Benjakitti Park - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

In the middle of the modern and busy Bangkok city lies Benjakiti Park. This green space, along with the large lake can be found nestled between the tall buildings of Bangkok. Sort of like the Central Park in New York, although on a smaller scale.

The park is popular for taking beautiful pictures of the city's skyline, and of course for its walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and skate ramps.

The lake makes up a large portion of the park. There is a beautiful footpath around it which is best for walking in the early morning or late in the evening. There is little shade in this footpath so the heat and the humidity during day time can become unbearable. Early morning or late evening also means that you will have the most beautiful lights to take some pictures.

It is also possible to rent swan boats in the lake and paddle among the fish and the turtles. The water also gives a different perspective of the skyline of Bangkok.

The numerous biking and walking trails inside the park have plenty of shade to take a stroll at any time of the day. You can also rent bikes here. There is a skywalk that connects Benjakiti Park with the nearby Lumpini Park. It is called The Green Mile and makes it easy for people to take a nice stroll or cycle without having to cross the busy street in between these two parks. The pathway also gives a glimpse of a typical Thai neighbourhood from above. For a detailed experience visiting Benjakiti Park, check out this travel blog from Mike in hikerhero.

Benjakiti Park was officially opened in 2004 to honour the 72nd birthday of Queen Sirikit. Even though the official opening was only in 2004, it was in operation since 1992. The park was constructed on land formally owned by the Tobacco Authority of Thailand. The lake at the park which measures 200x800 meters was built by digging and reclamation.

The park consists of a central boating lake, an outdoor exercise area, a cycling track and a path that is used by walkers and joggers. Bicycles and boats can be hired in the park.

Benjakiti Park expansions

An expansion of the park was approved in 2006, with more land granted from the Tobacco Authority. One of the main objectives was to expand the park to have a forest park and increase the overall size of the park to 72 hectares. The expansion was fully opened in 2022, with additional facilities such as elevated walkways, wetlands, rare plant areas, cycle paths and an outdoor amphitheatre.

Skywalk to Lumphini Park

Benjakiti Park is connected to the nearby Lumphini Park by a 1.3 km long skywalk. The skywalk consists of an elevated walkway and bicycle trail.

The best time to visit Benjakitti Park is either early in the morning or late in the evening, escaping the heat and humidity of Bangkok. The sunrise and sunset views of the skyline of Bangkok are at their prettiest at these times.

1. Visit either early morning or in the evening. The area can get quite hot and humid.
2. Lots of vendors sell snacks near the park, they can be quite spicy.

1. Even though Benjakiti Park was operational since 1992, it was officially opened only in 2004.
2. The name "Benjakitti" was given by Queen Sirikit during the opening.
3. The park is built on land that was previously owned by the Tobacco Authority of Thailand.
4. The park was horrifically opened in 2004 to honour the 72nd birthday of Queen Sirikit.

One to two hours is enough to cover the Park and its walking and cycling trails.

Benjakiti Park is pretty easy to reach as it is located at the heart of Bangkok city. Take the blue metro line and get off either at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station or Khlong Toei station. Benjakiti Park is at a walkable distance from both these stations.

There is no entrance fee for Benjakiti Park. If you want to do some boating in the lake, the swan boat costs 80 Thai Baht. Renting a bike also costs the same amount.

Benjakiti Park is open from 4.30 AM to 9 PM daily.