Giant Lizards and Paddle Boats in Bangkok’s Coolest Park!

Lumphini Park is one of Bangkok’s most iconic green spaces, with a big lake, paddle boats and, the real reason we came, giant monitor lizards soaking up the sun. My friend Shane and I went looking for them.

I walked over from the Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom, which makes Lumphini an easy outing if you’re staying in Silom.

The lizards. I asked Shane to go stand closer and let one gnaw on him a little. The lizard was not interested. We’d heard they “roll them out for the tourists” on Wednesdays; on a Tuesday, only a couple were on duty. Shane’s theory is that lizards are mostly union, not a lot of independent contractors. We did eventually find the biggest one of the day, one that might actually be able to take me.

Don’t worry about finding them. The lizards are all over the place, especially along the edges of the lake.

The park. Beyond the lizards, there’s the lake with paddle boats, shaded paths and plenty of space to walk right in the middle of the city.

I didn’t try the paddle boats. Like most parks in Bangkok, it’s just a nice place to get out and walk.

If you’re in Bangkok and want a break from the traffic, Lumphini is an easy escape, and the lizards alone are worth the walk.