Mindful Travel in Thailand

Tag: #sustainabletravel

  • Why the 100th Years Old Lumpini Park in Bangkok is More Than Just a Park

    Lumpini Park is Bangkok’s first public park and one of its most important urban landmarks, but its significance goes far beyond being a green space for sports and recreation. The park has celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025.

    Historical and cultural roots

    Founded in the early 1920s on royal land donated by King Rama VI, Lumpini was envisioned as a modern, accessible public space for citizens of all ages. Its name comes from the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal.

    There are free morning and evening aerobic exercises at Lumpini Park near the main entrance close to the statue of King Rama VI. The morning ones are simpler, while the evening ones are more advance.
    I was told this Tai Chi group has been here for decades.

    What to do at Lumpini Park

    Surrounded by skyscrapers of Silom and Chidlom and busy Ratchadamri, Witthayu (formerly called Wireless) and Rama IV roads, the park today offers rare open greenery in one of Asia’s most densely built and populated capitals, serving as a “green lung” for residents and visitors. It has been a place for exercises (running, yoga, aerobic dance, Tai Chi), picnics, meditation, social gatherings, concerts and festivals. Some of these activities are free, some are with small fees. There are free exercise equipment, playgrounds, toilets and lockers around the park. It’s also home to hundreds of iconic water lizards, cats, and duck‑ and swan-shaped spinning boats. These boats are free of charge to use and life vests are provided.

    Visitors to Lumpini Park can use duck-shaped spinning boats free of charge. Life vests are also provided.
    Water lizards can be seen roaming around Lumpini Park during the day. This one seems to take the wrong lane …
    I was told this orange cat is one of the celebrity cats of Lumpini Park.
    An Australian-themed playground sponsored by the Australian Embassy Bangkok across the road from Lumpini Park

    How to get to Lumpini Park

    The park has some parking spaces with small parking fees, but the road traffics around the park are usually heavy, so I won’t suggest you come by car, neither taxi. Taking MRT (MRT stands for Mass Rapid Transit.) metro is the most convenient way to get here. There are two MRT stations right next to the park: Silom and Lumpini Stations. You can also take BTS (BTS stands for Bangkok Mass Transit System.) sky train and get off at Sala Daeng BTS Station.

    The park opens daily from 4.30 – 22.00.

    An elderly lady having a rest by the pond at Lumpini Park

    Useful things to know

    There’s a decent sized food hawker at the corner of Ratchadamri and Sarasin roads. I would usually go there after my morning walks and yoga classes. Fresh fruits are cheap and all the ready to eat food I’ve tried were delicious, especially the BBQ pork skewers at the far end near Sarasin Road.

    A view of Lumpini Park taken from Chulalongkorn Hospital across the road
    A morning yoga class I joined while I was in Bangkok in May 2026. You can find them next to the water lizard sculpture in the morning, 7.00-8.00am. If you would like to join them, simply ask and you can join with a small fee.

    Alcohol drinking, smoking, gambling and drone flying are not allowed inside the park.

    #lumpinipark #bangkok #bangkokparks #freethingstodoinbangkok #bangkokcats #bangkokwaterlizards

    For information about other public parks in Bangkok, read Green Escapes in the City: Exploring Bangkok’s Best Public Parks – Mindful Travel in Thailand.

  • Getting Around Bangkok with BTS and MRT

    Bangkok may be famous for its traffic chaos and air pollution—but don’t let that stop you. With the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway, exploring the city is not only easy and affordable, but also cool, clean, and surprisingly scenic.

    🚝 BTS Skytrain – Zip Through the City Above Ground

    The BTS Skytrain is hands-down one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get around Bangkok. With air-conditioned trains gliding above street level, you’ll skip the traffic and soak in great views of the city. The BTS runs on two main lines:

    BTS Skytrain operates from 6 AM to midnight.
    • Sukhumvit Line (light green): From Kheha in the southeast to Khu Khot in the north, this line covers key stops like Asok, Mo Chit, and Phaya Thai.
    • Silom Line (dark green): Running from Bang Wa to National Stadium, this line includes Chong Nonsi and Saphan Taksin, where you can catch a free shuttle boat to riverside destinations like ICONSIAM and Asiatique.
    The road traffic to Asiatique the Riverfront can be heavy during rush hours. To avoid that, you can take BTS to Saphan Taksin and catch a free shuttle boat.

    The central interchange at Siam Station connects both lines, giving you easy access to Bangkok’s top shopping, business, and entertainment areas. Many stations are also conveniently connected with MRT Subway.

    Buying tickets is simple—just use the machines or counters at any station. If you’re planning multiple trips, grab a Rabbit Card (physical or via app) for discounted fares and quicker access. There’s also a One-Day Pass for unlimited rides, ideal for sightseeing days (note: not valid on all lines).

    Trains run daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, and stations are well-signed in English and Thai. Most are also equipped with elevators and ramps for accessibility, and helpful staff are always nearby.

    🚇 MRT Subway – Glide Underground to Culture & Calm

    When the BTS doesn’t reach, the MRT Subway usually does. This underground system is just as modern and reliable, with air-conditioned trains that make zipping across Bangkok comfortable—even during the midday heat.

    There are two main MRT lines:

    • Blue Line: The heart of the MRT network, forming a loop from Tao Poon to Lak Song, and linking to the BTS at Chatuchak Park (Mo Chit), Sukhumvit (Asok), and Silom.
    • Purple Line: A quieter commuter line stretching from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai, ideal for residential and suburban stops.

    Tickets can be bought from easy-to-use touchscreen machines or station counters. Consider a stored-value MRT or Mangmoom card if you’re staying a while—it saves both time and baht. Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard), issued by both international and Thai banks, can also be tapped at the gates.

    ✨ Must-Visit Spots on the BTS & MRT

    Getting to Wat Pho is very easy with Sanam Chai MRT Station almost right next to it.
    The best way to get to Chinatown / Yaowarat is by MRT, getting off at Wat Mangkon Station.

    Both systems open up access to some of Bangkok’s best attractions:

    • Grand Palace & Wat Pho – Hop off at Sanam Chai MRT.
    • Chinatown – Get to Wat Mangkon MRT for temples, street food, and hidden bars.
    • Chatuchak Weekend Market – Reach it via Mo Chit BTS/ Kamphaeng Phet MRT.
    • Terminal 21 – Just steps from Asok BTS / Sukhumvit MRT.
    • Benchakitti – Get off at Queen Sirikit MRT.
    • Lumpini Parks – Get off at Lumpini MRT/ Silom MRT/ Sala Daeng BTS.
    • Bang Kachao – Take the MRT to Bang Wa, then a short boat ride.

    Whether you’re in town for temples, markets, shopping, food, or a bit of everything, the BTS and MRT make exploring Bangkok stress-free.

    🗺️ Tip: Plan your route at bts.co.th or mrta.co.th before heading out!

  • Top Routes to Explore Bangkok with Minimal Environmental Impact:

    Top Routes to Explore Bangkok with Minimal Environmental Impact:

    Classic Culture Loop

    Highlights: Temples, Old Town, Local Markets, River Views, Street Food
    Transport Combo: MRT Subway + River Boat + MuvMi e-Tuk Tuk

    Start your day by taking the MRT to Sanam Chai and exploring some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks—the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. For a change of scenery, hop on a short ferry ride across the river to visit the stunning Wat Arun.

    Wat Arun

    From Wat Pho, either walk or take a MuvMi e-tuk tuk to the vibrant Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market, where colourful blooms and local vibes await. Make sure to check out Floral Cafe at Napasorn, a florist + cafe with quirky flowery decorations.

    MuvMi e tuk tuk
    You can meet Khun Jampa, a celebrity cat of Pak Khlong Talad at the Floral Cafe at Napasorn.
    My sister (with my husband and I in a mirror) at Floral Cafe at Napasorn

    Next, take the MRT to Wat Mangkon to visit Mangkon Kamalawat Temple. Then, go on foot along Mangkon Road and wander around Yaowarat Road, Song Wat Road, and the Talad Noi area. You’ll stumble upon historic shrines, beautiful architecture, lively street art, delicious food stalls, cosy cafés, and hidden little shops.

    An old shrine by the river in Talad Noi
    Colourful street art at Talad Noi
    Song Wat is a 1 km-long road lined with beautiful historic shophouses.

    🧭 Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors.

    Shop ‘Til You Drop

    Highlights: Iconic Malls, Local Markets, Food
    Transport Combo: BTS Skytrain + MRT Subway

    The BTS Skytrain is the best way to go shopping in Bangkok.

    For all-out mall shopping, head to BTS Siam and explore Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Square, and MBK. Just a short walk from here is CentralWorld, another mega mall worth checking out.

    Next, hop on the BTS to Chidlom for a more upscale shopping experience at Central Chidlom and Central Embassy—or simply walk there from CentralWorld.

    Continue your shopping spree by heading to BTS Phrom Phong to dive into the high-end world of EmQuartier and EmSphere, two of Bangkok’s trendiest shopping complexes.

    If markets are more your style, take the BTS to Mo Chit or the MRT to Chatuchak Park or Kamphaeng Phet to explore the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market. While it’s open daily, weekends are when it’s at its most lively.

    🧭 Great for shoppers, fashion lovers, and foodies.

    Green Escape in the City

    Highlights: Parks, Quiet Walks, Cycling
    Transport Combo: MRT Subway + BTS Skytrain + Bike

    Begin your escape at MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and explore the tranquil Benchakitti Park then stroll the scenic skywalk over to Lumpini Park—a perfect urban oasis. If the skywalk is too far, you can hop back on MRT and get off at Lumpini Station.

    Lumpini Park

    For even more greenery, ride the MRT to Bang Wa, then hop on a short boat ride across the river to Bang Kachao, often called “Bangkok’s Green Lung.” Here, rent a bicycle and explore the peaceful trails, weekend floating markets, lush gardens, and quiet temples.

    🧭 Perfect for nature lovers or anyone in need of a breather from Bangkok’s bustle.

    Street Food by Night

    Highlights: Street Food, Local Vibes, Vibrant Night Markets
    Transport Combo: MRT Subway + BTS Skytrain

    Start your evening by taking the MRT to Sam Yan or the BTS to National Stadium, then walk to Banthat Thong Road – a local favourite for street food. After that, head to MRT Wat Mangkon for a deep dive into Chinatown’s night scene. Wander along Yaowarat Road for more street food and don’t forget to explore the small side alleys where you’ll find quirky small bars, hidden gems, and some more delicious food waiting to be discovered.

    🧭 Best for foodies and night owls.

    Pa Tong Go Savoey in Yaowarat was featured in Michellin Guide’s “5 Incredible Street Food Stalls in Yaowarat’s Chinatown”.
    Bustling Yaowarat Road after dark