Opened in June 2020, the Chao Phraya Sky Park, the first sky park in Thailand, has become a new landmark to present the charms of Bangkok as a modern city. It’s an attractive pedestrian walkway, approximately 280 meters long, and 8.5 meters wide, and creates a scenic spot in the middle of the Chao Phraya River.
The Chao Phraya Sky Park is situated in Bangkok’s most significant historical area and provides visitors with a 360-degree view that bridges the city‘s historic town and modern skyline at one glance.
For almost a century, the Memorial Bridge has been one of the few spots in the city where Bangkokians and tourists—previously standing on a tiny passage next to busy traffic—could adore the whole scenery of Bangkok with the Chao Phraya River.
But with the Chao Phraya Sky Park, that has changed.
Beautifying a Former Blight
On one end of the park, in Bangkok, is the King Prajadhipok Park, while on the opposite end is the Chaloem Phrakiat Forest Park in neighbouring Thonburi. The 8 meters wide and 280 meters long park is built on top of the Phra Pok Khlao Bridge, which is a remnant of an ambitious but abandoned infrastructure project in the 80s called the Lavalin Skytrain.
The unfinished bridge had earned the title Saphan Duan by locals. Saphan Duan translates to “amputated bridge”.
What to Expect at the Chao Phraya Sky park
The bridge is easily accessible, including elevators at each end so anyone can visit and cross the river. Tropical trees decorate the walkway around the park and it’s a charming space for an afternoon or evening stroll.
The bridge itself is nicely designed, with the route splitting several times into two pathways. One side rises up and over the other side, creating a nice sun/rain shade should you need it, with a few places to sit too. At the crest of each of the rising paths, you are provided a very nice view over the Chao Phraya River.
At one point you’ll find yourself looking down on traffic crossing the road portion of the bridge, which can feel strangely close but not dangerous.
On the Bangkok side of the bridge you can easily walk to Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market, the Old Siam, and Pahurat (Little India).
On the Thonburi side, the bridge comes down next to a very nice riverside pathway that passes by the Santa Cruz Church, the historic Kian Un Keng Chinese shrine, and ends at the newly renovated Wat Kanlayanamit.
How to Get There & When to Visit
You can reach the garden bridge by MRT to Sanam Chai Station or by taking a ferry to Pier 6, the Memorial Bridge stop, where you would also alight for Bangkok’s flower market, Pak Klong Talad.
The park is open daily from 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Whether in the early morning of evening sunset, it’s a great vantage point from which to explore and photograph the neighbourhoods on both sides of the Chao Phraya River.
