BTS Skytrain, Bangkok

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There are sub stations all around Bangkok for the BTS. It only costs from 20 to 40 Baht to go to most of the main attractions. It is fairly easy to follow the route, but do not be afraid to ask the people at the window where you get tokens. I must admit I got lost once or twice, but at the end of the day I had it down. Very safe as well.

Within Bangkok if want to go to places like Chatuchuk market, Siam Paragon, MBK etc, then sky train is the best mode of travel. Its hassle free and fast. Avoid taking tuk-tuks, unless the place you are visiting is far away from a skytrain station.

The sky train is convenient for day to day travel around Bangkok but as an airport transfer it's not too good if you are toting luggage. Every sky train station has some stairs you will need to negotiate. There are a small set at the base of every escalator and if you are connecting to an MRT station then there will be more stairs at some point. Fine if you have a backpack, a bit of a pain with trolley bags. The entry gates are very narrow and the barriers close very quickly, requiring you to move through them at some speed otherwise they will close on you. There are wide gates at the stations but an attendant has to open those for you. The BTS is a heavily trafficked transport system and it will be difficult to tote trolley bags through the stations particularly during the day when the walkways are packed shoulder to shoulder with people. Although it's a lot cheaper than a taxi and seems easier if you have more than one bag you will be better off with a taxi to get to your hotel. Bangkok isn't pedestrian friendly, the footpaths are narrow and lumpy and you have to dodge bicycles, pedestrians and the odd motor scooter on them. The footpaths in the city area are usually packed at all hours. This would only be a convenient transport system if you had a backpack or no luggage.

Makassan station is supposed be the main city transfer station and is where the express airport trains stop at. You can change to phetchaburi MRT at Makassan. Good in theory until you actually see Makassan station. It's located on the opposite side of a 6 line highway to phetaburi station with no walkway or defined pedestrian crossing between them. You also can't see the MRT station from Makassan, so unless you know which way to go once you exit, you won't be able to find it by looking around. I especially wouldn't want to be searching around for it after dark. This is the reason why 90% of airport traffic uses Phaya Thai as the city stop instead and Makassan remains largely unused.

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain is the elevated metro rail in Bangkok. The Skytrain has 23 stations along 2 lines. The Sukhumvit line runs north terminating at Mo Chit and east, terminating at On Nut. The Silom line runs along Silom and Sathon, through the Central Business District, terminating at the National Stadium. The lines interchange at Siam station

Single journey tickets are priced based on distance (10 to 40 baht) and are available at ticket machines located in every station. The machines only accept coins and do give change. You may also get exact change at any ticket office located at the station.

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It would be very handy if you could get a map at the airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport). Its free! You'll see that it has small icons that will tell you where Wat Po and other points of interest are. Take the BTS (Skytrain) for 30 baht and get off at Saphan Taksin Station. The Ferry port is just about 30 meters. Get on the ferry to port No. 8 ( 14 baht). Once your out of the port "Wat Po" is at the right side. You have to pay 50 baht to enter but for locals its free. At the left side of the port is the "Golden Palace". Also "Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is across port no. 8 you have to take another ferry (3 baht) to go to that side.

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There are 2 lines:
-Sukhumvit
-Silom

1. Mo Chit station - Short walk to Chatuchak Weekend Market:
2. Ratchathewi station - : about 15 minutes walk to Pantip Plaza (IT Mall), Platinum Mall, Pratunam Complex (Clothes)
3. Siam - Central World
4. National Stadium - MBK

Consider buying a 1 day or 3 day pass for the BTS skytrain if you are planning to use the BTS during your stay. It is far more convenient than buying tickets all the time and can save you money.

The one-day pass costs 100 baht and the three-day pass 280 baht. Both are available at all BTS ticket offices as well as from several hotels, tour operators, department stores and souvenir shops.

The BTS is a fairly new but very welcome addition to Bangkok's transport infrastructure. It runs above the roads on huge concrete pillars. There are just 2 lines - known as the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. The network isn't that extensive but additions are being built. It runs from 6am to midnight and fares are from 10 to 40 baht. A one day pass costs 100 baht and 3 day tourist passes are also available.
The trains are air-conditioned (essential for Bangkok) and spotlessly clean with not a hint of graffiti or rubbish inside.

Some of the stations are quite high and have only a staircase to reach them which can leave you a bit out of breath. Other stations have escalators to ease the task.
You will find a uniformed guard on each platform at every station.

It's a great system. After using this and the MRT in Singapore it was a real eye-opener arriving back in London and using public transport there. Filthy carriages, graffiti everywhere, 2 lines (the Circle and Central) not operating, very few staff around and a bad attitude from the ones that were. And the icing on the cake is that is is far more expensive to use than either the BTS or MRT. London is a mess.