If you're looking for somewhere to relax, do something active or simply enjoy the breeze and a good view, the parks along the Chao Phraya River are hard to beat. So which riverside parks are worth visiting?

Everyone relaxes differently: some go to the cinema, the mall, the beach or a waterfall, and some just stay home. But if your idea of unwinding is a park with fresh air, a river breeze and good photo spots, here are 5 relaxing parks on the Chao Phraya River that you'll want to visit.

Riverside park on the Chao Phraya with a shaded walkway under large trees

1. The Park Under Taksin Bridge, Thonburi Side

Our first pick is the park under King Taksin Bridge on the Thonburi side, in Khlong San district, which has been around for more than 30 years. What makes it special is that it is a nursery for Bangkok's street trees and garden vegetables: once the seedlings are strong enough, they are sent out to be planted in other districts of the city. There's also free fitness equipment. The park is next to Charoen Nakhon Road and the Pepsi pier.

Riverside park on the Chao Phraya under an expressway bridge

2. Sila Rerk Park Under Bhumibol Bridge 1, Yannawa Side

This park has two highlights: a long concrete cycle and walking track that's perfect for a run or a straight-line sprint on two wheels, and a riverside viewpoint looking across to the beautifully designed Bhumibol Bridge 1. It's a great place on the Chao Phraya to exercise or just relax.

Garden path in a riverside park on the Chao Phraya with a cable-stayed bridge view

3. Rama VIII Park Under Rama 8 Bridge, Thonburi Side

Rama VIII Park sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya and is a beautiful viewpoint. It is home to a statue of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), three times life size and about 5.4 metres tall. In the building beneath the statue there is a room about the King's life and work, open to anyone interested. It's a place to exercise, relax and learn some history all at once.

Riverside lawn on the Chao Phraya with views of a bridge and tall buildings

4. The Chalerm Phrakiat Park Under Rama IX Bridge, Phra Nakhon Side

This park was thoughtfully designed to suit its unique riverside site, bringing natural features into the park as a waterfront park. The Chao Phraya acts as a natural boundary through the middle, adding to the scenery, so it has become a viewpoint where you can exercise and take home some beautiful views.

Thai-style pavilion by the Chao Phraya River at dusk

5. Santichaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road, Banglamphu

Santichaiprakarn Park was built to celebrate the 72nd birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was designed with more lawn than paths, so wherever you look there are patches of green grass that are perfect for lying on. It's normal to see people bring a mat and a pillow to relax in the breeze, or come to exercise and take photos. The atmosphere is especially lovely as the sun goes down. And when you've had your fill of relaxing, there's a riverside restaurant just steps away: Coco Chaophraya.

Coco Chaophraya riverside restaurant near Santichaiprakarn Park

Coco Chaophraya interior by the Chao Phraya River

Dining area at Coco Chaophraya

Riverside terrace at Coco Chaophraya

Coco Chaophraya, a Riverside Restaurant Next to Santichaiprakarn Park

Coco Chaophraya is a restaurant right on the Chao Phraya River with a warm, romantic atmosphere and sunset views, close to Santichaiprakarn Park. It's relaxed and friendly, with Thai, international and Italian dishes, pizza and desserts at friendly prices. We're open every day from 10:00 to 23:00. For the best time to come, read Rama 8 Bridge view restaurant for sunset, or plan a full day with One day on Phra Athit Road.

49/1 Phra Sumen Road, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 · Tel 02-281-9918 · LINE @cocochao

About us: Coco Chaophraya has been open for more than 10 years. We started at the front of Baan Chao Phraya before moving to the Chao Phraya riverside. Our chefs have more than 10 years of experience, and our professional baristas have more than 10 years of experience making coffee.