In the middle of the Asok towers, there is a forest. Benjakitti Park in Bangkok combines a large lake, wetlands and an elevated walkway that winds above the trees. It is free, easy to reach and one of my favourite places to breathe in the city.
Benjakitti in brief: from tobacco factory to urban forest
The park stands on the former grounds of the Thai state tobacco factory in Khlong Toei. The first part, built around a large lake, dates from the 1990s and was officially opened in 2004. Its name pays tribute to Queen Sirikit.
The big news is the forest extension, opened in stages from late 2021 and completed in 2022. The whole park covers about 72 hectares, or nearly 450 rai. It is a real landscape, designed to soak up monsoon rain, with ponds and planted islets.
The designers are the Chinese firm Turenscape and the Thai studio Arsomsilp. Their idea: a green sponge in the heart of the city. The result is striking, especially from the walkway.
The skywalk: walking above the wetlands
The star of the park is the skywalk, an elevated walkway of about 1.7 km that crosses the forest section. You walk at treetop level, above marshes and reeds, with the Sukhumvit skyscrapers as a backdrop.
The walkway is wide and flat. It suits pushchairs and gentle walkers. On the other hand, there is little shade and few benches along the way. Allow 30 to 45 minutes at an easy pace.
Below, ground-level paths and wooden boardwalks take you closer to the water. You will see herons, monitor lizards sunning themselves and plenty of dragonflies. Keep your distance from the monitor lizards: calm, but wild.
The lake and what you will see
On the old park side, the big lake is circled by a walking and jogging loop of about 1.6 km. This is the regulars’ Benjakitti: morning runners, exercise groups, families picnicking in the shade. The towers reflected in the water make one of the finest postcards of modern Bangkok.
The park also has cycle lanes separate from the footpaths, sports areas, toilets and a few water points. Food options inside are limited, so bring your own water.
How to get to Benjakitti Park
The easiest way is the MRT (Blue Line). Get off at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station: the park is right next door, on the other side of the convention centre. The main entrance is on Ratchadaphisek Road.
From the BTS (Sukhumvit Line), get off at Asok, then walk 10 to 15 minutes south along Ratchadaphisek Road. You can also take the MRT from Sukhumvit station, right below Asok, and ride one stop to the convention centre. For cards, fares and connections, read my guide to getting around Bangkok by BTS, MRT and boat.
By taxi or Grab, ask for “Benjakitti Park” or show the Thai name: สวนเบญจกิติ.
Opening hours, bikes and the best time to go
The park is open every day, usually from 5am to 9pm, and entry is free. These hours can change during events: check the signs at the entrance.
The best time is early morning, between 6am and 8am. The heat is still bearable and the light is soft. Second option: late afternoon, from 4.30pm, to enjoy the sunset from the walkway. Between 11am and 3pm, the heat is crushing and the skywalk offers very little shade.
For cycling, several guides mention a rental point near the lake, at around 50 THB an hour. Prices and hours change, and the cycle lane has its own opening times: check on site. You can also bring your own bike.
Combining Benjakitti with a nearby spot
The most logical combination is Lumphini Park. An elevated walkway called the Green Bridge, or Green Mile, links the two parks over about 1.3 km, above the streets and along a canal. So you can do both on foot, without facing the traffic.
Another option: finish around Asok and grab a bite in the cool of the shopping mall food courts. And if you love greenery, keep half a day for Bang Krachao by bike, Bangkok’s great green lung on the other side of the river.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Come before 8am or after 4.30pm: at midday, the skywalk is a hotplate.
- Bring at least a litre of water, a hat and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable shoes: with the lake, the skywalk and the Green Bridge, you easily walk more than 5 km.
- Pack mosquito repellent for the ground-level paths, especially late in the day.
- In the rainy season, showers often come in the afternoon: mornings are safer.
- Respect the cycle lanes, cyclists ride fast there.
- At 6pm, the national anthem is played: stop for a few seconds like everyone else.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benjakitti Park free?
Yes, entry is free, including access to the skywalk. Only extras such as bike rental cost money.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the skywalk and the lake loop. Add an hour if you continue to Lumphini Park via the Green Bridge.
Which station is closest to Benjakitti Park?
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station, on the Blue Line. From BTS Asok, it is a 10 to 15 minute walk.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Bangkok – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
