Benjakitti Forest Park

Bangkok is a miracle of experiences, sights, and tastes, but it has not always been good at caring for public spaces. The famous Lumpini Park is the main exception. But just 20 minutes walk from Lumpini, over elevated walkways that arch over working-class residential neighborhoods, a true shining gem of natural conservation and public recreation has been launched within the past five years: Benjakitti Forest Park. A large swath of city converted from old tobacco company warehouses into lush wetlands teeming with birds and beautiful trees of varying tropical species. Pedestrians either walk on graceful skywalks that are elevated above the trees and foliage, or stroll on walkways amongst the dense vegetation. What's more, some remaining warehouses contain public-use badminton, ping-pong and playground areas, while another one has a jaw-dropping model of the entire city of Bangkok, tens and thousands of painstakingly created models of houses, roads, and skyscrapers. This park was a stroke of genius and good fortune for the citizens of Bangkok. Be sure to bring a hat and water, it's possible to roast yourself.