Bangkok has a number of parks and gardens that are wonderful to visit to get out of the afternoon heat—or away from the crowds, noise and pollution of the city.

Chatuchak Park

Out toward the airport is Chatuchak Park. This huge expanse of landscaped grounds, with a jogging track and a large lake where you can rent rowboats (40 baht per hour), is a great place to visit before or after shopping at the Weekend Market. Daily 5 am-9 pm. Free. Phahalyothin Road.

King Rama IX Royal Park

Set on 200 acres/80 hectares, this park was opened to commemorate the current king's 60th birthday. It has botanical gardens and great spots for picnicking. Lying 15 mi/24 km outside the city center, it's a bit inconvenient but worth the drive if you're yearning for cleaner air, and it's far less crowded than Lumpini, Chatuchak or Sanam Luang Parks. Daily 6 am-6 pm. Admission: 10 baht. Soi Udomsuk, Sukhumvit Soi 23.

Lumpini Park

Bangkok's foremost park offers profuse exotic greenery to shade you from the afternoon heat. Try to visit in the early morning (around 6 am) to see locals practicing tai chi, singing and ballroom dancing. The park houses a jogging track and two lakes with rowboat rentals (40 baht per hour). Daily 5 am-8 pm. Free. Rama IV Road.

The Rose Garden

Beautifully landscaped resort with orchid and rose gardens, aviaries and a re-created Thai village. There's a spectacular one-hour cultural show with all the Thai trimmings—dance, martial arts, religious ceremonies and elephants. Daily 8 am-6 pm. Admission: 200 baht. 20 mi/32 km west of Bangkok. Phone 253-0295.

Sanam Luang

These large, oval, open grounds are best enjoyed in the evening. Aside from a ring of trees around its perimeter, the park offers little escape from the afternoon sun. Kite flying and watching sunsets over the gilded Grand Palace are favorite activities. It's regarded as safe in the early evening, but—as with any park in Bangkok—you should exercise caution if visiting at night. Located across from the Grand Palace.

Dusit Zoo

(Tel: 2812000, 2811039)
Located near Vimanmek Palace, Dusit Zoo is opened to the public everyday from 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Tropical animals to be found include great grey kangaroos, Sumatran rhinoceros, Siamese crocodiles, gaurs, lesser mouse deer, American bisons, etc. Admission fee is Baht 20.

Siam Water Park

Siam Water Park is merely a 30-minute drive from the Lat Phrao flyover, and is located in suburban Amphoe Minburi.

The park features an extensive man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools, fountains and fountains and waterfalls, and towering water slides amid carefully landscaped gardens.

Satellite attractions include children's playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and botanical gardens.

The complex is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (weekdays) and 9.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m. (weekends).
Admission fee is 200 baht for adults and 150 baht for children.
Bus service: No. 26 & 27 from Victory Monument. (Tel: 51700759)

Safari World

It is located at 99 Ramindra 1, Min Buri, covers an area of some 430 rai and is divided into 2 parts. The first, the Safari Park, houses a large variety of animals like zebra, deers, giraffe, birds, tigers, lion, bears, etc.in natural habitat.

Visitors can drive their own cars or have a good look from one of the Safari World's air-conditioned coaches . The second, the Marine Park, exhibits marine and some rare animals.

Visitors can enjoy performances by trained animals like dolphins, birds, seals, and monkeys Restaurants and game shops are also scattered within the area and tram service is provided for those wishing to have a look around.

Safari World is open daily between 9.00 a.m. Admission fee is 400 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. For more information please call 5181000-19

Bus services: No. 26 from Victory Monument goes to Minburi, from where a mini-bus service serves Safari World.

Magicland

A large scale amusement park is located on Phaholyotin Road on the way to Domuang Airport. Within its beautifully decorated area, there are linked paths, pools, legendary castles and more than 30 funny toys.

Opening time is from 10.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. on weekdays and 9.30 a.m.7.00 p.m. on weekends.
Admission fee costs 100 baht per person.

The price plus service charges is 200 baht a person. For more details please contact Tel. 5131731-8.