Bangkok is a colorful and chaotic capital city brimming with exotic delights, but for even the most energetic of travelers the crowds and traffic can sometimes get a little overwhelming.
The ideal place for some much needed time out is among the shady trees and cool lakes of Lumpini Park.
This is green and leafy sanctuary slap bang in the middle of the city — with just a small dose of weirdness that we’ve come to expect from Bangkok.
It’s loved by locals and tourists alike who come here to take a breath of fresh air and relax in the luscious surroundings – and you don’t even have to leave the city to enjoy it.
Let’s find out more…
Lumpini Park Facts
Named for the place of birth of the Lord Buddha in Nepal, the large, leafy expanse of Lumpini Park (an impressive 142 acres in total) is ideally located in the centre of Bangkok’s main business district between the north side of Rama IV Road and Ratchadamri Road.
Access to the park is easy as it’s only a short stroll from Sala Daeng BTS station, Lumpini MRT station and Silom MRT station.
It’s open every day from 4:30am to 9pm.
A little egret in Lumpini (By Thai National Parks CC BY-SA 2.0 licence)
Lumpini Park Attractions
The large green expanse of Lumpini makes it the best Bangkok park for outdoor fun.
It’s a beautiful place for leisurely walks and picnics, or for those who prefer to ramp up the pace there are over a mile and a half of paths for jogging or running. Dotted around the park are a number of eye-catching sculptures and pavilions that add interest to the already charming surroundings.
But this park offers much more too, and there’s something to please all ages.
Fancy a little fun on the water? No problem — you can take a pleasant ride in a swan paddle boat for only 40 THB.
There is also a modern air-conditioned fitness centre here, with tennis courts and an outdoor pool, plus a free outdoor gym with weights.
By istolethetv (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Entertaining dance and fitness classes attract the crowds too, or you can join the locals in an energetic game of tha kor (kick volleyball).
If you’d rather just lie back and enjoy a spot of people watching, early morning and early evening is when you will see the largest number of locals flock here to practice tai chi, aerobics, yoga, dance and much more.
It’s also well worth coming here on a Sunday for the excellent free musical events that are regularly performed for the public in high season.
If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find solace in the many street food stalls that line the outer perimeter of the park’s walls.
Lumpini Park Wildlife
Beasts lurk in Lumpini Park… If you’re not expecting them, the huge lazy monitor lizards that live here can be a bit of a shock.
Positively prehistoric in appearance, these reptiles have been stealing the show here for decades, wallowing in the cool shallows and basking in the sun.
‘Monitor lizard’ is a general term for large lizards native to this part of the world, and the Lumpini Park lizards are specifically water monitors.
A monitor hanging out by the pedaloes (by istolethetv CC BY 2.0 licence)
There’s plenty for these carnivorous beasties to eat in the park, which has enabled them to grow to monstrous proportions — some have grown up to 10 ft (3 meters) long! They’re so happy here in fact, that they have multiplied, and can now be counted in their hundreds.
Around 40 of these impressive beasts were captured and moved by authorities towards the end of 2016, for fears that their numbers were getting out of control, but they are still very much in evidence here.
If you feel a little intimidated by the idea of meeting one of these scaly citizens whilst strolling in the park, there’s no need to fear – these guys are practically harmless to humans. There are many Thais, in fact, who believe that the monitor lizard is a sign of good luck and prosperity, so meeting one just might make your day!
Aside from the lizards, Lumpini Park is one of the best Bangkok parks for other wildlife too. Numerous squirrels, turtles, different species of fish, and large land snails the size of your fist all have a home here.
The park mainly features lush mown lawns with ancient trees that provide welcome shade from the sizzling sun, but there are also plenty of attractive ornamental areas with rare flowers, shrubs and ponds which attract a host of bird species such as Oriental Magpie-Robins, Coppersmith Barbets, Pied Fantails, Large-billed Crows and pretty Zebra Doves, who twitter pleasantly as they flit from tree to tree.
Image contains photo by Terence Ong (CC BY 2.5 licence)
Hotels Near Lumpini Park
If you’d like to stay close to Lumpini Park there are some fantastic hotels nearby. Here is our pick of the best…
The Sukhothai Bangkok
- Luxury 5 star hotel
- 210 elegant air-conditioned rooms and suites
- Tranquil gardens
- Award winning Thai cuisine and classical Italian dining
- Health Club 24 hour fitness centre
- Bar
- Tennis and squash courts
- Botanica spa, massage and wellness centre
- 25 meter outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi
- 10 minute walk from Lumpini Park
- 10 minute walk from Lumphini MRT Subway Station
Banyan Tree Bangkok
- Luxury 5 star spa hotel
- 327 modern rooms and suites
- One of the tallest hotels in Bangkok
- Panoramic rooftop restaurant and bar
- 4 other restaurants featuring International, Japanese, Contemporary Thai and Oriental cuisine
- Fitness centre, steam room and sauna
- Business centre
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Holistic spa
- 10 minute walk from Lumpini Park
- 10 minute walk from Lumphini MRT Subway Station
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
- Modern 5 star hotel
- 169 luxurious rooms and suites
- Award winning fine dining at Nahm Thai Restaurant, consistently voted as one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
- Healthy cuisine at GLOW restaurant
- Cocktail bar
- 20 meter outdoor lap pool
- Fully equipped fitness studio
- Urban Escape Spa and wellness centre
- Daily complimentary yoga classes
- Concierge service
- Free shuttle service to Saladaeng BTS Skytrain Station
- 5 minute walk to Lumpini Park
- 5 minute walk to Lumphini MRT Subway Station
That’s everything you need to know about Lumpini Park!
Featured image contains photo by Terence Ong (CC BY 2.5 licence)
