The Skytrain is an elevated rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s part of Bangkok’s metro system that also includes the underground MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link (SARL) that connects downtown Bangkok to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. This metro system is a great alternative means of transportation when you’re in Bangkok considering the city’s notorious traffic congestion problem.

My cousin Kristi and I used the Skytrain during our stay in Bangkok as part of our Southeast Asia trip in 2010. Our hotel, Bangkok Loft Inn, was located in Taksin region of Thonburi (southwestern side of Bangkok metro), and it was within walking distance to the Wongwian Yai station. We used the train on our way back from dinner in our first night in Bangkok, and then on the second day to get to the river pier to continue on the river ferry, and on the third day to go to the Jim Thompson House near the National Stadium and back. Initially we also considered of taking the train to get to the airport, but our hotel staff graciously offered to take us there on their car.

The photo below was taken at the Surasak station on the Silom line of the Skytrain. This was our first ride on the train system, and we were quite impressed with how orderly, clean, and efficient is the Skytrain system. It’s comparable to some other mass transit systems I’ve used elsewhere (Washington DC’s Metro, New York Subway, Montreal Metro). It was pretty easy to figure out our way around; signs and public announcements were available in both Thai and English.