Nong Bon Lake Park: A Peaceful Green Escape in Bangkok
- reefaulkner
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Finding Calm Away from Bangkok’s Chaos
It genuinely felt like we had stepped outside of Bangkok for a few hours. Nong Bon Lake Park is calm, green, and spacious, a place where the noise, traffic, and intensity of the city fade into the background almost immediately. Located around a 25-minute drive from central Bangkok in the Prawet district, it’s an easy escape when you want fresh air and open space without leaving the city.
Why Visit Nong Bon Lake Park?
Nong Bon Lake Park offers something Bangkok doesn’t always make easy to find: room to breathe. The park is expansive, largely flat, and designed for slow, low-effort activities like cycling, walking, or simply sitting by the water. It feels local rather than curated, making it ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, no-pressure outdoor experience rather than a major attraction.
Where Is Nong Bon Lake Park Located?
Nong Bon Lake Park sits in the Prawet district on the eastern side of Bangkok. While it’s outside the usual tourist zones, it’s still very accessible and works well as a half-day side quest away from Sukhumvit or the city centre.
What Does “Nong Bon” Mean?
The name Nong Bon reflects the area’s natural origins.
Nong refers to a swamp, marsh, or small lake
Bon refers to a plant in the taro family (Colocasia esculenta), often known as elephant ears
Together, Nong Bon loosely translates to “Swamp of Elephant Ears” or “Taro Swamp”.
Today, Nong Bon Lake is an artificial lake developed for flood management as part of the Royal Initiative known as the “Monkey Cheek” project. The surrounding land has been transformed into a large public park and water sports area, supporting activities such as cycling, jogging, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.
Getting to Nong Bon Lake Park
Nong Bon Lake Park is not particularly convenient by public transport, so driving or taking a Grab is the most practical option. The easiest destination to set is Happy Bike, which appears on Grab under the same name and sits directly at the main entrance to the park.
After turning off the main road at Chalerm Prakiat 43, it may not immediately feel like you’re heading toward a large park. Continue for a few hundred metres and the entrance opens up clearly. If you’re driving, there is parking available at this entrance.
Bike Hire at Nong Bon Lake Park
There is no entrance fee to Nong Bon Lake Park. The only cost is bike hire if you choose to ride. Bikes from Happy Bike cost 50 THB for two hours. They are very basic with no gears, but they’re perfectly suited to the flat paths around the lake. Attached to the bike shop is Happy Cup Café, which serves hot and cold drinks, pastries, snacks, and a small selection of simple meals. There are no other significant food or drink options inside the park, so this is a convenient stop before or after your ride.
Cycling the Nong Bon Lake Loop
A paved loop of approximately 4 kilometres runs around the entire lake, making it ideal for an easy ride or walk. There’s also a straight path leading into a small scenic section built into the middle of the lake, offering views back across the water. The loop is flat, wide, and completely closed to cars. The landscaping feels natural rather than manicured, with trees and plants left to grow freely around the lake. You’ll likely spot monitor lizards crossing the path and the occasional dog along the way (Nong Bon Lake Park is one of the few dog-friendly parks in Bangkok).
Wildlife and Atmosphere Around the Lake
The overall atmosphere at Nong Bon Lake Park is quiet and unhurried. There are plenty of shaded spots created by mature trees, making it easy to stop, sit, and take in the surroundings. It’s the kind of place where time slows down naturally, without needing to plan or rush.
Best Time to Visit Nong Bon Lake Park
We arrived around 5pm on a Friday, which turned out to be an ideal time. It was calm without feeling empty, and the late afternoon light made cycling around the lake especially pleasant.
Weekends can be busier, with locals spending longer stretches of time at the park. If you prefer a quieter experience, late afternoons on weekdays are a good option. The loop is easy enough that we completed two full laps and still returned our bikes well within the two-hour hire period.
Is Nong Bon Lake Park Worth Visiting?
Yes. Nong Bon Lake Park is an easy, affordable way to step out of Bangkok without leaving it. It’s spacious, relaxed, and feels genuinely local, a refreshing contrast to the city’s more crowded parks and attractions. If you’re looking for a simple outdoor escape, it’s well worth the visit.
Nearby Side Quest: Train Night Market Srinagarindra
After cycling around the lake, we hopped on the back of a Grab scooter and headed to Train Night Market Srinagarindra, just a 15-minute ride away. This large outdoor market is known for its antiques, vintage memorabilia, bars, and street food. It makes a great follow-up stop if you want to turn your visit to Nong Bon Lake Park into a full local evening. I’ve also written a detailed blog review of the market if you’re planning to visit.
Comments