A stroll through Bangkok’s hidden parks and green corners.

There’s always been something quietly magical about parks. I like to think it has something to do with all the fantasy books I read growing up, the kind that made me believe little creatures might actually be hiding behind bushes, waiting to be noticed. Like many of you, I was raised right here in Bangkok, right in the thick of Sukhumvit. So naturally, Benjasiri Park was the one I knew best, mostly because it sat right next to my mum’s favourite weekend spot, Emporium. It wasn’t until I got a bit older that I started to really appreciate what parks offered us. A breather from traffic, a patch of green to stretch out with friends over a picnic or a casual game of ball. And while we all know the big parks, the city is also dotted with smaller ones. Quiet corners of calm tucked into the folds of Sukhumvit that many overlook. At Masala, we’ve rounded up our favourite lesser-known green retreats, the kind of hidden gems that offer a refreshing escape without venturing too far If any of these sound like your kind of place, maybe pop by this weekend and give yourself that little moment of stillness. And if you can, bring someone along; spots like these are always better with company.

SUAN-KRU ANGOON

If you’re ever around Thong Lo and feel like the city’s getting a bit too loud, Suan-Kru Angoon is the kind of place you’ll want to slip away to. It’s tucked right before the turn onto Thong Lo 3 and while it might not look like much at first, step inside and you’ll find shady trees, cute play areas for the kiddos, and a cosy café-charity shop.The shop sells drinks, clothing items, and household bits, with all proceeds going to The Mirror Foundation, a Thai non-profit known for its work in locating missing persons and victims of trafficking. The partnership has been going strong for over eight years and is a natural extension of the land’s original caretaker: Kru Angoon Malik. A true Bangkok heroine, Kru Angoon was known for her dedication to helping the city’s unhoused population and crafting hand puppets out of fabric scraps for underprivileged children. She passed away in 1990 at 73, but her legacy remains in the gentle, purposeful atmosphere of the park. Back in my university days, I used to volunteer here—learning how to maintain a park, sort donations, and even manage the little shop. The space carries the warmth of her spirit and stands as a quiet ode to community, creativity, and care. Whether you’re coming for a midday breather, a sip of something iced, or to support a good cause, Suan Kru Angoon is one of Bangkok’s loveliest little secrets.

Looking for a little urban escape without straying too far from the buzz? Nina Pocket Park, rooted at Sukhumvit 16, might just be your new favourite city hideout. Launched in March 2021, this petite green haven bloomed from a collaboration between Yip In Tsoi & Co., Ltd., the Panee Yip In Tsoi Foundation, the Truth Foundation, and Leaf in Town Co., Ltd., as part of the Shared Value Space (SVS) Project. At its core, the initiative champions sustainable agriculture, food security, and holistic health, all wrapped in a neat sense of urban community. As Hajime Iwashita put it in the 78th edition of Process Architecture, pocket parks are, “handmade places for warmth.” And Nina Pocket Park truly lives up to this sentiment, offering a serene space of comfort and calm amidst the traffic and concrete structures we’re so accustomed to. The on-site shop is a delightful bonus, featuring organic goods from local Thai artisans including spices, pickled treats, eco-friendly cleaning agents, and snacks that might just make their way into your favourite tote. You may not always find time for a full escape, but a stroll through Nina Pocket Park is proof that even the smallest corners of the city can provide a much-needed breath of fresh air.

PATHUM WANANURAK PARK

Just a stone’s throw from centralwOrld and the Saen Saep Canal is Pathum Wananurak Park. Originally completed in December 2018 by the visionary landscape firm Landprocess for the Crown Property Bureau, this expansive 27-rai park stayed under wraps until early 2023 due to residential buildings still on the land. Now fully open and flourishing for the public, this green sanctum offers a thoughtfully designed landscape for urban dwellers seeking quietude amidst the mega department stores and office spaces of the neighbourhood. The park is thoughtfully zoned, with lush pockets of greenery, a wild forest area, an amphitheatre-style event space, and even a natural water treatment pond. You’ll also find a central lawn, reflective water retention pond, exhibition courts, and a charming multi-use pavilion. Elegant, environmentally conscious, and easily accessible, Pathum Wananurak Park is a rare combination of serenity and structure.

SIANGPURE PARK

Hidden just off the Ramintra Expressway, Siangpure Park is a verdant escape that feels worlds away from Bangkok’s concrete jungle. Opened on 1 May 2015 by Suwanna Eiampikul, CEO of Bertram Chemical 1982 Co., Ltd. (the folks behind the Peppermint Field and Siang Pure inhalers we all adore), the park was born out of a vision to transform urban green space into something active and community-oriented. Stretching across 10 rai, the space is tailored for those looking to break a sweat without heading far out of town. It was originally known as Peppermint Bike Park before its rebrand, which broadened its scope and nodded to the group’s iconic product. Today, it welcomes guests for everything from pet-friendly strolls and casual bike rides to outdoor picnics and jogs. Those seeking something more energetic can reserve one of the open-air courts for a tennis or pickleball match, with hourly rates from THB 250 to 350. Come sunset and the whole place turns into a golden playground.