Things to Do in Bangkok Near Skytrain Sukhumvit Line Stations

Bangkok's Skytrain is a fast, economical and efficient way to zip around Bangkok above the congested traffic of Thailand's capital city. This guide will let you know where to get off the Skytrain for some of the major attractions in Bangkok.

The Sukhumvit line is one of two lines on Bangkok's elevated mass transit system, the BTS Skytrain, which covers many of the areas of the capital that are of interest to tourists. The Sukhumvit line intersects with the Silom line at Siam station, which is one of the major stations on the network.

The Sukhumvit line runs from Mo Chit station, interchanges with the Silom line at Siam station, then runs along Sukhumvit road with stations every few hundred meters until it terminates at On Nut station. Below is a brief rundown of things to do near some of the main stations along the Sukhumvit line.

Mo Chit

This is the first station on the line and home to the famous Chatuchak Weekend markets, also known as JJ Weekend markets, probably because it's easier to say. It is the largest market in Bangkok and is popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Spreading over 35 acres (the size of several football fields) and absolutely vibrant with life, the Chatuchak Markets house anywhere between 9000 and 15000 stalls depending on the day. It is home to everything from bargain value clothing and household accessories, handicrafts, art, antiques, religious artifacts, fruit, vegetables, flowers and exotic plants, to Thai silk and plenty of souvenirs to take home.

This area is also where the Mo Chit bus terminal, serving North and Northeastern Thailand is located. Catch buses from here to all points of central, Northern and Northeastern Thailand including Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, all of Isaan and Aranyaprathet for Cambodia.

To get to the bus station from Mo Chit skytrain station either walk across Chatuchak park, take a motorbike taxi or the number 77 bus (7 Baht flat fare- 22 US cents).

Victory Monument

This is a major intersection in Bangkok where a number of major roads meet. There is a large monument erected in 1941 to commemorate a victory against French colonial authorities in the Franco-Thai war.

Many Bangkok BMTA buses stop around the monument's traffic circle, including lines no.8, 12, 14, 18, 92, 96, 97, 108, 112, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 54, 59, 63, 74, 77 and 515. Many private commuter and regional mini vans leave from this area as well, which can be a very cheap way to travel throughout Thailand, however at least rudimentary Thai language skills and a sense of adventure are required.

Rajvithi Hospital and Robinson Department Store are located at this intersection and there is also a large King Power duty free mall located here.

Siam

Siam station is one of the busiest stations on the Skytrain network and also serves as an interchange between the Silom and Sukhumvit lines. It is also your station if you are in the mood for some serious shopping.

Siam Paragon, Thailand's most luxurious shopping complex opened in December 2005 and covers more than 400,000 square meters. Just about every luxury brand that you can think of has their flagship store here amongst the 250 establishments housed here.

On the 5th and 6th floors of Siam Paragon, the 21 screen Siam Paragon Cineplex, including an IMAX theater offer the latest Hollywood and Thai movies.

In the basement of Siam Paragon you will find Siam Ocean World- the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, covering 10,000 square meters. The aquarium is home to 30,000 marine animals of 400 species.

Across the street from Siam Paragon is the lively district of Siam Square, a trendy area of shops and restaurants popular with the youth of Bangkok. This area is always lively and it is a great place to see emerging trends. You will also find Siam Discovery Center here as well as a Hard Rock Café.

Chit Lom

Chit Lom is connected to Siam station by a covered overhead walkway and is close to several malls. Central World is the biggest shopping mall in Thailand and it incorporates Zen mall as well as Centara Grand Central World Hotel. Gaysorn department store is also nearby.

You will also find Erawan Shrine, located on the corner by the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The Erawan Shrine is a popular Hindu shrine that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma.

Nana

Get off at Nana station if you are heading to NEP, or Nana Entertainment Plaza, a complex of beer bars and gogo bars, open later every night except on religious holidays.

Phrom Phong

Phrom Phong station is connected by skybridge to Emporium department store, an upscale store with cinemas, a food court and many luxury brand stores, though not as many as Siam Paragon.

Benjasiri Park is located next to Emporium and Soi 24 runs up the other side, all the way to Rama IV, another major thoroughfare in Bangkok.

Ekkamai

If you are looking to catch the bus down to Pattaya or other destinations on the eastern seaboard such as Rayong, Ban Phe, Chanthaburi or Trat, get off at Ekkamai station for the Eastern Bus Terminal.

With fares ranging from 15 Baht (around 45 US cents), to a maximum of 40 Baht (USD1.20), the Skytrain is a very inexpensive and efficient way to travel around Bangkok. All stations in the network are clearly signposted in English and there are also announcements inside the carriages in English.

With the streets of Bangkok being notoriously clogged most of the day with seemingly endless traffic, the Skytrain is a smart way to move around Thailand's largest city.