Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is the largest green lung in Bangkok's downtown and Thailand’s first public park. Located on Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri and Witthayu roads, the 58-hectare park was originally a private land of King Rama VI, named Thung Sala Daeng, which was re-landscaped in order to host Thailand’s Expo in 1920s. The Expo was not performed, because of the king's death, and the area was used as a museum, where many products and natural resources were shown, and then, after World War I, it was rebuilt into Bangkok's first public park. During the World War II the park was used as a Japanese Army camp. Renovated and improved after the war, it was reopen for the public uses in 1952, and currently it is Bangkok’s top leisure park with approximately 10,000 visitors daily. Lumphini Park offers large lush green spaces with lots of trees, gardens, picnic areas and playgrounds. It contains an artificial lake where visitors can rent paddleboats for 40 baht per 30 minutes, and even watch enormous monitor lizards. Paths around the park totalling approximately 2.5 km in length are a popular area for morning and evening joggers. The park is also a great spot for bird watching enthusiasts. Lumphini Park is a rich source of natural food and has large trees so it has become home to more than 30 species of birds. Cycling is only permitted during the day, between 10:00 and 15:00; dogs are not allowed and there is a smoking ban throughout the park. One of the best times to visit the park is before 7:00, when the air is fresh and legions of Thai-Chinese are practising T‘ai-chi martial art. Lumphini Park is a multi-purpose park, and many activities are provided for citizens and tourists. During the cooler months of the year, from December to February, there’s a series of free live orchestra concerts on Sundays “Concert in the Park“ hosted by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra featuring a number of guest singers, which makes a good opportunity for a chill-out picnic. Bangkok Elder Citizens Club is a place for elders to communicate, relax, and exercise. It is open daily from 08:00 till 18:00. Dancing courses are available every Sunday-Saturday. Home of Hope provides information, advice, and education to help homeless children. It is open 10:00-19:00 daily. BMA Apprentice School offers training in various jobs including computer, cooking, tailor, and facial make-up. Lumphini Park Library, open Tuesday-Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00, provides books and videos. Lumphini Youth Center offers sports activities and sports equipment for members, including soccer, swimming, basketball, and dancing. It is open on Monday to Friday from 18:00 till 20:00, while on weekends it is open from 10:00 to 18:00. Buddhist Dharma activities with Buddhist monks are held the last Sunday of every month from 07:00 till 09:00.
Getting there: Lumphini Park is close to Sala Daeng Station on the BTS Skytrain's Silom Line, as well as Lumphini and Si Lom subway stations on the MRT Blue Line.Read More