23a: green road

There is a mysterious path dubbed "the green road" that supposedly connects two parks: Lumpini (BTS Sala Daeng) and Benjakiti (BTS Asok). Twice I've gone in search of this road, but to no avail. Leading me to think, to quote the bangkok by bicycle blog "it was, like unicorns, mythical." But this morning on my run, it became my challenge. I couldn't leave Bangkok with this hanging mystery. I'm happy to report that thanks to GPS technology and lots of wandering (I had 7 miles), the green road has been found! I'm going to document directions for future sojourners to Thailand, or perhaps to benefit any Thai friends here who would like to travel this lovely road by bike or foot.

DIRECTIONS BETWEEN LUMPINI & BENJAKITI

Begin at Benjakiti park. When you enter the entrance closest to BTS Asok, keep walking straight and exit the back gate. If that exit is locked, any exit on the far side will do. Turn right and walk to the dead end.

Then turn right through the gated area

Make an immediate left. You'll see a bridge on the right, and a paved path on the left. Take the paved path.

Congratulations! You're on the green road!

There are some stairs periodically... but it's the price you pay for not having to cross the street or deal with traffic.

 And parts of the road still are green... though much of it has eroded away.

And you're at eye level with some of the houses, and have a great view of the streets!

 When you get to the end of the road, you will have the option to exit straight or exit to the left. Exit to the left. You'll pop out next to the sidewalk, get on the sidewalk, and continue in the same direction. You'll see Lumpini Park on your right hand side. The first entrance will be Gate 1.

If you want to go from Lumpini to Benjakiti, just exit Gate 1 and turn left.

When you see the gate's entrance on your left, enter.

The green stairs will be straight ahead. Climb them and continue on your way!