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 jogging and cycling (bikes can be hired) around the 2km track. If you’re still feeling energetic, a largely elevated walkway near the northern end of the park leads all the way to Lumphini Park. To find it, exit on Th Ratchadaphisek, walk a few metres and turn left down a set of metal steps, painted blue. Walk away from the road along a quiet residential soi, and after 275m turn right, then left before you cross the bridge. You’re now on the path beside a klorng and can’t go wrong. It’s 1.5km to the northeast corner of Lumphini Park, and is worth getting off the overhead section to walk alongside the klorng and see how many Bangkokians live.