As Bangkok's nightclubs cool down on their opening hours and the weather follows suit with cooler and more bearable temperatures, the urge to spend time in nature has grown. Call us crazy but there's something so soothing about spending time immersed in greenery, inhaling nothing but oxygen and the smell of real earth, instead of that foul drain smell Bangkokians have become accustomed to. Wasn't it amid such greenery, in a forest not so far away that the Lord Buddha found enlightenment? OK, we're not suggesting you escape the city life to reach nirvana or anything. Unless of course, you want to. But, it's good to know that a lot of peace and tranquillity can come from just sitting still and, without sounding too cheesy, taking in the beauty and wonder that is nature.
Yet our path towards such peace is challenged daily. We live in a city, duh, and we all know the alarming rates in which the lives of trees are ending in Bangkok -- and the world over -- despite numerous efforts by sound conservationists. Even before Hemingway's on Sukhumvit 14 had shut down we already felt it had lost its appeal, because that great tree out front that made it so lovely sitting outside had been chopped down.
So, for the sake of some sanity, we decided to remind -- and in some cases re-educate -- ourselves of the greener sides of this concrete jungle, as we know they do exist. Whether it's taking in a bit of greenery, or a lot, leading a busy city life doesn't mean you have to sever all ties with nature completely. And the best part about being in nature is that it's free.
Bang Krachao AKA The Green Lung
So, there's actually a large part next to our city that's covered in lush green jungle and it ain't a secret. But how many of us actually go there? It's not too far from Sukhumvit, so there's no excuse not to. Bang Krachao in Phra Pradaeng is on the other side of the river and once you get there you can rent a bike and cycle around the 20km area which is literally covered in green jungle and just get lost in nature. It's almost like taking off to the countryside for the day and you'd think you were cycling in Khao Yai or something. If cycling around getting lost in an area you don't know isn't your thing, or you loathe that automated voice on google maps, we recommend heading to the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery to feast your eyes on the beautiful Thai garden there. Or, head to Bang Krachao Park which is a self-contained wilderness to get lost-but-not-lost in.
Take a seven baht boat from the Wat Klong Toey pier to Phra Pradaeng. Once you're there, rent a bike for 30B per hour or 80-100B per day, which comes with a map and a bottle of water. Remember to take ID. If you don't feel like cycling or walking, motorcycle taxis are also available by the pier.
The Gardens of Dinsor Palace
This is a serene restaurant located on the historic land of Wang Dinsor (Dinsor Palace), slap bang in the middle of Bangkok's concrete jungle, right between Ekkamai and Thong Lor. Here you can dine al fresco amid a gentle breeze and cornucopia of natural colours, admiring the lush tropical gardens, the swan pond and the peacocks, all while eating a fantastic brunch, lunch or dinner. Many of their vegetables and herbs are handpicked from their hydroponic and herb gardens. Personally, we order the Smoked salmon Benedict every time because the hollandaise sauce is just simply sublime. Pair that with a pint of Magners and you'll be in for a spiffing day. They've got a good selection of teas and desserts too.
Located between Sukhumvit soi 59 and 61 (Soi Chumbala), pretty much equidistant between Thong Lor and Ekamai BTS stops. Visit http://www.thegardenspalace.com or http://fb.com/thegardenspalace.
Wat Pathum Wanaram
If you ever find yourself around Siam Square and you don't feel like bruising the old credit card buying expensive brand-name products you probably won't need in two months time, there's this really cool forest temple you can visit just opposite it. Although sadly ensnared by violence and political turmoil in the nation's recent memory, this historic temple that sits in a sea of green surroundings actually offers a peaceful place to catch up with some meditation. Over half of the 15-rai plot of land is green and set aside specifically for this purpose. Immerse yourself in trees over a hundred years old and make room for a different type of "Zen" that's not CentralWorld's.
Located between Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, and across the street from Siam Square. If you're interested in meditation, you should definitely head there to check their Dharma meditation centre.
Quartier Water Garden
Sitting high up in a tropical garden in a luxury mall isn't all so bad. Granted, we're not in the wild, but the sound of trickling water against soft jazz playing really does have a calming effect. This place is also perfect for taking a cheeky snooze in the early evening. We came here after a late lunch at and seriously conked out for about 20 minutes and woke up feeling refreshed.
Located at EmQuartier, on the fifth floor of the Helix Quartier. Open everyday, 10am-10pm.
Paa Nai Krung (PTT Green in the City)
In the not so green realms of Bang Na, pretty close to Mega Bangna, you'll find a man-made forest developed by PTT, the oil and gas company that has been behind a lot of the country's afforestation since 1994. The highlight of this particular project, which was previously a rubbish dump, is the Sky Walk which you can walk through what seems like a gazillion trees replicating a real forest. As you walk you can learn about all the different types of plants and trees you see, although the information is all in Thai. We wanted to get a super 360 degree view so we climbed all the way to the top of the watch tower which proved to be a pretty hefty workout for our bums and thighs too. There's a very small roof garden and a larger garden you can also walk around, as well as an educational centre you can visit to learn about "going green". Sadly, all information and movies available are in Thai only.
Located in the Bang Na area, not too far from Suvarnabhumi airport. If going by Skytrain, it's best to get off at Udom Suk and then take a taxi. Open Tues-Sun, 9am-6pm. Visit http://www.pttreforestation.com or http://fb.com/metroforest.
Benjakiti's newly opened forest park
Right next to Benjakiti park near the large Asoke intersection now sits a huge public forest park, making it the first one right at the epicentre of Bangkok. The area previously occupied by the Tobacco Monopoly is now home to 30,400 newly planted trees from all of Thailand's provinces. You can cycle around or just walk around, it's up to you but it's definitely worth a visit. We'll be interested to see how the trees will look in a few years too.
Located next to Benjakiti park, Ratchadaphisek Road, on the end closest to BTS Asok.
Iwane Goes Nature
The Japanese bakery turned restaurant is a cute place to chill and eat in Asoke. You can sit outside in the outdoor patio space which is surrounded by hanging and potted plants, as well as trees and quite a few cats too. There is an indoor seating area which also allows you to look out on the lush green space. There's a really homely vibe here and the food is on point too. We seriously recommend you try the Homemade ginger ale, it's so bomb.
Located on Sukhumvit 23. Open everyday 7:30am-midnight. Parking available. For more information, visit http://fb.com/Iwane1975.
Neilson Hays Library
Even if you're not a member of this library, head on there to hang out in their garden out back, it's simply gorgeous. There's a cafe there to hang sit in and chill too. Catch up on some reading, have a more relaxed business meeting or appreciate the tall and magnificent trees that are kept beautifully pruned and taken care of by BIG Trees, a non-profit organisation that has played a significant role in conserving Bangkok's trees for the last six years, despite the constant forces that plan to uproot trees for the sake of new shopping malls.
Located at 195 Surawong Road. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Visit http://neilsonhayslibrary.com, http://fb.com/NeilsonHaysLibrary or call 02-233-1731.
GETTING GREEN FINGERS? GET INVOLVED:
Located at 195 Surawong Road. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Visit http://neilsonhayslibrary.com, http://fb.com/NeilsonHaysLibrary or call 02-233-1731.
1) Become an arborist and learn how to take care of trees! Check out Urban Tree Care's 20-day course which happens regularly at Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry in Thon Buri. Visit http://fb.com/thaiurbantreecare, call 02-218-4339, 086-994-1839 or email thaiurbantrees@gmail.com to sign up or keep tabs on when the next course will be running. Course is in Thai only.
2) Educate yourself about what's being done to make Bangkok a greener city. Start Tomorrow! There's actually a daylong workshop, Rewilding Bangkok, will be taking place and will be an ideal opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas for making Bangkok greener. This will be happening at The Stock Exchange Building of Thailand, between 9am-4pm. For more information, visit http://greenworld.or.th/events/rewilding-bangkok.
3) Make a terrarium to spruce up your home or office! Tiny Tree Cafe is hosting a two-hour terrarium workshop. Participants will be taught the history of terrariums, how to make one step-by-step and how to take care of them. Starts Nov 20. B1,500-B2,300 depending container size. Sign up by calling 080-555-1595, email tinytreegarden@gmail.com or via http://fb.com/tinytreegarden. Can't make this one? Head to Tiny Tree Station on the third floor of Siam Discovery where regular workshops are held.
