Known as the commercial and business center of Thailand, Bangkok has managed to balance its bustling urban landscape with well-placed parks throughout the city. Each is an oasis of green in the exotic city known for its skyscrapers and modern development. While visitors come for the shopping, food, historical and cultural sites, and to stay in modern accommodations such as the five star hotels of Bangkok, they may find that taking time to visit one (or more) of the parks will offer them easy access to the slower pace of this cosmopolitan city.
Lumphini Park which was designed by Rama VI in the 1920s as the Bangkok’s answer to Central Park. Lumphini serves as the location for ceremonies and grand pageants celebrating the Tahi constitution. It is also a haven for runners, with the western gates being opened on most Sundays allowing access to Silom Road.
Two of the largest parks in the city are Suan Luang Rama IX park and Chatuchak Park. Rama IX is a 200 acre park commemorating the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It features botanical gardens as well as public park areas. Chatuchak is known for its nine ASEAN sculptures. In these two parks you’ll find large lakes and ponds, sporting clubs, and gardens in the Japanese, French, and English styles.
Sanam Luang is home to an annual kite festival, as kite flying is a popular sport in the city. Princess Mother Memorial park includes a full scale mode of the Princess Mother’s house. Other parks with historic sites as well as public greenary include Benchasiri Park, Rommaninat Park, Saranrom Park, and the Santi Chai Prakan Pavilion and Public Park.
Bankok has also designated a number of “green zones” to preserve areas from development. This includes the large forest park located between Samut Prakan and Yannawa. Covering over 50 square kilometers, it serves as a buffer between the large industries of the south and west Bangkok metropolitan area and the CBD.
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Muay Thai at Lumpinee are one of those sites you should visit when you come to Bangkok. My favorite is especially Tiger World or Siam Ocean world.