I added Lumphini Park into our itinerary for the day we visited the Snake Farm (Kyle’s choice) and Wat Hua Lumphong because it was nearby, I wanted to go to a park, and most of all: I wanted to ride the duck pedal boats in the lake! The last time I rode a pedal boat was when I was a child visiting Germany (or maybe Austria) with my family (when we lived in Italy) and it was a lot of fun! I thought this would be a neat activity for us and it would only cost just over a dollar.
Lumphini Park – Bangkok Thailand
After our long day which included the walk to the metro station, the ride there, the above activities, and various other little stops, we were pretty tired but I knew I would be upset if we didn’t go.
Upon entering, we found that there were many people enjoying the park. Several thousand citizens were going about their days. We noticed that the park is a popular fitness place, with lots of people running around and others taking part in various group exercise/aerobics classes. There were also many families and individuals simply taking in the nature.
At first we just plopped down in the grass and enjoyed the weather and people-watched for a bit. After we had rested, we decided to go for a stroll.
Look At The Lizards
The wildlife was quite active, with many birds, fish, and turtles going about their business. We had read that there were monitor lizards at the park, but we weren’t sure if we’d actually be able to see them – we found a couple early on swimming the lake and it was pretty neat.
We proceeded on a bit afterwards, and even came across a collared cat. I don’t know whose cat it was, but most likely it was just someone’s indoor/outdoor cat that found a great place for a nap. We pictured his owners going for a run and seeing him sitting there and say ‘So, this is where you go during the day, Oscar.’
Quick Swan Boat Ride
Finally, we located the swan-boat rental area. The cost is/was 40 baht for a half-hour ($1.13). Initially you must give 80 baht, but as long as you make it back in time, they’ll refund you 40 baht. We hopped into the boat and spent the next half hour puttering about the lake. We also had a great skyline view in some areas.
Towards the end of our ride, we stumbled upon what is apparently the resting ground for the monitor lizards. We found dozens of them dozing in the late afternoon shade along the bank of the lake. They were actually pretty much everywhere, climbing onto boats, or where ever else they could find a quiet spot. We tried not to bother them, because it’s clear they just want to be left to themselves. They scare quite easily despite looking like dinosaurs.
The sun began to go down as we left the boat, so we made our way back to the entrance. Luckily, there is a metro station not far from the entrance which makes it easy to access.
More about Lumphini Park
The park was created in the 1920s by King Rama VI. Originally meant to be an exhibition center, it was converted into the first public park in the city after World War I. It was named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal. Today, a statue of the king greets you at the southeast entrance to the 142 acre park.
You will find more than a park, though. Lumpini park is home to:
- Library
- Apprentice School
- Elder Citizens Club
- Tai Chi classes offered
- Playgrounds for children
- Cycling between 10 and 3
If you want to visit Lumphini Park, you can access it via MRT Subway Silom or Lumphini Station or BTS Saladaeng. The park is open from 4:30am to 9:00pm.
All in all, it’s a great place to enjoy nature while you’re in a city of over 12 million people.