The vibrant city of Bangkok contains a number of interesting tourist attractions and visitors can easily spend several days wandering around glittering temples, museums and art galleries as well as sipping cocktails in the city’s stylish bars. However, many people find the hustle and bustle of the city rather overwhelming, which coupled with the heat and humidity can make traveling around the city rather challenging.

Bangkok’s BTS

Usually referred to as the BTS or Skytrain, this above-ground train network has two lines which dissect the city and allow passengers a quick and easy way of getting around the center of the city. There are large, colorful maps of Skytrain stops at each station and on the trains themselves, so visitors should have little trouble finding their way around.

People visiting Bangkok for the first time can use the Skytrain as a cheap guided tour, taking note of prominent sights as they slip slowly past. Although striking, exploring Bangkok’s parks in the heat of the day can be rather draining. However, the Skytrain soars above the large and lovely Lumpini Park, allowing visitors to gaze down at the green space from the comfort of their air-conditioned carriage.

Accessing the Skytrain

If you’re staying in central areas such as Sukhumvit or Silom, there should be a Skytrain stop located within a few minute’s walk of your hotel. In fact, most of the city’s top hotels are located near a Skytrain stop, and the trains stop running near midnight, meaning the Skytrain is a convenient way to travel between the city’s top bars and hotels.

It is possible to see many of Bangkok’s weird and wonderful sights simply by riding on the Skytrain and gazing out the window. Many people find the Skytrain rather chilly as it is air-conditioned, so it is a good idea to take a sweater if you plan to stay onboard for any length of time.

The Skytrain is rarely crowded, except perhaps during peak commute times, and there are usually plenty of places to sit. The Skytrain’s two lines cross in the middle and changing trains is easy as there is rarely a wait of more than five minutes.

Exiting Skytrain stations

When you alight from the train you will notice clear signs in English leading the way to the main attractions and prominent buildings in the area. Each station has several exits, which are marked on maps of the area displayed on boards around the station. The maps also mark the main points of interest, making it easy for visitors to choose the correct exit.

If you do have any problems locating the correct exit, simply ask a member of staff, who can be found in small offices at every station. Skytrain staff usually speak good English and can advise on which Skytrain stop to alight from in order to get to your destination.

BTS top stations

Although there are 23 Skytrain stations in total, some are more popular than others. Central Station is at Siam and this is a popular stop as it is located near a large number of enormous shopping malls such as MBK, Siam Discovery and Paragon. This is also a good place to change lines.

Other popular stops are located on the Sukhumvit line such as Asoke, Phrom Phong and Tong Lo. Happy traveling.