Alex Face Art
📍 Address: 2291 Pak Soi Sukhumvit 91, Khwaeng Bang Chak, Khet Phra Khanong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260 Thailand
Alex Face, a world-renowned artist, leads Bangkok’s vibrant street art scene. His creation, the three-eyed rabbit character ‘Mardi,’ possesses a unique charm, blending social satire with childlike innocence, and has become a beloved fixture in murals across various locations in Bangkok.
This particular ‘Alex Face Art’ is subtly painted in a deep, less-traveled spot – right at the entrance (Pak Soi) of Sukhumvit Road Soi 91, a place rarely featured in guidebooks. Its greatest charm lies in how the art seamlessly blends into the everyday landscape, intentionally not commercialized for tourism. It’s a hidden gem where you can experience the joy of stumbling upon it while exploring near BTS Bang Chak Station.
The surrounding area is a purely local neighborhood, dotted with shops that exude authentic local life. As a result, online reviews sometimes even mention nearby sauna facilities, showing how integrated the art is into the daily fabric of the city. This blend, however, is precisely what makes it a genuine spot to experience the ‘now’ of Bangkok. Travelers who appreciate street culture and photography should definitely visit with their cameras in hand.
Benchasiri Park
📍 Address: Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
Benchasiri Park is nestled right next to BTS Phrom Phong Station, flanked by major shopping malls ‘Emporium’ and ‘EmSphere’. Opened in 1992 to commemorate Queen Sirikit’s 60th birthday, it’s a lush green oasis in the heart of a bustling metropolis. It’s an ideal attraction for travelers weary from shopping in the Sukhumvit area to relax and catch their breath in the shade.
The park’s main appeal is undoubtedly the glimpse it offers into the ‘real daily life’ of local Thais and expatriates. Open from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it buzzes with energy in the mornings and evenings as people engage in jogging, aerobics, Sepak Takraw, and basketball. Recently, the children’s playground on the EmSphere side has been renovated and upgraded, making it a big hit with families.
The park is well-equipped with restrooms and two kiosks. Additionally, free water refill stations are available next to each restroom, a welcome feature for travelers who bring their own water bottles. With fountains that spray water at set times and many people visiting for lantern floating during the Loy Krathong Festival in November, the park showcases various expressions depending on the season and time of day. It also has a direct connection to the back entrance of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, offering excellent accessibility for guests.
Tips for Enjoying Sukhumvit Tourism to the Fullest
Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area is an exciting district where modern commercial facilities mingle with local alleys (sois). For travelers to enjoy this area efficiently, timing your activities is key.
During the hot daytime hours, it’s best to base yourself in cool shopping malls like EmSphere or Emporium. Then, after 4 PM when the sun begins to set and it cools down, head to Benchasiri Park to experience the local vibrancy. In the evenings, free aerobics sessions are sometimes held in the park, and watching or even joining in with the locals can make for a wonderful memory.
Furthermore, when exploring street art like Alex Face Art, make effective use of the BTS (Skytrain) and don’t forget sun protection and hydration. Knowing about spots like Benchasiri Park’s free water refill stations in advance will ensure a comfortable stroll through the city. Be sure to discover your own unique, deep sense of Bangkok, beyond what’s typically found in guidebooks.
