Travel Tips - Cambodia - Thailand - February 2006

James Loving NR Bangkok's Skytrain

Tuesday February 28, 2006

Bangkok's BTS & MRT Transit Angels - Key Tourist Stops Using The Rapid Transit Train System - Dr. Beat In Siem Reap, Cambodia

 

BANGKOK'S TRANSIT ANGELS BTS & MRT

Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and the recently completed MRT subway train line give a traveler access to a fascinating city in a short period of time.

The two train systems connect at key areas known for dining, shopping, recreation and amusement.

If Bangkok can be 'The City of Angels,'… for travelers… Bangkok's angels are its rapid transit train system.

For those that experienced the bitter times a decade ago, dealing with Bangkok's traffic gridlock was like experiencing a Fear Factor challenge. Is fear a factor for you?

Prior to the completion of the two train systems traveling around Bangkok caused enough stress to put knots in ones stomach. You had to have the guts to experience it. Many suffered, limousine or not.

The completion of the two train systems has relieved a great burden for travelers and locals alike.

BTS SKYTRAIN - ELEVATED TRAIN LINE

Operates 6am to midnight. Fares range from 10 to 40 baht.

This BTS Skytrain transit system contains two lines. They have stops that can connect you from the National Stadium, MBK and Silom Square shopping centers and the Thaksin Bridge.

Along this route you may access to the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and racetrack, the Silom business district.

Below the bridge there is an Express boat stop. The boat travels a major portion of the Chayo Phrya River with numerous stops including the Grand Palace.

Key stops for travelers are:

NATIONAL STADIUM

The Thai national football team play many of their matches at the National Stadium. The premiere Thai Football League also holds its matches at the site.

An entrance to the MBK shopping center connects to the station. This is also a short distance from a canal boat stop.

SIAM

This is the MEGA STATION aka central station where the two Skytrain lines Sukhumvit and Silom connect.

The BTS Skytrain's Silom and Sukhumvit lines meet at the Siam station. The MBK, Siam Square, Siam Center, Big C and World Trade shopping areas are within walking distance. The MBK shopping center is accessible from the BTS Skytrain National Stadium station. World Trade and Big C shopping centers are accessible from the BTS Skytrain Siam station exit. World Trade shopping center is near the Skytrain Siam station exit. Boat travel in Bangkok, Thailand's canals can save a lot of time and stress. Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Train Station is the beginning of the MRT subway train line. MRT subway train Dr. Beat in concert in Siem Reap

Within walking distance from the station you can access the Siam Square shopping district, the Siam Center Shopping mall facility and the World Trade Center.

Two department stores anchor the World Trade shopping center that also contains many upscale shops, restaurants, movie theaters and an ice skating rink.

The Big C shopping center is across the street from the World Trade. Under the bridge that sits adjacent to the World Trade is the main canal boat stop situated on the Big C side of the street.

For those that enjoy walking the Pantip Plaza (computers & peripherals) and the Pratunahm Mart area that is known for its clothing bargains is a healthy walk from the station.

SALA DAENG/SILOM:

Business area - Patpong - nightclubs & dining, shopping & nightclubs

There is an MRT subway train station at this stop. The area is a business district that is considered to be the Wall Street of Bangkok.

At this stop you can also access the Patpong entertainment area where night market shopping is prominent along the soi (street). Dining establishments are plentiful.

Lumphini Park is also accessible here. The park is a great place to jog. There are two indoor gymnasiums. Free concerts are sometimes presented on Sundays.

NOTE:

At the Siam station you can connect to the Sukhumvit line that can take you to Chatauchak Park the site of the famous weekend flea market.

MO CHIT - Chatauchak - An MRT station is also at this stop. The MRT station is named Chatauchak Park.

This is the stop for famous Chatauchak weekend flea market. It is said to be the worlds largest open-air market. They say you can get anything you want in Bangkok. This market leans towards that belief.

CHIT LOM

The upscale Central Department store and British Embassy.

PHLOEN CHIT

British Embassy.

NANA

Bumrungrad hospital, hotels,shopping and the famous Nana Plaza

ASOK

Near Robinsons department store, hotels and the Soi Cowboy entertainment area.

PHROM PHONG

The upscale Emporium shopping center. Queen Sirikit Park is adjacent to the Emporium.

The park includes an exercise area, an outdoor basketball court and roller blade/skating area.

EKKAMAI

The Eastern bus station (Ekkamai Station).

Buses to Pattaya and other southeastern destinations.

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MRT SUBWAY TRAIN LINE

Operation hours 5:00am to midnight. Fares vary from 14 to 36 baht.

We traveled the 18-station MRT route that runs from the Hua Lamphong train station to the Bang Sue station in just 32 minutes.

Key stops for travelers are:

HUA LAMPHONG

The state railway train station where trains to Chiang Mai, the airport and other destinations depart. The MRT subway train system begins here.

SILOM:- BTS SKYTRAIN station can be accessed from this stop.

Business area - Patpong - nightclubs dining & shopping

The business district is considered the Wall Street of Bangkok.

At this stop you can also access the Patpong entertainment area where night market shopping is prominent along the soi (street). Dining establishments are plentiful.

Lumphini Park is also accessible from this stop. The park is a great place to jog and excersise. There are two indoor gymnasiums. Free concerts are sometimes presented on Sundays.

LUMPHINI

The Lumphini boxing stadium the site where Thai boxing matches are obtainable.

SUKHUMVIT ROAD @ Asok

Shopping, dining and nightlife. Siam Society at this exit and Robinsons department store is a two block walk. Exit this stop for the infamous girlie entertainment area Soi Cowboy.

You can change to the Skytrain if you exit at the Sukhumvit station. The Skytrain station is named Asok

PHETCHABURI @ Asok

Access to the Klong/canal boats

Japanese and Mongolia embassies

PHA RAM 9 - The Fortune Hotel, Lotus Market & an IT Center

Shopping Mall that contains many computer shops. The Lotus supermarket is excellent. Other shopping areas are at this stop.

THAILAND CULTURAL CENTER

The Thailand Cultural Center where live music concerts are performed. Carefour and Robinsons department stores are near this stop.

CHATAUCHAK PARK - The Skytrain Mo Chit station is also at this stop.

This is the stop for famous Chatauchak Park weekend flea market. It is said to be the worlds largest open-air market. They say you can get anything you want in Bangkok. This market leans towards that belief.

BUYER BEWARE

Vendors are selling old train and bus route maps. The new ones are out so make sure you purchase a NEW ONE.

The new MRT subway line stops are on the new map.

The bus route numbers have been changed since the old map was printed. An example is the number 11 bus in now 511.

For some reason the 7-11 stores aren't carrying the maps as they did in the past. They are selling a ridiculous GROOVY MAP that points out where you can have a drink in Bangkok. Why would you need that? You can drink anywhere.

The Bus map sells for 40 baht or $1. The Groovy map sells for 150 ($3.75) - 200 baht ($5). GO FIGURE

The Tourist Authority of Thailand give out the best map. It is free.

DR BEAT IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Dr. Beat Richner is most notably known for two things... building children's hospitals in Cambodia and playing the cello. Dr. Beat performs in Siem Reap at Jayvarman Hospital Saturday nights from 7:15 to 8:00pm.