Waking up early is all part of life as a parent – and some of us have active children who naturally get up at dawn (sorry!). So, make the most of your pre-rush hour starts with one of these early morning activities.
1. Stroll in Lumpini Park
If you really want to enjoy the hushed solitude of a Bangkok morning, nothing beats a stroll in Lumpini Park, which opens at 4.30am. Visit this tranquil oasis and enjoy wandering along tree-lined paths, sitting beside the lake, or taking the kids over to one of the park’s two large playgrounds. Depending on what time you arrive, the chances are the only people you’ll encounter are the city’s early morning joggers and sprightly octogenarians practicing their tai chi. Mornings don’t get more relaxing than this!
2. Go get breakfast
It’s hard to beat starting the day with leisurely breakfasts – and Bangkok houses lots of great little cafés and eateries. For example, Ploenchit-based bistro, Café Tartine, serves up toasted baguettes, sourdough bread with Nutella, sweet and savoury crepes, ham and cheese omelettes and much more. High chairs and colouring pages are a plus! Also, Melangé in Ekamai offers a range of kid-friendly breakfast items plus use of their on-site swimming pool. And for a hands-on experience, head to Slappy Cakes at the front of Sukhumvit Soi 39 for DIY pancake creations.
3. Explore the city by BTS
Exploring Bangkok with younger kids isn’t always easy – especially when you’re on foot and pushing a stroller around the streets. But riding the BTS at dawn is a great way to see the city in a whole new light. Operating hours begin from 6am, so an early start will mean you can avoid rush hour and not have to worry about finding a seat. Hop off the train and visit a neighbourhood you haven’t seen before, or simply watch the city slowly waking up as it rolls gently past your window.
4. Admire Bangkok street art
Discover the massive murals of the Bukruk Urban Arts Festival. Showcasing the work of Asian and European street artists, these vibrant artworks can be spotted around Bangrak, Chareon Krung, Songward, Taladnoi, Yaowaraj and Surawong, making for a fun morning out. The most easily accessible murals are near Saphan Taksin BTS station. For more a map, click here. Alternately, near Ratchethewi BTS station, Chalermla Park serves as a small public park that’s surrounded by colourful street art murals and graffiti on neighbouring buildings. Opening at 5.30am, it also offers some grassy areas – perfect for small children to run around on!
5. Take a ride at Suan Rot Fai
This serene park located just north of Chatuchak Market is a great place to start the day with an early morning bike ride. The park opens from 5am and has a shaded 3 km cycling trail that winds its way through lush green fields. You can bring your own bike or rent one out from just 20 baht (the rental station opens around 8am). Once energy levels are spent, take the kids over to the children’s play area before finishing up with a well-earned breakfast at the park’s café.
6. Do some early morning gardening
Not every morning activity has to involve leaving the house. Gardening is a great way to help kids cultivate an appreciation of nature – and so much easier during the cooler morning temperatures. Start by encouraging them to cultivate their own patch of the garden. You could collect seeds from your fruit and start growing fruit plants or trees. Alternatively, have your children help nurture an herb patch. Woody varieties such as lemongrass, Thai basil and kaffir lime plants can be found in local markets and garden centres. Click here for our gardening tips.
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