When you are spending time on Sukhumvit around Asoke area and looking for some fresh air and shadow in the downtown of Bangkok, going to Benjakiti Park and relaxing there is the nearest option.
Benjakiti Park or Benchakiti Park is named by the name of Thai princess. The park is located on Ratchadaphisek Road, just about 300 m or 5 minutes’ walk from Sukhumvit Road and BTS SkyTrain Asok Station.
Benjakiti Park is an unusual park in Bangkok as a significant part of the park (about three quarters of the area) is occupied by a large pond leaving not that much space for the greenery. However, you will still be able to find plenty of places to lie down in the shadow of coconut tree.
Otherwise you can rent a boat and enjoy spending time on the lake.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re an enthusiast of outdoor activities, you will like Benjakiti Park even more as it perfectly fitted for outdoor activities such as jogging and cycling.
Running track here is clearly marked and separated from walkway minimizing chances of someone getting into your way while running.
For those looking for encouragement to exercise, just think how many calories you just gained by eating Thai food delicacies, especially if you were visiting nearby Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and its Pier 21, which is famous as the best place to eat cheap in Bangkok.
Cycling at Benjakiti Park
Bangkok is by far not the most bicycle friendly city in the world. When it comes to this kind of outdoor activities, Benjakiti Park is one the best places for cycling in Bangkok. At the premises of the park you can rent a bicycle and cycle around the pond on a designated bike lane.
However, the design of the bike lane at Benjakiti Park is not suitable for high speed cycling. Many people come to the park just to relax and exercise and might get into your way, so this bike lane is unsuitable for fast riding.
The cyclists at Benjakiti Park must follow these rules:
If a relaxing ride is not that you are looking for, consider using another route outside of the park.
Things to See
You can visit Benjakiti Park not only for relaxing or exercising but also for exploring as at the park you will find various species of plants and few monuments such as this Symbolic Lotus Sculpture.
Another monument that can be found at Benjakiti Park is the statue called Phra Buddha Wisuthimongkol. Phra Buddha Wisuthimongkol is the brass cast image of Buddha, sitting in meditation posture. The lap of the image is 104 cm wide and the height is 148 cm. The image was built in 1986 by Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, the company who later donated the land for the establishment of Benjakiti Park.
Benjakiti Park is also one of the most popular places in Bangkok to celebrate Thai festival called Loy Krathong.
Opening Hours
Daily, from 5 am to 9 pm
How to get there
Take BTS SkyTrain to Asok station and walk out through the Exit 4 then walk to the main intersection which is nearby and turn to Ratchadaphisek Road and walk for about and walk for about 300 meters.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok is you want to visit Benjakiti Park more often for relaxation or exercising? The answer can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok - Guide to Bangkok Best Areas.
