumphini becomes a favoured flight zone, with kites (wâo) for sale in the park.