Seen from above, this area really does looks like a giant green lung and it is literally the city’s largest green space, a wonderful breath of fresh air escape from the Bangkok traffic, noise, heat, and congestion. Located just a five minute boat ride across the Chao Phraya River, Bang Krachao actually belongs to neighboring Samut Sakhon district, and strict building...

Everyone mentions Lumphini Park as the green space to visit, but Benjasiri is another park par excellence in our book. Next to The Emporium shopping mall, this little haven is great for running and walking. There are some decent sculptures, plus tropical flowers among the palms, frangipani trees, and a pool. At the southwest corner are tennis and Takraw courts. The latter,...

Beside the Weekend Market is Chatuchak Park, a popular place with picnickers. Enterprising vendors sell snacks and rent colorful woven plastic mats to anyone who has come unprepared. There is a skinny lake with paddle boats for rent. Head out on the shallow, murky waters in a fiberglass craft with a cartoon duck head at the helm and pass under...

We can thank Vajiravudh for Lumphini Park. Rama VI, who also translated Shakespeare into Thai, made this royal property public green space in the 1920s. Now surrounded by high-rise office buildings, it is a much-needed leafy getaway from the concrete jungle outside its gates. As is the case with most parks, people come here to run. Early in the morning...

Lounging beside the Chao Praya River or eating snacks from the many street vendors on Phra Athit and Phra Sumen Roads are the main activities here; this park is too small for running. On a gentle slope of lawn, cement banks form a simple auditorium for performances. There is a pavilion with an open view of the river, and Phra...

Joggers come to this park for their daily 5K – there is equipment here for stretching, too – and students stop by to hang out among the orchids. There is a children’s playground, and a small artificial lake in the center, around which all the recreation happens. It’s hard to believe that outside the northern gate is Ratchavithi Road. That’s...

This gorgeous park opposite the Grand Palace is steeped in history and full of Victorian, traditional Thai, and Chinese-style architecture. It was originally built as a palace in 1866, and was later the residence of King Vajiravudh. In 1960 it became a public park. Shady, green paths lined with frangipani trees wind through the grounds. Botany classes are held in...