Bangkok's Skyways

The Skytrain transformed the city when it opened on the king's birthday in 1999. It now has more than 30 stations on two lines that intersect at Siam Square. Although the Skytrain bypasses many parts of the city, it is the speediest way to travel when its route coincides with yours. The fare is B15 to B52, depending on how far you plan to travel, and trains run from 5 am to midnight. Trains are still impressively clean and efficient, although they can get tremendously crowded at rush hour.

The sights in downtown Bangkok are spread out, but most are near Skytrain stations. Stations are generally about three minutes apart, so a trip from Chong Nonsi to National Stadium, which is four stations away, will take less than 12 minutes. At three stations—Chatuchak Park, Sukhumvit, and Saladaeng—the Skytrain intersects with the subway, which is convenient for some intercity travel.