Bangkok
has a number of parks and gardens that are wonderful
to visit to get out of the afternoon heat—or away
from the crowds, noise and pollution of the city.
Chatuchak
Park
Out
toward the airport is Chatuchak Park. This huge expanse
of landscaped grounds, with a jogging track and a large
lake where you can rent rowboats (40 baht per hour),
is a great place to visit before or after shopping at
the Weekend Market. Daily 5 am-9 pm. Free. Phahalyothin
Road.
King
Rama IX Royal Park
Set
on 200 acres/80 hectares, this park was opened to commemorate
the current king's 60th birthday. It has botanical gardens
and great spots for picnicking. Lying 15 mi/24 km outside
the city center, it's a bit inconvenient but worth the
drive if you're yearning for cleaner air, and it's far
less crowded than Lumpini, Chatuchak or Sanam Luang
Parks. Daily 6 am-6 pm. Admission: 10 baht. Soi Udomsuk,
Sukhumvit Soi 23.
Lumpini
Park
Bangkok's
foremost park offers profuse exotic greenery to shade
you from the afternoon heat. Try to visit in the early
morning (around 6 am) to see locals practicing tai chi,
singing and ballroom dancing. The park houses a jogging
track and two lakes with rowboat rentals (40 baht per
hour). Daily 5 am-8 pm. Free. Rama IV Road.
The
Rose Garden
Beautifully
landscaped resort with orchid and rose gardens, aviaries
and a re-created Thai village. There's a spectacular
one-hour cultural show with all the Thai trimmings—dance,
martial arts, religious ceremonies and elephants. Daily
8 am-6 pm. Admission: 200 baht. 20 mi/32 km west of
Bangkok. Phone 253-0295.
Sanam
Luang
These
large, oval, open grounds are best enjoyed in the evening.
Aside from a ring of trees around its perimeter, the
park offers little escape from the afternoon sun. Kite
flying and watching sunsets over the gilded Grand Palace
are favorite activities. It's regarded as safe in the
early evening, but—as with any park in Bangkok—you
should exercise caution if visiting at night. Located
across from the Grand Palace.
Dusit
Zoo
(Tel:
2812000, 2811039)
Located near Vimanmek Palace, Dusit Zoo is opened to
the public everyday from 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Tropical
animals to be found include great grey kangaroos, Sumatran
rhinoceros, Siamese crocodiles, gaurs, lesser mouse
deer, American bisons, etc. Admission fee is Baht 20.
Siam
Water Park
Siam
Water Park is merely a 30-minute drive from the Lat
Phrao flyover, and is located in suburban Amphoe Minburi.
The
park features an extensive man-made sea with artificial
surf, whirlpools, fountains and fountains and waterfalls,
and towering water slides amid carefully landscaped
gardens.
Satellite
attractions include children's playgrounds, aviaries,
an open zoo and botanical gardens.
The
complex is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (weekdays)
and 9.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m. (weekends).
Admission fee is 200 baht for adults and 150 baht for
children.
Bus service: No. 26 & 27 from Victory Monument.
(Tel: 51700759)
Safari
World
It
is located at 99 Ramindra 1, Min Buri, covers an area
of some 430 rai and is divided into 2 parts. The first,
the Safari Park, houses a large variety of animals like
zebra, deers, giraffe, birds, tigers, lion, bears, etc.in
natural habitat.
Visitors
can drive their own cars or have a good look from one
of the Safari World's air-conditioned coaches . The
second, the Marine Park, exhibits marine and some rare
animals.
Visitors
can enjoy performances by trained animals like dolphins,
birds, seals, and monkeys Restaurants and game shops
are also scattered within the area and tram service
is provided for those wishing to have a look around.
Safari
World is open daily between 9.00 a.m. Admission fee
is 400 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. For
more information please call 5181000-19
Bus
services: No. 26 from Victory Monument goes to Minburi,
from where a mini-bus service serves Safari World.
Magicland
A
large scale amusement park is located on Phaholyotin
Road on the way to Domuang Airport. Within its beautifully
decorated area, there are linked paths, pools, legendary
castles and more than 30 funny toys.
Opening time is from 10.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. on weekdays
and 9.30 a.m.7.00 p.m. on weekends.
Admission fee costs 100 baht per person.
The
price plus service charges is 200 baht a person. For
more details please contact Tel. 5131731-8.
