Benjakitti Park is a beautifully designed public space situated in the city centre of Bangkok. Often compared to Central Park in New York, Benjakitti Park serves as an urban oasis with features like jogging trails, lakes, and a forest park.

This scenic outdoor area is a relaxing getaway from the bustling streets of Sukhumvit Road and can easily be reached by public transport. It's a great place to view the Bangkok skyline and embed yourself in nature and calm while still being close to the city centre.

Benjakitti Park extended the area in 2022, building a huge 102-acre public park behind the original Benjakitti Park. The new gigantic park is known as Benjakitti Forest Park, and both parks are located in the same space, joining onto each other.

In this post, we're going to explore both Benjakitti Park and Benjakitti Forest Park, giving you insider tips on visiting information and things to do in the area.

History of Benjakitti Park and Benjakitti Forest Park

Benjakitti Park in the heart of Bangkok was officially opened in 2004 in celebration of the 72nd birthday of Queen Sirikit. The park was built on the site of the old Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, which the Treasury Department decided to turn into a public park.

Covering over 130 acres, Benjakitti Park is a green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The central lake surrounded by greenery and paths is a lovely spot to relax and exercise.

Benjakitti Forest Park is a newer addition, completed in 2022. This extension of the original park was designed by Turenscape, the renowned environmental architect, and Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect.

The Forest Park is part of a larger initiative to increase Bangkok’s green spaces and address environmental issues. Built on the remaining land of the old tobacco factory, Benjakitti Forest Park covers 102 acres and is a “sponge city” that focuses on sustainable urban water management. This innovative design includes wetlands, elevated walkways, and many islands to support diverse wildlife habitat.

Additionally, the park incorporates sports centers designed to promote community engagement and physical activities, enhancing the ecological and recreational offerings of the area. Together, Benjakitti Park and Benjakitti Forest Park form an enormous green space in Khlong Toei, Bangkok, reflecting the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

Activities and Attractions

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, and photography. The park offers a unique experience with its design and features, including raised glowing walkways and wetlands for treating wastewater.

Benjakitti Forest Park is a great place to get close to nature, with many crickets and frogs inhabiting the pools. It's an incredible area to capture images of nature or of the Bangkok skyline. There are so many awesome photo opportunities within the park, whether you're interested in cityscape photography or nature photography.

The park is a popular spot for exercise and relaxation, with many local Thai people visiting for recreation. It is especially popular during sunset and early morning as the weather is usually cooler during those hours. The sunset facing the lake at Benchakitti Park is very beautiful, and you can see the Bangkok skyline along with the nature of the park.

This park keeps it simple with beautiful nature, walkways, running tracks, dedicated paths, ponds, and lakes. Everything is well kept, the views are great, and it's a relaxing place to exercise, take a relaxing walk, or capture some great photos.

Environmental and Ecological Attributes

Benjakitti Forest Park is more than just a beautiful green space; it plays a crucial role in promoting urban sustainability and environmental conservation. One of the park’s standout features is its innovative wetland area, which acts as a natural wastewater treatment system. This system purifies contaminated water from the canal, producing an impressive 1,600 cubic meters of clean water each day.

The park’s design incorporates the “sponge city” concept, allowing it to retain rainwater during the rainy season and gradually release it during the dry season. This not only helps reduce the burden on Bangkok’s drainage system but also supports a diverse wildlife habitat, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The use of recycled materials, such as repurposed concrete and stone, in the park’s construction underscores a commitment to sustainable design and waste reduction. Benjakitti Forest Park sets a new standard for environmentally conscious urban planning and design, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

Location and Accessibility

Benjakitti Forest Park is located in Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand, near Benjakitti Park and the canal. The park is surrounded by the city’s dense, central area, with the expressway to the west and Benjakitti Park to the east.

Situated between Ratchadapisek Road and the Sukhumvit MRT line, it’s an escape from the city chaos. You can get to Benjakitti Park by public transport. The park is just a short walk from the Sukhumvit MRT station or the Asoke BTS Skytrain station, so it’s very connected to the rest of Bangkok.

The park is easily accessible, with a primary entrance on its western edge leading to a plaza and an amphitheater. Visitors can access the park through various gates, including the Asoke intersection. The park even connects to Lumpini Park via a raised green pedestrian bridge at the end of Benjakitti Forest Park.

Tips for Visiting Benjakitti Park

Benjakitti Park is open daily, and visitors can access the park by taking the MRT subway to Sukhumvit station or the BTS Skytrain to Asoke station.

The park is easily accessible on a limited budget, with free admission and activities. Visitors can enjoy the park’s universal design, with elevated walkways and accessible facilities.

Benjakitti Park is also a great place to visit during the day or at night, with raised glowing walkways and live music in some areas of the park at night.

Comparison to Other Parks

Benjakitti Forest Park is an innovative park, and it is unlike any other parks in Bangkok or around the world. The park’s design and features are inspired by the “sponge city” concept, making it a model for urban parks. This is a way to create more sustainable parks by promoting healthy water management throughout the city.

Benjakitti Forest Park has many footbridges that allow cyclists, joggers, and walkers to enjoy incredible views of the skyline and the nature. It's a maze of natural beauty, and you can view Bangkok's beautiful skyscrapers while being far enough from them, enjoying the peaceful nature. There aren't many locations like this, where you can escape the city centre while still being inside the city centre.

Lumphini Park is also an incredible scenic area, but it is very different from Benjakitti Park, as it is a lot smaller and offers fewer views. Benjakitti also has less visitors compared to Lumphini Park, especially as there is more space to explore. If you're looking for a truly relaxing retreat from the city streets of Bangkok, then Benjakitti is the best place to find calm in the big city.

Conclusion

Benjakitti Forest Park is a must-visit scenic area in Bangkok, offering a unique experience and a peaceful escape from the city. The park’s innovative design and features make it a model to aspire to for new urban parks. It's a great place to visit for outdoor activities, relaxation, and nature conservation.

Overall, Benjakitti Forest Park is a testament to the power of urban planning and design in creating a better environment for the surrounding community. It's a place to escape the bustling streets of Bangkok and enjoy beautiful nature while not having to travel far from the city centre.