Benjasiri Park
Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
About
An oasis of peace and beauty in the heart of the busy Sukhumvit Road area, Benjasiri Park, also known as the Imperial Queen's Park, is located next to the Emporium shopping complex at the Phrom Pong BTS SkyTrain stop. It is popular for exercise and a casual stroll. In botanical garden fashion, the trees show Thai and Latin names, and the lush lawn and flowering plants such as frangipani are carefully maintained. At the heast of it lies a small artificial lake. Exercise and playground equipment get much use and it is not uncommon to see a pickup game of full-court basketball while the badminton courts are typically occupied by Thai playing a sort of cross between volleyball and hackysack. A wide asphalt road encircles Benjasiri's green space and paving-stone paths with plenty of benches take a more circuitous route through the trees and grassy knolls around the central lagoon. The park is frequented by joggers and walkers as well as couples, children and people simply looking for a bit of shade without the pressure of Bangkok traffic. A couple of concession stands serve refreshments and vendors at the front gate near the fountains serve common street foods. During Loi Krathong Festival Benjasiri Park is a popular gathering place for releasing "krathongs" into the water. Admission is free.