Bangkok Skytrain & Subway

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 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. 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. A three-day unlimited use ticket can be purchased at all stations and many hotels for just 280 Baht (7.45 USD). 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.

Mo Chit - On Nut Route

Mo Chit

Station is right outside Chatuchak Park, and a short distance from the Chatuchak weekend market.

Victory Monument

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 tourist, the major attraction is probably the Phayathai Palace a short walk from the train station.

Phaya Thai

The Suan Pakkad palace is a short walk from this station. This is also the closest station to Wat Benjamabopit and Vimanmek Mansion, although you'll want to take a taxi from the station to get to either of these.

Siam Station

This is the only interchange between the two Skytrain lines, and sits right in the middle of Bangkok's main shopping area.

Chidlom

More shopping, plus easy access to the Siam Intercontinental, Holiday Inn and Grand Hyatt Hotels.

Ploenchit

From this station, several embassies are within easy walking distance, including UK, USA, Vietnam and Netherlands. Also within walking distance of the Le Meridien Plaza Athenee and Conrad hotels.

Nana

Very close to the Landmark Hotel and many other accommodations.

Asoke

Interchange with the subway's Sukhumvit station. Also has easy access to the Sheraton Grande and Westin hotels.

Prompong

This station gives direct access to the Emporium Shopping Center.

National Stadium - Taksin Bridge Route

National Stadium

Right in front of the huge Mahboonkrong ('MBK') shopping mall, as well as near to the Jim Thompson House museum.

Saladaeng

Interchange to the subway's Silom station, as well as Lumpini Park, Silom Shopping Complex and the night-time entertainment area of Patpong.

Taksin Bridge

Terminal station right on the river. The main express boat pier is right below the station. Eventually, the train will extend across the river to Thonburi.

Bangkok Subway

Most Thais now use the term "subway" although the operators tried to get it known 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.

The subway does not serve as many tourist sights as the Skytrain, but there are a few places for which the subway is the best way. The subway consists of only one line.

Hua Lumpong

The subway station has a passage leading to an entrance right outside the inter-city train station. You can easily walk to Wat Traimit and Chinatown from this station.

Silom

Interchange with the Skytrain system. Also gives access to Lumpini Park, Silom Shopping Complex and the night-time entertainment area of Patpong.

Lumpini

Access to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Also a short walk from the Lumpini Muay Thai Boxing Stadium.

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

If you're attending a convention or trade show at the convention center, the subway can get right to the front door.

Sukhumvit

Interchange to the Skytrain system. The Siam Society is also right outside the north entrance to the station.

Petchburi

In the future (late 2007 or 2008) this station will provide an interchange to the new airport express train.

Rama IX

Provides access to the IT Mall and Mercure Hotel.

Thailand Cultural Center

As the station's name implies, the cultural center is close by. Closer are several large department stores and the Chinese embassy.

Lad Prao

A large parking structure above this station provides an easy place for commuters to park.

Pahonyothin

The station is a short walk from the large Central Plaza shopping center and Sofitel hotel.

Kampangpet

One exit from this station puts you right in the middle of the Chatuchak weekend market.