A Morning Walk Through Benchasiri Park | Bangkok City Escape

Benchasiri Park sits right on Sukhumvit Road, in the heart of the city, and it was a very short walk from my hotel, the ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit 24. I went a little after 9 a.m., before the heat set in. The forecast said it wouldn’t top 92°F, a relief after a few days in the high 90s.

The loop. I did a big loop around the outside, then came back through the middle. Morning joggers were out, kids were at the playgrounds, a mom was teaching her daughters to skate at the little skate park, and a guy was shooting hoops. (There’s a no-dunking sign, so that obviously cuts me out.) There are restrooms, public water fountains, outdoor gym machines that work off your body weight, and a pool.

Sepak takraw. The highlight was watching a group play sepak takraw. I’d seen it on TV but never in person before coming to Thailand. It’s like hacky sack on steroids, or volleyball with your feet, and it takes serious athleticism. One kick was amazing.

The art. Just about everywhere you walk, there’s a sculpture or art display, including a few cats and one statue of a mom taking her kid to the park. Apparently she forgot her top. Who am I to judge? The inner loop is shaded by trees, kids feed the pigeons by the pond, and it looks like there’s an occasional fountain show.

Most people I ran into were friendly and smiling. Watching other people enjoy themselves is oddly relaxing. It’s a great way to start a Bangkok day, and to get some steps in before heading back to the hotel for the hottest part of the day.