MS Originals

Bangkok’s New MRT Blue Line Takes You From Platinum Mall To Chinatown In 30 Mins

Bangkok’s MRT Blue Line Extension Has 5 New Stations Connecting Chinatown & Grand Palace

If you’ve been to Bangkok, you’ll probably remember how inaccessible Chinatown is via trains — especially when you’re coming from Platinum Mall area.

After all, Chinatown isn’t directly connected with the city’s rail systems BTS Skytrain or MRT.

The easiest way to Chinatown is usually by taxi
Source

Things are set to change with Bangkok’s MRT blue line extension. 5 new stations along this line are now open to the public.

Source

According to The Straits Times, the extended line opened on Monday (29 Jul) and is currently on a 2-month trial run.

Now you can commute easily to famous destinations like Chinatown, the Grand Palace, and Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Free rides till 28 Sep

During this 2-month trial period, commuters can enjoy free rides for train services between Hua Lamphong and Tha Phra until 28 Sep.

For context, here is an infographic that shows the blue line extension.

Source

 

The 5 new stations are:

  • Wat Mangkon
  • Sam Yot
  • Sanam Chai
  • Itsaraphap
  • Tha Phra

Before these new stations, the closest MRT station to Chinatown is Hua Lamphong. You’ll need to walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach Chinatown from the station.

Now to get to Chinatown, you can take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station — only 1 station away from Hua Lamphong.

Trains are aesthetic AF

Looking at pictures of the new trains, they are coated in striking yellow and electric blue.

Source

They also bear intricate motifs of Thailand’s iconic symbols such as lotus flowers and famous deities.

Source

As with the popular Kingsman quote “manners maketh man”, striking yellow maketh MRT trains, in this case.

Source

New MRT stations are also stunning

The Straits Times reports that 4 of the stations – Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap – have been themselves transformed into attractions.

They are adorned with architectural designs and features that reflect the cultural roots of Bangkok’s old town area, where the 4 stations are located.

Here’s how the new MRT stations look like:

  1. Wat Mangkon — located close to Chinatown and the Dragon Lotus Temple

Source

Source

2. Sam Yot — famous breakfast place On Lok Yun is here.

Source

3. Sanam Chai — near Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace

Source

4. Itsaraphap — Temple of Dawn Wat Arun is here.

Source

5. Tha Phra — residential area of the city.

Source

Blue Line extension officially opens on 29 Sep

During the trial period, the trains running between Hua Lamphong to Tha Phra will operate from 10am to 4pm daily.

They will then be officially open on 29 Sep. After this, trains would operate directly from the current Blue Line to the new extension.

More stations along the Blue Line will open late 2019 and early 2020.

Hopefully as more MRT stations continue to open, this will help to reduce the severity of Bangkok’s traffic congestion problems.

Featured image adapted from Bangkok Metro on Facebook, and Wikipedia.

Amanda Yeap

Amanda is obsessed with wet tissues, especially 100% antibacterial bamboo organic ones. She also likes to use them to chope tables at eateries.

Recent Posts

4 winners split S$13M TOTO jackpot on 14 Nov, 1 winning ticket bought from Tong Aik Huat again

Tong Aik Huat also sold a winning ticket for the 21 Oct draw.

15 Nov 2024, 1:39 am

Online model seller in Japan scammed by buyer who returned different kit with pieces cut out

The seller was soured by the experience with Mercari, saying the platform only provided compensation…

14 Nov 2024, 6:57 pm

Woman in Indonesia steals formula milk by placing them between thighs

The woman walked away naturally despite the boxes between her thighs.

14 Nov 2024, 6:20 pm

Leopard in Thailand caught wriggling on zoo visitor’s pickup truck, netizens joke driver should bring it home

The leopard reportedly jumped off the truck once it saw zoo staff approaching.

14 Nov 2024, 5:53 pm

Motorist in M’sia crushed to death after container falls from trailer, lorry driver arrested

The trailer driver made a V sign for the media while being escorted to the…

14 Nov 2024, 5:42 pm