Top Destinations Along The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) In Bangkok, Thailand (2024 Updated)

Welcome to Bangkok, the most-travelled city in the world of 2023, with more than 28 million visitors arriving in the capital of Thailand last year, more than twice as many as its population. There is a reason why so many visit Bangkok on a yearly basis; the city is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Temples alongside both banks of the Chao Phraya River stand tall amidst the bustling traffic to and from the biggest commercial districts in Southeast Asia, where an estimated 250 billion US dollars is generated every year.

To get around Bangkok, you will have to take the city’s only skytrain: the Bangkok Transit System or BTS for short. While it might not be as impressive as the Korean boyband, the BTS will take you more than 100 kilometers across Thailand’s cultural and economic hub. If you are not looking forward to travelling far from the system and risk getting stuck in notoriously dull traffic jams, here are some destinations you should visit.

The ‘Siam’ Area

The Kingdom of Thailand was referred to as the Kingdom of Siam up until the mid 1930s when attempts were made to modernize the Southeast Asian nation, including by changing its name to a more western-styled one. Even though the name are no longer used to refer to the country itself, it is very much actively used to refer to the most exciting area of Bangkok. The Siam Area is served by the Siam BTS Station, by far the most heavily used in the entire system with more than a million daily riders.

Siam Paragon and centralwOrld

The two big shopping centers are located less than 400 meters away from each other. Both boast some incredible shops and restaurants. Siam Paragon has a more extensive complex with Siam Center and Siam Discovery, as well as its own aquarium Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. centralwOrld has its distinct Apple store (the largest one in Southeast Asia), a hotel, and a rooftop restaurant.

Siam Square

If you are not fond of the materialistic and consumeristic plazas, you can always go the opposite way. Siam Square is a more localized, chill, and playful area of the zone, with evening musical performances from high school students and a Korean walking street vibe. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the metropolis in the evening.

MBK Center

Previously known as Mahbunkhrong Center, the retro mall used to be the biggest in the entire country. Although it is not directly served by Siam Station (instead served by the National Stadium Station), it is still well-connected to the Siam Area by beautiful overhead walkways. MBK Center is mostly known for its heavy Japanese influence; it houses dollar store Don Don Donki, karaoke place Manekineko, and anime merchandise store Animate.

Asok-Thong Lo

Westward from Siam, the Asok-Thong Lo neighbourhoods are populated by the upper-class and expats, mostly Japanese. It is served by the Asok BTS Station and the Sukhumvit MRT Station, making it one of the busiest places to be after working hours as people flock to its malls and nightlife facilities.

Benchakitti Forest Park

Bangkok’s first forest park Benchakitti was opened by HM the King in 2022. Its most notable features are its vast ponds, diverse vegetation, and lit-up elevated walkways. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, or even boating every day from 4.30 am to 9 pm at night. The park is also connected to Lumphini Park via a mile-long elevated pedestrian walkway with bike lanes.

Mo Chit

Chatuchak Park is the highlight of this area, with the park serving as Bangkok’s breath of fresh air. Many people visit the park daily to cycle and exercise, as well as to shop and eat at the nearby Chatuchak Market, the city’s most famous marketplace. The Mo Chit BTS Station is one of the busiest stations, with connections to the MRT, buses, vans, and taxis possible.

Other interesting spots

• Saphan Taksin BTS Station is the connecting point for Thailand’s mall for the elite ICONSIAM, as well as the riverfront area Asiatique with the most scenic ferris wheel in the entire city.
• Chong Nonsi BTS Station is right next to Thailand’s highest building: King Power Mahanakhon. Visitors can enjoy shops and restaurants, as well as experience the tallest Skywalk experience in the entire country.

Conclusion

While travelling with the BTS Skytrain might not be as entertaining as riding Tuk-tuks or making some risky bets on Fun88, it is the most reliable and consistent way to get around in the city of millions. Plus, the destinations it can take you to are definitely among the best Bangkok has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Leave your room, head to the nearest station, and start your trip!