For many foreigners being in Bangkok for any length of time arouses a need to see some greenery and take time out to relax from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Suan Luang Rama IX park is a place you’re able to find this time out, although its location is not as close to the main tourist areas of the city.
We visit quite often because we live on this side of town, enjoy chilling out there and have visited the early morning market for breakfast and fruit and veg. The market is very Thai and you can get a breakfast and buy other foods.
About The Park
Suan Luang Rama IX was opened in December 1987 (Thai year 2530) to celebrate the 60th birthday of Thailand’s much loved king Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away October 13, 2016.
Rama IX is the largest of all parks in Bangkok and has much less tourists visiting than any other in the city, such as Lumpini or Chatuchak .
The reasons it’s not so popular for tourists is because it’s situated well away from the main tourist areas and it is the only attraction within the area, so it’s not like you can visit a number of places located close to each other.
Ratchamangkhala Pavilion
If you take a walk around the pavilion you will see window displays explaining the life of the late king and the various activities he has been involved in and how knowledgeable he is on many subjects.
I was very surprised and impressed that a person could gather as much experience and knowledge. The pavilion is a focal point of the park and can be seen from most areas.
Plaques Provide Information About Each Room
Main Attractions
The main attraction of this park is having a place to relax and be among attractive scenery.
You could quite easily spend a couple of hours walking around viewing the variety of flowers (especially during December when the park has a colorful flower festival), the indoor plants garden and cacti in the geodesic dome area, and visit the pavilion to find information about king Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Hire a Pedalo
You can also hire a swan look a like pedalo to pedal around the large lake in for 40 baht (the hut near by is where you pay).
The pedalos have a roof to shade you from the sun. This is a great way to relax.
International and Botanical Gardens
There are a number of international gardens set up representing garden designs of various countries including France, England, China, Japan, Spain and the USA.
The most interesting for us was the geodesic dome full of unusual cactus plants and succulents, and the indoor area for tropical and ornamental plants “all provided with their botanical names”. If your a plant lover or keen gardener you’ll find seeing these alone are worth the visit to Rama IX park.
Outdoor Gym and Children’s Play Area
A section of the park also provides an area for a kids playground and a basic outdoor gymnasium (popular in Thai parks). These are situated next to each other.
Various Flower Displays
You will always find a great flower display all year round at Suan Luang park. The last time we visited they had set up displays for valentines (See pictures below).
Tips And Information For Visitors
Deciding which entrance: You can arrive by taxi at two entrances. One entrance is opposite Big C (supermarket) and has a few places to eat and a coffee shop. I prefer this entrance (if were not going shopping or to the market) because it’s easier to get a taxi from (closer to the main road) and to get a coffee after the park.
The other entrance – the main entrance, is a good option if you’re planning to go to the early morning market or visit Seacon Square shopping mall. The market on a Saturday morning begins early (about 6am – 11am) so if your up for some Thai style breakfast at 6am before taking a stroll around the park then it’s well worth it.
Seacon Square is huge with plenty of shops and a multiplex cinema. It’s nice because it’s pretty much tourist free, like everything else in this area. A few minutes walk from Seacon is another small shopping mall called Paradise Park you can visit.
When to go: The best time to go is December for the flower festival and at any time during the cooler months from Nov – Feb. After February I would make sure you went early to avoid the heat, otherwise you’re not going to have the energy to walk and see anything other than the shade of a tree.
If you have a Saturday morning free: You can make a morning of it by going to the market just after sunrise, and then take a trip around the park. After the park do a spot of shopping at Seacon Square (and you can visit Paradise Park shopping mall which is close to Seacon).
If you plan to go to Seacon Square after, at the park entrance you can get a taxi or jump on a 10 baht Song Teow (an open air minivan) that waits frequently outside the park on the opposite side of the road (costs 10 baht and takes 5 mins).
Toilets, places to rest and huts to buy drinks and snacks are available around the park.
Getting To Suan Luang Park/ Address
An easy option if your close to a BTS line (skytain station) is to get off at station Udom Suk and take a taxi from there (costs about 80 baht).
Opens: 5.00am – Closes 7.00pm
Address: Chalermprakiet Rama 9, Sukhumvit 103 Road (Udom Suk). From the Srinakarin Road you come to the park from the back of Seacon Square.
