An island of tranquility and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Bangkok but a mere five minutes’ walk is the oasis of Benjakitti Park. Covering an area of 130 rais with beautiful landscapes and jogging paths, the park is opposite the Queen Sirikit National Convention and can be accessed via the MRT or BTS both a few minutes’ walk from the park. The park now stands on what used to be a vast expanse of crown-owned low rise factories and warehouses, a part of the Tobacco Monopoly but now with an artificial lake that offers a stunning view of downtown Bangkok from the park.
One can enter from either the Asoke entrance or the one near the Queen Sirikit Convention Center and be cut off from all the confusion and noise during peak hours. The lake is the picture of serenity and a soothing medicine to the minds of the busy workaholics of the city. Locals and tourists gather at the park in the early hours of the morning or in the late evening hours when the temperature is coolest but be rest assured the park is almost never congested and perfect for a quiet jog. The jogging and cycling paths (separate paths for both to ensure safety of both) encircles the park making a path of around 2 km. One can rent a bicycle for a small fee on an hourly basis or even a row boat and paddle to the center of the lake for a stunning view of the Bangkok skyline while slowly drifting across a sea of shimmering lights reflected on the dark water of the lake Ratchada.
The park is a hive of activity during the evening hours with locals coming in for their daily exercise and one can join in at the skateboarding ramps or an aerobics session at the fitness area but it is never too busy or congested to break the cool and serenity provided by the rolling landscapes and trees from all around the world. One can watch the centerpiece fountain and stage of lights and performances out up during major festivals from within the lush green expanse of the park.
For a Bangkok Cruise Tour to see the hidden secrets and the stunning skyline of the city from the blue waters, step in to the offices of Anantara Cruises Thailand for comfortable Bangkok Cruises complete with tour guides to help you understand the landscape and culture while enjoying the cool serenity of the lake.