Escaping the hustle and bustle in Lumphini

Posted by Sukhumwit Steve on November 25th, 2011 filed in attractions

Took a trip to Lumphini Park this week and it is still a relaxing location and haven of tranquillity in the heart of Bangkok. The verdant trees and lawns, and people leisurely strolling around provide a pleasant contrast to the skyscrapers on the horizon and the blaring honks of traffic on the roads surrounding it. Walking across from the Silom MRT station to the park I passed the King Rama VI statue which stands as a sentinel at the entrance.

Once inside the gates I joined other walkers and joggers circumnavigating the park on the path that runs close to the inner perimeter wall. Various elderly people were practicing tai-chi and relaxation exercises. After a couple of laps in Bangkok’s humidity it was time for a rest, so I bought a bottle of mineral water from a vendor near King Rama and found some shade beside the boating lake.

It was a real pleasure to cool down and watch boaters pedalling their craft in the heat, while the odd monitor lizard dove into the water and swam sleekly through it. There are also well-equipped children’s playgrounds, a colourful Chinese pavilion and shower facilities in the park. Silom Station is at the Rama IV-Ratchadamri road intersection.