Bangkok’s MRT Blue Line New Extension – A Complete Guide For Tourists

As many of you probably know, the new Bangkok’s MRT Blue Line extension is now fully operational. The wife and I found this extension really useful because the new stations are near many popular attractions and eateries. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this new extension.

MRT Blue Line

The MRT Blue Line is one of two lines on the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) metro system in Bangkok, with the other line being the MRT Purple Line.

Note that the MRT is a different system from the other metro system in Bangkok, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (also known as BTS or Skytrain).

MRT Blue Line New Extension

Click to enlarge

In 2011, construction began on the extension of the MRT Blue Line, which would add eleven new stations.

As you can see from the metro map above, it extends the line from Hua Lamphong station to Lak Song station (extreme left station on the map).

After many years, five stations along this new extension finally opened to the public on 29 July 2019. The remaining six stations all opened by 29 September 2019.

Out of these eleven new stations, only three should be of interest for tourists because they are near popular tourist spots.

These three stations are: Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, and Sanam Chai. They are indicated with blue arrows in the map above.

The rest of the stations are quite far from downtown Bangkok.

What To Do Around Wat Mangkon Station

Wat Mangkon Station is located in Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown. It has an oriental design theme with dragon motifs.

Previously, to get to Chinatown, tourists had to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ratchawong Pier and walk for 10 minutes.

Alternatively, they could take the BTS to Hua Lamphong Station and walk for 15 minutes.

If you have been to Bangkok, you will know that walking under the scorching midday sun is no joke, even if it’s just for ten minutes.

Now, tourists can simply take the MRT to Wat Mangkon Station to reach Chinatown directly.

Here’s how you can get to this new station in around 30 minutes from Siam:

– From Siam BTS station, take two stops to Sala Daeng station (8 min)
– Walk along an outdoor link bridge to Si Lom MRT station (5 min)
– Take three stops to Wat Mangkon station (15 min)

What To Do Around Sam Yot Station

Sam Yot Station is one stop after Wat Mangkon. Based on what I saw, this station does not have any special interior design.

However, it is our favourite new station because it is near many awesome eateries! I have indicated their locations in the map above.

On Lok Yun is an old-school cafeteria that is just steps away from Sam Yot station. It serves American-Thai fusion brunch items and is extremely popular with tourists. Previously, the wife and I had to take a taxi to get here. With the opening of Sam Yot station, it is now super convenient to visit this eatery.

Kope Hya Tai Kee is a popular Chinese-style coffeeshop that is a 10-minute walk away from Sam Yot Station. We loved the savoury Kai Kra Ta here!

Thian Song Roast Duck is a hole-in-the-wall street side restaurant known for its delicious roast duck. It is a short walk from Kope Hya Tai Kee. Personally I found the roast duck to be tender, juicy, and very satisfying.

Krua Apson is a no-frills Thai restaurant just down the road from Thian Song Roast Duck. It is famous for its delicious and affordable Thai dishes. Unfortunately, we didn’t know that the restaurant is closed on Sundays so we did not manage to check out the food here.

What To Do Around Sanam Chai Station

Sanam Chai Station is one stop after Sam Yot, and is near Wat Pho and The Grand Palace. The station is designed to resemble a royal Thai stateroom.

Wat Pho (also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon) is a temple complex home to the majestic 46m long reclining Buddha. It is a 7-minute walk from Sanam Chai station.

The Grand Palace is the official residence of Thailand’s king. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok. You can walk for 15 minutes from the MRT station to get here, or take a quick Grab ride.

Further Extension of MRT Blue Line

From wikipedia

There will be another extension of the MRT Blue Line, connecting Tha Phra (Blue Line) to Tao Poon station (Purple Line). It is expected to open in March 2020.

This creates a loop of the Blue Line, effectively encircling the business and cultural districts of downtown Bangkok.

We will update this article again once the new extension is up and running, so watch this space!

Conclusion

The Grand Palace

Bangkok’s new MRT Blue Line extension is definitely a useful addition to the city’s metro system. Most of the new stations are actually more useful for locals travelling to further places away from downtown Bangkok, but as shown above there are three stations which are conveniently located to visit tourist spots. For example, we used the new stations to get to The Grand Palace and various eateries near Sam Yot Station.

This article is part of our completely free and fantastic Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide. Why spend days researching when all your holiday information is simply a click away?