By Mark Garcia
At number one, Bangkok in Thailand is one of the top 10 most visited cities in the world, with over 32 million arrivals based on data from Euromonitor International, beating other popular cities such as London and Paris. Let us walk you through 10 recommended places in Bangkok that you can visit, just by taking the train.
From the Philippines (Manila or Clark), Bangkok is a three-hour flight. I flew from Clark International Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok's main international airport. From there, I took the Airport Rail Link that brought me from Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok's city center, and took an interchange train at the Phaya Thai BTS Skytrain Station. The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain is one of Bangkok's main and most popular train systems that I was able to use to go around the city.
For this specific trip, I focused on using only two of Bangkok's widely used train systems: the BTS Skytrain and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT). These modes of transportation are time-efficient and lighter on the budget.
Taking a taxi may be convenient, but taking the train is an experience in itself, and it is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this amazing city.
1. Hua Lamphong Railway Station - Hua Lamphong MRT
Hua Lamphong is known as Bangkok Railway Station and the oldest railway station in Thailand. Construction started during the reign of King Chulalongkorn and was officially opened in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI. This is such a beautifully restored heritage structure and what is more remarkable, is has been used for the same purpose as it was intended for, for over 100 years.
2. Songkran Festival - Silom Road - Sala Daeng BTS Station or Silom MRT Station
Songkran is Thailand's New Year and the biggest countrywide water festival. Songkran originated from a Sanskrit word and means "movement." It is a festival that signifies cleansing, thus the use of water as a symbolic ritual of washing away the previous year and moving into prosperity. UNESCO has officially recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
3. Benchakitti Forest Park- Silom MRT Station (passing through Lumphini Park)
This is one of Bangkok's biggest public parks and was formerly a tobacco factory that was converted into a forest park. It has meandering paths, marshes, and forests. It also acts as Bangkok's flood-mitigation facility for excessive water runoff in case of heavy flooding.
This is one of the most beautifully designed parks I have ever set foot into. This park alone is worth spending hours in, to forest-bathe and enjoy the "Instagrammable-views."
4. One Bangkok - Lumphini MRT Station
One Bangkok is Thailand's newest and one of its biggest malls in the city of Bangkok. With over 750 stores, it is a complex of buildings, sharing 1 common podium, integrated seamlessly. This mega-structure features the biggest global and local Thai brands. If you are very interested in looking at the latest building design, with the best construction finishes presented in an innovative design, One Bangkok is worth your visit.
5. Hong Sieng Kong - Hua Lamphong MRT Station
Hong Sieng Kong is the most dramatically beautiful café I have ever seen in Asia. It is a compound of restored structures along the historical Chao Phraya River located within Bangkok's Talat Noi district, one of Bangkok's oldest areas.
Pricing is reasonable, and if you are looking for that one café that is worth visiting in the older side of Bangkok, I highly recommend Hong Sieng Kong.
Aside from the beautiful view of the Chao Phraya River, the elegant mix of restored structures in a beautifully landscaped garden is a must-visit.
6. Talat Noi - Hua Lamphong MRT Station
Talat Noi, meaning "small market" in Thai, is an understated area of Bangkok, but is one of the most charming areas of the city. Just a few kilometres from Chinatown, this part of Bangkok is a mix of heritage buildings along the Chao Phraya River.
It is composed of numerous alleys (called "soi" in Thai), beautiful street art, and quaint cafes. If walking is a non-issue, Talat Noi is best viewed and appreciated by foot.
7. Taam Jai Café - Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station
Taam Jai Café, located in the Huai Kwang area of Bangkok, is one of the best-looking garden cafes in the city, if not the best.
Nestled in the city, this is a café that serves as an oasis. It has both indoor and outdoor areas where one can sip coffee or savour their freshly-made pasta under the canopy of lush trees and shrubs.
One can also walk around their forest-garden and take photos of their old wooden Thai baan (Thai for "house"). This is the most beautifully designed garden café I have ever seen. The pictures are beautiful, but the actual experience of seeing this café in person is breathtaking!
8) Iconsiam
To get to Iconsiam, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then transfer to the ferry at Sathorn Pier for a scenic ride. Or take the BTS to Krung Thon Buri Station, transfer to the Gold Line, and get off at Charoen Nakhon Station, which is directly connected to the mall.
For me, the most beautifully designed mall in Bangkok is aptly called Iconsiam. It is right beside the Chao Phraya River, and offers one of the best views of the historic river.
Within its floors are the biggest luxury brands globally, and on the basement floor, called "SookSiam," one can be treated to the different types of Thai food, crafts, and souvenir items from the main regions of the Kingdom.
9. Pak Khlong Talat - Sanam Chai MRT Station
Pak Khlong Talat, which means "market at the mouth of the canal" in Thai, is Bangkok's main and possibly biggest flower market of the city. One is advised to go there in the morning, where the flowers from the uplands are delivered to this flower market along a khlong (Thai for "canal").
I could compare this to Sampaloc's Dangwa, but bigger. One can see vendors preparing various flower arrangements for Songkran, or to adorn and offer to Buddha.
Also, since this market is near Bangkok's Grand Palace, it would be a great visit before seeing the grandeur of the palace, and also, passing/exiting through the ornate Sanam Chai MRT Station is a visual treat in itself.
10) Chatuchak Weekend Market - Mo Chit BTS Station
The Chatuchak Park, where the market's name comes from, means "four cycles" in Thai, referring to the Fourth Cycle (48th birthday) of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Rama IX. The park was named in his honor.
Chatuchak or "JJ" to Thai locals, is the biggest weekend market in Bangkok with over 15,000 stalls. One can only visit during the weekend, but in just one of your visits, you can spend the whole day because of the volume and diversity of the most beautiful Thai handicrafts, clothing, food, plants, pets, and vintage memorabilia. Almost anything and everything can be found in Chatuchak.