Public Parks in Bangkok
Bangkok has a handful of large public parks spread across the city, and each one attracts a different crowd depending on the location, size and what is nearby. If you are staying in the city for a few days and want to go for a run, rent a bike, or just sit under a tree with a cold drink, one of these parks will be close to your hotel. All of them are free to enter and open from early morning until late evening.
| Size: 142 acres – Location: Silom / Ploenchit |
Lumphini Park is the most central and the most famous park in Bangkok, sitting between Silom and Ploenchit with skyscrapers on every side. The park dates back to 1925 and has a 2.5km running loop around the lake, free outdoor fitness equipment, basketball courts, and paddle boats for rent. Every evening after 5 pm, it fills with locals doing Tai Chi, aerobics, and group exercise. A popular food market lines Ratchadamri Road near the entrance, serving affordable Thai breakfast dishes to the morning exercise crowd. If you only visit one park in Bangkok, this is the one.
Location: Between Silom and Ploenchit
Address: Rama IV Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Nearest BTS/MRT: MRT Lumphini, MRT Silom, BTS Sala Daeng
| Size: 72 hectares – Location: Sukhumvit |
Benjakitti Park is the modern alternative to Lumphini, located in the Sukhumvit area. The park was expanded in recent years and now has a 2.8km running track around the lake, wide open fields for picnics, and an elevated Sky Walk that takes you through the treetops. The newer section connects to the original park via a pedestrian bridge and has a distinctly contemporary feel compared to the more traditional Lumphini. It is quieter than Lumphini on weekdays and popular with residents from the surrounding condos and hotels.
Location: Sukhumvit
Address: Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Nearest BTS/MRT: MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre
| Size: Smaller park – Location: Chatuchak (North Bangkok) |
Chatuchak Park sits right next to Chatuchak Market in the north of the city, making it a natural stop before or after a morning at the weekend market. The park is smaller than Lumphini or Benjakitti but well kept, with shaded paths, a small lake, and a sunflower patch that draws photographers. It is a good place to cool down and rest your feet after walking through the market stalls, and there are food vendors near the entrance.
Location: Chatuchak (next to Chatuchak Weekend Market)
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Nearest BTS/MRT: BTS Mo Chit, MRT Chatuchak Park
| Size: Large park – Location: Chatuchak (North Bangkok) |
Wachirabenchathat Park, known locally as Rod Fai Park, is the bigger and greener neighbour right next to Chatuchak Park. The park is much larger and better suited for cycling, with long looping paths that take you through open lawns, shaded tree-lined stretches, and around a lake. Bike rental is available near the entrance. Rod Fai Park attracts a more active crowd than Chatuchak Park, with families picnicking on weekends and joggers on the outer loop. Combine both parks with a morning at Chatuchak Market for a full half-day out.
Location: Chatuchak (adjacent to Chatuchak Park)
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Nearest BTS/MRT: BTS Mo Chit, MRT Chatuchak Park
Best Times to Visit
All Bangkok parks open around 4.30 am and close between 9 pm and 10 pm. The best times for exercise are early morning before 7 am and late afternoon after 5 pm, when temperatures dro,p and the parks come alive with runners, cyclists and exercise groups. Midday visits can be uncomfortably hot, especially from March to May. Weekend mornings are the busiest, but the parks are large enough that they rarely feel crowded.
