I've been to Thailand several times but have never been to Lumphini Park. The sprawling 142-acre park right in the heart of Bangkok is a lush oasis built by King Rama VI during the 1920’s. Being the city’s first park, it is probably the equivalent of Manila's Rizal Park. It is one if Bangkok's go-to places, and yes, I've never set foot on it. Until now.

VIEW OF BANGKOK FROM MY ROOM AT CROWNE PLAZA

CROWNE PLAZA’S UPPER FLOOR LOBBY

From the province of Nakhon Pathom, from the peace and quiet of Sampram Riverside Resort, we headed to the bustling metropolis that is Bangkok. We went straight to Crowne Plaza Hotel, checked in to our posh King Bed Superior Rooms overlooking the modern skyline of the city, and surrendered our weary selves to the soft comfort of our beds.

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I DON’T WANNA LEAVE MY ROOM

We're going to Lumphini Park in ten minutes, our guide reminded us. But I don't want to leave my bed just yet—my story, every time I'm in Bangkok. The sweltering heat outside is simply unbearable, even for someone used to humid weather. But, we have to go. After all, this is what we went here for.

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KING RAMA VI’S MONUMENT AT LUMPHINI PARK’S ENTRANCE

THE AREA SURROUNDING THE MAN-MADE LAKE IS HOME TO SEVERAL BIRD SPECIES

Lumphini Park is just two minutes away by foot from our hotel (so is the notorious Patpong Road, as I was to find out later) but I was already sweating buckets as we arrived on its southern gates and trained our lenses on the towering figure of King Rama IV.

REVELERS WEARING PHI TA KON GHOST MASKS AT THE THAILAND TOURISM FESTIVAL

Inside, what was probably once (I’ve never been here, remember) a quiet and serene park has now been transformed into a bedlam of colors and sounds.

Thailand is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, tourist destination for western backpackers; Bangkok being the gateway to their Southeast Asian adventures. So, I guess, it is only apt that the country celebrates a Tourism Festival annually.

THAI CULTURAL WARES ON DISPLAY AND FOR SALE AT THE THAILAND TOURISM FESTIVAL

I PREFER BUYING THAI FOOD THOUGH

And Lumphini Park is where it's happening. The area is dotted with clusters of mini-villages representing the tambon or towns in the whole of Thailand, from the southern provinces up to the highlands of Chiang Mai. Everything is well represented, from their traditional garb up to their local wares and dishes. And the best thing about it, besides seeing it with your own two eyes without leaving Bangkok, was that you can buy them and bring them home. Or in my case, eat them right there and then.

ONE OF THE REGIONAL VILLAGES AT THE THAILAND TOURISM FESTIVAL

Now on its 36th year, 2016’s Thailand Tourism Festival is divided into four main zones; the activity area, the tourism villages featuring the five major regions in Thailand, the fifty districts of Bangkok, and the main stage where daily cultural performances are held.

A THAI GIRL DRESSED AS AN ANGEL

By the late afternoon, a crowd has gathered near the main gate of Lumphini Park as groups of costumed participants started to form a line. A parade was brewing up. Cameras snapped and drones flew overhead as one beautifully dressed Thai woman went pass after another. Err, oh yeah, there were guys too, I think. I just can't help it, Thai girls are enchanting.

THAI PERFORMERS WITH THEIR SIGNATURE HAND MOVEMENTS AT THE THAILAND TOURISM FESTIVAL

The event culminated at the Pad Leam Pavilion where a huge LCD stage was set up showcasing the new Twelve Hidden Gems of Thailand. Speakers from the tourism industry took the stage and delivered glorious speeches, in pure Thai. I never did mind, my eyes were glued to them Thai girls—with their cute accents, slender arching hands, sultry eyes and disarming smiles. I love Thailand.

~ BIG THANKS TO THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND FOR MAKING THIS TRIP POSSIBLE

Thailand Tourism Festival
Festival Date: January of Every Year
Lumphini Park
Address: 192 Thanon Rama IV, Bangkok, Thailand
GPS Coordinates Map: 13.731220, 100.541313
Crowne Plaza Hotel ► ROOM RATES
Address: 952 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, Thailand

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