Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 05:00 – 21:00

 

Benjakitti Park is a large public park in the heart of Bangkok, serving as an important recreational space for people living and working around Sukhumvit Road and Rama IV Road. The park’s most striking feature is its expansive lake, set against a backdrop of Bangkok’s high-rise skyline, creating a distinctive cityscape rarely found in other public parks. This makes Benjakitti Park a place for exercise, relaxation, and enjoying urban views in a calm and refreshing atmosphere.

 

The park was established to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the occasion of her 60th birthday in 1992. It is located on the former site of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand factory, adjacent to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, along Ratchadaphisek Road between Rama IV Road and Sukhumvit Road in Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. This central location gives the park strategic importance both economically and in terms of transportation.

 

The concept behind the development of Benjakitti Park was to transform an industrial area into green public space, particularly the area surrounding the former “Tobacco Pond,” measuring approximately 200 × 800 meters, which originated from earlier excavation and landfilling. The project formed part of Phase 1 of the Tobacco Factory Relocation and Redevelopment Plan, following a Cabinet resolution during the government of Anand Panyarachun, which called for the relocation of the tobacco factory out of Bangkok to allow central urban land to be repurposed for public benefit and improved quality of life.

 

The park was graciously bestowed the name “Benjakitti Park” by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who presided over the official opening ceremony on 9 December 2004. Since then, the park has played a vital role as one of Bangkok’s key green spaces, supporting recreation, exercise, and everyday urban life for residents and visitors alike.

 

Within the park, space is thoughtfully organized to accommodate a variety of activities. There are walking and jogging paths, outdoor fitness areas equipped with exercise machines, fountain plazas, and seating areas along the lake. These design elements allow visitors to use the park according to their own pace of life—whether for serious workouts, a light stroll after work, or simply resting while taking in views of the city.

 

The atmosphere of Benjakitti Park changes throughout the day. In the early morning, it is filled with joggers and people exercising. Midday offers a quieter retreat from the city’s bustle, while the evening is the most popular time to visit. As the sun sets, reflections on the water and the silhouettes of surrounding skyscrapers gradually shift in color, turning the park into one of the city’s most accessible and beautiful urban viewpoints.

 

What truly sets Benjakitti Park apart from other public parks is its role as a transitional urban space. Once an industrial zone, it has been transformed into a green area open to people from all walks of life. This transformation goes beyond landscape improvement; it reflects an urban development philosophy that prioritizes quality of life, public health, and balance between built structures and nature.

 

From an urban planning perspective, Benjakitti Park functions as a green lung for Bangkok’s central business district. Surrounded by office buildings, hotels, and residential developments, this large open space helps reduce visual density, opens up sightlines, and allows the city to breathe. It provides a pause between work routines for those who live and work in the area.

 

The park’s landscape design emphasizes long-term usability. Wide walkways support shared use, fitness areas are accessible to all age groups, and seating spots are distributed around the lake. Even during peak evening hours, visitors rarely feel crowded, thanks to the thoughtful layout and generous open space.

 

The large lake is not only an aesthetic centerpiece but also plays a role in moderating the surrounding microclimate by increasing humidity, lowering temperatures, and creating a more comfortable outdoor environment. Combined with the skyline backdrop, the scene reflects Bangkok as a modern metropolis that still allows nature to coexist harmoniously within the urban fabric.

 

Benjakitti Park also supports a wide range of urban community activities, from group exercise sessions and health clubs to creative gatherings that use the park as a setting. These activities help transform the park from a simple pass-through space into a shared place of belonging for office workers, nearby residents, and visitors from other parts of the city.

 

Getting There The most convenient way to reach the park is by MRT. Get off at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Station, from where you can walk directly into the park. This makes Benjakitti Park easily accessible for office workers, tourists, and anyone who prefers not to drive into the city center.

 

 

A: Yes, the park is open daily.

 

A: Generally, the park is open from 05:00 to 21:00.

 

A: Very easy. You can travel by MRT and get off at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Station.

 

A: Yes. The park has wide, even walkways and many seating areas, making it suitable for all ages.

 

A: Early morning or late afternoon is best for cooler weather and the most beautiful atmosphere.