Exploring the BTS Sky Train Route(2)

Going East:

E1 Chit Lom - To the West of the station is the large Central World Shopping Mall with just about every shop you could ever want. After renovations, it is now the largest shopping mall in Bangkok. To the East, is Central Chit Lom Department Store. In-between there must be at least a dozen more department stores. If you want shopping and brandname goods, then this is the area you should come. Close to the station, you will find the popular Erawan Shrine. This is the best place to come to see some free Thai dancing.

E2 Phloen Chit - Well known for the British Embassy.

E3 Nana - Many bars and restaurants in this area.

E4 Asok - The nearby Siam Society has an interesting library for people interested in Thai culture. Also a collection of Thai style houses.

E5 Phrom Pong - A sky bridge takes you straight into the Emporium Shopping Mall. A couple of good English language book stores here and many high end shops. Down on street level, there is a famous secondhand bookstore on the other side of the road and slightly towards Bangkok.

E6 Thong Lo - Nearby is the Thai Pharmacy Museum open Monday to Friday.

E7 Ekkamai - Useful station for the Eastern Bus Terminal. Also nearby is the Planetarium and aging Science Museum.

E8 Phra Khanong

E9 On Nut - From here you can visit the nearby shrine for the Nang Nak ghost. Or catch a taxi for 120 baht to Samut Prakan for the Erawan Museum or Ancient City.

Going West:

W1 National Stadium - From this station, there is a sky bridge that takes you straight into MBK Shopping Mall. Hundreds of small shops here as well as a large food court and multiplex cinema. If you are into Scouting, then go to the large school shop directly below the station on the south side of the road where you will find many scout badges and other souvenirs. At the National Stadium, they sometimes have international football matches. The nearest tourist attraction from here is Jim Thompson’s House. This is a good place to see a traditional Thai style house. Entrance is 100 baht.
Going South:

S1 Ratchadamri - Just north of the station is the Peninsular Plaza which has many up-market shops and restaurants.

S2 Sala Daeng - This station is at the heart of Silom. You will find a connection to the MRT subway here. Walking northwards you will reach the Snake Farm and Lumphini Park. South is Patpong Night Market. Many bars and restaurants in this area as well as shopping malls.

S3 Chong Nonsi - A short walk is MR Kukrit’s Pramotes House and Museum. Another place to see teak houses. Only open at the weekend.

S5 Surasak

S6 Saphan Taksin - This is the end of the line for the meantime though soon it will take you over the river into Thonburi. From the pier you can catch a boat upriver to Chinatown, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Khao San Road and more. Near the station you will find Wat Yannawa which has an unusual ship shaped temple.

I will be giving you more reports and pictures of some of these tourist attractions along the BTS Sky Train route over the coming weeks and months. At the same time, we will be working more on our new website at ThailandPhotoMap.com where you can follow the route on satellite maps of Bangkok.