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Queen Sirikit Park: a tranquil escape in the heart of Bangkok

Originating as a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River it was given the status of capital during the Siam period. Today Bangkok is one of the largest cities in Asia and is considered one of the foremost international business and trading hubs.

Over the years Krung Thep Mahanakhon as it is known by the locals has developed rapidly and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Hosting a wide array of both traditional and modern attractions around the city, Bangkok prides itself on catering to every travellers taste.

Queen Sirikit Park situated in the heart of Bangkok is one of these numerous attractions. Built to commemorate her majesty Queen Sirikitâ€™s fifth birthday anniversary, it is one of the premier parks in the heart of Bangkok.

The park was built on land adjoining the pristine grounds of the Golf Course owned by the state railway of Thailand. The first phase of the park spanned 22.40 hectares and was opened to the public in December of 1996.

Merging sculptures and landscapes with natureâ€™s beauty, the park is meticulously maintained by a dedicated team from the H.M Queen Sirikit Park Foundation. The park can be divided into several areas serving different functions and focusing on different aspects of nature.

At the centre of the park lies a tranquil pond built incorporating the English letter â€œSâ€ and the Thai symbol "?". On the outer edge, circling the pond grows Golden Shower trees that bloom vivid yellow flowers that highlight the area.

Within the park complex lays the Chatuchak Botanical Gardens. Here a vast collection of local and international species are showcased for visitors to admire, including species named after members of the royal family and those taken from royal gardens itself.

The Lotus and Water Lily Yard is one of the most tranquil sections of the park. Shaped like a water lily, the enclosure houses several local and international varieties of lotus.

Thailandâ€™s rainforests are home to some unique and colourful species of plant. None are more famous than the Yan Da Oh. This plant was brought down from the Budo Mountains, whose leaves bloom according to season with the most unusual yet captivating colours. The Yan Da Oh flows from soothing velvet to a vivid bronze from August to September and shiny silver in October. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park.

Children are in for a treat at the park with the Childrenâ€™s Discovery Museum. Combining fun with raising awareness, the museum comprises of 8 sections made up of insightful exhibits and fun recreational activities.

As can be seen, Bangkok has a lot to offer visitors to this charismatic city. Accommodation options are numerous with many 5 star hotels Bangkok to choose from. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok in particular is one to highlight, combining both the warmth of the Thai capital with peace and tranquillity of a tropical retreat. This Bangkok luxury hotel is centrally located and offers a wide choice of rooms and suites with breathtaking views coupled with world class amenities and renowned Shangri-La service.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.