Contrary to popular belief, Bangkok isn’t all skyscrapers and tangled telecom wires. Dozens of beautiful green spaces are actually dotted throughout the city limits. Some are small public parks hidden in residential neighborhoods and others are sprawling islands (like Bang Krachao). One place that has been a hit with locals and travelers for decades now is Lumphini Park, right by the Silom business district.
The park is home to artificial lakes, banyan trees, manicured lawns and gardens, and a few quirks which we will reveal later in our guide. Staying nearby makes it easy to pop in whenever you like to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, whether that’s joining a Morning Yoga Class or stretching your legs on a casual run. Lumphini is also within walking distance of Benjakitti Park - a more modern, architecturally unique forest park.
Lumphini Park
Banyan trees
What To Do at Lumphini Park
Admire the Views & Spot Monitor Lizards
The views across the lakes of Lumphini are lovely. You’ll see everything from palm trees and water fountains to sleek buildings rising in the distance. But what gives the lakes their exotic character are the many monitor lizards lurking in the water. These creatures swim under the bridges and rest in the shade, and sightings are pretty much guaranteed! They aren’t aggressive, unless provoked, so just keep a safe distance.
Monitor lizards
Monitor lizards
Ride a Swan Paddle Boat
For an activity that couples and the whole family will love, why not take a spin in a white swan boat? The kids will love paddling out into the middle of the lake searching for monitor lizards, while couples might even enjoy it as a cheesy little date. And the best part? To hire one is currently free of charge. You’ll find the boats at the lakeside pier, just a short walk from the King Rama VI Monument, with morning and afternoon rentals available.
People Watch at Lumphini Park
We love Lumphini for its people watching opportunities. By that we mean the simple pleasure of wandering aimlessly and watching locals practice Tai Chi, have lunch together or chat away at the Dog Park. It’s also common to see Thais praying in front of the small Buddhist shrines. Lots of shrines, pavilions and monuments are scattered throughout the park - decorated with candles and flowers and nestled by banyan or rain trees.
Locals relaxing
Shrines
Partake in a Bit of Exercise
Exercise is a key component of every Bangkok trip, simply because the food is so good that it’s hard to stop eating! Don’t underestimate how many calories you need to burn after gorging on mango sticky rice and Thai tea. While you could stick to your hotel gym, we recommend getting some fresh air in Lumphini Park. There are many ways to break a sweat - outdoor gyms, running paths and basketball courts are all at your disposal.
Walk the Green Bridge to Benjakitti Park
To combine both Lumphini and Benjakitti Park into one fun afternoon, you can easily stroll along the newly renovated Green Bridge that connects the two. This elevated walkway stretches for 1.6 kilometers, and has a dedicated cycling and walking lane. It’ll take you above the concrete jungle of Bangkok’s streets, past lush greenery and charming canals, and in about 20-30 minutes you’ll land at the forest park wetlands of Benjakitti.
Visit Dusit Arun Park & Rooftop Bars
Just across the street lies Dusit Arun Park - a sky park that not only offers incredible views of Lumphini but is filled with its own urban greenery. The real magic happens when you head to the 39th floor of the connecting Dusit Thani hotel, where you’ll find one of the most amazing rooftop bars in Bangkok: Spire. Another rooftop bar and restaurant worth checking out in the area is Iris & Wild Iris, situated on the opposite corner of Lumphini.
How to Get to Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park is one of the easiest attractions to reach in Bangkok, with MRT stations near its main entrances. Ride the Blue Line to Si Lom Station and you’re there! Alternatively, if you prefer the BTS, make your way to Sala Daeng Station which is a 5-minute walk away. From the Old Town, we’d recommend heading to Sam Yot or Sanam Chai Station and taking the MRT rather than jumping in a taxi. The traffic in Silom can get hectic.
Is Lumphini Park a Good Area to Stay?
If you’re searching for hotels by Lumphini Park, just know that this area of Bangkok is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot. Prices are high, especially for luxury properties like Dusit Thani or SO/ Bangkok, but there’s still plenty of mid-range options to be found. The location here is unmatched: well connected to the MRT and BTS, and walking distance to trendy cafes, rooftop bars and cheap street food (Hawker Centre Suan Lumphini).
FAQs About Lumphini Park
Is Lumphini Park worth visiting?
In our opinion, Lumphini Park is definitely worth visiting, particularly when you need a break from things like partying and temple hopping. The park is still quite green even in the middle of the dry season (January and February), and there’s always something happening. The monitor lizards are the highlight for us but beware: the Thai word for monitor lizard is a naughty curse word that shouldn’t be said around Thai people!
Lumphini Park in February
What are the opening hours?
Lumphini Park opens its gates at 4:30 AM and closes at 10:00 PM every day, giving you the flexibility to visit both day and night. The best time to beat the heat and see Tai Chi is the early morning, although dusk has its own charm with sunset reflections on the lake and the national anthem playing at 6:00 PM. If you’re planning to ride bicycles through the park, just remember to stick to the allocated cycling times (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
Are there any park rules to know about?
Smoking, vaping and alcohol aren’t allowed within the park, so don’t try to smuggle in a few Leo beers for your picnic (food is permitted of course). The only other rule you need to follow is not touching or feeding the monitor lizards. The lizards hunt for their own food, typically small fish and insects, and the last thing you want to do is throw the park’s ecosystem out of whack. The same goes for the pigeons or any other birds flying around.
Lumphini Park
