“Did you know this isn’t about a movie?” I ask. I am talking about The Green Mile in Bangkok. It is not the Frank Darabont movie. The Green Mile is an elevated walkway in Bangkok.
Officially, it is called the Bangkok Green Bridge. But most people call it The Green Mile. It connects Lumpini Park and Benjakiti Park.
The Green Mile opened in 1999. In June 2022, a restoration project was completed. The walkway was widened. Resting points were added. Visitors can enjoy the scenery and take photos. The rivers and canals were cleaned. The bridge was reinforced. Street lighting and CCTV cameras were installed. Stainless steel fences were erected.
The most striking change was the color. The entire walkway was painted a bright shade of green. That is how it got the nickname The Green Mile. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority officially named it the Bangkok Green Bridge. But the name Green Mile became more popular.
It is a fun place for a relaxed walk. You can take in the views. As you walk, you will see local life. The route passes through a local community living on the canal banks. You will notice a contrast. Modern Bangkok has towering skyscrapers. Authentic Bangkok shows simpler lives.
From The Green Mile, there are many sights. Canals and klongs pass right below. Artificial vines have been planted. They will grow over the top. They provide cover and shade.
Some locals were not keen on the construction. The walkway plunged their homes into darkness. Privacy was taken away. Two-story homes were now at eye level from the walkway.
Other residents embraced The Green Mile. Thai entrepreneurship shines here. Halfway along the bridge, there is a sign. It instructs you to ring the bell. Underneath the bridge, there are small shops and food stalls.
There is an XXL menu on the roof below. There is a pulley system with a rope and bucket. You ring the bell to get the attention of Mr. Boy. He hoists the bucket up. You write your order and place the money in the bucket. Your food is cooked and hoisted back up to you on The Green Mile.
There is always a business opportunity in Thailand. Even on The Green Mile, you can get Phad Thai and bottled water.
The Green Mile is precisely one mile long. That is 1.6 kilometers. It is not a long walk. It can be completed in 20 or 30 minutes. It is a pretty route.
To get to The Green Mile, start at Lumpini Park. Walk to the North Eastern Corner. You should see the Lumpini Park School. There is an exit next to the school. Leave the park and turn left. The trail entrance can be seen. It starts with a bright green staircase. You cannot miss it.
The BTS Skytrain is the most convenient transport. Ride the BTS train to Lumpini. Get off at Saladaeng Station. After completing The Green Mile, board the BTS train again at Asok Station. It is a short walk from Benjakiti Park. The Green Mile offers a unique perspective. It blends modern and traditional Bangkok. It is a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit.