Table of Contents
Introduction
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The Bangkok Green Mile: The Urban Connection
The Bangkok Green Mile, known locally as Saphan Khiao (Green Bridge), is a 1.3 km elevated pedestrian and bicycle corridor. It serves as the essential Benjakitti Park (also spelt Benchakitti) to Lumpini Park walkway. This path allows for a seamless transition between the city’s two most prominent green spaces without encountering street-level traffic. Consequently, this dedicated artery provides a safe route for runners, cyclists, and commuters. Recently renovated, the path now features improved lighting, wider lanes, and rest areas to enhance the Bangkok Park Connection.
Lumpini Park: Bangkok’s Heritage Green Space
As the first chapter in this tale of two parks, Lumpini Park represents the traditional heart of the city. Established in the 1920s, it is characterized by classic, manicured landscaping and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Community rituals take center stage here. For instance, the park’s central lake is a primary attraction. Visitors often ride on the iconic swan-shaped paddle boats. Meanwhile, the surrounding grounds are famous for the large Asian Water Monitor lizards that roam freely among the joggers. From sunrise Tai Chi groups to evening open-air aerobics, the park functions as a bustling hub of activity. It offers wide paved boulevards and shaded picnic areas beneath century-old trees. Now it is connected by the Bangkok Green Mile to the Benjakitti Park.
From Industry to Ecosystem: The Evolution of Benjakitti Park
The transformation of Benjakitti Park from an industrial complex into a world-class ecological landmark is a defining project for modern Bangkok. In 1991, the Thai government resolved to relocate the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly factory to the provinces. The intention was to create a significant “green lung” for the city.
First Phase
The park was officially named “Benjakitti” to honor the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1992. The name refers to her fifth-cycle anniversary. The first stage of this multi-decade vision centered around a massive rectangular lake. It had manicured jogging tracks and provided a classic urban park experience.
Second Phase
The second and most innovative phase began in 2016 to honor the Queen’s 84th birthday. This phase focused on transforming the remaining factory land into the Benjakitti Forest Park. Completed in 2022, this expansion shifted away from traditional park aesthetics toward a “sponge city” design. Rather than clearing the industrial debris, designers recycled old factory concrete for earthworks. Furthermore, this phase introduced the complex wetland system that now defines the park.
The priority was biodiversity and ecological function over traditional park aesthetics. A sophisticated wetland system with four large ponds was designed to filter polluted water naturally. These ponds use native plant species and provide flood control. Visitors navigate the space via an extensive network of multi-level skywalks. These walkways cut directly through a growing canopy of over 7,000 new trees. This re-wilded habitat supports migratory birds and local insects. Additionally, modern amenities like an outdoor amphitheater and repurposed tobacco factory warehouses provide contemporary spaces for culture and sport.
By connecting this innovative landscape to the historic Lumpini Park via the Bangkok Green Mile, the city has successfully bridged its industrial past with an ecological future. This link completes the Bangkok Forest Park Connection. Therefore, it offers a multi-layered experience for every visitor.
Get your camera ready! This route offers several photographic opportunities highlighted by the camera emoji 📷 throughout the post. Let’s dive straight in.
Highlights
Superscript links indicate waypoints on the map below
Directions
This urban walking route links the modern ecological wonders of Benjakitti Park3 with the historic charm of Lumpini Park8. By following it, you can explore the city’s evolving landscape while staying mostly separated from road traffic.
Begin at Phloen Chit BTS Station. From there, head toward the Bangkok Linear Park1 📷 (daily 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM). This relatively new path takes you directly to the northwestern entrance of Benjakitti Park (daily 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
Once inside, follow the multi-level skywalks 📷 to navigate the park’s expansive ecosystem. You can then extend this to complete a full loop around the rectangular lake 📷. When you are ready to leave Benjakitti Park, head back to the northwestern entrance by which you entered. Here you will find the start of the Bangkok Green Mile5 (daily 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM).
The Green Mile 📷 takes you directly to Lumpini Park (daily 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM). A dedicated walkway entrance was under construction when I visited in December 2025. If this walkway is not finished, walk a short distance south on Wireless Road to the park entrance.
There are a variety of paths around Lumpini Park 📷, but aim to end your journey at the southwestern gates near the King Rama VI Monument. This exit places you directly at the Silom MRT Station and within a short walk of the Sala Daeng BTS Station.
The total distance is about 5 to 6 km, depending on the paths taken in the two parks. My Detailed Guide, which includes photos at key points, provides further information on the route.
For a different perspective, shortly after beginning the Bangkok Green Mile at Benjakitti Park, you can descend stairs to your left, cross over and continue down the steps on your right. This detour leads into the narrow lanes and alleyways tucked beneath the Green Mile. Here, you will experience a neighborhood characterized by traditional wooden homes. Some of these structures sit directly along the banks of a canal running beneath the walkway. This lower route allows you to explore the local atmosphere at a slower pace before rejoining the elevated Green Mile about halfway along its length. See the separate layer in the map legend which has direction photographs embedded in the start and end markers.
Map
The following map shows the entire route, with highlights and reference points to help you stay on track.
To view the map legend or follow the route in Google Maps, tap these icons in the map header.
View the map legend.
Follow the route in Google Maps.
Detailed Guide
For comprehensive directions and additional information, click ‘Detailed Guide’ below.
Bangkok Green Mile
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Wrapping Up
Whether you are looking for the historic charm of Lumpini Park or the forward-thinking sustainability of Benjakitti Park, the Bangkok Green Mile serves as the perfect thread connecting these two urban green oasis. By utilizing the Green Bridge, visitors can experience the city’s evolution from traditional manicured lawns to innovative, functional wetlands, all while bypassing the chaos of street-level traffic.
As always, if you find any errors in this post, I would be very grateful if you would reach out to me. You can drop a comment below, use the contact form, or email me at derek@lens-wanderings.com.
Best wishes
Derek
Bangkok Green Mile FAQ
Yes, very much so. There are plenty of walkways for you to stretch your legs or even run if you wish to.
As of 1st March 2026, it was fully open but not yet finished. In particular, the direct entry to Lumpini Park was still under construction.
Despite their intimidating size, these lizards are generally shy and not aggressive toward humans. They usually flee if approached. However, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and should not be fed or touched.
Early morning, when they are often seen swimming, basking near the water, or walking across pedestrian paths.
That really depends upon what you are looking for. Benjakitti Park is a wonderful natural forest wetland with many walkways through and around the ecological features. Lumpini is a more traditional park with wide paths around a lake.
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