Subtopic	Posts		Updated
	-Pictures-	5		2002/02/24, 12:09 am

The Sky Train in Bangkok can be a good way to get around given the girdlock in traffic.

Here are two links to Route Maps for the Sky Train:

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/Skytrain/BTSMain2.shtml

http://www.thaifocus.com/bangkok/skytrainmap.htm

Anyone going to Bangkok for the first time should make a point of getting to know the skytrain on the first day of arrival. It may seem easier to just get into a taxi but if your destination is anywhere near one of the two skytrain lines the skytrain will beat a taxi everytime. It is also very inexpensive. I think the maximum fare on the skytrain is 40 baht.

(Here's a recent newpsaper article on the Skytrain which a newbie to Bangkok should find informative. Trust me, you'll never get lost on the Skytrain.)

SKYTRAIN CITY EXPERIENCE - City dwellers visit their favourite department stores without the hassle of traffic gridlock

by JARUNEE TAEMSAMRAN, Bangkok Post, April 25, 2002

There was once a story of a first-time visitor who got struck in Bangkok's chaotic traffic for two hours and felt so bad that it was hard for anyone to convince him to come back. Even though it's been over a decade since his terrible experience, the disgruntled traveller is unlikely to change his perception of Bangkok.

Even today, the traffic remains notoriously horrible as it was ten years ago. But a smart and creative traveller know that there's a good option to tour the city without getting stuck in the traffic-clogged roads _ the BTS skytrain.

The skytrain, which has been in operation for over two years, has tremendously improved the travelling experience in Bangkok.

Aaron Frankel, an expat who's been living here for decades said the skytrain is the best improvement to Bangkok.

He said it will bring huge benefits to Bangkok's economy and tourism industry.

Today, both locals and tourists enjoy the speed, convenience, and punctual schedule of the skytrain network.

You can plan your schedule in advance when making an appointment with another person, something that is not possible when travelling by road.

The skytrain has four main terminals at On-nuj station on Sukhumvit road, Morchit station (near the Weekend Chatuchak market), the National Stadium terminal at Patumwan intersection and Saphan Taksin terminal. All the routes pass the interchange station at Siam Centre, the hub of the young and trendy in Bangkok.

In fact, the skytrain routes cover all the major areas of business, shopping, education and entertainment in the city.

But the best activity for tourists to enjoy is shopping because all the BTS routes offer the chance to visit the main retail centres in the capital.

Therefore, planning a BTS travel trip will challenge one's perception of travelling around Bangkok. Actually, it will be the best thing to do if you have a very limited time in this hustle-bustle city.

SHOPPING WITH SKYTRAIN

- Siam Square: the hub of every modern thing in Bangkok, Siam Centre is the trendiest area in Bangkok, and probably in Thailand. You may go just to take a look at latest fashions clad by Thai youngsters at the `Centre Point' area _ the favourite rendezvous of teenagers.

In addition, fast-food chains of international restaurants have at least one outlet in this area.

Opposite Siam Square is the Siam Center and Siam Discovery, department stores of high-end fashionable clothing and cosmetics.

It is also the place to visit DHX movie theatres and watch the latest Hollywood and local films.

- Chidlom: Chidlom station is linked to the high-end Central department store, which offers all things you need for a modern city lifestyle.

The fifth floor has a wide selection of Thai handicraft products.

If you are there in the evening, walk to the Rachaprasong intersection.

Here you will find numerous handmade products sold on the footpath, all the way to the Gaysorn Plaza, in front of the World Trade Centre.

From the World Trade Centre, you may walk further to Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok's largest wholesale market for clothes. Across from the World Trade Centre is Narai Phand, a store which sells Thai handicraft products, right in the heart of Bangkok.

- National Stadium: Although the station's name is National Stadium it is very close to the Mah Boon Klong shopping centre. In fact, the station is just next to Siam Square interchange station. Mah Boon Klong also offers a great shopping experience. But the highlight is on the fourth floor which is the place for mobile phone services and products as well as electrical appliances.

Also this station is the closest station to Jim Thompson's house, where most tourists visit to see the Thai house and shop for high-quality Thai silk products. It is located in a small soi opposite the Sport's Stadium.

- Phrom Pong: This station has a walkway that link to another high-end department store _ The Emporium where you can hunt for imported products of various international brands ranging from clothes, cosmetics, accessories and so on.

- Victory Monument: Another flea market which is good for those who prefer a down-to-earth shopping style. The area offers cheap, stylish clothes, shoes, cosmetics, accessories and so on. But it can be a headache walking along the crowded and polluted footpath which is filled with vendors of all kinds. Better to be beware of the traffic, heat and the crowd if you go to shop there.

- Morchit: The Morchit terminal station is where you can get off to visit `Chatuchak' which somebody dubbed as the mother of all flea markets. This is the most popular flea market with tourists because it offers an entire spectrum of products. The market is divided into various sections such as stalls for clothes and accessories, pets & animals, furniture, handicraft goods, gifts and souvenirs, fresh and dry food, fresh flowers and plants, books and magazines, and so on.

Some foreign importers go to Chatuchak to hunt for creatively-designed items of various kinds as some vendors are also the manufacturers of the products. However, first timers may find it very confusing shopping around the market but it is great fun if you can endure the daytime heat. Chatuchak is only open on the weekend.

- Saladang: As you reach at this station, it means you have arrived in Silom, the most prominent business and commercial hub in Bangkok.
(The stop for the Patpong adult entertainment streets!)

Apart from a great number of office buildings here, Silom also offers shopping opportunities at both daytime and night time.

The station is linked to the Central Department store's Silom branch. Another interesting flea market nearby is `Soi Lalai Sap.' Located next to the headquarters of the Bangkok Bank. Soi Lalai Sap is one of Bangkok's most popular lunch-time shopping venues. Office workers go here to shop for clothing, leathergoods, food, gifts and knick-knacks.

When it comes to dusk, the footpaths on both sides of Silom Road are packed with vendors, most of them selling fashionable clothes and items.

Apart from the recommended stations above, visitors will find the opportunity to shop at some of the BTS stations which have retail outlets selling food, clothes, books, cosmetics, leathergoods, and also general consumer products.

HISTORICAL TOUR

Tired of shopping and need something else?

If you are a first-time visitor to Bangkok, head for the historic part of Bangkok around the Grand Palace, and walk around the area. The BTS skytrain makes it easier for smart independent travellers to get there without enduring polluted traffic.

You must head for Saphan Taksin station.

This terminal station is at the end of the line of Bangkok's most modern transportation network.

This links up to a traditional transportation system, boats and ferries on the Chao Phraya River. As you get off at this station, you will arrive Sathorn pier where you can take a taxi boat that goes northwards to the piers near the Grand Palace.

The taxi boat is the best and cheapest way to enjoy the fresh air and breeze and local peoples' way of life near the Chao Phraya River.

If you are heading to the Grand Palace, get off the boat at Tha Maharat, Tha Tien, Tha Chang or Tha Phra Chan. The Grand Palace is within walking distance.

Another places of interest on the river bank is Wat Arun, you can get off at Tha Tien and wait for the ferry services that take passengers across the river to the temple.

These are just some ideas to get around Bangkok in the most convenient way possible. Just buy a BTS ticket and discover by yourself how much fun and convenient it is.

In an attempt to help boost tourism in Bangkok, the BTS has recently launched the three-day Tourist Pass tickets for tourists. Ticket holders can enjoy unlimited use of the skytrain for three consecutive days at a price of only 280 baht.

Anyone that's ever ridden the Washington DC metro will feel right at home on the BKK Skytrain - the ticket readers/passenger portals are identical.

MONGERING WITH SKYTRAIN :
- Nana station, a brief 3 to 5 minute walk down Sukhomvit to Soi 4 and the Nana Entertainment Plaza
- Asok station (one stop from Nana), a 3 to 5 minute walk to Soi Cowboy - just go to the large intersection outside Asok station and look around, you'll see the Soi Cowboy sign, especially if it's after dark

Anyone use the skytain to get to the Bangkok Heart hosptal which is part of BGH/ on an unrelated matter, any other places that have the new 64 slice scanner, and any of you guys had a heart scan done on the new scanner-iadog

The Skytrain doesn't go anywhere near Bangkok General. Easiest way to get there is to take the subway to the Petchaburi station, then grab a cab down Petchaburi Road to BGH.

Sawatdee-krup from LOS (Land of 7-Elevens)

If you're gonna ride the Skytrain ( www.bts.co.th ) a lot on a particular day for sightseeing, hobbying, etc you can buy a 1-day pass (unlimited trips) for 120B at a station ticket window.

btw the ticket vending machines accept only coins. you can get change from the ticket windows.