Bangkok, the City of Angels, the Big Mango, the heart of the Land of Smiles. It’s a place known for many things - the cultural stops, the delectable cuisine, and the collection of experiences best described as a whirlwind of sensory feeling. However, did you know that it’s got an efficient and well-used public transportation system, linking the attractions and neighbourhoods of the city? Enter the MRT and BTS Transportation Systems. 

For the layman, the MRT and BTS are as different as the heavens and the earth - literally. The BTS is the skytrain, looming over the city, while the MRT is the subway, running through tunnels in the Earth. These are the arterial transportation systems of Bangkok, threading their way through the city, providing access to hotels, attractions, and residential places alike. 

The Bangkok MRT Subway

With all the hustle and bustle that pervades Bangkok through its very atoms, there came a need for efficient, no-nonsense transportation around the city. With so much to experience, it’s only right that the city uses a system that allows all of it to be experienced in the first place - enter the Metropolitan Rapid Transit, which became known as the MRT system. 
Every station is outfitted with facilities such as ticket machines, information counters staffed by multilingual personnel, restrooms, and convenience stores. Clear English signage throughout the stations makes getting around simple and hassle-free.

The Bangkok BTS Skytrain

The BTS Skytrain is a popular choice among both locals and tourists due to its convenience. Offering clean, air-conditioned carriages and straightforward navigation, it provides a comfortable way to travel, especially on Bangkok’s hot and humid days. Stations are clearly marked with English signage, and ticket machines feature multiple language options.
Although it’s an exaggeration to state that the BTS reaches all parts of the city, it is conversely accurate to say that it covers many popular areas. Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, and Siam Square can all be reached pretty easily by this mode of transport, and even the Suvarnabhumi airport is available via the Rail Link. 

Exploring Bangkok through the MRT

With 69 stations across three lines, chances are you'll pass through an MRT station at some point during your time in Bangkok. For those wanting a deeper understanding — the Bangkok MRT currently operates three lines, each identified by a distinct colour for easy navigation 👍

• The Blue Line - Forms the backbone of the MRT, connecting stations to shopping and business districts. 
  
• The Purple Line - This line is less travelled by tourists in general, but still remains an important method of connecting the various residential and commercial areas of Bangkok.
  
• The Yellow Line - The newest addition to the MRT. It mainly provides a scenic overview above the streets of Bangkok through its monorail. 

The MRT provides access to a whole host of exciting attractions nearby, as there are many locations considered MRT tourist spots in Bangkok. For example, the Chatuchak Park Station gives you access to the following attractions:

• Chatuchak Park
• Chatuchak Market 

While the Sam Yan station gives you access to places like:

• Sam Yan Market
• Wat Hua Lamphong
• Ban Tad Thong

Travelling through Bangkok with the BTS

While the Bangkok skytrain only consists of two major lines - the Sukhumvit and Silom lines - it still covers about 44 stations, plenty of distance to cover many of Bangkok’s facets.  The trains operate daily from 6 am to midnight, with their busiest time from 4 pm to 7 pm.
The BTS has many stations with access to a fair number of attractions. For example, culturally-inclined travellers will want to travel to the Saphan Taskin BTS Station, where they can take a short ferry ride to find:

• Wat Pho
• The Grand Palace
• Bangkok National Museum

One of the stations that sees the most foot traffic is the Siam BTS Station, which serves as a hub, giving you access to:

• Siam shopping malls
• Madame Tussaud’s Museum

The Bangkok Skytrain is easily accessible due to its large number of stations, but what travellers and expatriates will find very convenient about it is the proximity to many hotel brands, like the Modena by Fraser Bangkok, which is conveniently located as a hotel near BTS Asok. Being a hotel with practicality, form, and function in mind, the convenience is no wonder at all.

Discovering Bangkok

Bangkok’s energy may be fast-paced and thrilling, but navigating it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to the city’s dual transit systems—the MRT and BTS—travellers and residents alike can experience everything from bustling markets and cultural landmarks to sprawling green spaces and trendy shopping hubs with ease and efficiency. 

However, it is just as important for those looking to explore to find a location that makes getting around even easier. Consider the Modena by Fraser, where the forefront is accessibility and thoughtful design, proving that convenience isn’t just found on the train platforms, but hotels near the BTS Asok as much as at your home base. Book today, and enjoy a seamless vacation.