Lumpini Park, named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, is undoubtedly Bangkok's best-known and best-loved park. Established in the 1920s, it covers an impressive 57.6 hectares in the heart of the city. It is a place where nature meets urbanism in the most harmonious way. The park is famous for its huge artificial lake, where you can rent boats and pedal boats, which is great fun for the whole family. Jogging and walking paths, children's playgrounds and numerous outdoor exercise stations make Lumpini Park a favorite place for active recreation for Bangkok residents.

One of the park's most fascinating attractions are the water varanas, which can be observed strolling freely on the lawns or swimming in the lake. This is an amazing experience for children and adults, who can admire these impressive reptiles up close in their natural habitat. Lumpini Park also offers a rich cultural program, including outdoor concerts and tai chi classes in the morning, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture.

Slightly less well-known but equally fascinating is Benchakitti Park, which opened in 2004 on the site of a former tobacco factory. This modern urban park covers an area of 45 hectares and is a true marvel of ecological engineering. The centerpiece of the park is a large lake surrounded by biking and walking paths, creating the ideal conditions for active recreation. The park stands out for its sustainable architecture and innovative ecological solutions, such as water purification systems and the use of solar energy.

Benchakitti Park also offers extraordinary views of the Bangkok skyline, making it a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset. The park also features nature trails that teach visitors about local flora and fauna, a great learning opportunity for the little ones. Note the unique themed gardens, including a water garden and mangrove forest, which showcase Thailand's diverse ecosystems.

Both parks, Lumpini and Benchakitti, offer free admission, making them accessible to all visitors. They are open daily from early morning to late evening, providing flexibility in scheduling visits. These parks are an excellent example of how modern metropolises can integrate nature with urban spaces, creating places that serve both recreation and environmental education.

Queen Sirikit Park, named after Thailand's beloved queen, is another gem among Bangkok's green spaces. This 20-hectare park, opened in 1992, is a tribute to the queen's commitment to protecting the environment and promoting Thai culture. The park is distinguished by carefully designed flower gardens that change with the seasons, always offering visitors a new aesthetic experience. Of particular note are the collection of orchids and lotuses in the central pond, a symbol of purity in Buddhist culture.

Queen Sirikit Park also offers educational botanical trails where you can learn about the diversity of Thai flora. This is an ideal place for families with children who want to combine learning with outdoor fun. The park is also a popular picnic spot, especially on weekends, when local families come here to enjoy time together surrounded by nature. Admission to the park is free, making it accessible to all visitors.

Let's now move on to Chatuchak Park, which is part of a larger park complex in the northern part of Bangkok. This park, opened in 1980, covers an area of 40 hectares and is known for its artificial lake and expansive lawns ideal for picnicking. Chatuchak Park is particularly popular with joggers and cyclists, offering well-maintained paths surrounded by lush vegetation. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with many species inhabiting its grounds.

One of the unique features of Chatuchak Park is its proximity to the famous Chatuchak weekend market, making it an ideal place to relax after shopping. The park also offers children's playgrounds and outdoor gyms, making it a versatile recreational destination for people of all ages. Admission to the park is free, and its convenient location near the BTS and MRT stations makes it easily accessible to tourists.

Suan Luang Rama IX, the largest park in Bangkok, covers an impressive 80 hectares. Opened in 1987 to commemorate King Rama IX's 60th birthday, the park is a true botanical treasure. Divided into several thematic sections, including an international garden, a water garden and a medicinal plant garden, Suan Luang Rama IX offers visitors a journey through a variety of ecosystems and horticultural styles from around the world.

The centerpiece of the park is a picturesque lake with a traditional Thai-style pavilion, which is a popular spot for photography. The park also offers many educational attractions, including a science center and planetarium, making it an ideal destination for family outings that combine learning with fun. Suan Luang Rama IX is known for its spectacular flower displays, especially during the cooler months when the park fills with colorful flower arrangements.

There is a fee to enter Suan Luang Rama IX, but prices are affordable (about 10 baht for adults and 5 baht for children), making it a worthwhile investment for a day's entertainment. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering flexibility in scheduling visits.

Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a unique attraction that offers visitors a fascinating encounter with the exotic world of insects. This small but extremely rich in content butterfly garden is located in the northern part of Bangkok, in Rot Fai Park (Vachirabenjatas Park). Opened in 2001, this place is a paradise for nature lovers and an educational adventure for children and adults.

The Butterfly Garden is a spacious dome where hundreds of colorful butterflies representing the different species found in Thailand fly freely. Visitors can observe these delicate creatures up close while learning about their life cycle and role in the ecosystem. The garden is designed to mimic the butterflies' natural habitat, with lush vegetation and small waterfalls, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Insectarium, part of the complex, displays a fascinating collection of insects from around the world. Educational exhibits explain the importance of insects in nature and their impact on the environment. This is an excellent opportunity for children to overcome any fear of insects and learn to appreciate the diversity of the natural world.

One of the most interesting features of the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is the opportunity to observe the process of butterflies hatching from their cocoons. This is an unusual experience that is rarely seen in nature, and here it is available to all visitors. In addition, the garden offers educational programs and workshops, which are especially popular with school groups.

Admission to the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is free, making it accessible to all interested parties. The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Note that the best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the butterflies are most active.

All in all, Bangkok's parks and gardens offer a remarkable variety of experiences, from sprawling recreational areas to specialized themed gardens. Lumpini Park, with its rich history and central location, remains the heart of green space in the city. Benchakitti Park impresses with its modern green features and beautiful views of the city skyline. Queen Sirikit Park delights with carefully designed flower gardens, while Chatuchak Park offers the perfect setting for active recreation. Suan Luang Rama IX, as the largest park in the city, provides a comprehensive botanical and educational experience. And the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium provides a unique experience and knowledge of the fascinating world of insects.

Each of these parks and gardens has its own unique character and offers something special. This diversity makes Bangkok's green spaces appealing to a diverse group of visitors - from families with children, to nature lovers, to those looking for a quiet place to relax. It is worth planning a visit to several of these places during your stay in Bangkok to fully appreciate the green side of this fascinating metropolis. Bangkok's parks and gardens not only provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, but also offer insights into Thailand's culture, history and nature, making them an integral part of the experience of this unique city.