Spread out across a whopping 142 acres Lumpini Park is the Thai capital’s own incarnation of Central Park. Ideally located in the epicentre of Bangkok this popular parkland offers visitors a welcome relief from skyscraper laden cosmopolitan Bangkok with its crowded streets and congested highways. Earning its name from the birth place of Lord Buddha (Lumbhini) which is located in modern day Nepal, this public recreational space was first declared open to the public by King Rama the VI. This auspicious event took place in the 1920’s and thus the venue also hold the honour of being the city’s oldest park while simultaneously holding the record for being the largest park in Bangkok as well. Ideally located between Ratchadamri Road and Witthayu Road this engaging venue is a thriving public space for families and children as the locale also houses the city’s public library and foremost dance hall.
Occupying a property that formed part of Bangkok’s royal district Lumpini Park is perhaps best known for the idyllic lake that occupies its lush environs. Boat rides are also available along the lake while guests will also find a 2.5km long walkway paved especially for joggers along the fringes of the body of water. Large picnic areas and playgrounds are also scattered across the park which is also home to a well-equipped gymnasium as well as a basketball court. Visitors can take part in the aerobic exercise sessions or Tai Chi classes that take place regularly at the venue or simply go for a stroll around the park and admire the flowers in bloom and enjoy reading underneath a shady tree.
Concerts by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and other acts take place at the park’s dance hall periodically with the annual Bangkok Symphony Orchestra concert series ranking among its most coveted events. The park’s make shift food stalls also provide steaming bowls of Pad Thai and patties made of wheatgrass in addition to other local treats such as fresh fruit slices and refreshments.
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Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
