Bangkok is known around the world for its historic and contemporary architecture. You’ve probably seen photos of its palaces and temples, or its impressive skyline filled with endless skyscrapers.
Luckily, Bangkok is much more than that. There are fascinating neighborhoods, impressive Brutalist architecture, and even perfectly designed parks. One of them made headlines around the world when it opened in 2022. We are talking about the Benchakitti Forest Park.
The park is a perfect example of how good design and sustainable practices can yield great results. It was built in only 18 months with a very limited budget, and it quickly became Bangkok’s most beloved park.
The Original Park
The entire park occupies the site of a former tobacco factory. Originally, only the area next to Ratchadaphisek Road was developed. An 800 x 200-meter (2,600 x 660-foot) pond was created there in 1992.
The year the park opened, Queen Sirikit turned 60, which is considered the fifth cycle in the traditional Thai calendar. The Queen named the park Benchakitti, which means exactly that: the fifth cycle. However, the park only officially opened in 2004, on Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday.
The area around the pond features walking and cycling paths and is particularly popular with joggers. In recent years, there has been a new trend of wearing black if you are single and approachable. However, do not assume that every person wearing black is actually single.
The Forest Park
In 2006, an expansion of the park was approved. However, it took more than a decade for construction to begin. Today, the entire park covers 72 hectares (180 acres) and includes former factory buildings, centuries-old trees, new vegetation, ponds, and walkways.
The main idea behind the project was to retain excess water during the rainy season and use it during the dry season. Materials from demolished structures were reused as foundations and pavement.
In order to stay within budget, the project retained all existing roads. As a result, the new park is divided into four areas. Each of them has a newly built pond with islands and an impressive skywalk above the water.
The Skywalk
What I love most about Benchakitti is that you can walk among the trees and experience the park from above. It is the perfect place to take photos with the wetlands below and skyscrapers rising in the distance.
The elevated path begins at the Green Bridge, which connects Benchakitti Park with Lumpini Park. From there, it heads southeast before splitting into two branches near the end. One branch leads to the museum, while the other leads to the pond.
The skywalk is often crowded with young locals doing photo shoots. Many spend hours trying to get the perfect shot. There are several places where you can descend and enjoy the park at ground level.
Ponds with Islands
As mentioned above, each of the four sections of the forest park has its own pond with islands. They were created using the cut-and-fill technique, where excavated land formed the ponds and the removed soil was used to build the islands.
The entire area around each pond has a porous structure capable of retaining water during the rainy season. As a result, it requires very little irrigation during the dry season.
While some islands were created around existing trees, others feature newly planted vegetation. A pedestrian path circles all four lakes, creating the feeling of walking through a swamp.
The Amphitheater
One of the highlights of the forest park is a circular gathering space known as the Main Amphitheater. It is covered in grass and surrounded by two symmetrical mounds with terraced seating.
The amphitheater is located at the western end of the park, just beyond the main entrance. A 50-meter (164-foot) plaza connects it to the entrance gate. On the opposite side, there is a small circular reflecting pond.
The open-air space was designed for concerts, yoga classes, and community gatherings. The annual MedMusic in the Park festival is held here.
The Museum
The area west of the pond and south of the forest park is occupied by a large building housing the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum. The 30,000 m² (320,000 square-foot) structure is a former warehouse belonging to the tobacco factory.
The museum hosts an herbarium that pays tribute to Queen Sirikit by collecting and studying plants associated with Her Majesty. The most famous of these is the Kitiyakara orchid.
Another room in the museum contains a large 3D model of Bangkok built in 2009. Here, visitors can clearly see how much the city has changed since then. Admission is free.
The Sports Center
Another area that repurposes original tobacco factory buildings is the park’s sports center. It consists of six buildings located at the northern end of the park.
Parts of the roofs of the original structures were removed to create open-air spaces. These areas are commonly used for outdoor activities such as calisthenics.
The six covered sports facilities are dedicated to six different sports: futsal, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis. There is also a skate park. Each facility must be booked in advance.
The Green Bridge
The Green Bridge, also known as the Green Mile, is a 1.6 km (1 mile) elevated walkway connecting Benchakitti Park and Lumpini Park. Since Bangkok lacks proper pedestrian streets, this elevated pathway could arguably be considered the city’s only true pedestrian route.
The bridge begins at the northwestern corner of Benchakitti Park and is directly connected to the park’s skywalk, allowing visitors to walk all the way from the pond to Lumpini Park without touching the ground.
It was constructed in 1999 and renovated in 2022 and again in 2026. It is now more accessible than ever, and there is even direct access from Lumpini Park. Along its route, it passes near the Indonesia Mosque and the Holy Redeemer Church.
Where to Stay near the Park
Staying near Benchakitti Park is a great idea. Centre Point Sukhumvit 10 is a fantastic choice right at the park’s entrance. Each unit comes with a small kitchen and dining area. Book a lake-view suite and you may never want to leave.
The Column Bangkok Hotel is another excellent property with rooms overlooking the park. They offer fully furnished studios as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments. There is also an infinity pool with views of the park.
Finally, if you are looking for something even more luxurious, you should stay at one of the hotels in One Bangkok. The complex is located next to Lumpini Park and within easy reach of Benchakitti. The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok is its most extravagant hotel.
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