Benjakatti, Park, Lake, Garden and and and

A walkway that attracts a fair number of joggers every morning and early evening stretches for two kilometres around the lake. Unlike at Lumpini — where bicycles, walkers, joggers, aerobics dancers and blissfully unaware three-year-olds on scooters all vie for space — Benjakiti boasts a separated bicycle lane that makes it possible to cycle as fast as you like with little interference. Bikes of all sizes can be rented for 40 baht per one hour. Although the city’s “green lung” to the south is a must for cycling enthusiasts, you won’t find a better place in central Bangkok to ride than Benjakiti.

Impressive views over the flower-lined lake would probably be enough to win Benjakiti the prize of Bangkok’s prettiest park, but two stunning fountains seal it. The first is situated atop a platform surrounded by marble walls and accessible via long stairs with Japanese pagoda style entrance-ways on either side.

short video - link 

 Longer video in webpage link below

One reason Benjakiti is not as popular as Lumpini or even Chatuchak Park and Suan Rot Fai is that it’s a relatively recent addition to Bangkok’s growing number of green spaces. Opened in 2004 in honour of Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday, the park came to be when the Thai royal family decided to level a large swath of old buildings previously rented out to the Tobacco Monopoly. Benjakiti occupies 130 rai (some 21 hectares) and is part of a larger master plan to improve Bangkok’s overall livability.

Between this Japanese pagoda fountain and the lake is another, even more beautiful fountain that would be better described as a human-made waterfall. In a vast half-circle around a courtyard and shrine to the Queen, water flows gently over ridges in the sloped walls. With pink flowers on either side, this fountain feels like it belongs to a serious memorial. Contemporary Thai designers often lean towards the tacky, but this is one instance where elegance and grace were not overlooked.

The west side of the park includes a stretch of grassy slopes with several seating and activity areas shaded by low-hanging palms. A couple of small playgrounds, a skateboard/freestyle bicycle ramp, meditation area and basic exercise equipment can all be found here. Benjakiti lacks the energetic fitness groups that dance to thumping techno in Lumpini every evening, and the overall atmosphere is quiet and not-at-all crowded. Lumpini is great for people-watching, but if you need a respite from the crowds and noise, Benjakiti is the place to be.

The park’s centerpiece is a relatively large lake (for Bangkok at least) surrounded on all sides by well-groomed flower bushes and trees. Go for a cruise on a pedal-powered swan boat, or just enjoy the photogenic reflections of surrounding skyscrapers.

With a small lake rimmed by abundant flowers and some of the most attractive fountains in Southeast Asia, Benjakiti Park is arguably Bangkok’s prettiest green space. Though Lumpini Park is far more popular, Benjakiti also offers a range of activities and, in particular, has become a cycling haven in the often gridlocked city. Above all, this isthe place in central Bangkok to enjoy peace and quiet or a romantic sunset stroll.

MORE - WEBPAGE - Photos, videos, maps, social media links - click here
 

Oskar bar Bistro Bangkok is the pick of the parade

Opened in March 2011, claiming immediate success and never looked back. Located in Sukhumvit Soi 11, the premiere nightlife zone of Bangkok, the Soi is only 1 km long but packed with the trendy and fashion, culture and infusion, not to mention sophisticated nightclubs.

Photo album in Thaibis directory link below

OSKAR Bistro adds new flare to the area with it’s own style of casual yet sophisticated dining and drinks.  No doubt the French influence of the partners/managers contributes to the successful execution of this formula- and OSKAR with it’s “je ne sais quoi” is attracting a good crowd of mostly younger expat executives, together with some tourist visitors and locals.  

video - external link

Stars: 4.5
Seating:
Ground Flr: Balcony 30, inside 10 tables 6 booths + bar stools 20
1st Flr: Balcony: 40, inside: tables / booths for 60
DJ music 

The immediate popularity of OSKAR Bistro is testament to the largely unsatisfied demand in Bangkok for this style of  venue. The clever blending of a casual bistro style eatery, with a stylish bar environment, provides the more discerning patrons in Bangkok with an ideal place to have an early evening cocktail, meet friends for dinner, or to enjoy some pre-clubbing libations. 

SEE MORE IN 

THAIBIS DIRECTORY  

OSKAR BISTRO

• Website
• Map location
• Social Media links
• Video
• Photo album

The immediate area is complimented with  Bars, Hotels, Restaurants and clubs, see street savvy Sukhumvit Soi 11

Best search engines "Social Events" Bangkok

Suk Soi 11 is arguably the hottest, most popular family rated nightlife zones in Bangkok

A Darkness that awakens your taste Senses

DID Dine in Dark Bangkok is the buzz behind the increasingly popular "dark dining" phenomenon.  Housed in the ground floor of 5 star Hotel Sheraton on Sukhumvit affording all the comforts, except any light... it's dark ABSOLUTLELY Dark

The dinner is an interesting, fun and enjoyable experience, where all non-visual senses are exacerbated. The concept and venue is sophisticated, yet the feel is relaxed and casual.  10% of the net profits made by the restaurant are going to skills development projects for the visually impaired in Thailand.


 DID ..  price of dining is not unreasonable for a typical 3 course meal in good quality environment and of course your enagaging in a unique experience, prices (pls check their website) from 700baht to 1200baht. 
 


Reporter Phill Smith 
Tourism Guru Bangkok and WA's champion
Insurance Broker my social media channels



Photo album external link or try Moju swivel Pics

Many dark restaurants employ blind or visually impaired waiters and guides, whose condition enables them to work with little difficulty in darkened surroundings. Visually impaired staff may teach something of the techniques they themselves use in everyday life. 

Video - external link

Location is Sheraton Grand on Sukhumvit, Bangkok
centrally located in Bangkok with walkthru connection to BTS skytran station Asok.

Try taking a bite of something with your eyes closed then identify it, it's easy to pretend but here's your chance to go live and be surprised by the outcome with "dark dining" phenomenon. Not just the taste but the whole experience that goes with support from visually imparied guides, providing a thoughtful combination of experiences; a window into a life without sight. 

Dark dining takes place in a dark restaurant, where the customers do not see the food they are eating. The basic concept is that the removal of vision enhances the other senses and increases gastronomic pleasure. Since 1999 such restaurants have opened in many parts of the world.

The Basics - video external link 

 "The guides are fantastic and the food was fragrant and fresh, providing a thoughtful combination of experiences; a window into a life without sight, and a sharpening of the senses required to fully appreciate dining." The three-course set menu is well priced and quite frankly it does not matter for the experience is priceless.

Google search bangkok achiever dine in dark experience 

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