Finding Bangkok's Green Heart

The first thing I look for in any new city isn’t the grandest temple or the busiest market—it’s a park or green space. As a devoted walker and outdoor enthusiast, I need that daily dose of nature to feel grounded, especially in a metropolis as exhilarating and sprawling as Bangkok. A park is also a place where you see people relaxing and doing activities they enjoy, providing insight into the way of life of the area’s residents.

The thriving network of parks in Bangkok isn’t just about greenery; they are vital, vibrant lungs for the city, fostering pride and connection for everyone, from serious athletes to tai chi masters.

Lumphini Park lake at sunrise with lush trees and Bangkok’s skyline rising behind the water.

Shaded walking path in Lumphini Park with pigeons on the ground and tall trees framing views of the Bangkok skyline.

Whenever the outdoor urge strikes me, I make a beeline for Lumphini Park. Established in the 1920s, it’s the undisputed grand dame of Bangkok’s parks and an absolute classic. Stepping into Lumphini after sunrise feels like walking into the city’s living room. The air is cool, and the jogging path is already bustling. I love the simple, functional layout, the smooth trail, the artificial lake where you can rent paddle boats, and the scattered outdoor fitness stations. It’s a pure, no-frills public park experience. The wildlife here, like giant monitor lizards sunbathing, sparks wonder and reminds us that nature lives among us in the city’s heart.

A Wetland Reimagined

Benchakitti Park’s wild, re-naturalized landscape and innovative wetlands evoke awe, showcasing Bangkok’s commitment to sustainable ecological restoration and urban harmony.

Sunset over Benchakiti Park’s rewilded wetlands with elevated walkways, grassy mounds and Bangkok’s skyline in the distance.

Tree-shaded elevated skywalk at Benchakiti Park with views of the wetlands and Bangkok skyline beyond.

Built on the former site of a tobacco factory, the park is designed as an urban wetland, complete with mangrove areas, boardwalks, and a stunning 1.67-kilometer elevated skywalk. Running here is less about pace and more about immersion. The paths wind through lush greenery, and the park’s ‘sponge city’ design uses the wetlands to manage stormwater, making it a beautiful and functional ecological marvel. It feels like strolling through a nature reserve, with the incredible contrast of the Bangkok skyline piercing the horizon above the trees. It’s here that I feel most refreshed, breathing in the air that the park itself works to purify.

The Wide Expanse

Shaded lawn at Chatuchak Park with people relaxing by the lake and Bangkok’s skyline visible through the trees.

Wide green field at Wachirabenchathat Park with families relaxing under sprawling tree branches and cyclists enjoying the open space.

Then there’s the sheer scale and variety of the Chatuchak Park complex in north Bangkok. This isn’t a single park, but a cluster of Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park, and Wachirabenchathat Park (or Rot Fai Park). Rot Fai is my go-to when I want a long, uninterrupted cycle. It’s enormous, with dedicated bike paths, and features the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, which is a tranquil spot to pause and appreciate the tiny, winged residents.

Hidden Gems and Unique Corners

Beyond the big three, there are smaller, more specialized parks that truly showcase Bangkok’s commitment to green space.

Elevated wooden walkways and tiered urban waterfall surrounded by lush greenery at Dusit Central Park in Bangkok.

Tree-filled elevated park at Dusit Central Park with wooden paths framed by Bangkok’s modern high-rise skyline.

Take Dusit Central Park. While it’s a massive integrated development, its green element is a fascinating model of modern private-sector space. It’s designed to be a central green hub connecting shopping, hotels, and residences, emphasizing open, accessible space right in the heart of the city. It represents the new wave of integrated urban design. This dedicated, lush area prioritizes public access and pedestrian flow, ensuring that green relief is incorporated into even the most high-density developments. It is a beautiful, manicured space for a calming walk or a gentle stretch amidst the towers.

Visitors walking along the elevated wooden skywalk surrounded by dense green canopy at PTT Metro Forest in Bangkok.

People standing on the multi-level wooden observation tower rising above the treetops at PTT Metro Forest in Bangkok.

And for a truly authentic nature retreat, I sometimes make the journey out to PTT Metro Forest. This is a fantastic example of a private sector initiative focused entirely on ecological restoration and education. It’s not built for running loops, but for quiet observation. Here, the unique feature is the replanting of native species to recreate the original floodplain forest ecosystem of Bangkok. It has a beautiful wooden walkway that elevates you into the canopy and a viewing tower that allows you to survey the effort. It’s a place for reflection and learning, a living laboratory that proves green development can be deeply restorative, not just recreational.

Bangkok’s parks are more than places to escape; they are urban oases for health, history, and ecological innovation. Whether I’m watching swimming reptiles while walking a 2.5K loop at the historic Lumphini or exploring the modern wetlands and skywalks of Benjakitti, I am constantly reminded that even in the most intense urban environments, a dedicated green heart can always be found. It gives my routine purpose and my spirit peace.

About the Author

“Frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya (Chat) draws on his nearly 4 decades of promoting Thailand’s tourism industry to highlight everything from world-class attractions to hidden gems. When not writing stuff, he makes it a mission to catch rom-coms and DC superheroes whenever they show up in theaters.”