Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lumphini Park
PARK
(bounded by Th Sarasin, Th Phra Ram IV, Th Witthayu (Wireless Rd) & Th Ratchadamri; ; 4.30am-9pm;
Lumphini exit 3, Si Lom exit 1, Sala Daeng exit 3, Ratchadamri exit 2)
Named after the Buddha's
place of birth in Nepal, Lumphini Park is the best way to escape Bangkok without leaving
town. Shady paths, a large artificial lake and swept lawns temporarily blot out the roaring
traffic and hulking concrete towers. There are
paddleboats
(per 30min 40B)
for lovers, a
play-
One of the best times to visit the park is before 7am, when the air is fresh (well, relat-
ively so for Bangkok) and legions of Thai-Chinese are practising
taijiquan
(t'ai chi). The
park reawakens with the evening's cooler temperatures - aerobics classes collectively
sweat to a techno soundtrack. Giant monitor lizards can be seen at just about any time,
and late at night the borders of the park are frequented by streetwalking prostitutes, both
male and female.
Siam Square & Pratunam
Commerce, mainly in the form of multi-storey mega-malls, forms the main attraction in
this part of town, but there are a couple of sights that don't involve credit cards. The BTS
stop at Siam and
klorng
taxis provide easy access to most sights here.
