Tour packages can become very expensive. Thailand has a very extensive and well maintained and safe public transport system that makes for very cheap tours if you do some homework prior to visiting.
This self tour using the BTS Skytrains will take you through the city and around the outskirts of Bangkok city. There are two Skytrain lines, the Silom line running through the city center and out to the west over the Chao Phraya River and the Sukhumvit line which runs through the city center, north of the city and towards the south east. They intersect at the Siam BTS station which is also the center of the city where you will find many large modern shopping complexes. You can purchase an all day train ticket which makes this self tour very inexpensive.
Below is a list of attractions located near each Sukhumvit BTS station. There is also the Silom Line and a map of the BTS lines. Some may require a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride which should cost less than 50 to 100 baht a ride.
Click on the Street View & Map icons to open Google Maps.
Mo Chit (N8)
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Street View & Map
This huge sprawling market is next to Kamphaengphet MRT or 10 minutes walk south from Mo Chit BTS, then turn right at the police checkpoint and enter through one of the gates. Chatuchak Weekend Market has thousands of stalls and shops and is a "must see" when visiting Bangkok. You spend the entire day . It is a favorite destination for tourists and Thai people and has anything and everything you could imagine for sale.
Aor Tor Kor Market
Street View & Map
Another large market opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Kamphaengphet MRT on Kamphaengphet Road.
Union Mall
Street View & Map
To get to this shopping mall, transfer to Kamphaengphet MRT train station and alight 2 stations (north) or transfer to Chatuchak MRT and alight 1 station (north) at Phahon Yothin MRT. Union Mall is directly opposite.
Children's Discovery Museum
Street View & Map
Ideal for a family vacation destination. From Mo Chit Station leave via exit No.1 to the opposite side of the main road and walk through Chatuchak Park for about 10-15 minutes to the other side. It is on the opposite side of the markets on the northern end. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Street View & Map
Situated in Wachirabenchathas Park which is commonly called Rot Fai Park (Railway Park). It is just north of Chatuchak Park. From Mo Chit BRT go out through Exit No.3. and walk up or take a taxi or tuk-tuk up to Kamphaengphet 3 Road to get to Rot Fai Park.
Saphan Khwai (N7)
Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum
Street View & Map
On display is the history and evolution of the Thai postage stamp. This museum in loated next to the post office. From Saphan Khwai Station take Exit No.1 to the road below. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm. Not open during public holidays.
Ari (N5)
Ari Soi Markets
Street View & Map
Corner of Ari Soi 1 and Phanon Yothin 7 Alley which is the next street north of the Ari BTS Skytrain.
Café Hopping
One of many trendy cafe style eateries in Ari Soi 1
Hor Hidden Café
Street View & Map
Try to find this hidden cafe in Ari Soi 1 road.
Victory Monument (N3)
Boat Noodles
Street View & Map
This noodle cafe is located next to the canal at Victory Monument. There is an outdoor eating area and indoor air-conditioning.
Victory Monument Markets
Street View & Map
Under the Skytrain there are the outdoor markets and small shops open during the day and night from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm. Take exits 3 or 4 from the overhead station.
Phyathai Palace
Street View & Map
The Royal Phya Thai Palace is located on the banks of the Samsen Canal on Rajavithee Road in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok and is located inside Phramongkutklao Hospital. To reach the palace, take the No. 3 exit at the BTS station and walk or take a taxi north up Phayathai Road to the monument and then turn left (west) at the monument roundabout up Ratchawithi Road.
Dusit Zoo
Dusit Zoo is closed https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1518054/dusit-zoo-to-close-for-good-at-the-end-of-this-month. © Bangkok Post Public Company Limited. All rights reserved.
Bangkok Doll Museum
Street View & Map
Traditional ancient hand made doll exhibit. Take a taxi to 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Road. Open Monday to Saturday 8:00am until 5:00pm
Aksra Theatre
Street View & Map
Located at the King Power Downtown Complex at 8/1 Rangnam Road just south of Victory Monument. Walk down Phayathai road a short distance and turn left (east) into Rangnam Alley and continue walking a few minutes. Show time: Tuesday - Friday, 7pm; Saturday - Sunday, 1pm and 7pm.
Phaya Thai (N2)
Suan Pakkad Palace
Street View & Map
This palace is a museum which has 4 traditional Thai houses. Located just ten minutes walk from BTS Phaya Thai at 352-354 Sri Ayutthaya Road. From the BTS station walk a short distance north to Phayathai junction main road and turn right (east) into Sri Ayutthaya Road.
Siam (Interchange Station)
Shopping
Street View & Map
This is one of Thailands most busy vacation destinations for tourists and for Thai people. Siam Square, Siam Paragon, Siam Center and several other malls and shopping complexes are all located in Bankoks city center.
Sealife Bangkok Ocean World
This aquarium is one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. Take the exit No. 5. Then enter Siam Paragon and go down to the basement floor level. Opening times are daily from 10.00am until 9.00pm.
Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl Siam Paragon
Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan
Street View & Map
Between Siam Paragon and Central World shopping complexes is this small temple.
Chit Lom (E1)
Erawan Shrine
Street View & Map
A small but very important and popular shrine located on the corner of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri Road in front of the Hyatt Hotel.
Shopping
Street View & Map
Central World, Central Chidlom, Gaysorn, Amarin Plaza shopping complexes. These are located east and west of Chit Lom all on Rama I Road.
Phloen Chit (E2)
Shopping
Street View & Map
The upmarket shopping complex Central Embassy
Eathai
Nana (E3)
Nana Plaza
Street View & Map
Nearby is Sukhumvit Soi 4 (road) which is the local night time adult entertainment area.
Asok (E4)
Khamtieng House
Street View & Map
A century old residence relocated from Chiang Mai which is a respected research library. Artifacts and the hilltribe costumes of Thailand are on display. Take the No. 3 exit and walk a few meters straight ahead to the intersection with Asok Road, then turn left and walk about 200m. The Siam Society will be on your left.
Soi Cowboy
Street View & Map
This is the local adult entertainment area. Located opposite Terminal 21 and about 100 metres from Sukhumvit Road, between Asoke Road and Sukhumvit Soi 23.
Phrom Phong (E5)
Shopping
Street View & Map
The Emporium Bangkok is an upmarket six storey shopping centre located on Sukhumvit Soi 24/26.
Imaginia
This is a childrens Playland of imaginative building. Take the No. 2 exit and walk to The Emporium Shopping Complex. It is located on the 3rd floor. Open daily from 10.00am until 8.00pm.
Dinosaur Planet
Street View & Map
Take the No. 6 exit from the station and walk to EM sphere in the Emdistrict.
Ekkamai (E7)
Science Center for Education
Street View & Map
The Science Centre for Education is also known as the Bangkok Planetarium. Take the No. 2 exit and turn around and walk toward the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. Bangkok Planetarium will be on your left.
Gateway Ekamai Mall
Street View & Map
Showcasing Japanese lifestyle. Located on Sukhumvit Road 42, Ekamai. Open from 10.00am until 10.00pm daily.
Snow Town Bangkok
Take the No.4 exit and walk to the Gateway Ekkamai complex. It is located on the 5th floor. Open Friday from 11.00 am until 8.00pm, also Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 10.00am until 8.00pm.
Sub-Zero Ice Skating Club
Street View & Map
Take the No. 1 exit and over the Skybridge that links directly to the Bangkok Co-operative Store Building. The Ice Skate rink is on the 9th floor. It is open Monday to Thursday from 12.00pm until 9.00pm, Friday 12.00pm until 10.00pm, Saturday and Sunday and Public Holidays 10.00am until 10.00pm.
Phra Khanong (E8)
W. District Community Mall
Street View & Map
A community center of food, art and music. Located on Sukhumvit Soi (Road) 71 and is very close to the BTS station.
On Nut (E9)
Siam Park City (Suan Siam)
Street View & Map
This is the biggest water and amusement park in Asia. It is located on Seree Thai Road in the Kannayao district. You can get off at Ekkamai Station (E7) and go out through No. 3 exit and take bus no.71. Or, get off at On Nut Station (E9) and take the No. 1 exit. When walking down to the street level, turn around, walk to Soi On Nut. Take bus no.519 in Soi On Nut. Open daily from 10.00am until 6.00pm.
Udom Suk (E12)
Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin
Street View & Map
This train station night market is located on Soi Srinagarindra 51, Srinagarindra Rd behind the Seacon Square entertainment complex. From Udom Suk station, take a taxi east along Udom Suk road and then north up Srinagarindra Road (hwy 3344) to Seacon Square. Open Thursday to Sunday, from 5.00pm until 01.00am.
Paradise Park
This large modern shopping complex is on Srinagarindra Rd, just before Seacon Square and the Talad Rot Fai night market.
Bearing (E14)
Erawan Museum
Street View & Map
The Erawan Museum is situated on the Sukhumvit-Kanchanabhisek intersection on the south east corner below the roadway. Look for the huge elephant statue. To get there, take a taxi south down Sukhumvit road from the Bearing station. Open daily from 08.00am until 05.00pm. The address is 99/9 Moo 1, Bang Muang Mai, Samut Praka.
