Benjakitti Park: A go to for outdoor fun, sports, and dating
Benjakitti Park, located right in the middle of Bangkok, is where you can go to chill with a mix of nature, fun activities, and romantic vibes. This park is not like any other park you have ever visited in Bangkok before, you can think of it as more like an all-in-one hotspot for relaxation, working out, and even catching some cool cultural stuff. So whether you’re a local or just visiting, this place is a must-visit. Perfect for a run, a bike ride, or just sitting by the lake with a stunning view of sunset.
Overview of the park
Benjakitti Park has over 130 acres of green space, which is huge compared to other green areas or parks in Bangkok. It offers a peaceful escape from the busy day of the bustling city. Located near Asoke and Sukhumvit, it’s easy to access and great for jogging, cycling, or relaxing. Just a perfect spot for any purpose. The park has expanded over the years, most obvious with the addition of the forest park. This expansion has turned Benjakitti into a full sports and leisure space with modern facilities, jogging and biking tracks, and a dedicated dog park, making it a perfect spot for everyone.
Opening hours and how to go
Due to its location and opening time, the park is easily accessible by public transport like MRT Subway or BTS Skytrain. Here are some other public transportation options we have provided for you.
Opening hours: 4.30AM to 10.00PM daily (for sport centre closing around 9.30PM)
How to get there:
- BTS (skytrain): Asok station (Sukhumvit line) then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
- MRT (subway): Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station (Blue line), exit the station, and the park is just a 5-minute walk away. If you’re coming from BTS Asok station, you can walk around 10 minutes to the park.
- Bus: You can take buses numbers 45, 46, 109, 115, 116, 136, 185, 511, AC22, AC40, AC185, or AC507, which pass near Benjakitti park. Get off at the stop near Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and walk from there.
What to do at Benjakitti Park
Picnic and relax
The park has plenty of shaded picnic areas for families and friends to relax. The central lake is a favourite spot for its beautiful views, where you can sit, read, or take cute photos. It’s a great place for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy the views and take photos
Benjakitti Park is a photographer’s dream. You’ve got these stunning views of the Bangkok skyline, surrounded by beautiful greenery and a dazzling lake in light, at night you’ve also got the city view reflecting on the surface. It’s seriously Instagram-worthy. The park’s various bridges and pathways provide perfect angles for capturing the perfect shot.
Visit art exhibitions and events
The park often hosts art installations and cultural events, making it more fun to explore. You’ll find everything from local art exhibitions to traditional Thai performances, so it’s a great mix of culture and creativity.
Water activities: paddle boats and kayaking options
The central lake isn’t just there to look pretty, you can actually rent paddle boats or kayaks for free to explore the water for a totally different vibe of the park. The highlight here is the duck pedal boat, a really cute paddle boat that you shouldn’t miss! But noted that these activities can be very busy in the early mornings or late afternoons when the weather’s nicer and cooler, so coming early around those times is recommended. Just a perfect way to chill and soak in the views.
Fitness facilities
Jogging and cycling tracks
Benjakitti Park is a favourite spot for fitness enthusiasts. It has well-equipped and maintained jogging and cycling tracks. The tracks are specifically designed to accommodate runners and cyclists, with separate lanes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Plus, now there are bicycles to rent, so you don’t have to bring your own.
To rent bikes, you’ll need to use the BMA’s Anywheel app. It costs THB10 for 30 minutes, or you can grab a day pass for THB50. Please remember that each ride is limited to 30 minutes per session.
Another option for cyclists is a rental shop. There’s a rental shop nearby the park where you can get your rental bike. You can kook via Bangkok Forest Cycling website, or go the shop here:
Outdoor fitness equipment
For those who prefer a more strict workout, the park offers outdoor fitness equipment that is placed along the pathways. These facilities are free to use and cater to various exercise routines, from weight training to cardio. So if you’re bored of the indoor gym environment, you should try checking this out!
Sport centre
Recently, they have expanded the sport centre area, which offers more choices of sport to play. You can play badminton, pickleball, table tennis, basketball, etc. in the zone provided for each sport here. Some sports might require you to pre-book because of the overwhelming need and limited space, but it can be done in a few minutes with the guide on how to book a sport below.
How to book sports through CSTD app:
- Download the app via App Store (IOS) or Play Store (Andriod).
- Open the app and register an account
- After getting the account, tap Booking on the navigation
- Tap Add new booking
- Select a sport centre (Benchakitti Sports Centre)
- Select a sport e.g. pickleball
- Select a court
- Choose a date and time
- Tap Summit and you’re good to go (success icon showing on a screen)
- Now, the booking will appear on your My Bookings page
- Tap view booking details and show to staff
Ideal dating spot
Romantic walking trails and lake views
The park’s romantic ambiance makes it an ideal spot for couples. You can walk hand in hand along the breathtaking trails with gorgeous lake views and surrounding greenery. Plus, there are plenty of quiet corners and hidden benches, perfect for some cosy, intimate chats with your special one.
Cosy spots for couples to unwind
Benjakitti Park is filled with many cosy spots where couples can unwind. Whether it’s a quiet bench under a tree or an isolated spot by the lake, the park offers plenty of places for couples to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Flora and fauna of the park
Native plant species and garden areas
As this park is a forest park, the park is home to a diverse range of native plant species. Each is carefully curated to keep things looking natural and peaceful. The garden areas are beautifully kept, so you’ll find a vibrant burst of colour from the flowers no matter what time of year you visit. It’s a total nature lover’s dream!
Bird-watching opportunities and other wildlife
Bird watchers will definitely love this park. The greenery and water attract all kinds of birds, making it perfect for spotting them. You can also see turtles and fish around the lake. It’s just a great little wildlife spot.
Benjakitti Forest Park expansion
Dog park
Now your four-legged friends are allowed in the park. Recently, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a dog park in the Benjakitti Forest Park. This new expansion is a dog-friendly zone that allows pet owners to enjoy the green space with their furry friends. If you stay in Bangkok with your little friend, you’ll know that there are not many places for you to walk with your dog like this. So, this new opening area is a perfect place for you and your little one to chill together in a well-provided, safe environment and play on-leash.
Rules and regulations
For a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors and dog owners, the park has set some specific rules here:
- Registration: Dog owners must register their pets via LINE OA @701uemys before visiting the park.
- Leash requirement: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while in the park.
- Cleanliness: Owners are required to clean up after their pets, with designated dog toilet areas available for this purpose.
- Age restriction: Dog walkers must be at least 16 years old.
- Swimming restriction: Dogs are not allowed to swim in the park.
- Zone restriction: Dogs are not allowed in other zones of the park.
Integration with the existing park
Benjakitti Forest Park is a proof that Bangkok is serious about going green and making the city more eco-friendly. The expansion fits perfectly with the original park, creating one big space for all kinds of activities. The new areas are all about sustainability, with eco-friendly designs and green features like rainwater harvesting systems, solar-powered lighting, and extensive tree planting. So you can see that this whole park is not just fun but also great for the environment.
How the expansion has improved park activities
The expansion has seriously levelled up the park, giving way more space for outdoor fun, extra picnic spots, and fresh walking trails. With the bigger area, there’s also room for even more cultural and recreational events, turning the park into a lively and super versatile hangout spot.
Accessibility and facilities
Park layout and accessibility for people with disabilities:
- Benjakitti Park provides wide, smooth pathways that are wheelchair-friendly.
- The park’s layout is intuitive, with clear signs and simple routes.
Accessibility is prioritised, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the park’s facilities.
Facilities such as restrooms, parking, and food vendors:
- The park is equipped with clean restrooms
- Plenty of parking spots.
- A variety of food vendors sell drinks and snacks in front of the park.
Every facility is prepared to make you comfortable and have the best possible experience.
Nearby landmarks and accommodations
- Terminal 21 shopping centre: A popular shopping destination located in Asoke, close to Benjakitti Park.
- Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre: A main holding spot for events and exhibitions.
- Lumphini Park: Another major park in Bangkok, easily accessible from Benjakitti Park via a pedestrian route.
- Khlong Toei Market: A local market worth visiting for an authentic Bangkok experience.
Other than these, many hotels (some are pet-friendly!) and restaurants are nearby, especially in the Sukhumvit area.
Best times to visit
- Early morning: The park opens at 5.00AM, making it ideal for an early bird or a morning person who enjoys a peaceful atmosphere.
- Late afternoon (around 4.00PM to 5.00PM): This is the most popular time to visit because the park will become alive with visitors taking evening walks. The cooler temperatures and vibrant atmosphere will enhance your experience.
- Sunset: Visiting during sunset offers stunning views as the golden hues reflect the surface of the lake and skyscrapers, making it a perfect time for photography lovers.
- Weekends: The park tends to be busier on weekends but in exchange for a lively environment with more activities and events.
Why Benjakitti Park is a must-visit
Benjakitti Park isn’t just your average hangout spot, but it’s where nature, culture, and city life all come together. Whether you’re into sports, romantic dates, or checking out cool cultural events, this park has something for everyone. Fitness fans, nature lovers, or anyone just looking for a peaceful escape will love it here. Plus, with new developments on the way, it’s only going to get better and become an even bigger part of Bangkok’s vibe. Definitely a must-visit!