Joanna James
Where the whimsical meets the contemporary, this megacity is known to evoke a buzz in your veins, whether it's the epic shop-till-you-drop complexes, exquisite foodie scene, or culture-soaked action-packed experiences. Here are the best spaces to unwind after a day of adventuring.
After the mandatory round of admiring cultural antiquities, dining on fried insects, visiting
vibrant floating markets, and touring Instagram-worthy spots via tuk-tuk, make a rejuvenating
stop at this picnic-perfect spot. While you can still see a frontline of high-risers across the pretty man-made lake fringed with blossoming tree-lined walkways, Benjakitti Park serves as yet another testament to Bangkok's harmonious melding of avant-garde structures and delicate roots of nature, art, and tradition. Whether it's hitting the skate ramps, biking across its sun-kissed laneways, pedalling across the lake, or snapping epic photos of the jewel-toned skyline at night, this inner-city oasis is full of productive indulgences.
A stunning blend of the dreamily imperial and dazzlingly futuristic, this gracious park is especially ethereal in winter when the frost-blossomed landscape complements the gold-and-white Ratchamangkhala Pavilion. A mere 15km from the bustling city centre, the largest public green in Bangkok not only hosts architecture reminiscent of Star Trek and multiple themed gardens but is relatively crowd-free, especially in the early hours if you're into meditative sunrise strolls. Some of its unique sights include the lush Botanic Garden hosting picturesque colonial-style greenhouses brimming with fauna, the ultra-modern dome in the desert-style American Garden, and the classic Thakon Phrakia Pavilion floating serenely in its lotus pond.
A jungle-clad city escape, this vast wilderness, hidden amidst the city's non-stop traffic and busy hubs is a breath of fresh air, complete with lush natural forest to bike through, a pristine lake, and a treehouse-style birdwatching tower. Once you're finished relaxing in the Botanic Area, you can cycle around to nearby attractions like the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery and the Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, which comes to life on weekends. If you're on the lookout for plush serviced apartments on Sukhumvit Road with prime access to city allurements and getaways, venture no further than Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok.
In a city of kaleidoscopic neon strips and glamorous skyscrapers, the 'Railway Park' is a refreshingly large verdant playground for those feeling a bit claustrophobic in the concrete jungle. Comprising of a variety of recreation areas, from the postcard-perfect Chatuchak Park with its fascinating Thai Literature and Herb Garden, soccer fields, and tennis courts to the gorgeously manicured grounds of the historic Queen Sirikit Park, visitors are spoilt for choice! The Chatuchak Weekend Market is just next door, where you can fill up a handwoven basket with succulently gigantic seafood, tribal souvenirs, quirky heirlooms, and potted plants, as well as a plethora of fabrics, clothes, and accessories to suit every budget and fashion sense! Also, don't forget to drop by the Children's Discovery Museum for some fun and interactive edutainment, as well as the iconic Butterfly Garden and 50-metre-long Bird Wave Bridge.
If you're in the mood to embrace your inner royal, detour to this secluded haven after exploring the Grand Palace and stroll through the immaculate stomping grounds of Thailand's high society. Here, you will find idyllic gazebos, frangipani-scented walkways, and storybook moats that will portal you into eras when beloved queens met tragic deaths because commoners were not allowed to touch them.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
