Bangkok’s Best Walk: Exploring Benjakitti Park
Bangkok is a city of extremes—chaotic streets, neon-lit nightlife, and relentless energy. But hidden within this urban sprawl lies Benjakitti Park, a sanctuary of calm where nature and city life meet in perfect balance.
During my latest stay at NanaThai Suites, located at the bottom of Soi 4, I found myself just a short stroll from one of Bangkok’s best walking spots. With a balcony view overlooking the park, I had the perfect base for early morning walks, escaping the madness of the city before it fully woke up.
📺 Watch the full walk here
A Tobacco Factory Turned Urban Oasis
Benjakitti Park wasn’t always the lush, peaceful escape it is today. The area was once home to the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, a massive government-owned cigarette factory.
In the 1990s, the Thai government decided to convert the land into a public green space, in line with efforts to improve air quality and create more recreational areas in Bangkok. The park officially opened in 2004, with further expansions—including the stunning Benjakitti Forest Park—completed in 2022.
Today, it stands as a symbol of Bangkok’s transformation—from industrial sprawl to a livable, green city.
A Perfect Walk: Benjakitti Park at Sunrise
Benjakitti Park is the perfect place for slow travelers, photographers, and anyone looking to escape the noise. The walk begins with a lake surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting the Bangkok skyline in the golden hues of sunrise.
Key Highlights of the Walk:
🚶 The Skywalk – Elevated paths take you above the park, giving panoramic views of both nature and the city.
🌿 Lush Greenery & Lakes – Water reflections, birds chirping, and a cool morning breeze set the mood.
🏙️ The Skyline Backdrop – A perfect contrast of modern skyscrapers against the natural landscape.
This park is not just a place to exercise, but a spot to clear your mind, take in the scenery, and observe how Bangkok balances nature and urban expansion.
Why Walking Through Nature is Transformative
In a fast-paced, overstimulated world, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts, stress, or even travel fatigue. But there’s something almost primal about putting one foot in front of the other, breathing in fresh air, and letting nature do its work.
A simple walk—especially in a place like Benjakitti Park—is more than just exercise; it’s a reset button for the mind.
- Nature Resets Your Mindset
Science backs up what we instinctively know—spending time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. Studies show that walking through green spaces lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improves mood, and enhances focus. The rhythmic movement of walking combined with the sights and sounds of nature acts like a form of meditation, helping to quiet the noise in your head.
- Walking Clears Negativity & Sparks Clarity
Ever noticed how a long walk seems to sort out your thoughts? Problems that feel overwhelming indoors become manageable outside. Movement stimulates blood flow to the brain, boosting creativity and perspective. If you’re feeling stuck, negative, or restless, a few miles through a nature park like Benjakitti can shift your entire outlook.
- It’s a Caveman Hack for a Modern World
Our ancestors didn’t sit in offices or scroll through screens all day. We evolved to move, and walking in nature connects us to something deeper—a sense of exploration, curiosity, and presence. The brain craves this movement. It’s why a long walk often makes us feel alive, present, and restored.
- Walking Helps Balance Hedonism & Purpose
If you’re in Bangkok, chances are you’re experiencing both extremes—the indulgence of nightlife, the stimulation of the city, and the constant buzz of activity. Taking a long morning walk in a place like Benjakitti restores that balance, letting your body and mind recalibrate before diving back into the chaos.
- A Simple Yet Powerful Travel Strategy
Travel isn’t always excitement—sometimes it’s draining, sometimes you feel disconnected. When those moments hit, the best reset isn’t another bar or another dopamine hit—it’s a walk through nature. No distractions, no screens, just movement, fresh air, and your own thoughts sorting themselves out.
NanaThai Suites – The Perfect Stay for Walkers
During this stay, I checked into NanaThai Suites, located at the quieter end of Soi 4. From my balcony, I had a direct view over Benjakitti Park, making it an ideal base for my morning routine.
Why It’s a Great Spot:
✔️ Walking Distance to Benjakitti & Lumpini Park – Two of Bangkok’s best parks are right at your doorstep.
✔️ Peaceful Atmosphere – Unlike the chaos of Soi 4’s nightlife zone, this spot offers a quiet escape.
✔️ Nana Plaza Just a Walk Away – If you want to switch from peaceful mornings to wild nights, the infamous Nana Plaza party zone is at the other end of Soi 4.
This stay truly embodied Bangkok’s duality—a place where you can start the day with mindful walks in nature and end it with a drink in a neon-lit bar.
A Walk Between Two Worlds – Nature vs. Nightlife
One thing that makes Bangkok fascinating is the way it throws contrasts in your face.
Mornings: Quiet walks in Benjakitti Park, sunrise views, fresh air.
Nights: The chaotic energy of Nana Plaza, neon lights, and nightlife temptation.
This push-and-pull dynamic is why travelers either love or struggle with Bangkok. It’s a city of choices—balance or excess, mindfulness or indulgence.
Final Thoughts – The Best Way to Start Your Day in Bangkok
If you’re visiting Bangkok and looking for a peaceful, scenic way to start your day, a walk through Benjakitti Park should be on your list. Whether you stay nearby at NanaThai Suites or just visit for a morning break, this park offers a rare moment of tranquility in one of Asia’s most intense cities.
Have you walked through Benjakitti Park? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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