Bangkok's Serene Oasis in the City Center—A Stroll Through Chulalongkorn University

Initially, I was just looking for a place to take a walk near BTS Siam, but I accidentally wandered into Chulalongkorn University and was pleasantly surprised by its atmosphere. Although it's one of Thailand's top universities, to me, it felt more like an urban forest in the bustling city. The campus is open, lush with greenery, and completely free of any sense of pressure. As soon as I entered, I was captivated by the long, straight avenue lined with tall trees and playful squirrels darting around. The air was so fresh that it felt unlike the typical Bangkok city center. Walking further, I came across several elegant Thai-style buildings with red roofs, exuding a sense of history. These house museums and libraries, but I didn’t go inside this time—just took some photos outside and watched students in their neat uniforms pass by, creating a very relaxed atmosphere. The highlight of the campus is undoubtedly the lotus pond. The water surface is covered with pink and purple lotus flowers, surrounded by trees. Many people sit by the pond to daydream—it’s truly healing. There’s also a small café called CU Terrace, which offers a quiet environment perfect for a break. Drinks cost around 20 HKD per cup, and while the taste is average, the scenery makes up for it. Interestingly, the campus is home to a few stray dogs, which are collectively cared for by the students. They’re all well-behaved and friendly, often lying quietly on the grass soaking up the sun, completely unafraid of people. I even saw students playing with the dogs while eating, creating a heartwarming scene. The entire campus is open to the public, and if you get tired, you can head to nearby Siam Paragon or Central World for food and shopping. Just a short walk away, you’re back in the lively Bangkok, creating a stark contrast. If you have half a day and want to find a place to relax without leaving the city center, I highly recommend taking a casual stroll through Chulalongkorn University. You’ll discover how academic vibes and everyday life can blend so naturally, with a touch of romance. Address: Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 (Take BTS to Siam Station and walk a few minutes to get there)