Take a cheap vacation in Thailand by not spending huge on tour packages but travelling on cheap public transport. Visit the amazing temples of Bangkok and the many other attractions that can only be found in Thailand.
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 Silom BTS station. There is also the Sukhumvit Line attractions 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.
National Stadium (W1)
Jim Thompson's House
Street View & Map
This two storey teak wood house was the home of Jim Thompson who revitalised the silk industry for Thailand in the 1950s and 1960s. Take the No. 1 exit and go straight ahead (north) to the end of Soi Kasemsan 2, Jim Thompson's house is on left side just before you reach the water canal.
MBK Shopping Center
Street View & Map
This huge multi-storey modern shopping complex has floors of cheap electronics, food courts, clothing, souvenirs and art, and much more. It is located opposite the station on the main intersection road. This shopping complex is in a very busy part of Bankok and one of Thailands favorite tourist destinations.
Bangkok Art And Culture Center and Siam Discovery
Street View & Map
Take exit no. 3 and use the skybridge to enter the center directly. This cultural center showcases the unique and facinating artwork of Thailand.
Close by is the Siam Discovery Shopping Mall
Sala Daeng (S2)
Lalai Sap Market
Street View & Map
This food market and bazaar is located on Silom Soi 5. Here you can find the authentic food of Thailand. Open Monday to Friday 6am until 4pm. Located down from the 7 Eleven on the corner.
Silom Complex
Street View & Map
A huge shopping mall located next to the station.
Wat Pra Simaha Umadevi
Street View & Map
This Hindu temple is also known as Wat Kaek. No photos are allowed inside the temple and appropriate modest dress standard is required to enter. From the station take the No. 2 exit, and a taxi or tuk-tuk down Silom Rd. to the corner of Silom and Thanon Pan.
Snake Farm
Street View & Map
An interesting place for a family tour with children. This is in the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute. To get there take the No. 3 exit from the station and when at the street level, turn back around, and walk towards Rama 4 Road, turn left into Rama 4 Road, and then keep walking past Henry Dunang Road to the main entrance of the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute on Rama 4 Road. A quicker shortcut, is to exit the other side of the station and walk up Thanon Thaniya (Road) and then turn right at the end to reach Rama 4 Road and then cross over the intersection. When you return later, you could take the longer way back to visit Lumphini Park.
The snake farm is in the centre of the large complex, just follow the signs. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am until 4:00pm. Closed Sunday.
Lumphini Park
Street View & Map
This large park has public open space, playgrounds, trees and a lake. Open from early morning until 9pm. You can reach Lumpini Park from the station by walking up Silom Road a short distance in an easterly direction until you reach Rama IV Road.
Saphan Taksin (S6)
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple
Street View & Map
This very different and unique temple for Thailand that is shaped like a Chinese Junk. Take the No.4 exit from the BTS station and walk easterly away from the river a short distance until you get to Charoen Krung Road and turn right (south). The temple is a short walk and is located on the right. You enter the temple grounds through a large ornate arch where you will see the temple directly ahead and a prayer hall to the right.
