Lumpini Park, Bangkok

Lumpini Park is an oasis in the bustling city of Bangkok. When we relocated to Bangkok 2 years ago, living in the heart of Bangkok city was a new experience for me. I missed the peace and quiet of suburban living. So, it was a blessing to live a mere 10-minutes walk to Lumpini Park, which is located on the busy junction of Rama IV and Ratchadamri roads. I could go and escape from the hustle bustle of city living and grid-lock traffic.

Once inside the 140-acre park, a sense of peace immediately prevails.

There is a huge lake in the centre of the park where boating activities take place.

People, young and old, jog, walk, roller-blade and cycle. They play basketball, practice yoga, tai-chi, dance and martial arts. They laze around by the lake or people-watch on the bench.

They benchpress in the open-air gym. swim laps in the pool or play tennis. In the mornings, the older folks meet at their regular spots for a game of mahjong and breakfast. In the evenings, the office workers come for free aerobic sessions. During Loy Krathong, Thais gather to release their boats on the lake. The park's wildlife inhabitants co-exist peacefully with the human visitors.
Lumpini Park really is a charming hodge podge of people, wildlife and events that adds to Bangkok's fascinating facet.