Royal Park (Rama IX Park) - the only park in Phuket
In Phuket, as in many resorts in Thailand, there are almost no places where you could just walk, without being tied to shopping or overcoming obstacles. Just a beautiful place, with comfortable paths, in silence - as we are used to in Russia. Therefore, in Thai resorts, lovers of walking exercise often walk along the beach, if the depth and looseness of the sand allows, well, in some very small parks and squares, if there are any. But in Phuket there is a park named after King Rama 9 - big, cool, with a good idea. Around it is a cycle track, 4 km long with mileage markings, and in general it is focused not only on walking, but also on sports..
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Rama IX Park
I could not find the history of the creation of the park on the network, because basically all links lead to the park of the same name in Bangkok. But already in 2014 the Royal Park named after Rama 9 existed, and according to the reviews of visitors, even then it required repair and restoration. At the time of my visit in January 2017, construction work was in full swing there, and perhaps such activity was associated with the sad events of last year, when the King of Thailand, after whom the park was named, died. Because of the large-scale work, it was not possible to take beautiful pictures, but - what are they rich in?.
By the standards of the island, Rama 9 Royal Park in Phuket is very large, green, with tall trees, in short - there is a lot to roam. The declared area is about 1 square kilometer, but according to my feelings - all two.
There is also an opinion that the park is too open and there are not enough shrubs, in some places the grass, scorched by the sun and (possibly) due to lack of watering, is depressing. Unfortunately, there are no alternatives to this park in Phuket, so Royal Park is the best (because the only) place in Phuket for walking and jogging. Although the path around the lake near Wat Chalong (without trees at all) and the embankment around the lake on Nai Harn are still suitable for jogging.
View from the entrance to the park on the highway
Royal Park Rama 9 in Phuket
When I arrived here, the Thais were ennobling one of the ponds in the center of the park. Part of the territory has been dug up, concrete blocks are lying around, but most of the park is ready. There is no idea how long construction has been going on here and how long it will take. The idea of the park is very good, as for the implementation - we will wait for the results of the work. This place came to me even in an unfinished form, here even in the heat it is somehow good, everything is blown by the wind. Although, if you evaluate it in comparison with other parks that I happened to see during my travels, then the Royal Park of the 9th frame in Phuket is not at all royal.
Urban - yes. Ordinary, without pathos, regalia and architectural features. The entire park is an ennobled (but not greened) stretch of Phuket, without signs of any ornamental plantings, tropical delights and a riot of colors. Just a clean-cut piece of jungle, several ponds, a network of walking and bike paths. On the territory there are several stone fat, there are a small number of shops, there is a simple playground and outdoor exercise equipment. The simulators are either very ancient, stylized as logs and hemp, or more modern, to which we are already accustomed.
Information to visit
Admission is free, opening hours are daytime. You can also come at night, but there will be nothing to look at, but you will prevent Thai teenagers from hugging.
The location of the park is such that there are no viewpoints or natural attractions here. Exercise machines are all designed to work with your own weight..
On the map
If you look at the map, it is quite obvious where the parking lot is and where is the entrance to the park. Be guided by the point that I indicated on the map below. It stands at a bend from the road on which you will drive, there is also a pedestrian overhead crossing. Next to it there will be an entrance to the park and to a long parking lot..
King Rama IX Park
King Rama IX Park
A large green park in Phuket, the only one in this format. But unfinished, construction site, scorched grass, little bush.
More about the park.
A large green park in Phuket, the only one in this format. But unfinished, construction site, burnt grass, little bushes. More about the park.