Despite the heat and pollution, there's still a way you can go out and explore Bangkok. But you may want to look down instead of up as Bangkok has rather unique underground venues that you may not be aware of. If your curiosity is piqued, Guru By Bangkok Post has curated a collection of underground attractions that will spark your imagination.
Samyan Mitrtown's underground tunnel
Photo courtesy of Samyan Mitrtown.
Open daily from 7am-9pm
Underground Bangkok is just as busy as it's overground and if you're finding that hard to believe, make your way to Samyan Mitrtown's tunnel. Connecting MRT Samyan to the shopping complex, the 120m underground tunnel boasts a brutalist interior, with a partly see-through glass floor that reveals external finishing work. Equally captivating is the tunnel's decoration game, which has become synonymous with holiday celebrations, enticing passersby to pause and admire the stunning displays of seasonal cheer with their eyes and camera.
Chulalongkorn University's pedestrian underpass
Open on weekdays from 5am-10pm and on Saturday from 6am-6pm
Known as Thailand's first underground tunnel, this pedestrian underpass was constructed in 1972 by Chulalongkorn University and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address car accidents that frequently occurred at the time. Despite standing the test of time, the underground walkway has yet to earn the confidence of passersby, who find themselves put off by its foreboding and gloomy ambience. However, the purpose-built tunnel has recently been revitalised with colourful and playful designs, including hopscotch and a speed-limit sign, with mirrors installed at the end of the hallway, allowing pedestrians to see if anyone is behind them.
The Site Museum
Photo courtesy of Museum Siam.
Open daily from 6am to midnight
The Site Museum at MRT Sanam Chai broke the "museum above ground mould" with its unique location — inside a subway station. In collaboration with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), Museum Siam has established Thailand's first-ever underground museum, inviting visitors to dig deeper into the roots of Bangkok's history. This treasure trove of artefacts and ruins was discovered during the construction of the subway station and can be traced back to the locality that was once a palace ground. Located 16m below the surface, the foundations of the former royal hall have been found and revived as one of the museum's main highlights.
Metro Art project
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM).
Open daily from 7am-9pm
Recently added to Bangkok's underground development scene is the Metro Art project, located within MRT Phahon Yothin. Developed by BEM and Bangkok Metro Networks (BMN), the underground art space worked alongside the International Watercolor Society Thailand to set up a gallery and marketplace for art enthusiasts. Pattaya City's contemporary art gallery Galleria Benetti has also secured a space for their "Paint Here Alright" zone, featuring an art learning centre for creative workshops. Thai street artists RPJ and The Jum kick off the first exhibitions in the underground gallery, which take over every nook and cranny of the area. With a promise to consistently refresh the exhibition every three months, visitors can look forward to ever-changing collections that promise to get everyone inspired.
Na Phra Lan tunnel
Open daily from 8am-5pm
Historic landmark-hopping around Bangkok's old town is getting easier with the Na Phra Lan tunnel. Initiated by the BMA, the pedestrian underpass connects popular attractions around Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace while offering a place to cool off from the heat in air-conditioned halls. It doubles as a museum with exhibitions depicting the history of Bangkok and displaying a timeline of how Bangkok's architectural styles have changed over time, as well as photo sets of Bangkok's forts — specifically, the Inthorn Rangsan Fort — city walls and moats. Four exits take you to different historical landmarks, including Sanam Luang and Wang Lang Pier (Tha Prachan) on exit 1; the Fine Arts Department on exit 2; Bangkok City Pillar Shrine on exit 3; and the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram) on exit 4.
