Life in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, does not stop for a moment: people, cars, huge skyscrapers with roof gardens and constant noise. However, in the very center of the gassed metropolis, there is an island of greenery and silence, where you can easily meet a walking monitor lizard on a shady alley.
This is Lumpini Park, popular among Bangkok residents, where people come to hide from the daily hustle and bustle, go in for sports or just meditate with birds singing.
King's gift
Life in a large, rapidly developing city is not very useful for its inhabitants: a high pace of life, noisy streets and very few trees. In order to improve the lives of his compatriots, the King of Thailand, Rama IV, decided to develop a green area for sports and recreation on his lands. So in 1920, the construction of Lumpini Park began.
Inhabitants of the East have always been attentive to their he alth, so the initiative of the ruler was joyfully supported. Since then, the green oasis in the city center has been constantly changing for the better, plants are being planted, new treadmills are being equipped, and modern exercise equipment is being installed. As intended by the king, his gift has become the center of a he althy life in Bangkok.
A place for active activities
Today, Lumpini Park occupies a fairly large area, 57 hectares. Not only palm groves and flowering shrubs grow here, more than a hundred running tracks are equipped in the park. And all with a good smooth surface, and for tired runners there are nice benches in the shade of trees.
By the way, fans of pedaling adore this place for its huge territory. It is difficult to get around or even run around the entire park, but a trip along the neat paths on a bicycle will be a great pleasure. The designers who developed the green zone project took into account the needs of sports enthusiasts in advance, so runners and cyclists do not interfere with each other.
Tennis, aerobics, fitness
However, the huge green area is not only suitable for jogging, Lumpini Park has several shady courts, sports fields, fitness and aerobics areas, and even an outdoor pool. And for fans of strength training in the park there is simply an unimaginable number of modern simulators. Zones with them are located in different parts of the complex, so even in the mostactive hours everyone will find a few free machines.
Guests who come to this place for the first time are surprised by the presence of professional sports instructors who, with a friendly smile, will help you deal with an unusual simulator and show you an interesting set of exercises. Moreover, their services are absolutely free, and this seems to be the norm for the residents of the city for a long time.
Hundreds of people come here almost every evening for free group aerobics, yoga or breathing exercises. It seems that most of the city's residents regularly go in for sports in the park. Although this is exactly what King Rama IV wanted.
Boxing stadium
A few decades after the opening of the park, Lumpini Stadium, a huge Thai boxing stadium for that time, was built on its territory. The Muay Thai style of boxing, better known as the "Art of Eight Limbs", has been around for over two thousand years. In the duel, athletes are allowed to use arms, legs, elbows and knees, this is a very spectacular, but rather cruel fight.
The stadium was built under the auspices of the Thai Army, and not only famous fighters, but also army personnel trained there.
For many years of its existence, a huge number of spectacular fights took place in the arena of the stadium, often it was here that the country's champions became. The attention of the fans was also attracted by the fact that gambling and betting on fighters were allowed at the boxing stadium (this is prohibited almost throughoutcountries).
However, recently the stadium, whose stands can accommodate 9,000 fans at a time, was decided to be completely dismantled. It is not yet known what will be built on the vacated area, but for fans of Thai boxing, they have already planned the construction of a modern complex on the outskirts of the city.
Open waters
To get completely away from the noise of a city of millions, spread out behind the trees of the park, it is worth coming to the shore of a large open reservoir. It is especially pleasant to spend time here in the summer heat: coolness blows from the water, well-groomed, despite the drought, the grass descends directly to the reservoir.
Locals like to have small picnics here, mats can be rented from the staff, and a basket of goodies to bring with you. The rest of the food can be fed to waterfowl or the ever-hungry fish sticking their faces out of the water.
Many guests who leave reviews of Lumpini Park are amazed not only by its well-groomed and cleanliness, but also by the amazing peace and quiet in the park. Even on the territory it is forbidden to smoke and drink alcoholic beverages, even not at all strong. You can't take your dogs for walks. The implementation of all recommendations is monitored by strong police officers moving on brightly colored bicycles.
Main residents
This place attracts not only the opportunity to play sports and sit on the grass, but also its amazing inhabitants. In addition to curious persistent fish in the reservoirs of the park, monitor lizards live here,many of which reach impressive sizes. Surprisingly, reptiles that inspire respect are not at all afraid of people and even allow themselves to be photographed. Therefore, in many photos of Lumpini Park in Bangkok, you can see a monitor lizard sitting on some stone, content with life.
They prefer to wait out the heat of the day in the cool water of the lake, hunting for fish and sometimes frightening visitors who have rented a catamaran. The sight of a meter-long monitor poking its head out of the water next to a small boat impresses even very cold-blooded visitors.
And in the evenings, self-confident reptiles roam freely along the paths of the park. Of course, they do not approach very crowded places, but in the shade of a palm grove it is quite possible to meet a couple of cold-blooded.
Turtles also feel great in the reservoirs of the park. There are quite a lot of them, and the population is constantly increasing. It's amazing how well wild animals feel in the center of a huge city, coexisting closely next to people.
Unique palm trees and king statue
Guests who come to Bangkok for the first time will certainly be shown the majestic statue of King Rama IV, whom the people of the country literally idolize. It was placed at the main entrance, next to the MRT Si Lom metro station, from which it is so convenient to get to Lumpini Park. How the residents treat this monument can be observed every day: people of all ages bring flowers, bow, offer prayers. To get to the pedestal on which the statue is installed, you must definitely take off your shoes, this isalso a tribute.
Even during the life of the revered monarch, a unique palm garden was laid on the territory, in which rather rare species of this plant are collected. Some reach enormous sizes, much higher than the height of a person. Near each tree there is a sign with detailed information.
The popularity of the palm garden is also explained by the fact that symphonic music concerts are often held here. For those who want to dance, a small stage has been set up, so on spring evenings you can admire elegant couples circling to the sounds of a w altz.
Tourist Tips
Bangkok is quite a dynamic and overcrowded city, so finding comfortable accommodation for a holiday here is quite difficult. One of the best options is located near the famous floating market Pattaya Lumpini Park Beach (Lumpini Park Beach) apartment complex with all amenities and fairly affordable prices.
On the territory of the complex there are two swimming pools, equipped gazebos, a library, constant security and a lot of greenery. In addition, very close to the park and the city beach.
The park opens early, at 4-30 am. This allows residents of the surrounding houses to do their favorite sport before the start of the working day. But the gate closes at 21-00, so on an evening walk you need to keep track of the time so as not to stay on the bench until the morning.
Useful information
The park is located in the very center of the city, on Rama IV Road, in the Pathumwan area, so it will not be difficult to find it. When deciding how to get to Lumpini Park in Bangkok, you can use the services of a local taxi, it will be comfortable and relatively fast.
Several regular buses stop near the main entrance (No. 4, 13, 47 and 115). When naming a stop, you need to remember that it is correct to emphasize the last syllable in the name of the park. Although friendly drivers will understand and stop the bus.
Also next to the park is the underground MRT station (called Silom) and the skytrain station called Ratchdamri. Therefore, walking around Bangkok, you can use any type of subway and quickly get to a shady park.
