One of my favourite places in Bangkok is Puttamonton Park - or Buddhamonton depending on who's spelling it - which is located in Puttamonton Sai 4.
This is one of the series of roads which run between Phetkasem Road and the Nakon Chaisi Highway numbered in "Sais" or "Lines" from 1 to 9. So if you coming from Bangkok on Phetkasem Rd you'll turn right but if you come on the Nakon Chaisi Highway you'll turn left.
I always like to turn into Puttamonton Sai 3 and then go along Utthayan Avenue which is considered Thailand's most beautiful road. It was opened to the public in 1999.
The avenue is 90m wide and extends for almost 4 km. There are three main traffic lanes on either side and two side roads running parallel on each side. The avenue also has a 5.5 metre wide pedestrian walkway, and a 2 metre wide bicycle lane on both sides, although a more appropriate choice of plants would have made the cycle tracks a little easier to negotiate.
Along the centre of the avenue is a lotus pond. Lighting the road are 979 lamp posts, each one topped with a golden kinaree or Thai phoenix.
Arriving at the park you will be given an entry ticket which is just security for your car. You can't leave the park without returning the ticket. Entry to the park is free for everyone.
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The roads meander around over a vast estate and there are very few people around, especially during the week. It's a little confusing because all the road signs are in Thai, but if you take a wrong turn and end up at the exit it's no problem cause you just loop around to the entrance and start again.
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There are streams and lakes everywhere, so take your time and explore as much as you can. It's a good idea to drive right around the park first and then find a place to picnic on your second round.
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The trees are well established so there's plenty of shade and the waterways a full of aquatic life. You can stop on the busy highway to buy fish food, but it's risky and not necessary as every staff member working in the park will have some bags of fish food on their bikes or motorbikes. Twenty baht a bag seems to be the going rate.
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There are designated cycling roads throughout the park which are paved and in reality are wider than most of the roads used by the cars.
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You can hire bikes by the hour, and they even have tandems, so it's a good place for exercise.
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The park is cultured in the style which Thai people like the most, with lots of sculptured trees and wood-like concrete steps, together with the odd rock here and there.
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The lawns are well manicured with plenty of colour. Some of the plants you will recognise and others will have you asking your friends what they are.
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There are huge groves of bamboo trees covering both sides of the road in places.
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Even the exposed roots of the trees are interesting as they disappear into the surrounding grass.
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Some plants are best viewed from a distance, but there are plenty of them for you to enjoy.
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Feeding fish is a Buddhist way of making merit and there is no shortage of hungy mouths to feed. Many of the streams have small bridges which allow you good access to the fish.
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It's fun waiting for them to open their mouths so you can drop the food right in.
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Take you family here. They'll love it. Of course there are plenty of photo ops in this park.
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Puttamonton Park is on the outskirts of Bangkok going towards Nakon Pathom and is well worth the visit for those who are looking for some peace and quiet after the chaos of Bangkok.
Other parks around bangkok can be seen here.
