After the construction was completed and opened in June 2020, the Chao Phraya Sky Park, the first sky park in Bangkok and Thailand, has become a new landmark to present the charms of Bangkok as a modern city.
It is universally designed for people at all ages, genders and physical conditions, including wheelchair users who can enjoy the scenery at the park with convenience and safety. The park provides a 360-degree view of the Chao Phraya River, thereby it is a place for relaxation, exercise, architectural learning and activities to be in line with the way of life of people in modern times.
The Chao Phraya Sky Park, formerly called Phra Pok Klao Sky Park, was developed by the Department of City Planning and Urban Development, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), which has improved the thoroughfare and landscape of Phra Pok Klao Bridge, or Duan Bridge, by refurbishing the original structure of the Lavalin electric train track that was abandoned for more than 30 years into a beautiful and modern sky park with easy function and maintenance.
To add greenery to the park and the city, plants are specially selected and grown for resistance with Bangkok’s weather conditions.
The sky park comprises a 8.5x280 metre walkway and bicycle track, seats and a scenic spot in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. The 2-3 metre railing was constructed to prevent anyone falling off. Other facilities and an elevator are available for senior citizens and wheelchair users.
The Chao Phraya Sky Park connects traffic between the Thonburi and Phra Nakhon sides of the river. It also connects areas and promotes the landscape of the Kadijeen and Khlong San areas, Chaloem Phra Kiat Forest Park located at the foot of Chaloem Phra Kiat Bridge, Khlong San, as well as Phra Pok Klao Park, at the Phra Nakhon side.
It also links many other places and tourist destinations such as Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Bridge; Phra BoromaThat Maha Chedi, Wat Prayoon Wongsawat; Santa Cruz Temple; Wat Kanlayanamit; Kudi Chin Community; Wat Arun Ratchawararam; The Postage Building; Guan Yu Shrine, Khlong San; Phahurat Area; Pak Khlong Talat; Khlong Ong Ang; and shopping areas such as Khlong Thom, Pahurat, Yodpiman Market, Lhong 1919, ICONSIAM, and others.
Locals and tourists who want to see the Chao Phraya River around 360-degrees can visit the Chao Phraya Sky Park by taking a bus from under the King Rama I Bridge, including routes 3, 7ก, 9, 42, 8, 73, 73ก and 82. Or they can catch the Chao Phraya Speed Boat service (Orange Flag), regular service boat (no flag), or MRT to Sanam Chai Station. The park is open daily from 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Every Saturday in August and September 2020, BMA organises “Music in the Chao Phraya River Sky Park” activities for the general public to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Chao Phraya River from 17.00-19.00 hrs.
