Rot Fai Park, also known as Wachirabenchathat Park or the State Railway Public Park, is a vast lush green area of around 150 acres in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located on the outskirts of Bangkok, near the Chatuchak Market. This park is part of a series of interconnected scenic parks and lies adjacent to other areas such as Queen Sirikit Park and Chatuchak Park. Located away from the hustle-bustle of the city, this famous tourist place offers a chance to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and soul amidst the serene beauty of lush green trees and peaceful ambience.
Suan Rot Fai Park Bangkok: History
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The State Railway had previously utilised the land as a golf course, but in 2002, it was transformed into the picturesque public park that we see today. The park was given its official name – Wachirabenchathat Park on 28 July 2002 by the then Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is presently King Rama X. The park name translates to ‘Vajira 50’, since it was renovated and reopened on the occasion of Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 50th birthday. The park is also popularly known as State Railways Public Park and the locals call the park Suan Rot Fai which translates to ‘Train Park’.
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Rot Fai Park Bangkok: Activities To Do
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The park has a 3 km stretch of shaded jogging trail where fitness enthusiasts can go for an early morning jog. You can walk through the park admiring the scenic views, picnic under the shade of evergreen trees or rent a cycle to explore the biking trails. The park also has a children’s area, consisting of a golf course where young people can practise their swing.
You can also find a swimming pool and an artificial lake to try boating and kayaking. There is also a sports area with a basketball court, tennis court, and an area to play other sports such as petanque and sepak takraw. Apart from the variety of activities you can indulge in on your visit to the park, places within the area such as the butterfly park, insectarium, and lotus pond are a must visit.
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Prominent Spots Within Rot Fai Park Area
1. Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
This vivid garden is located between Queen Sirikit Park and Rot Fai Park. The butterfly garden is enclosed within a massive dome, which contains a soothing waterfall in the midst of different plants and vivid flowers. It is fascinating that the atmosphere resembles the insects’ natural habitat. Though only a few species of butterflies hide within the foliage, consider yourself lucky if you can catch a glimpse of one.
The Siam Tree Nymph, Golden Birdwing, and Giant Silkworm Butterfly are some of the most beautiful butterflies you can spot in this garden. You can learn about these insects through a mini theatre within the glasshouse that displays videos about different varieties of insects. Get a chance to observe the growth of caterpillars and larvae in the breeding room and view the educational display that traces the fascinating life cycle of these insects. This place is a must-visit for photographers and insect lovers.
2. Queen Sirikit Park
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Located between Rot Fai Park and the Children’s Discovery Museum, this exquisite botanical garden has vibrant flower beds and shady trees. The Bird Wave Bridge is a 50-meter-long timber bridge used by pedestrians to cross the watercourse from Rot Fai Park to enter the park. While traversing this bridge, you can spot a variety of birds.
This park gives a sense of being in a fantasy land which can be attributed to the wildflower meadows, beautifully manicured garden, shaded benches, green mazes and a pond. However, unlike Rot Fai park which features a cycling track, bike riding is prohibited in the Queen Sirikit Park. You can park your bike at its entrance and explore this park by taking a leisurely stroll in this impeccable landscape.
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3. Children’s Discovery Museum
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You must take your child to this interactive museum in Queen Sirikit Park. The Discovery Museum is inspired by the modern learning concept of ‘Learning for Young Creative Minds’. This museum consists of different buildings for children of different age groups:
- Thor Tawan Building: with its unique semi-circle shape, this is a 3-storey building with a wide, open hall at its centre. If you have a child aged 7 to 12, explore floors 1 to 3. This building has 12 zones, and the Dino Detective zone is popular amongst the kids.
- Rainbow Building: This area is for children aged 0-6 and includes a safe, creative environment for the young ones to learn and play. Popular places within this building are the garden behind the home zone and the rainbow city zone. These zones enable toddlers to feel and learn about colours, shapes, and different objects. A friendly team is also present to guide parents through the various activities.
- Outdoor activity area and Water Zone: Older children can climb different structures in the outdoor activity, which helps build their confidence. You can take your children to the water play zone where they can learn about water energy and have fun in the fountain area.
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4. Chatuchak Park
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This park is adjacent to Queen Sirikit Park and Rot Fai Park. It is known for its artificial lake where you can rent paddle boats for a peaceful paddle in the cool waters amid greenery and fresh air. This park has multiple attractions such as the majestic clock tower, flower clock, youth traffic garden, train museum and sculptures/art from different ASEAN countries. From March to April, the Rosy trumpet tree in the park is in full bloom with its pink flowers and makes for a dreamy sight. Walk through multiple bridges spaced throughout the parks to explore this wondrous expanse of area.
Rot Fai Park Opening Hours And Entry Fee
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- Rot Fai Park is open from 4:30 am to 9 pm, all days of the week. However, the butterfly garden-insectarium is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm except on Mondays.
- Queen Sirikit Park is open from 5:00 am to 8 pm, every week.
- Chatuchak Park is open all days except Saturday from 5 am to 9 pm.
- The Children’s Discovery Museum is open from Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays).
- The entry to Rot Fai Park, the adjacent parks and the butterfly garden is free.
How To Go To Rot Fai Park
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The best way to reach this park from Bangkok City is to take the BTS Skytrain to MoChit station or the MRT underground (Blue) to Chatuchak Park station. Rot Fai Park is easily accessible and a 10-minute motorbike ride from the Mo Chit and Chatuchak Park stations. You can also take a 15-minute walk from either station to the park.
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Now that you know about the serene yet captivating Rot Fai Park, book a trip to Bangkok to visit this park with your family and friends. Away from the bustling city of Bangkok, this park is a haven for tourists, locals, and children alike and caters to each individual’s preferences. Traverse through sprawling green gardens spotted with colourful flowers and get a chance to experience the different fauna in their natural habitat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rot Fai Park
What is the cost of renting a paddle boat and bike at Chatuchak Park?
The cost for renting a paddle boat is 40 to 60 baht (for 30 minutes to 1 hour and for a bike it is 20 to 60 baht (depending on the type of bike).
Are pets allowed in Rot Fai Park?
A part of the park area is designated for pets. Owners should adhere to rules such as keeping the pet on a leash at all times cleaning up after the pet and discarding into designated bins.
Are there any places within the park which sell food and drinks?
Rot Fai Park has multiple vendors selling snacks and beverages. Visitors can also bring their own food for picnics and get-togethers in the park.
Is car parking space available at Rot Fai Park?
A parking lot is located inside the park complex which is accessible from Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road. The parking space is located between Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit-Rot Fai Park.
What are the rules to be followed by visitors while visiting the park?
Park visitors are advised to maintain cleanliness and to refrain from littering in the park. Joggers and cyclists are advised to follow the designated paths and trails. Activities like boating have specific guidelines for the visitors to adhere to.
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