Joanna James
Perhaps, you wouldn’t normally associate Thailand’s capital Bangkok with green parks and spaces. However, the city does have a slew of verdant escapes that are truly pleasing to the eye.
Known as the city’s biggest and most colourful park, Rama IX Park showcases traces of internationally inspired gardens coupled with a botanical garden stretch where time can be whiled away without a care in the world. In terms of the activities that can be partaken of, pursuits in the calibre of kayaking and sailing will retain pride of place for those wanting to move off the greens for a brief moment. However, the most favourable time to visit Rama IX Park will be in December when the Flower Festival takes centre stage which will in turn, ensure that you are completely taken in by the sheer pageantry on show.
Built by King Rama IX in loving memory of his mother, Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother; the Princess Mother Memorial Park affords locals and foreign tourists much-needed respite from the heat as well as an opportunity to learn a fascinating story concerning one of the nation’s fondest figures. Cocooned by plant life which would appear to go on for miles on end, the Memorial Park contains the Statue of the Princess Mother that would serve as a wonderful prelude to what lies ahead. Venture a tad further and you will soon arrive at the recreation of her childhood home. Step inside and be greeted by exhibits which detail her life and a series of initiatives which she implemented and oversaw to its successful completion.
Known as Bangkok’s Central Park, the 142 acres which cover the breadth and length of Lumphini Park are well worth investing your time in in the event you wish to lose sight of the city’s hustle and bustle. The attraction is complete with broad pathways, a beautiful lake and ample space where you may jog, cycle and even join the locals as they practice tai chi no sooner dawn breaks. Lumphini Park is a mere 800 meters from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel which is ranked among the finest hotels in Siam Bangkok to stay at; if you arrive during the late afternoon, then opting for a swan boat ride or some bird watching would be considered fruitful endeavours. Towards the later evening, the Park’s grounds transform into a gigantic aerobic plaza which would invariably call out to the fitness freaks out on holiday.
Touring through a university may not appear on a majority of travel itineraries across the globe but there lies an exception when at Chulalongkorn University. Seen as the oldest educational institute of its kind in Thailand, a visit here will involve traversing across leafy stretches that give way to museums and heritage buildings which are a treasure trove of wonder and detail. With a touch of luck, you can move over from the campus towards CU Centenary Park which is known for organising a host of public activities that will have you meeting with keen students of the University and learning of their aspirations.
Have feelings of serenity and seclusion accompany you as you cover every inch of Santi Chai Prakan Park. Hugging a prime position along the banks of the Chao Phraya River from where captivating sunsets can be caught, Santi Chai Prakan Park though, one of the smaller parks in the city will still guarantee a memorable time. For instance, you can walk past a Thai-style pavilion before settling down to the enormity of one of Bangkok’s remaining fortresses that continues to defy changing times and thinking.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
