Rod Fai Park is a wide grassy expanse in the north of Bangkok which was once a golf course but now is an extremely popular bicycle and picnic spot. You'll find hordes of bike riders every weekend here, attracted by the lush nature that abounds all around. The cycle track is flat and easy to ride.

Bikes can be rented next to the carpark at the entrance and costs depend on which bike you choose. A popular stop, whether cycling round or not, is the Bangkok Butterfly Garden which houses a multilayered greenhouse filled with flowers and butterflies. Other activities available at Rod Fai Park include tennis, swimming, basketball, petanque, sepak takraw, and kayaking.

Rod Fai Park Bangkok - one of the highlights of 11 Great Parks in Bangkok (Read all about Bangkok here)

Rod Fai Park features

As one of the biggest parks in Bangkok, Rod Fai Park is probably the best place for those times when you’ve had too much of the urban jungle. It certainly feels a hundred miles away from bustling downtown, particularly on quieter weekdays. Birds, lizards, turtles and hundreds of grand old trees make a beautiful backdrop to a leisurely cycle around the 2 km bitumen cycle track.

Though the official name is Suan Wachira Benjathat, everyone knows it by its nickname Rod Fai Park (rod fai means 'train' in Thai, and there are still some abandoned engines and carriages close to the entrance). It's fairly easy to find Rod Fai Park, just north of Chatuchak Park and the world-famous JJ Market. Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Station or the MRT Underground to Chatuchak Park Station. It's a 10-minute walk from either station.

Rod Fai Park Bangkok

Location: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Open: Daily from 5am to 9pm

Phone: +66 (0)2 537 9221

Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveler