A half  million square kilometers (140 square acres) in size, Lumpini Park is Bangkok’s largest park. Most also consider it Bangkok’s best park and it certainly is, for most foreign visitors to and residents in Bangkok, the most conveniently located. 

Bounded on the east by Wireless (Wittayu) Road, it is just north of Silom and Sathorn Roads, and within walking distance of the Erawan complex and most of Bangkok’s top ten luxury hotels.
Lumpini Park, named after the birthplace of the Buddha, was founded in the 1920’s, a gift from the monarch, King Rama VI, to the people. 

It contains man made lakes which are large enough to host paddle boats, gardens and trees, pavilions, a very popular jogging trail, children’s play areas, basketball courts, fitness equipment areas, and an outdoor lap swimming pool. Various activities and courses, such as fencing, tai chi, yoga and aerobic dancing can be enjoyed there. 

One may also picnic and buy food from vendors. Musical performances by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and other groups are held with some regularity.

Admission to the park is free, although it can be a little difficult to get in sometimes as the park is surrounded by a gated fence.  

It opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 to 9:00 PM. There is a nominal charge to use the swimming pool and membership is required. This is also nominal but does require a doctor’s certificate. 

There is an early morning open air market outside and next to the east side of the park. There is some paid parking available at different locations in and around the park.

Use of alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited in the park, and  visitors must observes Thai standards of modest dress which, aside from the obvious, means men must wear some type of top, and ladies may not wear bathing suits.