Visitors to Bangkok quickly notice the traffic, air pollution, and noise. Although the overall pace in the city is slower than in many other metropolises, it is going 24/7. And one is caught in it whether you like it or not and may soon run out of steam.
One way to preserve the steam and lower elevated stress levels is forest bathing. Researchers have found that Shirin-yoku, forest bathing, has numerous health benefits. It helps with relaxation, is an immune system booster, a mental health and mood improver resulting in higher energy, and can even decrease blood pressure.
Walking under trees and in a green space, preferably without technology and barefoot, engages the five senses and doesn’t require a class or a schedule. If you like classes, they are also offered, but you can start finding your inner peace at your own pace and time.
Now you may ask: how do I find a forest in the city of lights? Actually, it’s surprisingly easy to surround yourself with trees right in the middle of the city.
Depending on where you are, trees and greens are just a few steps out of your front door. Most condominium complexes have a recreational area with a pool, trees, and bushes. Taking it a little further, Bangkok has many magnificent green spaces.
Your biggest challenge will be to decide where to go. Between Lumpini Park (near Silom) to Benjakitti, Benchasiri, or Chulalongkorn University Park, all areas offer a wide array of canopies, shades, and quiet corners where you can contemplate the state of your being.
For the less adventurous but more cultivated, Sindhorn Village, a mixed-used, LEED-certified area north of Lumpini Park, provides the foliage needed and becks with stylish drinks at hype coffee shops once you are done.
With more time on your hands and for serious forest bathing, a day trip to Bang Ka Chao, an artificial island, Sri Nakhorn Khuen Park, and a botanical garden may be in the books. A ferry from Wat Khlong Toey Nok pier takes nature lovers south to the Green Lung of Bangkok for a day or a few hours away from the bustling chaos that central Bangkok is.
Forest bathing in Bangkok can even become a hobby when planning visits to various parks in the surrounding areas. From Rama IX Park (near Udom Suk BTS) to Chatuchak Park, Rot Fai Park, and Queen Sirikit Park in the north, to the Metro Forest Project near the airport or Santi Chaprakarn Park close to the Rama VIII bridge and Khaosan Road, or the Princess Mother Memorial Park in Thonburi and the Sky Park Bridge, there are plenty of calming, green spaces to explore.
Pack your water bottles, sunscreen, and hat for a true wellbeing experience and a breath of relatively fresh air.
#Bangkok #forestbathing #shirinyoku #relaxation #immunesystem #mentalhealth #bloodpressure #barefoot #fivesenses #Lumpini #Benjakitti #Benchasiri #chulalongkorn #sindhornvillage #Bangkachao #srinakhornkhuen #botanicalgarden #greenlung #RamaIXPark #Chatuchakpark #Rotfai #queensirikitpark #Metroforestproject #santichaprakarn #princessmothermemorialpark
Photo credit: pixabay
chao phraya princess 