Exploring the MRT Subway in Bangkok
by Richard Barrow

MRT Subway (also known as the Bangkok Metro) compare to the sky train is less crowded and quieter though equally clean. At present there are 18 stations along a route that covers 20 kilometers. There are plans to extend the network to several hundred kilometers. But, the eventual completion will take many years. In the meantime, I want to give you some ideas of places you can visit. 

1. Hua Lamphong Station - Exit 2 takes you right into the railway station of the same name. This is convenient for people wanting to catch a train north, south, east and northeast. This is also on the eastern edge of Chinatown. About ten minutes from here is Wat Traimit with the impressive Golden Buddha.

2. Sam Yan - Leave by Exit 2 for Sam Yan Market and the Snake Farm.

3. Silom - This has an interchange with the Sala Daeng BTS station. The Patpong night market is not far. Take Exit 1 if you want to get some fresh air in Lumphini Park.

4. Lumphini - The Park is also close to this station. Take Exit 3 for direct access to the popular Suan Luan Night Bazzaar. The Lumphini boxing stadium is not too far away.

5. Khlong Toei

6. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre - Exit 3 takes you straight into the convention center. I come here often for the book fairs and holiday fairs. Parking is terrible so I like to come by MRT.

7. Sukhumwit - This has a direct access to the Asok BTS station. Not far from shopping malls such as Robinson and Times Square.

8. Phetchaburi

9. Phra Ram 9 - This is convenient for the large shopping mall at Fortune Tower and IT Mall.

10. Thailand Cultural Centre -The Cultural Centre is not far away. I visited there a few years ago and they had an interesting museum.

11. Huai Khwang - A number of major hotels are here.

12. Sutthisan - There is a night market here not far from the station.

13. Ratchadapisek

14. Lat Phrao

15. Phahon Yothin - Exit 3 is a short walk to the popular Central Lat Phrao shopping mall. I quite like this mall. Sofitel Central Plaza is not much further.

16. Chatuchak Park - This is the interchange station for Mo Chit BTS. Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park is close by. The famous weekend market is also a short walk. In the area is also the Railway Museum and the Kids Discovery Center.

17. Kamphaeng Phet - This station is more convenient for the weekend market. Use Exit 2. The Farmer’s Fruit and Vegetable market is on the opposite side of the road.

18. Bang Sue - This is the last stop. Here you will find Bang Sue Railway Station.
The cost for the MRT is about 15 baht per stop. To go from one end to the other without stopping costs 39 baht. You can buy a one day pass for 120 baht.
 
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