10 destinations in Bangkok you can visit through rail

A handy guide for exploring one of the most visited cities in the world by public transportation

- By MARK GARCIA

Bangkok in Thailand is one of the top 10 most visited cities in the world, with over 32 million arrivals based on data from Euromonitor International. Let us walk you through 10 recommended places in Bangkok that you can visit just by taking the train.

From the Philippines (Manila or Clark), Bangkok is a three-hour flight. I flew from Clark International Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok's main international airport. From there, I took the Airport Rail Link that brought me from Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok's city center, and took an interchange train at the Phaya Thai BTS Skytrain Station. The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain is one of Bangkok's main and most popular train systems that I was able to use to go around the city.

For this specific trip, I focused on using only two of Bangkok's widely used train systems: the BTS Skytrain and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT). These modes of transportation are time-efficient and lighter on the budget.

Taking a taxi may be convenient, but riding the train is an experience in itself, and it is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this amazing city.

1. Hua Lamphong Railway Station-Hua Lamphong MRT

Hua Lamphong is known as Bangkok Railway Station and the oldest railway station in Thailand. Construction started during the reign of King Chulalongkorn and was officially opened in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI. This is such a beautifully restored heritage structure. Remarkably, it has served its original purpose for over 100 years.

2. Songkran Festival-Silom Road-Sala Daeng BTS Station or Silom MRT Station

Songkran is Thailand's New Year and the biggest countrywide water festival. Songkran originated from a Sanskrit word that means "movement."