Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.sukhothai.com
;
Sukhothai Hotel, 13/3 Th Sathon Tai (South); buffet 900B; 2-5pm Fri-Sun; ;
Lumphini exit 2)
If you love the sweet stuff, the Sukhothai Hotel offers a unique, almost en-
tirely cocoa-based high tea.
TOP SIGHTS
LUMPHINI PARK
Named after Buddha's birthplace in Nepal (Lumbini), Lumphini Park is central
Bangkok's largest and most popular park. Its 58 hectares are home to an artificial
lake surrounded by broad, well-tended lawns, wooded areas, walking paths and the
odd scurrying monitor lizard to complement the shuffling Bangkokians - it's the best
outdoor escape from Bangkok without leaving town.
The park was originally a royal reserve but in 1925 Rama VI (King Vajiravudh; r
1910-25) declared it a public space. In the years since it has matured and, as the con-
crete has risen all around, become the city's premier exercise space. One of the best
times to visit is early morning, when the air is (relatively) fresh and legions of
Chinese are practising t'ai chi, doing their best to mimic the aerobics instructor or
doing the half-run half-walk version of jogging that makes a lot of sense in oppress-
ive humidity. A weight-lifting area in one section becomes a miniature 'muscle
beach' on weekends, when the park takes on a festive atmosphere as the day cools
down into evening. Cold drinks are available at the entrances and street-food
vendors set up tables outside the park's northwest corner from about 5pm.
