5 parks to visit

Bangkok may be known for its busy streets and constant movement, but the city also has beautiful green escapes where locals slow down and breathe. Each park has its own personality, rhythm and charm. Some are perfect for running, some for picnics, some for photography and some simply for sitting quietly while the city hums in the background.

Here is your complete guide to five of Bangkok’s best parks with everything you need to know.

1. Benjakitti Forest Park (สวนเบญจกิติ)

Opening hours: 5:00 – 21:00
How to get there: MRT Queen Sirikit Station, Exit 3 (5 minute walk)
Why it is special: skywalks, wetlands, lakes, bike lanes, skyline views, community sports

Benjakitti Forest Park is one of Bangkok’s most impressive urban transformations. What used to be an industrial space is now a massive forest style park filled with elevated skywalks above wetlands, peaceful wooden boardwalks and wide paths circling the water. The views from the skywalk at sunrise or sunset are some of the most beautiful in the city.

Besides running and cycling, the park also has lively community sports areas where locals play table tennis, badminton and volleyball. To join officially, you need to register through CSTD, which is mainly used by locals and regular players, but you can always stop by and watch. The atmosphere is friendly and open and it is a great way to see everyday Bangkok life in motion.

Between the skyline views, the forest zones, the water and the activity areas, Benjakitti is one of those places where you can lose track of time and forget you are in one of Asia’s biggest cities.

Perfect for: morning runs, sunset walks, cycling, nature lovers, photography, watching local sports in action

2. Lumphini Park (ลุมพินี)

Opening hours: 4:30 – 21:00
How to get there: MRT Lumphini (right at the park) or MRT Silom
Why it is special: Tai chi mornings, boats, lakes, monitor lizards and a true local atmosphere

Lumphini Park is the classic green heart of Bangkok. It is where the city wakes up gently. At sunrise the park feels like its own little world. Locals practice tai chi, joggers start their laps, seniors stretch under the trees and families feed fish by the lake.

The park is big and open with paved paths, lakes and grassy areas. You can rent a small paddle boat, join a group workout, watch monitor lizards sunbathe or enjoy a quiet breakfast picnic. Lumphini shows a softer side of the city and gives you insight into how Bangkok locals start their day before the chaos begins.

It is a perfect blend of nature, culture and everyday life happening all at once.

Perfect for: early mornings, jogging, relaxing, people watching, peaceful breaks

3. Benchasiri Park (สวนเบญจสิริ)

Opening hours: 5:00 – 21:00
How to get there: BTS Phrom Phong (directly in front of the park)
Why it is special: small but charming, sculpture garden, great for kids, convenient location

Benchasiri Park is perfectly located right in the middle of Sukhumvit. Surrounded by high rises and directly next to the Emporium and EmQuartier malls, it is the ideal place for a quick green break during a shopping day or after work.

It has a running track, a playground for kids, a sculpture garden with art pieces spread around the park and many shaded spots to relax. The vibe is simple and local. Office workers come here for a walk, families sit by the water and people exercise in the evenings.

It is not big but it has a beautiful community feeling and is the easiest park to reach if you are around Phrom Phong.

Perfect for: quick breaks, family time, easy runs, a relaxing moment between café hopping and shopping

4. Suan Luang Rama IX (สวนหลวง ร.๙)

Opening hours: 5:00 – 19:00
How to get there: Taxi or Grab (the park is far from BTS or MRT)
Why it is special: the largest park in Bangkok with botanical gardens, themed gardens and flower fields

Suan Luang Rama IX is a huge oasis on the outskirts of Bangkok. It is the largest public park in the city and feels more like a nature reserve than an urban park. There are botanical sections, themed gardens inspired by different cultures, wide lakes, flower fields and quiet corners perfect for reading or picnicking.

During flower festivals the park becomes especially beautiful with colourful displays and seasonal gardens. The light in the late afternoon is soft and warm which makes the scenery feel almost dreamy.

It is a place for those who want to spend an entire day surrounded by nature and greenery without leaving Bangkok.

Perfect for: long walks, picnics, nature photography, families, peaceful days away from the city noise

5. Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park)

Opening hours: 5:00 – 21:00
How to get there: MRT Chatuchak Park or MRT Phahon Yothin then a short taxi ride
Why it is special: cycling loops, open fields, butterfly garden and the best weekend atmosphere

Rot Fai Park is where Bangkok goes to play. It is loved by locals for its active and relaxed energy at the same time. Wide paths make it perfect for cycling and jogging and you can rent a bike right at the entrance. The open fields host yoga sessions, casual football games and weekend picnics. There is even a butterfly garden and a small lake for peaceful moments.

What makes Rot Fai Park special is its community feeling. Families come with big picnic blankets, couples sit by the water, kids ride bicycles and groups of friends gather under the trees. It captures what weekends in Bangkok truly feel like.

Perfect for: cycling, group activities, yoga, long relaxing afternoons, families

Final Thoughts

Bangkok’s parks are more than just green spaces. They are where the city slows down, breathes and shows you a different rhythm. Whether you want to run, walk, cycle, relax or simply sit, there is a park for every mood. Visiting them helps you understand the real Bangkok, not just the busy streets, but the quiet moments too.