One of the first things I do when I research a trip destination is become familiar with the local tourist scams. When my research repeatedly presented stories such as the “Top 10 Scams of Bangkok” and “Bangkok: the Land of the Scams”, I knew we had to be alert. In addition, I was also starting to discover countless reports detailing how bad the traffic was in Bangkok.
With those findings, I was inspired to stay off of Bangkok’s busy roads and visit all of the local attractions using the Bangkok train systems, without being scammed, and while maintaining low-cost cash outlays.
I found that most of the popular attractions in Bangkok can be reached by train with little effort or intimidation; however trains in general only work if you travel light like we do, otherwise you’re going to drive yourself crazy schlepping bags around [and sticking out like a sore thumb as an unseasoned tourist].
First Things First:
First and foremost, I highly recommend that you download this easy-to-use BKK map on your iPad or mobile device. I downloaded the app to my iPad, and it works without a wifi connection.
Getting to Bangkok From The Airport:
From airport, two express trains reach downtown Bangkok:
- The Express Line: Airport to Makkasan (MRT station). The journey takes 15 minutes.
- There’s also an express line airport to Phaya Thai station that takes 17 minutes.
Both of these options depart every hour between 10 am and 10 pm, and it’s 90 baht one way or 150 baht round trip.
Another [non-express] cheaper option is the City Line. Trains run from BKK airport to Phaya Thai Station ( 7 stops). The ride is about 30 minutes, and the trains run every 12 minutes, from 5:56 am to midnight. Fares range from 15 Baht to 45 Baht, depending on distance.
Getting to Hotels From BKK:
Following the directions above, you would change at Makkasan, stop 5, if your hotel is located near a MRT stop. If your hotel is located near a BTS stop, take train to last stop Phaya Thai ( stop 7), and switch to BTS station. The switch to BTS train requires the purchase another cheap fare.
In our case, our first night was at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, which is located within walking distance from the Thong Lo BTS stop. We took the airport train to Phaya Thai, switched to BTS line to Thong Lo, and then walked 2 minutes to the hotel.
Our next hotel, the Park Plaza Soi 18, was located by the Asok BTS station, only 2 stops from our Marriot. Keep in mind that there are two Park Inns at the Asok stop – The Park Plaza Sukhumvit, which is 150 meters from station (you can actually see hotel sign from station). The Park Plaza Soi 18 is a bit harder to find; it’s about a 5 minute walk from station the (also in a better location, in my opinion).
Our last hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, was located by National Stadium BTS stop, 5 stops from the Park Inn. Once we exited the station, it was a one minute walk to hotel. I’ll also note that this hotel is very convenient to return to the airport. To get to the airport, simply take the BTS train to Siam Station, and continue on to Phaya Thai to airport. The total journey is about 25 minutes.
How to Visit Major Attractions by Train:
Gran Palace, Wat Pho, What Arun, Khao San Road, etc.:
Take BTS to Saphan Taksin stop.
Dad tip: buy a one day unlimited BTS ticket for 130 Baht; it’s more convenient, and no need to have change or to wait in long lines to buy ticket.
Most of the attractions are located by the river. This is where you buy the tickets for the Chao Phraya River Express. The boat operates from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
Dad tip: buy the unlimited touristic boat day ticket for 150 Baht.
The Weekend Market:
If you are visiting Bangkok on a weekend, make sure to visit the weekend market. The weekend market covers over 27 acres, with more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. The market is open Friday 6pm to midnight, and then Sat and Sun 9 am to 6 pm.
To get to the weekend market, take the BTS to Mo Chit station, take exit 1, and follow the crowds. Another option is to take the MRT to Chatuchak Par station, and follow the crowds.
Other Useful BTS Tourist Stops:
- National Stadium: Jim Thompson House and MBKÂ Centre
- Siam: Siam Square
- Phloen Chit:Â Central Department Store
- Asok:Â Times Square Department Store, night clubs.
I hope this guide helps you feel less intimated about navigating BKK via trains in a hassle-free manner. As always, travel light and go heavy on the memories.
The Dad.
Nice concise and informative post. Gracias!
@gringoloco thanks for your comment. Hope you enjoy Thailand.
@ jay-Thanks for your comment. Taking public transportation is just my travel style. When I research a destination and It’s public transportation I learn about my travel destination and interacting with locals adds to my vacation experience. I agree with your comment that heat could be a factor. In our case, we travelled November,30 2014 and the weather was splendid. Keep in mind we travelled to Bangkok in “peak season”,so traffic was brutal. in fact, if you read about our tour we took to the floating markets, elephants and river Kwai, when we returned to Bangkok, it took us 30 minutes to navigate 5 blocks.
Agree with your comments on of scammers and other nuisances. I researched that in advance and we encountered many of the top 10 scams. Tuk tuk to tailor shops, the palace was closed etc
I am a New Yorker, and I can deal with those ” bozos”. I actually had fun answering some of them. The Classic was,” if the palace is closed, why don t you go home”.
Thanks again, for taking the time to comment.
@ both of us2. Technology and internet is not my forte. Do a google search for Bangkok transportation app, or ” copy and paste” link. Angelina can you help?
@Colleen. Sorry, I do not remember if they had elevators. Some stations had a lot of stairs and some connections required a lot of walking. If anybody knows this answer, please chime in to help Colleen
@the dad
Got it to work thank you!
First I would like to commend you for striving to be such a penny pincher when you travel. Let me preface this post by saying I have been travelling to Bangkok since probably 1996 when I was 16. Over the years how I have been travelling to and within Bangkok has certainly changed.
In my opinion, the less time you spend on the sidewalks and streets of bangkok in the crowds, the better it is for you, it is not one of those places where milling around in the heat with the local populace will do anything to enhance your travel experience.
I am trying to be objective here, I can see how in certain countries subways whatever local transport might be something you would consider but my advice is no… no public transport in Thailand not to even taxis in Thailand. I myself do not partake in this public transport nonsense anywhere in the world. Taxis.. in very very few cities I might consider it, Singapore..New York.. Germany.. any other place limos or Uber.
Now, i would NEVER take Bangkok Taxis at ANY cost, if you are considering that pls go ahead and take the train…
Depending on your budget an air conditioned MPV, small van or mini bus or something of that sort would cost you.. maybe $10 USD an hour, I would say less if you book it the whole day. or use Uber.. I can write an essay on why you should stay off the ‘streets’ of Bangkok, let me list a few.. heat, pick pockets, irritating people trying to sell you shit, cops that will harass tourist, dirty streets,.. puddles of dirty crap everywhere.. to start.. shall I continue?
yes you do waste some time in traffic but I have come to get used to it I guess… but for me personally traffic is never an issue when I am in a car but that is special circumstance for me and some people but for the rest of you, just enjoy the a/c.
Great article and timing, we are planning a trip to Thailand in July and researching our transport options. I tried to load your map but it didn’t work, can you check that please? Thanks so much for the info!
Are the trains easy to access? Asking for mobility-hampered – escalators/elevators are great; stairs not so much. Chicago can be difficult in this regard.
Skytrain (BTS) stations are by no means easy to access. Escalators are rare. A few elevators exist, but are locked and require prior arrangement. Sidewalks near stations are routinely dug up for repairs, and can be left sitting unfinished for months. Sidewalks in general (where they even exist) are also often clogged with vendors, motorbikes, trash, etc, forcing one to walk in the street.
If you are mobility hampered, don’t expect to get around Bangkok by any other means than door-to-door taxi – which in itself can be a major hassle. But if you’re not willing to endure some degree of hassle with a cheerful attitude, Bangkok is not for you anyway.
Despite which, Bangkok is a wondrous place to visit, as is all of Thailand.
Thanks jb for the input. We were in Bangkok last year and absolutely loved it. It was our first visit and we did all touring via organized tour or taxi. I was just exploring our options for our next trip as we are big fans of public transportation. Some cities are easier than others, and I appreciate the advance insight.
@ jb-thanks for your response to Colleen. We enjoyed Thailand and would love to return in the future.
Had the pleasure of visiting Bangkok last year. I would recommend taking a registered taxi from the airport to downtown. It’s the easiest way if you have luggage.
Well you are definitely right! Anyone who plans to visit a particular country should do your own research not only on scams but the whole information a tourist need to be safe on that country. The first time I visit Bangkok I also made my own research as I don’t want to be left out. Here’s my suggestion http://bangkok.klapsons.com/getting-around-bangkok/
Andrew-Thanks for the great information.
Thanks for your post, I am doing my research on our trip this month my first time getting outside of the country and my friend wants us to cover everything so we have to be prepared especially commuting. =)