Exploring Bangkok's Central Parks: Running Routes and Scenic Escapes

Maintaining our running routine while traveling can be a challenge, but Bangkok's central parks offer the perfect solution. During our Thailand trips, we usually stay near Lumphini Park or Benchakitti Park, two of the city's most popular green spaces. Here, we share our balanced review of these parks, highlighting their features, amenities, and unique experiences.

Lumphini Park: Nature and Activity Combined

Lumphini Park is a favorite among both locals and tourists, and for good reason. The park features meandering, shaded paths that are ideal for running and walking. As we jogged along the paths, we almost always encounter Water Monitors, which add a unique touch to the park! It is best to keep your distance (as suggested by the signs) but otherwise these gigantic lizards seem to live peacefully among human visitors. Whether you find them intriguing or prefer to avoid them, these creatures are a notable part of the Lumphini experience. Additionally, the park hosts a vibrant morning market (North West corner of the park), making it a lively place to start the day (we love to grab snacks and fresh fruits after our runs).

Benchakitti Park: A Modern Green Space

Located approximately 1 km to the east of Lumphini Park, Benchakitti Park offers a different but equally enjoyable experience. The park's 2.5 km walking and running path circles a serene lake, providing a peaceful environment for exercise. A few years ago, Benchakitti was enhanced with the addition of a landscaped urban forest, complete with a network of wide, mixed-use paths, elevated walkways, and smaller, meandering paths. This modern green space is perfect for both runners and those looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Connecting the Parks

One of the best aspects of Bangkok's central parks is the network of pathways that connect Lumphini Park, Benchakitti Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods. These pathways make it easy to move between the parks and explore different areas of the city on foot.

Our Preferences

In conclusion, whether you are a runner or simply enjoy spending time in green spaces, Lumphini and Benchakitti parks are must-visit destinations. While both parks offer excellent amenities and experiences, we have our preferences. Lumphini Park stands out for its unique Water Monitors and lively morning market, while Benchakitti Park excels as a running destination with its well-designed modern paths and lake - and this is often where we choose to stay.

Subscribe and Follow

We are excited to share more from our Thailand road trip. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow our blog for detailed reviews, practical recommendations, and insights from our travels.