Bangkok’s best-kept secret is the BRT, a swift bus service that zips from Sathorn to Ratchapruek. It’s a local favourite, rarely spotted by tourists, and it’s your golden ticket to discovering the city’s hidden treasures. The BRT, short for Bus Rapid Transit, is a one-route wonder that connects seamlessly to the BTS Silom Line at both ends. Hop on at Sathorn, step off at Ratchapruek, or vice versa, and you’re on the SkyTrain in no time, thanks to the handy walkways.
Gliding on its own lane, the BRT laughs in the face of Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams. With 12 stops, each boasting elevated platforms, boarding is a breeze. And here’s a travel hack that’s too good to keep under wraps: the BRT is completely free until the end of May 2024! So, why not spend a day hopping on and off at each station, uncovering the city’s lesser-known spots without spending a baht? Trust us, it’s an adventure that even the savviest of travellers would envy.
Stop 1: Nararam 3
Step off for a spree at Central Rama 3, a shopper’s paradise.
Stop 2: Wat Dan
Alight here for the Wat Dan temple, a secret sanctuary known only to locals. Visit at noon for a peaceful, solitary experience, far from the tourist trails of Grand Palace or Wat Arun. The best part? It’s free to enter, and you can even partake in the tranquil tradition of fish feeding.
Stop 3: Wat Pariwat
Disembark for the extraordinary Wat Pariwat, affectionately dubbed the David Beckham Temple. Its architecture is a delightful departure from the usual, with whimsical nods to pop culture icons like Superman and Pinocchio etched into its walls.
Stop 4: Charoenrat
Get off for an endless adventure in retail and gastronomy at Terminal 21 or Tree On 3. Terminal 21 offers a world tour with each floor, from Japanese delicacies to French fare. Don’t miss the food court’s heavenly spread of Thai and Chinese dishes, especially during the Songkran festival when discounts abound.
Stop 5: Ratchapruek
Your final stop to connect with the skytrain at BTS Talat Phlu, completing your circuit of Bangkok’s lesser known but equally enchanting locales.
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