Everyone hates traffic, and there’s no traffic in the world as bad as in Bangkok. It is not unusual to spend an hour travelling just 20 – 30 metres in Bangkok’s evening rush hour and if you only have a day or two in Bangkok, the difference between enjoyment and frustration can be just a bad traffic jam.

Thankfully, there is a way round this time-wasting trip spoiler – the air-conditioned, clean Bangkok sky-train. It is both cheap and efficient and with good access to both shopping districts and tourist attractions, you need never risk getting ripped off by a tuk-tuk or taxi again. Here are a few nice little trips you can do without the need of taxis or buses.­

1. Siam Square Shopping District

If shopping’s your thing, there aren’t many places in the world better than the mega-malls around Siam sky-train station. For designer labels and luxury sports cars, try Siam Paragon or to find something a bit different and trendy, it’s got to be Siam Centre or the outdoor Siam Square. If bargain hunting is your thing then head, with your bartering hat, straight to MBK. Even if you don’t like shopping, there’s state of the art cinemas and bowling alleys as well as cafes and restaurants.

2. Saphan Thaksin River Pier

If your after culture and a look at the older, more traditional Bangkok but don’t want to get stuck on the small labyrinth-like streets to get there, then take the sky-train to the river at Saphan Thaksin. From here you’ve got traffic free access by river boat to all the historic sights such as Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha),  Wat Pho (The Temple of the reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (The Dawn Temple.)   The river itself is a fascinating place, with boats of all sizes and purposes showing the heart of Bangkok daily life, and a simple ride on the ferry up and down the river is a great trip in itself.

3. Jatujak Weekend Market

A stark contrast to the air-conditioned malls of Siam, this is a must for all visitors to Bangkok. It is open every day but there is more going on at the weekends. Get off the sky-train at Morchit and follow the signs to reach the market. Even if you hate shopping this place is worth just for the sights, smells and sounds. Wander through the pet market, where you can buy anything from kittens to tarantulas or check out the arts section where local Thai artists exhibit their works of art. If you get tired, stop off at one of the many ‘hidden-gem’ cafes tucked away in the maze of alleys.

4. Lumpini Park and Night Bazaar

Change to the underground train for this one (connections at Asok, Sala Deng or Morchit sky-train stations) and ride to Lumpini in the evening to experience the delights of the night bazaar. As well as endless trinket shops, there is also the Joe Lois Theatre, home to a world renowned Thai puppet show telling stories from traditional Thai mythology.

5. Night Life at Ekamai

For the party animals, not many places rival the bars and clubs near Ekamai sky-train station. Put on your most trendy clothes and dance the night away in trendy, modern night clubs.

6. Patpong Night Market

Although mainly famous as a red-light district, this is THE place to come if you’re looking for designer clothes or sunglasses at bargain prices. There may be a few spelling mistakes in the designer’s names, but who cares when you can be wearing ‘Kevin Klein’ boxers for $3!

7. Best of the Rest

Still hungry for more? Here are a few more ideas for killing time on the sky-train network:
Shopping – More malls at Chidlom, Prom Phong and Rama IX(underground train.)
Culture – Erawan Shrine at Chidlom for live Thai dancing and music.
Entertainment – Cinemas at Ekamai, Siam, Prom Phong, Thailand Cultural Centre(underground train.)
Food – Middle Eastern food at Nana, All sorts at Siam, Food loft at Chidlom.

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