Bangkok BTS Explore Bangkok by Skytrain (BTS) This Bangkok BTS Route Guide has been designed to help you discover all the interesting sites and activities surrounding each station so that you can get more out of your BTS-hopping experience through Bangkok. THERE ARE TWO BTS LINES: SILOM LINE runs west to south, between the National Stadium in the Siam shopping area to Wongwian Yai in Thonburi (across the river), while SUKHUMVIT LINE runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing. The two lines meet at Siam Station, and also interconnect at two points with the underground (MRT) -- at Sala Daeng and Asok stations. A new train arrives every 3 - 6 minutes or so between 06:30 and midnight. The last train leaves between 23:30 and 23:50. Fares start at 15 baht for one stop (more info about the BTS Passes). Note that trains can get pretty full during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 19:00), as the BTS has also become the choice mode of transport for people living and working in Bangkok. Mo Chit:N8 One of the busiest stations, Mo Chit puts you at the doorstep of Chatuchak Weekend Market and a host of family-friendly attractions such as Children's Discovery Museum and Rot Fai Park. It also connects with MRT Chatuchak Station. Saphan Kwai:N7 Overshadowed by neighbouring Ari and Mo Chit, Saphan Kwai is where to find all kinds of specialty shops, from second-hand books to amulets, Thai costume rentals to gambling accessories. The area also offers a vast array of tasty street-side grub. Ari:N5 Fast becoming one of Bangkok's most lively expat neighbourhoods, Ari is peppered with high-rise condos and hip eateries tucked away in its maze of sois (lanes). Explore the area on foot and discover a delightful array culinary culture from around the globe. Sanam Pao:N4 This low-key neighbourhood, flanked by the more-happening Ari and Victory Monument, is peppered with high-rise offices and government buildings. There's really not much to offer in terms of cultural attractions, eatery or shopping. Victory Monument:N3 This busy commercial area north of Siam is the centre of affordable fashion as well as having a lively nightlife and after-dark shopping scene. It is also the main hub for land transport, where you can transfer to local buses and minivans running to all parts of Bangkok. Phaya Thai:N2 This station is your gateway to the beautiful heritage houses and museum at Suan Pakkad Palace, King Power Duty Free Mall and the Baiyoke Sky Hotel's 360-degree revolving view deck. It also connects the BTS with the Airport Rail Link, which zips across the city to Suvarnabhumi Airport in just 15 minutes. Ratchathewi:N1 The station is just a few minutes' walk to Pratunam -- the epicentre of wholesale clothing and wacky street fashion. If the thoughts of ladyboys with tremendous stage talent pique your curiosity, head over to Calypso Cabaret at the station's very doorstep. Siam he epicentre of all things hip, fashionable and trendy, Siam is your gateway to Bangkok's most-happening shopping, dining and entertainment scene. Discover an array of megamalls, cutting-edge cinemas and world-class attractions right at the station's doorstep. Chit Lom:E1 This station is your gateway to one of Bangkok's most vibrant shopping districts -- Ratchaprasong -- where high-street fashion meets sophisticated urban lifestyles. From here, you are steps away from Lang Suan, famous for its fine dining and glitzy nightlife scene. Ploen Chit:E2 urrounded by luxury hotel chains, serviced apartments and high-rise office buildings, this station gives you access to all the trendy bars and restaurants in Soi Ruan Rudee as well as Wireless Road. Nana:E3 Nana looks its best after dark, and this station puts you right at the centre of Bangkok's nightlife hotspots -- the chic and trendy down Sukhumvit Soi 11, while the complete opposite in Sukhumvit Soi 4. Asoke:E4 One of Bangkok's busiest business district after Silom, Asoke is home to glass-and-steel office buildings, high-end serviced apartments, hotels and a range of stand-alone textile and furniture boutiques. It also connects with the MRT Sukhumvit Station. Phrom Phong:E5 Set in a culturally diverse neighbourhood, this station is your gateway to the maze of sois peppered with stand-alone shops, trend-setting restaurants and art galleries. Phrom Phong has a large concentration of Japanese and Korean expatriates. Thong Lo:E6 Thonglor is the meeting ground for Bangkokg's young, urban and chic. It has a fascinating lineup of outdoor boutique malls as well as concept restaurants and bars. Ekamai:E7 With one foot still in the old Bangkok of yesteryear and another in a world defined by the global culture, Ekamai is where mom-and-pop-style shop-houses meet a new wave of chic eateries -- and home to some of Bangkok's most charismatic pubs. Pra Khanong:E8

• published: 31 Oct 2013
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