Getting Around
Bangkok is a very large city. As many as 12 million people live here. The city has no real center, and a rather limited transportation infrastructure relative to many other cities its size.
There was a time in the early 1990's when getting around Bangkok was close to a nightmare. You could easily find yourself stuck in traffic for several hours just to make a short trip. The situation has improved dramatically in recent years. In 1999 the city's first modern mass transit system opened, the elevated Bangkok Transit System, known as the Skytrain. Ridership initially did not met expectations, but now it can be extremely crowded at peak hours. Still, the Skytrain is a quick and easy way to get from one place to another. In 2004 the Skytrain was joined by the city's first subway.
Bangkok Airport Transfers
There are several options for getting to and from the airport, which is some distance from the center of twon. See the airport transfers page for a full run-down of the options.
Getting Around Town
- Bangkok Transit System
- Better known as the Skytrain, the capitol's first mass transit system is a quick way to get around. The system isn't very big, so it probably won't go exactly where you going, but it can cut a lot of time from a cross town trip. In April 2002 the Skytrain made several improvements to help make using the system much easier for tourists. A three-day unlimited use ticket can now be purchased at all stations and many hotels for just 280 Baht (). Included is a tourist guide and system map. Several stations now also have tourist information centers with qualified English speaking attendants to answer your travel questions. Information centers are located at Siam, Saladaeng and Taksin stations.
- Bangkok Subway
- In 2004, the Skytrain was joined by Bangkok's first subway. The single line travels from the Hualompong main train station down Rama IV road, then up Asoke / Ratchadapisek Road, and finally under Ladprao and Kampangphet roads to Bang Sue train station. The subway intersects with the Skytrain at Silom Road (Skytrain Saladaeng station), Sukhumvit (Skytrain Asoke) and Chatuchak (Skytrain Mo Chit). The subway is an alternate means of getting to Chinatown, and also gives good access to the Siam Society, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and the Chatuchak Weekend Market (Kampangphet station).
- Taxi
- Taxis are cheap and air conditioned. They are required to use their meter, but some drivers will attempt to negotiate a rate, especially late at night. If you're in a well populated area, you can just wait for a driver willing to use the meter. All taxis have a red and white TAXI-METER sign on the roof, yellow license plates and either a two color paint job or a distinctive metalic color such as hot pink. Most two-tone taxis are yellow and green, with the second most common color scheme being blue and red.
- Tuk-tuk
- These three wheeled carts, properly called a samlor, are generally the quickest way to get somewhere, but they're rather dangerous and if you take a long trip in them you'll be quite dirty at the end. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your trip.
- Motorcycle Taxi
- Those aren't gangs you see hanging around at major intersections in colored vests, they're taxis. You ride pillion while the driver weaves through traffic. Useful if you have to get somewhere in a hurry, but a little dangerous. Note that helmets are required.
- Car
- Driving yourself in Bangkok is definitely not recommended. However you can rent a car with a driver if you want to go someplace out of the way and don't want to bother with a taxi. You can rent a car with driver for as little as $35 a day.
- Boat
- The Chao Phraya river makes a great way to get around, since many of the major tourist sites are easily accessible from the river. Chao Praya River Express operates a regular boat service up and down the river. Sort of a bus on the water. Fares are extremely cheap. You can get just about anywhere for 10 Baht or less. There are piers next to many of the riverside hotels. Even if you aren't staying on the river, if you are staying close to the elevated train system, you can catch a train to the Taksin Bridge station. A River Express pier is on the river right below the station, and there is generally someone on duty at the pier to sell you a ticket and help plan your trip. The boats can be dangerously crowded during peak traffic times, so avoid rush hours.
In this section
The entrance to the Airport Link station at the airport. Follow the blue lines for the City Line, the red lines for the Express service. The Airport Link Airport Station is on the lowest level of the airport, two levels below the arrivals hall, or four levels below the departure hall. The station is the terminus for all services on the Airport Link train lines. You have a choice of two train services:
City Line train at the Phyathai Station The City Line is a commuter rail service running on the Airport Link tracks. Unlike the Express service, the City Line makes several stops between the airport and the Makkasan City Terminal, also continue past the city terminal two more stops to meet up with the Skytrain at the Phyathai Station.
Interior of the city line train. The City Line also uses different trains than the Express service.
The check-in counters at the Airport Link Makassan City Terminal. The Makkasan City Terminal anchors one end of the Airport Link express service. The huge building will eventually allow travelers to check in for their flights, with their luggage being transferred to the airport and loaded on the plane for them. This service should be available in early 2011. There's room for retail space and other facilities, but these seem to be slow coming.
City Line ticketing machine. The City Line ticketing machines are similar to the touch screen machines used by the other train systems. You first use the touch screens to select your destination (tap the "English" button in the upper-right corner if needed). You then select the number of tokens you want to purchase, in case you are traveling with friends or family. Next you insert enough money to cover the cost of the ticket(s).
Bang Chak Skytrain Station Area Map The only thing of interest around this station is the Jim Thompson Outlet store.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
Airport Link City Stations Click on the train icons for more information. The Airport Link opened in 2010 to connect the new airport to the city center. It's useful to note that there are two separate services using the same tracks: The Airport Express is an non-stop line that runs without stopping between the airport station and the City Terminal near the Petchburi subway station. The City Line is a commuter service that runs from the airport, but makes several stops between the airport and City Terminal, and proceeds through the City Terminal to the Phayathai Skytrain station.
Interior of the Airport Link Express train. The Airport Link Express provides a direct non-stop connection from the airport to the Makkasan City Terminal near the center of the city. The Airport Express trains have a 'plush' interior with padded seats, carpeting, overhead luggage racks and space for larger suitcases near every door. This is quite different from the City Line cars, which have hard plastic bench seats and no racks.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is located some distance from the center of town. You have several options for getting into town:
Airport Bus The airport operates four special express buses to key 'budget traveler' destinations. The four routes are as follows: To Silom Road Khao San Sukhumvit Road to Central World Hua Lampong rail station via Victory Monument The fare for the Airport Bus is a flat 150 Baht (Bangkok by Boat
Chaophraya Tourist Boat The Chao Phraya river makes a great way to get around, since many of the major tourist sites are easily accessible from the river. Chao Praya River Express operates a regular boat service up and down the river. Sort of a bus on the water. Fares are extremely cheap - you can get just about anywhere for 11 Baht to 25 Baht depending on the distance and the type of boat.
Bangkok has gotten a lot easier to get around since the introduction of some mass commuter systems over the last several years. Between the express boat and the trains, you can get to most of the major sights of Bangkok quickly and easily. The trains can be quite crowded during rush hours, and are best avoided during these times.
Map of Bangkok Mass Transit Stations Bangkok Transit System Better known as the Skytrain, the capitol's first mass transit system is a quick way to get around.
Subway System Map Most Thais now use the term "subway" although the operators still refer to it as the "metro". The system was opened in 2004, several years after the Skytrain. While the Skytrain is elevated, the subway is completely under ground. The Skytrain was built as an elevated system to save cost and because many believed that an under ground system would be prone to flooding, but when residents saw the impact the elevated system had on the city, the outcry insured that future mass transit systems would be built under ground.
Skytrain Route Map Best known as the Skytrain, the capitol's first mass transit system is a quick way to get around. The system isn't very big, with only two lines, so it probably won't go exactly where you going, but it can cut a lot of time from a cross town trip. Single trip tickets cost 15 to 40 Baht (203 fares). One-day passes good for unlimited trips cost 120 Baht.
Saladaeng Skytrain and Silom Subway stations area. The Silom - Saladaeng area is one of three places where the SkyTrain and Subway systems cross. The area used to be Bangkok's main business district, until growth and traffic forced many companies to move their headquaters to the suburbs. However, there still are a lot of corporate offices in the area.
The Dusit Thani is still the grand old dame of Bangkok hotels.
The Chidlom area is home to several hotels, and once major department store. The British embassy is also in the general area, but the Ploenchit Skytrain station is probably closer to the Embassy if you have business there. In addition to the Central Department Store, you'll find the Narai Phand handicrafts store in the back of the Intercontinental Hotel. One of Bangkok's more unusual shrines is also located in the area, the Chao Mae Tubtim shrine, which is surrounded by dozens of wooden phallic offerings.
Chong Nongsi Station Area Map There are a number of large office buildings near this station. It also connects to the "BRT", Bangkok's first dedicated guided busway. If you need to visit a Thai Airways office, the one on the corner of Silom is the most accessible by train.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
Ekamai Skytrain Station Area Map The main 'attraction' in the Ekamai station area for travelers is the Eastern Bus Terminal, where you can catch buses to Pattaya and other destinations in Eastern Thailand. The Bangkok Mediplex, with direct access from the station, is a new (in 2010) shopping mall with a heavy medical focus. There are clinics and doctors' offices on the upper floor, along with some restaurants, coffee shops and other facilities.
The subway station has a passage leading to an exit right outside the old inter-city train station. You can easily walk to Wat Traimit and Chinatown from this station.
Hua Lampong Railway Station < The interior of Hua Lamphong rail station The Hua Lamphong station is Bangkok's main rail terminus. Trains for all points in Thailand, except Kanchanaburi, depart from this station. Behind the solid classical facade facing Rama IV Road is the huge train shed.
Kamphaengphet Subway Station Area The Kamphaengphet subway station is the best destination to head to if you want to take in some of Bangkok's most interesting markets. One exit from this station puts you right in the middle of the Chatuchak weekend market, while another puts you inside the Aw Taw Gaw farmers market.
« Subway system main page.
Lumpini Subway stations area. While it may be called Lumpini Station, Lumpini Park is more easily accessible from the Silom station, since there's no exit to the park from this station. The Suan Lum night bazaar used to be right beside the station, but that's now closed and old market is now a construction site where a new multi-use shopping / condo / office complex is being built.
Hotels near this station include the popular budget-priced Pinnacle Lumpinee.
Nana Skytrain Station Area The Nana area is the very heart of the Sukhumvit tourist and 'entertainment' zone. The bars and clubs of 'Soi Nana' are somewhat notoriuous, but there are a lot of other, more genteel, clubs and restaurants in the area as well. There are also around 80 hotels within walking distance of the station.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
National Stadium Skytrain Station Area Map The National Stadium station is almost right in front of the huge Mahboonkrong ('MBK') shopping mall, and is also the closest station to the Jim Thompson House museum. The new Bangkok Art and Culture Center also has a direct link to the station.
It's perhaps useful to know that elevated walkways link the station not only to MBK but also across the busy intersection to Siam Discovery and Siam Square.
Oriental Pier Area Map There's more to see around the pier next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel than just the obvious. In addition to the hotel, here's some other sights nearby:
East Asiatic Company Right on the river at the pier are the buildings of the Dutch East Asiatic Company (EAC). Founded in 1897, EAC is still one of the world's leading trading companies. These beautiful Venetian-styled buildings were built in 1901.
Pahonyothin Station Area Map The Pahonyothin station is within easy walking distance of the Central Plaza Ladprao shopping center. The mall was once Bangkok's premier shopping destination, but now, at more than 30 years old, but underwent a major renovation will in 2011. The Sofitel Centara Grand Hotel, which is also part of the complex, will be getting a makeover as well.
Also right outside of the station is the Union Mall, a large new mall that is designed to attract a very young crowd.
Petchburi Subway Station & Makassan City Terminal Area There isn't much of anything to see or do around the Petchburi Subway station. In fact, unless you're heading to or from the airport via the Airport Link, there isn't really any reason to go there at all.
It's worth noting that to get from the subway station to the Airport Link terminal requires you to cross an often busy street and a set of railroad tracks.
Phyathai Station forms the terminus of the Airport Link City Line, where it connects to the BTS Skytrain. A bridge connects the City Line station to the Skytrain station, but there's no common ticketing, so you have to buy a new ticket to transfer from one line to another.
There is not much around Phayathai for the traveller, although the Suan Pakkad palace is definitely worth seeing.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
Phra Arthit Pier Area Map The Phra Arthit (also called Banglampo) pier is your access point to the backpacker-set district of Khaosan, such as:
Wat Chana Songkram People often use the temple as a shortcut between Khao San Road and the river without ever stopping to take a closer look. Big mistake. Wat Bowoniwet Along Phra Sumen road a few blocks from the Banglampu river pier is the important but seldom visited temple of Wat Bowoniwet.
Ploenchit Skytrain Station Area Map From this station, several embassies are within easy walking distance, including UK, USA, Vietnam and Netherlands. There are several notable restaurants along Soi Ruamrudee.
There are a number of hotels within a short walk of the station. There is a new (open 2011) Novotel right at the station, as well as the five star Conrad Hotel.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
Punnawithi Station Area Map The only tourist sight around this station is the eye-catching Wat Dhammamongkon, with its 12 story high pagoda tower. If you do visit the temple, Piyarom Place, on Sukhumvit near the station, is a small suburban mall with a lot of dining options.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
Rama IX Station Area Map The only thing of any interest around the Rama IX station is the Fortune Town IT Mall, which is one of the best places to go looking for any technical gadgetry you may desire. The Grand Mercure Fortune Hotel is at one end of the mall.
« Subway system main page.
Ratchadamri Station Area Map There isn't much in the immediate area of the Ratchadamri station aside from a few very nice hotels. Sarasin Road, facing Lumpini Park a short walk from the station, is home to one of Bangkok's most well known jazz pubs, Brown Sugar. The restaurant spawned several imitators along the road.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
Ratchathewi Station Area Map The Asia Hotel and the Vie Hotel are both just steps from this station. You can also walk to the garment district and Panthip Plaza IT mall from this station.
Right below the station is Coco Walk, a large collection of pubs, clubs and restaurants. It only seems to be active at night.
« BTS Skytrain main page.
There's very little to interest the visitor around Sam Yan station. The rather urbanized temple of Wat Hua Lampong is right next to one exit of the station, while the relatively new Cham Churi Square shopping mall has a direct link to the other exit.
« Subway system main page.
Sathorn Pier / Taksin Bridge Area Map From the Sathorn Pier you can board the Skytrain to any destination. You can also easily walk to the following places and sights:
Wat Suan Plu Wat Suan Plu is a small temple located on the side street which leads to one of the bigger tourist hotels -- the Shangri-La. Wat Yannawa An interesting temple with a bot shaped like Chinese junk. From the pier, make your way to the main road (Charoen Krung) and turn right.
Si Phraya Pier Area Map The only thing of general interest around the Si Phraya pier is the River City shopping center, which specializes in high-end Thai arts and crafts. If you like local markets or unusual temples, then crossing the river for a stroll around the Klong San area may be interesting. Note that the cross-river ferry pier is on the opposite side of the hotel from the express boat pier.
The "Asoke Intersection" area is one of Bangkok's main business centers. Actually, it's the center of many things, with a large expatriate community, several hotels, restaurants and 'entertainment' establishments. The intersections of streets - which are often jammed - are matched by the intersection of Skytrain and Subway as well.
The area is also home to the Siam Society, a scholarly foundation set up under royal patronage to promote knowledge of Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Surasak Skytrain Station Area There isn't much in the immediate area around the station, but the lower Silom Road area is just a five minute walk from it. The well-known Thai-Belgian Blue Elephant restaurant and cooking school is right next to the station.
Silom Village is a small collection of souvenir shops and restaurants that can be an interesting place to poke around in, especially if you are staying in the area.
Thailand Cultural Center Station Area Map The Thailand Cultural Center Subway station is near the heart of the Ratchadapisek shopping area. This area primarily caters to locals, so there's not much here to draw visitors to Bangkok. However, if you're looking for some place to really cool off, the Esplanade shopping mall does have one of the few ice skating rinks in Bangkok.
The other shopping centers are Carrefour, which also has a large home improvement center in it, and a Robinson department store.
Thonburi Railway Station The Thonburi rail station is the main departure point for trains to Kanchanaburi, along the route of the World War II "death railway". There are normally only a couple of trains a day from this station, which is on one side of a large fresh market. Note that only trains for Kanchanaburi leave from Thonburi station. All other destinations, such as Hua Hin and beyond on the southern route, leave from Hua Lampong station.
Thonglor Station Area Map/> The Thonglor area, also spelled Thong Lo or just Sukhumvit Soi 55, is the center of the Bangkok expatriate community, with tons of shops and restaurants that serve the international community that lives in the area. For a good run-down on the restaurants and nightlife of the district, see the Thongkor-Ekamai web site.
Accommodations in the area tend towards serviced apartments, hosting longer-term business visitors.
The Victory monument area is a major bus transportation hub in Bangkok, and hundreds of shops have opened around the area selling cheap merchandise for the students and other low income people who transit the place every day. For the tourist, the major attraction is probably the Phayathai Palace a short walk from the train station.
Victory Monument Station Area Map/> Also of possible interest to the traveler is the Downtown Duty Free shop of King Power, which is the exclusive duty free operator for Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports.
