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Bangkok Residents Escape Rising Heat With Weekend Park Hikes

Bangkok residents head to city parks and river trails for weekend hikes and bike rides amid rising July temperatures.

By Bangkok Things-to-do Desk · Published July 25, 2026

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Bangkok Residents Escape Rising Heat With Weekend Park Hikes — Photo by Climáximo / flickr (by-sa)

Bangkok residents packed trails at Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Forest Park on the weekend of July 11-12 as daytime highs reached 35 degrees Celsius.

Global events including U.S. strikes in the Middle East and wildfires in southern Spain have pushed more locals to seek short escapes within reach of the capital rather than long flights. The trend aligns with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's push for green corridors that started in 2024 and now covers 12 districts.

Trails and routes in central districts

Lumphini Park on Rama IV Road offers a 2.5-kilometre loop popular with runners and families renting paddle boats on its lake. Nearby, Benjakitti Forest Park along the old tobacco factory site added 1.2 kilometres of elevated boardwalks last year that wind through restored wetlands. Both sites sit within 15 minutes of the MRT Blue Line, making them accessible after work.

City records show Lumphini recorded 18,400 visitors on the first Sunday in July, up from 14,200 the same weekend in 2025. Bike rentals at the park gates cost 50 baht per hour while water refill stations added in May now serve 600 litres daily during peak hours.

Practical steps for the coming weeks

Visitors can download the BMA Parks app for real-time crowd counts and trail closures. Early morning starts before 8 a.m. avoid the strongest sun, and the Chao Phraya ferry from Sathorn Pier reaches Bang Krachao island trails in 25 minutes for longer rides. The next free guided bird walk at Benjakitti begins at 6:30 a.m. on July 19.

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