Bangkok is one of the busiest cities in the world, yet it is also home to beautiful parks that provide refuge from the fast pace of urban life. Lumpini Park, named after the Buddha’s birthplace, encompasses more than half a million square metres in the heart of Thailand’s capital. On any day you can see adults practicing Tai Chi and yoga while children frolic on playgrounds and young professionals take walks during their lunch breaks. The picturesque garden serves as a perfect spot for meditation and the forests house unique plants and animals, such as the massive water monitor lizards that strut freely across the walking trails.
Recreation, Food and Entertainment in Lumpini Park
If you’re looking for some intensive recreation, join a free outdoor aerobics class or challenge some locals to a game at the Lumpini Park basketball court. After you work up an appetite, visit one of the many food vendors set up near the statue of Rama VI for classic dishes like pad thai and jim joom cooked right in front of you. On many Sunday afternoons, you can enjoy free jazz and classical concerts or participate in ballroom dancing underneath the pavilion.
Bangkok Sightseeing
In addition to Lumpini Park, art and architecture enthusiasts have plenty to admire within the city. For example, Wat Traimit is the shrine of the largest gold statue in existence, the Golden Buddha. At Wat Pra Kaew, you will find the Phra Kaew Morakot, a Buddha statue perfectly carved out of jade. Another must-see is the centuries-old former residence of Thai kings, the magnificent Grand Palace. As far as modern architecture goes, don’t miss Thailand’s tallest structure, the Baiyoke Sky Tower, which happens to be a great place for shopping and dining.
Other Places of Interest in Bangkok
Terminal 21 is a testament to the Thai people’s love of shopping malls. Each level of this giant structure is designed to resemble one of the world’s most popular cities such as Paris, Tokyo, London and San Francisco. You can learn about Thailand’s lush history from the Neolithic era to the birth of democracy at the Bangkok National Museum, but set aside at least half a day for your visit since it is the largest museum in Asia. Speaking of democracy, be sure to behold the Democracy Monument located in the centre of the city. Whether you’re traveling with kids or other adults, everyone will enjoy a trip to Thailand’s largest zoo, Safari World, and its aquatic equivalent, the Ocean World aquarium.
If you’re a fan of both nature and metropolitan life, a stay near Lumpini Park is the best way to experience Bangkok. Plan your dream holiday at Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, where you can easily get to Bangkok’s biggest attractions during the day and then return to a tranquil sanctuary in the evening.