The Bangkok MRT Blue Line, also known as the MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line, is the city’s very first metro line. Operated by Bangkok Expressway and Metro, it opened to the public on July 3, 2004, initially covering a 20-km distance from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. Subsequent extensions over the years have expanded the line to a total length of 48 km. As a fast, affordable, and convenient way to navigate Bangkok, this route also brings you closer to some of the city’s most popular attractions. We have done the research so you don’t have to! Discover (and delight at) all the things you can do when traversing Bangkok via the MRT Blue Line.
MRT Blue Line in Bangkok: Tickets, stations and route
The MRT Blue Line connects major business, shopping, residential and cultural areas and sites of Bangkok. There are 38 stations on the route, with fares varying from Baht 15 to 49, based on the journey. Passengers can purchase tickets and make payments using their contactless credit cards or the MRT EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) Card.
Service hours: 6:00 am to midnight
Frequency during rush hours: Every four minutes from 07:00 am to 09:00 am and 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Frequency during non-rush hours: Seven minutes
Things to do when using the MRT Blue Line in Bangkok
Tha Phra Station
The first station on Bangkok’s MRT Blue Line, the Tha Phra Station offers connectivity to several places of interest. The Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market – where canalside walkways take visitors across art galleries, handicraft stalls, and food stalls/boats selling Bangkok’s speciality dishes – is only 2 km away.
Bang Khun Non
The Bang Khun Non Station is a great place to explore the relatively crowd-free temples of Bangkok, including Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, a historic second-class royal temple, and Wat Sri Sudaram Worawiharn, where popular Thai poet Sunthorn Phu completed his studies.
Bang Yi Khan
Looking to explore a local market that is relatively less crowded? Disembark at the Bang Yi Khan Station, one of the early stops on the Bangkok Blue Line MRT, and walk over to Indie Market Pinklao, a sizable night market with great shopping opportunities and delicious street food. Visitors will have plenty of chances to explore local culture.
Tao Poon
Could there be a better way to spend the day than to taste delicious street food and indulge in shopping? When you get off at the Tao Poon Station, take Exit 3 to land directly amidst the hustle and bustle of the Tao Poon Market. The fresh market here is one of the best in the city, offering shoppers a chance to stock up on groceries and local specialities.
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Kamphaeng Phet
The Kamphaeng Phet MRT station brings you to the seven-storied JJ Mall, a large shopping complex offering almost everything under the sun at budget-friendly rates. The Or Tor Kor Market, one of the best farmer’s markets in Bangkok, is also located nearby. Pick up daily essentials and exotic snacks to take back home, or spend the day browsing the stalls.
Chatuchak Park
Shops, street food, and entertainment! Chatuchak Market in Bangkok has it all, and then some. One of the largest night markets in Asia, Chatuchak Market can be easily accessed via the Chatuchak Park MRT station. This MRT station can actually be considered a hub for nearby exploration if you do not want to stray far from the station. Nearby places include Chatuchak Park, Rot Fai Park, the Children’s Discovery Museum, and Queen Sirikit Park.
Thailand Cultural Centre
Several cultural attractions, markets, and government buildings can be accessed from the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station. The newly opened night market — The One Ratchada Market — promises fresh seafood and plenty of stalls. Visitors can spend the day exploring The Esplanade Ratchada Shopping Complex, or catch a scintillating play or dance performance at the Thailand Cultural Centre.
Sukhumvit
In the mood for dinner and a show? The Sukhumvit MRT station is the perfect place to disembark and visit Soi Cowboy. You will find the streets lined with nightclubs and go-go bars, promising the quintessential Bangkok nightlife experience and exciting shows. If that’s not your vibe, you can spend the evening watching the sun go down at the Benjakiti Park.
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre
The Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station brings you closer to the biggest fresh market in Bangkok, Khlong Toei Market. Shop for the freshest vegetables, seafood, meat, and preserved food items here. The best part is you can shop for fresh ingredients and get the local food stalls to cook up a storm for you. You can also visit the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, a popular venue for international conventions.
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Lumphini
Lumphini Park, a popular open space with lush greenery and boating opportunities, is one of the best places in Bangkok for relaxing and watching the world go by. Disembark at the Lumphini MRT station to visit this park. Covering about 57 hectares, the park comprises a public library, a kids’ play area, an aquarium, sports grounds, and a swimming pool.
Planned a trip but not sure how to spend your days here? Check out our guide on some of the best things to do in Bangkok.
Si Lom
At the Si Lom MRT station, you can enjoy various experiences, from visiting the popular Patpong Night Market to exploring the Silom Complex. The Patpong Night Market is a venue for rows upon rows of street food stalls, souvenir shops, and several entertainment venues. The Silom Complex is a shopping venue boasting some amazing restaurants like Baan Ying, Banana Leaf, and Cafe Amazon.
Hua Lamphong
The Hua Lamphong MRT station is where you can get off to visit some of Bangkok’s best attractions. Check out the stunning statue of Golden Buddha, weighing over 5.5 tonnes, at the Traimit Withayaram Temple. Spend the day exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown, where the hustle and bustle of the amazing market is sure to dazzle you. Tuck into decadent delicacies here, and pick up authentic ingredients and spice pastes to create the masterpieces at home. You can also walk alongside the Canal of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem while sipping fruit juice.
Check out our story on the best things to eat, see, and do along the new MRT pink line in Bangkok.
Wat Mangkon
You can also access Chinatown from the Wat Mangkon MRT station. There are several authentic Thai food joints nearby, alongside Chinese and Thai Buddhist temples like Mangkon Kamalawat Temple and Kanma Tuyaram Temple.
Love visiting temples and religious spots? Our story on Thailand’s most famous temples will keep you hooked.
Sanam Chai
One of the last stops on the Blue Line MRT in Bangkok is the Sanam Chai Station. Get off here to explore Museum Siam, the Pak Phlong Talat Market, and the Tha Tian Market, all great for understanding the culture of Thailand. The Sanam Chai MRT station is also where you disembark to visit the ever-popular Wat Pho temple complex, the Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is also a connecting station with Rajinee Pier for the Chaophraya Express and Mine Smart Ferry, so your water adventures can begin here.
(Feature image credit: f11photo/Shutterstock)
Related: Bangkok Travel Guide: How To Plan The Perfect Holiday?
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Answer: Yes, there are several parks and green spaces accessible via the Blue Line MRT, including Queen Sirikit Park, Chatuchak Park, Rot Fai Park, and Benjakiti Park.
Answer: The One Ratchada Market, Chatuchak Market, Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market, and Indie Market Pinklao are some of the best shopping places near Blue Line MRT.
Answer: Enjoy fine dining or sit-down dinners at Silom Complex or JJ Mall. For local street food, try Chinatown, Chatuchak Market, and Tha Tian Market.
Answer: Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, a historic royal temple; Museum Siam, dedicated to preserving Thailand’s history; and the Thailand Cultural Centre are some of the best cultural and historical sites to visit along the Blue Line MRT.
Answer: Check out Soi Cowboy, Tha Tian Market, and Lumphini Park for unique experiences when on the Blue Line MRT.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
