A Morning at the Park

Often called the “lung of the city” Lumpini Park occupies 140 acres or 56.6 hectar in the main business district of Bangkok, located on the north side of Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri Road and Witthayu Road. It is the first public park of Bangkok, a heritage of King Rama VI given to his people in 1925. The activities in the past included kite competitions, cow races, swings, merry-go-rounds. Giving this land to the government, King Rama VII stated that the land could be used as a public park only. During World War II, the park temporarily became a Japanese soldiers’ camp. After the war in 1952 - 1954, it was a venue for the celebration of the constitution and the Miss Siam Beauty contest was held on the park's island. Lumpini Park houses the city's first public library and dance hall, a senior citizens club and sports club, where swimming and ballroom dancing are taught. During winter time, the park becomes the site for the annual Concert in the Park festival featuring classical music by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and other bands (every Sunday at 5.00pm in December and January).

One of the “must do” things for every Bangkok visitor is to watch the morning activities in Lumpini Park or even better, participate in one of the morning Chi Kung exercises. Most of the “action” takes place between 0700 and 0800 in the morning, with people practicing Tai Chi, Qui Gong, Yoga, jogging, ball room dance, Thai dance and martial arts. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest days of the week with over 40.000 visitors a day, while Mondays tend to be the most quiet (street vendors are not allowed to set up their stalls on Mondays, which might contribute to the lower number of people visiting the park).

Itinerary: 06:30hrs Our guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and accompany you to Lumpini Park by private car or van. Participate in a 50-minute Tai Chi / Chi Kung exercise or take a leisurely walk through the park to watch the various activities taking place in the morning. Watch out for the large lizards at the lakeside and notice, how everyone comes to a standstill, when the national anthem is played over loudspeakers in honor of the king at 08:00AM. Transfer back to your hotel for a refreshing shower and breakfast.