If you’ve ever been to Bangkok or know anything about its climate, it’s hard to think of it as a breath of fresh air considering the endless amount of pollution its traffic produces and the hot, inescapable sticky air. But with that said, it is a refreshing experience to explore and adventure through the parks of Bangkok. For a bustling metropolis, much emphasis goes into maintaining the green space throughout the city, both in functionality and enjoyably.
Most of the major districts have a distinctive park that locals congregate to before and after work, some in between. Though one of the most recognizable parks in Bangkok is Lumpini Park. If you had followed international news a few weeks ago, you may recognize the park as where the recent protests in Thailand (currently, there is not curfew and no significant military presence.)
Lumpini Park is a 142 acre public green space that has the community in mind–you can compare its amenities to New York’s Central Park. It offers a wealth of open space, playgrounds, trees, sculptures, bike and running paths and most importantly, community involvement. As soon as light breaks, you can rest assured that there will be a few hundred people there ready to get a work out in.
This pretty clock tower reminded of Alice in Wonderland with its whimsical style.
Throughout the park there is art work and the beginnings of plant sculptures.
Anywhere you look at the park, you will find a fitness apparatus with people actually using it.
There are several areas of groups spread throughout the park participating in Tai Chi, but also a few groups in yoga classes. I got to the park at 6:30 a.m. Monday morning and I can honestly say that there were maybe a couple thousand people already at the park either jogging or doing Tai Chi. It was very impressive to see so many people out there caring about their fitness and well being.
At the entrance of the park from Rama IV street, there was a Zumba style dance class going on (more like Ganhgam Style), so I made sure to join that (video coming soon). You can basically join any class you see going on at the park, but if you arrive at the park after 8 a.m. you’ll find that the park is mostly deserted with the exception of a few joggers looking to get a last minute workout before heading off to their jobs and park landscapers.
Lumpini Park is also home to a host of different types of wild life, mostly birds, but also several types of reptiles like turtles and the Komodo Dragon. Just kidding, they’re not Komodo Dragons, they’re Water Monitors which are giant lizards that look very much like the Komodo Dragon but are not vicious or aggressive. They’re free to roam throughout the park so don’t be alarmed when one makes its way towards you. You may freak out at first sight though.
Overall, Lumpini Park is a great park with literally so much to do and cool off under a shady grove of ficus trees. If you ever find yourself in Bangkok, it’s a must-go and wear your running shoes so you can get a workout in with the locals whether it’s an intense run on the many running trails, a yoga class, a dance class or Tai chi. Plus, you get a glimpse of SE Asia’s wildlife!
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