Park sights in Bangkok
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A
Benjakiti Park
The latest addition to Bangkok’s emaciated green scene, this 130-rai (20.8-hectare) park encircles a large lake beside the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, and marks the Queen’s sixth cycle (72nd birthday). It is built on what was once a part of the Tobacco Monopoly, a vast Crown-owned expanse of low-rise factories and warehouses. Another 300 rai (48 hectares) of buildings is earmarked for transformation into a manmade rainforest. If this ever happens – and Buddha knows Bangkok needs it – it will transform the area into something like New York’s Central Park. For now the lake seems too big for the park, but it’s much quieter than Lumphini Park and good for jog…
reviewed
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B
Phra Sumen Fort & Santichaiprakan Park
Beside Mae Nam Chao Phraya in Banglamphu stands one of Bangkok’s original 18th-century forts. Built in 1783 to defend against potential naval invasions and named for the mythical Mt Meru (Phra Sumen in Thai) of Hindu-Buddhist cosmology, the octagonal brick-and-stucco bunker was one of 14 city watchtowers that punctuated the old city wall alongside Khlong Rop Krung (now Khlong Banglamphu but still called Khlong Rop Krung on most signs). Apart from Mahakan Fort, this is the only one still standing. Alongside the fort is a small, grassy park with an open-air pavilion, river views, cool breezes and a bohemian mix of alternative young Thais and fisherman pants–wearing, fire st…
reviewed
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C
Dusit Park
A modern country, King Chulalongkorn pronounced, needed a modern seat of government. And so Rama V moved the royal court from the cloistered city of Ko Ratanakosin to the open and manicured lawns of Dusit Park. There he built Beaux Arts institutions and Victorian manor houses. Confectionery buildings of fused Euro-Thai modes housed members of the royal family in a style that must have seemed as futuristic as today’s skyscrapers. All of this and the expansive gardens make Dusit Park a worthwhile escape from the chaos of modern Bangkok, with its egg-carton Bauhaus and blue-glass buildings.
Please note: because this is royal property, visitors should wear long pants (no ca…
reviewed
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D
Rama IX Royal Park
Opened in 1987 to commemorate King Bhumibol’s 60th birthday, this green area, about 15km southeast of central Bangkok, covers 81 hectares and includes a water park and botanic garden that is a significant horticultural research centre. There are resident lizards, tortoises and birds, and a flower and plant sale is held here in December. The park’s centrepiece is a museum dedicated to the life of the king. In 2009 the water park had yachting facilities added.
reviewed
