BTS

[Thian]

But what wonders me the most is what is above the pra nong klao bridge above the chao praya? That sure looks like a bts-station but how can we go there? Will there be a huge escalator/elevator down to the river-piers?

It's difficult to see from the main road, but the station at S8 doesn't actually extend over the river and is actually fully accessible from ground level on the eastern side of the river. It's visible on Google Streetview.

I see, but that means it's a long walk in the full sun. I thought it would be connected with the riverboat-ferries or maybe it is for when electricity falls out and there's a skytrain on the middle of the bridge in full sun. That station is very high and not easy to get to i would think but i will check it out when i'm there again.

It's a strange place to have a skytrainstation but they are building huge condo's and villaparks there like "river villa". Also there are new highways in that area, i got lost there and followed direction ratchapruek and suddenly i was over the river without going over the pra nong klao bridge if i understood all well.

If i wanted to buy a condo it would be in that area close to the river, there will also be the huge bicycle track if i understood it well.

[Thian]

The Purple Line will be operated by BMCL not BTS, anyway, current opening date is 12 August 2016.

One more year to make the rail? The rest is finished it seems.

There is a huge carpark next to Westgate but just a little too far to park there and walk to Westgate. They should have been connected.

But with that new purple line it will be much easyier to go into the city. For what i don't know since Westgate also should have all the same shops.

That huge car park your talking about it is from the BTS. If you don't like the Westgate car park you could also have used either the hospital or Big C car park that are just before it. Alternatively I have seen that the outside parking is almost never fully full even today when I passed it.

I also have no clue why they are so slow with the BTS .. it looks almost finished but will take an whole year

Now i'm sure you're joking. That Big C is at the opposit site of the road and a 15 min walk to Westgate.

You really think i would park there and walk all the way to Westgate because they are too dumb to make proper signs for the parkinglot?

Something is wrong with this mall, they made a new bridge to be the entrance from Rattana tibet road but they forgot to make good signs? Then how should any bangkokian know about it? And if you drive around over kanchana phisek, take the u-turn than they misguide you and even tell the parkinglot has 150 free lots in total while there are none!

Thailand only! Hope Ikea shows them how it's done.

[robblok]

The Purple Line will be operated by BMCL not BTS, anyway, current opening date is 12 August 2016.

One more year to make the rail? The rest is finished it seems.

There is a huge carpark next to Westgate but just a little too far to park there and walk to Westgate. They should have been connected.

But with that new purple line it will be much easyier to go into the city. For what i don't know since Westgate also should have all the same shops.

That huge car park your talking about it is from the BTS. If you don't like the Westgate car park you could also have used either the hospital or Big C car park that are just before it. Alternatively I have seen that the outside parking is almost never fully full even today when I passed it.

I also have no clue why they are so slow with the BTS .. it looks almost finished but will take an whole year

Now i'm sure you're joking. That Big C is at the opposit site of the road and a 15 min walk to Westgate.

You really think i would park there and walk all the way to Westgate because they are too dumb to make proper signs for the parkinglot?

Something is wrong with this mall, they made a new bridge to be the entrance from Rattana tibet road but they forgot to make good signs? Then how should any bangkokian know about it? And if you drive around over kanchana phisek, take the u-turn than they misguide you and even tell the parkinglot has 150 free lots in total while there are none!

Thailand only! Hope Ikea shows them how it's done.

Now i think you again don't know the area, there are 2 big C's one on each side. Remember I have lived here for 9 years and counting. Do you really think I would send you to the other side. There is a hospital and then a Big C on the side of the Westgate Mall.

There is nothing wrong with that mall it takes time to learn about it. Personally (pass it 4 times or more a week) i always see a lot of open spaces outside. However the markings are bad. The other buildings are also an option but because I don't have x ray vision I can't say much about how vacant they are.

I was at Ikea this sunday, and there were no parking sensors on their part of the parking though Mega Bangna had parking sensors (like you I always had that misguided notion) and when my friend took me to Ikea this weekend (needed some stuff myself too) i paid extra attention to it. When there were no sensors I thought I was going senile (because like you i believed them to be there). So on closer inspection there were sensors.. but not on the Ikea part (yes you can park there to go to Ikea) but on the mega bangna part. If you went closer to Ikea no sensors anymore.

Sorry to shatter your misguided conceptions.

And I do think I know it better as you do because I am a local, and I believe you about the sensors that day .. but the few times (still more as you) that i went there by car they were always functional (except that they counted invalid spots too so it was still not perfect)

Normally I trust local knowledge.. you should too. (no flames intended)

Added a map that shows Big C's on both sides of the road

Edited September 22, 2015 by robblok

[Thian]

Rob i remember the other bigC now, behind the homepro. Have been there once some years ago, yes that's a lot closer.

But i still don't understand why there are no signs on rattana tibet how to go to westgate. In the u-turn corner they build a new entrance to westgate but forgot to make any roadsigns for that. Ikea Bangna also made that mistake the first year but now they sure have good roadsigns to it and their parkinglot is excellent without sensors. Those sensors never work well anyway, also not in Central Chaeng wattana.

Mega bangna would be nothing without that Ikea, i hope Westgate has better shops and a Sizzlers. On the westgate website they even don't mention what shops are there but i saw sizzler signs at the building.

How can they build the biggest mall of Thailand without proper roadsigns how to enter it? Will always be a mistery to me and sure Central should know better. From rattanatibet it has easy acces but we just have to know how use it. And if we miss that and go kanchana phisek then sure we loose at least 30 minutes before we can u-turn and go back to westgate.

Well one more year before Westgate has skytrain but even then we still have to walk pretty far from the station into westgate. they should have made it like in Paragon, very close walkingdistance.

[Crossy]

Well one more year before Westgate has skytrain but even then we still have to walk pretty far from the station into westgate. they should have made it like in Paragon, very close walkingdistance.

It's about 250m walk from the station to the nearest entrance to Westgate, there 'should' be a skywalk, at least it will be shaded.

Unfortunately the station is as close as it can be because of the 90^o bend

[robblok]

Rob i remember the other bigC now, behind the homepro. Have been there once some years ago, yes that's a lot closer.

But i still don't understand why there are no signs on rattana tibet how to go to westgate. In the u-turn corner they build a new entrance to westgate but forgot to make any roadsigns for that. Ikea Bangna also made that mistake the first year but now they sure have good roadsigns to it and their parkinglot is excellent without sensors. Those sensors never work well anyway, also not in Central Chaeng wattana.

Mega bangna would be nothing without that Ikea, i hope Westgate has better shops and a Sizzlers. On the westgate website they even don't mention what shops are there but i saw sizzler signs at the building.

How can they build the biggest mall of Thailand without proper roadsigns how to enter it? Will always be a mistery to me and sure Central should know better. From rattanatibet it has easy acces but we just have to know how use it. And if we miss that and go kanchana phisek then sure we loose at least 30 minutes before we can u-turn and go back to westgate.

Well one more year before Westgate has skytrain but even then we still have to walk pretty far from the station into westgate. they should have made it like in Paragon, very close walkingdistance.

I believe the signage is still under operation. i did see some signage but it was all in Thai (logical as its Thailand but I cant read it).

The sensor in Westgate seem to work.. but if like you say trucks were all parked around in strange angles then they would not work. Plus the invalid spaces are counted too even though normal people cant park there. So that is a bit of a problem.

There are literately hundred or more restaurants and a good fair sell stakes at higher prices as sizler. There are also some famous farang western chains comming over later (under construction).

Just a tip if you ever miss that turnoff and have to go to kanchana piskek go on the main road and at the last minute turn off to go towards the river but then you still have 2 entrances into central Westgate and skip a whole lot of traffic. (that is how I always do it with the bike but you can do it with the car too. Hope that they will be finished soon with all the outside parking (often still trucks there but loads of free spaces). It will help a lot. I need to use the car more often there because in November my parents are coming and 3 on a bike is a Thai thing .

I prefer my bike for parking and speed but its hard to carry too much stuff back (if i take the big bike not the scooter). The car is always the last option for me as I hate how slow it is in traffic and parking is often hard.

[Crossy]

Well one more year before Westgate has skytrain but even then we still have to walk pretty far from the station into westgate. they should have made it like in Paragon, very close walkingdistance.

It's about 250m walk from the station to the nearest entrance to Westgate, there 'should' be a skywalk, at least it will be shaded.

Unfortunately the station is as close as it can be because of the 90^o bend

I've actually just been to S02 on a site visit. There is NO skywalk!

IMHO a serious drop off by Central.

Passengers must exit the station to ground level and walk to Central

Photos:-

[robblok]

It would have been hard to make a skywalk and not inconvenience the current traffic anymore. There is just no extra room for this (unless they take part of the road) Believe me its busy enough there already.

[Crossy]

It would have been hard to make a skywalk and not inconvenience the current traffic anymore. There is just no extra room for this (unless they take part of the road) Believe me its busy enough there already.

Build the skywalk down the road median supported off the metro columns, no further infringement on the roadway. QED.

Unfortunately the columns as built won't be stressed for the extra load, but it's still possible to add supports between the metro columns like they did for the BTS Sukhumvit skywalks.

[Thian]

Central World also got the skywalk later.

That's thai planning, just build something and change it every 4-5 years. It will be broken anyway by that time so who cares.

I also drive motocy a lot when i'm alone, i have no patience in a car with all the slow Thai who can't drive.

But in front of westgate is always a big problem because of the taxi's, i wonder if they still do that. They should make a good busstop and taxistand at a mall of that size, but hey TIT.

I don't eat steaks in Thailand or somebody has to recommend a good restaurant. Sizzlers is just OK but sometimes they even can't make an aussie burger, then i give it back. I like to eat there though. Texas porksteak was also nice but that's off the menu now. Some Sizzlers are much better then other ones though.

I just hope there won't be anymore delays in the skytrain. Then Bangkok will be much easyier to travel.

[robblok]

Central World also got the skywalk later.

That's thai planning, just build something and change it every 4-5 years. It will be broken anyway by that time so who cares.

I also drive motocy a lot when i'm alone, i have no patience in a car with all the slow Thai who can't drive.

But in front of westgate is always a big problem because of the taxi's, i wonder if they still do that. They should make a good busstop and taxistand at a mall of that size, but hey TIT.

I don't eat steaks in Thailand or somebody has to recommend a good restaurant. Sizzlers is just OK but sometimes they even can't make an aussie burger, then i give it back. I like to eat there though. Texas porksteak was also nice but that's off the menu now. Some Sizzlers are much better then other ones though.

I just hope there won't be anymore delays in the skytrain. Then Bangkok will be much easyier to travel.

The secret here is to go on that main road before you reach Central Westgate then get off when you see central Westgate (and pass all the traffic) and take one of the 2 other entrances. That is how I do it with both the car and the bike.

[Thian]

Today i came from Rattana tibet road and there are no roadsigns at all for Westgate . Or it must be in Thai language only, i can't read that.

Sooo Thai. I bet they all drive to Kanchana phisek and take the U-turn there.

[Thian]

I have to correct myself.

Coming from Rattanatibet rd you can't take the u-turn and drive into westgate. You have to come from kanchanaphisek to enter the mall.

The mall allready looks 10 years old inside and there are loads and loads of children running around like chinese on an airport.

The parkingcomputerguide still doesn't work.

Also the mall isn't very big, Central World is much bigger in my opinion.

[robblok]

Today i came from Rattana tibet road and there are no roadsigns at all for Westgate . Or it must be in Thai language only, i can't read that.

Sooo Thai. I bet they all drive to Kanchana phisek and take the U-turn there.

Same problem many of the signs are in Thai, it bothers me too. As for it not being big, I think its big but of course if you compare it with central world it could be small. Thing is its the biggest thing around here. (should have added one or 2 more floors)

Still I have not seen a place with that many restaurants but I don't go to centralworld that much as I live around here.

[Thian]

Today i came from Rattana tibet road and there are no roadsigns at all for Westgate . Or it must be in Thai language only, i can't read that.

Sooo Thai. I bet they all drive to Kanchana phisek and take the U-turn there.

Same problem many of the signs are in Thai, it bothers me too. As for it not being big, I think its big but of course if you compare it with central world it could be small. Thing is its the biggest thing around here. (should have added one or 2 more floors)

Still I have not seen a place with that many restaurants but I don't go to centralworld that much as I live around here.

Westgate is about the same size as Chaeng wattana or Bang na. They should have built 3 more floors on it. Also the parking is too small, they double park everywhere, even at corners so it's very hard to pass them in your brand new car.

Central World has 5 times more restaurants which is awesome. The foodcourt looks good though, not those cheap tables and chairs like they usually have. I also like the fake grass everywhere, people take their shoes off and go laying on it, funny.

Now there are long trafficjams at the U-turn at Kanchana phisek while a little further down the road the next U-turn is totally empty (if there's not a pickuptruck jammed underneath it that is).

Yes for the area it's just a new mall but nothing special there and compared to Central World it's a different audience. This one is for kids and they run around everywhere. There are small racingcars for the kids to sit in but the kids push them around themselves and won't sit in it, one even drove it hard into me. His dad told me his son did that, that means it doesn't matter i guess?

[robblok]

Today i came from Rattana tibet road and there are no roadsigns at all for Westgate . Or it must be in Thai language only, i can't read that.

Sooo Thai. I bet they all drive to Kanchana phisek and take the U-turn there.

Same problem many of the signs are in Thai, it bothers me too. As for it not being big, I think its big but of course if you compare it with central world it could be small. Thing is its the biggest thing around here. (should have added one or 2 more floors)

Still I have not seen a place with that many restaurants but I don't go to centralworld that much as I live around here.

Westgate is about the same size as Chaeng wattana or Bang na. They should have built 3 more floors on it. Also the parking is too small, they double park everywhere, even at corners so it's very hard to pass them in your brand new car.

Central World has 5 times more restaurants which is awesome. The foodcourt looks good though, not those cheap tables and chairs like they usually have. I also like the fake grass everywhere, people take their shoes off and go laying on it, funny.

Now there are long trafficjams at the U-turn at Kanchana phisek while a little further down the road the next U-turn is totally empty (if there's not a pickuptruck jammed underneath it that is).

Yes for the area it's just a new mall but nothing special there and compared to Central World it's a different audience. This one is for kids and they run around everywhere. There are small racingcars for the kids to sit in but the kids push them around themselves and won't sit in it, one even drove it hard into me. His dad told me his son did that, that means it doesn't matter i guess?

Agree about that it seems to be the size of the one in Chang Wattana (because that one has more floors) I was there yesterday but the amount of restaurants is different. I can't really say yet what is bigger or not (this is enough for me).

Did you still take the same parking or a different one because the gf went there with a friend and had no problems parking. I did see the long backed up traffic Sunday, however if you know how to go you can avoid all of that (depending where you come from). But yesterday was of course really busy (end of month when Thais get money combined with a Sunday).

I have not had much problems with kids (visit it at different times I guess) but that train driving around is a bit crazy. My plan for parking is parking outside (if I have to use the car).. have yet to see that fill up. (however did not look at it yesterday)

Edited September 28, 2015 by robblok

[Thian]

Rob we took the parking at that new bridge-entrance. That is coming from Kanchana phisek direction Bang bua thong and then go direction rattanathibet rd. In the corner is a new entrance to Westgate. The parkingcomputer said the 3rd level was full but there was some space, the rest was all double parked.

Central world has a buffet restaurant which we like, less then 500 baht a person and unlimited food/drinks. Sushi/pizza/steaks and much more. Many farang eat there.

Yes that train is ridiculous, but kids like it. Lazy thai as well.

I like Breadtalk as well, the best bakery of BKK so far but not cheap.

I still didn't see the motobike parking in Westgate and by car it takes me too much time to have a quick stop there. But we won't go there often anyway, unfortunately the saucages from Khun Vee at Gourmet market Paragon/Emporium are only sold there and they are worth travelling into the city

For the rest Westgate is a good alternative.

[robblok]

Rob we took the parking at that new bridge-entrance. That is coming from Kanchana phisek direction Bang bua thong and then go direction rattanathibet rd. In the corner is a new entrance to Westgate. The parkingcomputer said the 3rd level was full but there was some space, the rest was all double parked.

Central world has a buffet restaurant which we like, less then 500 baht a person and unlimited food/drinks. Sushi/pizza/steaks and much more. Many farang eat there.

Yes that train is ridiculous, but kids like it. Lazy thai as well.

I like Breadtalk as well, the best bakery of BKK so far but not cheap.

I still didn't see the motobike parking in Westgate and by car it takes me too much time to have a quick stop there. But we won't go there often anyway, unfortunately the saucages from Khun Vee at Gourmet market Paragon/Emporium are only sold there and they are worth travelling into the city

For the rest Westgate is a good alternative.

Seriously you should look into parking outside (i come from the other side so I can't give good directions) But I see open spaces there all the time. In november when my parents visit me I will be forced to use my car instead of my motorbike. Now its a 5-7 min drive inclusive parking so its easy for me. Long waiting and looking for parking spots always annoys me so I understand the frustration. I need to go there a few times by car just to check it out before the parents come.

Just curious where do you live you seem to live near me. I live say 4 km from the mall towards sai noi.

I make my own bread each and every morning (but I am more into the healthy whole wheat bread thing). But its nice to have a big selection of things. For me its useful just a nice to have near kinda thing.

[Thian]

I also live in the area. I will only park outside if i can just run into the mall easy, do some shoppings and run out. Mostly the motorbike parking is far from the entrance and sometimes even far at the back where the staff has to park as well.

Parking in full sun is not what i like, but making good shadetree's on a parkinglot is too complicated in Thailand. Even Ikea can't do it.

Why are you so nervous to drive to the westgate with your parents? What will happen if you have to drive around 30min to find an empty lot?

When my father was in the thai mall he walked into a pushcart which was left there by the guy who supply's Swensen ,in the middle of the walkway. His leg just had surgery and iron pins in it and then he even didn't see that cart on the floor....This is Thailand Far to dangerous for old people from the first world. You better bring them to central chaengwattana and put them in that train.

Also the foodcourt in westgate gave my wife diarhea for a day, she is Thai and never has that.

Welcome to Thailand.

[robblok]

I also live in the area. I will only park outside if i can just run into the mall easy, do some shoppings and run out. Mostly the motorbike parking is far from the entrance and sometimes even far at the back where the staff has to park as well.

Parking in full sun is not what i like, but making good shadetree's on a parkinglot is too complicated in Thailand. Even Ikea can't do it.

Why are you so nervous to drive to the westgate with your parents? What will happen if you have to drive around 30min to find an empty lot?

When my father was in the thai mall he walked into a pushcart which was left there by the guy who supply's Swensen ,in the middle of the walkway. His leg just had surgery and iron pins in it and then he even didn't see that cart on the floor....This is Thailand Far to dangerous for old people from the first world. You better bring them to central chaengwattana and put them in that train.

Also the foodcourt in westgate gave my wife diarhea for a day, she is Thai and never has that.

Welcome to Thailand.

The motorcycle parking is great real close to the entrance (if you know how to go far more convenient as the car parking and its never full)

I don't care if I park in the sun or not, just hate looking for a long time for a parking space. That is why i like the motorbike.

I am hesitant to drive there because my dad loves to comment on my driving Just prefer the motorbike because then its a 7 min drive inclusive parking and no stress. If i take the car it might well take half an hour or so and some stress looking for a place. I am a strange guy I have my weaknesses and I just don't drive the car enough. Before the wife drove it most of the time but as I am having a divorce that will mean I will have to drive the car.

Nah central chang wattana is a lot further for me and to be honest That parking confuses the hell out of me. (probably because I haven't gone there myself often). In general I hate how things are marked in Thailand.

That is probably why i love the bike can go anywhere and turn go against traffic (to park never do that on roads). Bike is just more flexible. But I think things will change a bit when I drive more often. The mall ngam wong wan for instance is easy even pantip ngam wong wan.

[Thian]

I also live in the area. I will only park outside if i can just run into the mall easy, do some shoppings and run out. Mostly the motorbike parking is far from the entrance and sometimes even far at the back where the staff has to park as well.

Parking in full sun is not what i like, but making good shadetree's on a parkinglot is too complicated in Thailand. Even Ikea can't do it.

Why are you so nervous to drive to the westgate with your parents? What will happen if you have to drive around 30min to find an empty lot?

When my father was in the thai mall he walked into a pushcart which was left there by the guy who supply's Swensen ,in the middle of the walkway. His leg just had surgery and iron pins in it and then he even didn't see that cart on the floor....This is Thailand Far to dangerous for old people from the first world. You better bring them to central chaengwattana and put them in that train.

Also the foodcourt in westgate gave my wife diarhea for a day, she is Thai and never has that.

Welcome to Thailand.

The motorcycle parking is great real close to the entrance (if you know how to go far more convenient as the car parking and its never full)

I don't care if I park in the sun or not, just hate looking for a long time for a parking space. That is why i like the motorbike.

I am hesitant to drive there because my dad loves to comment on my driving Just prefer the motorbike because then its a 7 min drive inclusive parking and no stress. If i take the car it might well take half an hour or so and some stress looking for a place. I am a strange guy I have my weaknesses and I just don't drive the car enough. Before the wife drove it most of the time but as I am having a divorce that will mean I will have to drive the car.

Nah central chang wattana is a lot further for me and to be honest That parking confuses the hell out of me. (probably because I haven't gone there myself often). In general I hate how things are marked in Thailand.

That is probably why i love the bike can go anywhere and turn go against traffic (to park never do that on roads). Bike is just more flexible. But I think things will change a bit when I drive more often. The mall ngam wong wan for instance is easy even pantip ngam wong wan.

Today the police stopped me again on kanchana phisek, i drove on the middle lane and he told me to keep lefp. His helmet was touching mine when he told me that .

I like foodland on borom ratchadonnoni and hate Tops for shoppings. But if it's much closer and easyier i might go there. Where is the motocy parking at Westgate? Which entrance do you take ?

I've seen that parking outside the mall but nobody uses it.

Normally you just drive to the top floors of a mall and to the back, there you 'll find a place. For central rattanatibet you pass the main entrance and go into that soi left after you passed the whole mall. Then you turn left onto the parkinglot, there's another entrance that nobody knows.

Never try to park in front of the doors with a car, it's always occupied and will take much time to get out of there.

I only like ngamwongwan for their yamazaki bakery, the rest can't bother me. But to go to the bakery fast i go central rattanathibet on the motorcy and also use that soi left after the mall and drive it untill the exit...that's further as the entrance i just told you.

There i drive against traffic and park right in front of the back door where yamazaki is, i shop and leave in 5 seconds.

I do drive against traffic sometimes, just like the motocy taxi's do. I do everything they do haha and love it. Only driving on the sidewalk is a no go for me.

If i were you i would do like the thai when your parents are here. You stop in front of the main entrance, let them out and go parking alone. Also i would tell dad to shut up or he can drive if he thinks he can do it better.

If you want to feed them real thai food of good quality then bring them to Samsen villa at chaiaprueck. Not very cheap but also not that expensive and it's a nice restaurant with good garden. English is a problem though but easy parking with assistance.

I know all the malls in BKK pretty well but central world is my favorit. But i only go there by skytrain.

[robblok]

I also live in the area. I will only park outside if i can just run into the mall easy, do some shoppings and run out. Mostly the motorbike parking is far from the entrance and sometimes even far at the back where the staff has to park as well.

Parking in full sun is not what i like, but making good shadetree's on a parkinglot is too complicated in Thailand. Even Ikea can't do it.

Why are you so nervous to drive to the westgate with your parents? What will happen if you have to drive around 30min to find an empty lot?

When my father was in the thai mall he walked into a pushcart which was left there by the guy who supply's Swensen ,in the middle of the walkway. His leg just had surgery and iron pins in it and then he even didn't see that cart on the floor....This is Thailand Far to dangerous for old people from the first world. You better bring them to central chaengwattana and put them in that train.

Also the foodcourt in westgate gave my wife diarhea for a day, she is Thai and never has that.

Welcome to Thailand.

The motorcycle parking is great real close to the entrance (if you know how to go far more convenient as the car parking and its never full)

I don't care if I park in the sun or not, just hate looking for a long time for a parking space. That is why i like the motorbike.

I am hesitant to drive there because my dad loves to comment on my driving Just prefer the motorbike because then its a 7 min drive inclusive parking and no stress. If i take the car it might well take half an hour or so and some stress looking for a place. I am a strange guy I have my weaknesses and I just don't drive the car enough. Before the wife drove it most of the time but as I am having a divorce that will mean I will have to drive the car.

Nah central chang wattana is a lot further for me and to be honest That parking confuses the hell out of me. (probably because I haven't gone there myself often). In general I hate how things are marked in Thailand.

That is probably why i love the bike can go anywhere and turn go against traffic (to park never do that on roads). Bike is just more flexible. But I think things will change a bit when I drive more often. The mall ngam wong wan for instance is easy even pantip ngam wong wan.

Today the police stopped me again on kanchana phisek, i drove on the middle lane and he told me to keep lefp. His helmet was touching mine when he told me that .

I like foodland on borom ratchadonnoni and hate Tops for shoppings. But if it's much closer and easyier i might go there. Where is the motocy parking at Westgate? Which entrance do you take ?

I've seen that parking outside the mall but nobody uses it.

Normally you just drive to the top floors of a mall and to the back, there you 'll find a place. For central rattanatibet you pass the main entrance and go into that soi left after you passed the whole mall. Then you turn left onto the parkinglot, there's another entrance that nobody knows.

Never try to park in front of the doors with a car, it's always occupied and will take much time to get out of there.

I only like ngamwongwan for their yamazaki bakery, the rest can't bother me. But to go to the bakery fast i go central rattanathibet on the motorcy and also use that soi left after the mall and drive it untill the exit...that's further as the entrance i just told you.

There i drive against traffic and park right in front of the back door where yamazaki is, i shop and leave in 5 seconds.

I do drive against traffic sometimes, just like the motocy taxi's do. I do everything they do haha and love it. Only driving on the sidewalk is a no go for me.

If i were you i would do like the thai when your parents are here. You stop in front of the main entrance, let them out and go parking alone. Also i would tell dad to shut up or he can drive if he thinks he can do it better.

If you want to feed them real thai food of good quality then bring them to Samsen villa at chaiaprueck. Not very cheap but also not that expensive and it's a nice restaurant with good garden. English is a problem though but easy parking with assistance.

I know all the malls in BKK pretty well but central world is my favorit. But i only go there by skytrain.

The motorcycle parking at westgate is best reached from the entrance on the road going towards ngam wong wan (that direction so around the corner already. Then you drive straight on and see after 200-300 meter a sign for motorcycles. Then past the ticket girls go left (not straight and drive inside). Then walk deeper inside take a left go a bit through the parking lot (just a bit) and you see escalators. You will come up near starbucks

Good idea about letting them out first could do that too, and I have let dad drive last time we went to the south of Thailand. He actually did quite well as he is a real capable driver. (that is the problem actually).

Nice Italian food is at Maria, at ratchapruek, the parents like it there.

When I go into bkk I usually park my bike at either mochit or JJ mall (prefer JJ mall more walking but easier and more room to park as I got a big bike)

[Thian]

I also live in the area. I will only park outside if i can just run into the mall easy, do some shoppings and run out. Mostly the motorbike parking is far from the entrance and sometimes even far at the back where the staff has to park as well.

Parking in full sun is not what i like, but making good shadetree's on a parkinglot is too complicated in Thailand. Even Ikea can't do it.

Why are you so nervous to drive to the westgate with your parents? What will happen if you have to drive around 30min to find an empty lot?

When my father was in the thai mall he walked into a pushcart which was left there by the guy who supply's Swensen ,in the middle of the walkway. His leg just had surgery and iron pins in it and then he even didn't see that cart on the floor....This is Thailand Far to dangerous for old people from the first world. You better bring them to central chaengwattana and put them in that train.

Also the foodcourt in westgate gave my wife diarhea for a day, she is Thai and never has that.

Welcome to Thailand.

The motorcycle parking is great real close to the entrance (if you know how to go far more convenient as the car parking and its never full)

I don't care if I park in the sun or not, just hate looking for a long time for a parking space. That is why i like the motorbike.

I am hesitant to drive there because my dad loves to comment on my driving Just prefer the motorbike because then its a 7 min drive inclusive parking and no stress. If i take the car it might well take half an hour or so and some stress looking for a place. I am a strange guy I have my weaknesses and I just don't drive the car enough. Before the wife drove it most of the time but as I am having a divorce that will mean I will have to drive the car.

Nah central chang wattana is a lot further for me and to be honest That parking confuses the hell out of me. (probably because I haven't gone there myself often). In general I hate how things are marked in Thailand.

That is probably why i love the bike can go anywhere and turn go against traffic (to park never do that on roads). Bike is just more flexible. But I think things will change a bit when I drive more often. The mall ngam wong wan for instance is easy even pantip ngam wong wan.

Today the police stopped me again on kanchana phisek, i drove on the middle lane and he told me to keep lefp. His helmet was touching mine when he told me that .

I like foodland on borom ratchadonnoni and hate Tops for shoppings. But if it's much closer and easyier i might go there. Where is the motocy parking at Westgate? Which entrance do you take ?

I've seen that parking outside the mall but nobody uses it.

Normally you just drive to the top floors of a mall and to the back, there you 'll find a place. For central rattanatibet you pass the main entrance and go into that soi left after you passed the whole mall. Then you turn left onto the parkinglot, there's another entrance that nobody knows.

Never try to park in front of the doors with a car, it's always occupied and will take much time to get out of there.

I only like ngamwongwan for their yamazaki bakery, the rest can't bother me. But to go to the bakery fast i go central rattanathibet on the motorcy and also use that soi left after the mall and drive it untill the exit...that's further as the entrance i just told you.

There i drive against traffic and park right in front of the back door where yamazaki is, i shop and leave in 5 seconds.

I do drive against traffic sometimes, just like the motocy taxi's do. I do everything they do haha and love it. Only driving on the sidewalk is a no go for me.

If i were you i would do like the thai when your parents are here. You stop in front of the main entrance, let them out and go parking alone. Also i would tell dad to shut up or he can drive if he thinks he can do it better.

If you want to feed them real thai food of good quality then bring them to Samsen villa at chaiaprueck. Not very cheap but also not that expensive and it's a nice restaurant with good garden. English is a problem though but easy parking with assistance.

I know all the malls in BKK pretty well but central world is my favorit. But i only go there by skytrain.

The motorcycle parking at westgate is best reached from the entrance on the road going towards ngam wong wan (that direction so around the corner already. Then you drive straight on and see after 200-300 meter a sign for motorcycles. Then past the ticket girls go left (not straight and drive inside). Then walk deeper inside take a left go a bit through the parking lot (just a bit) and you see escalators. You will come up near starbucks

Good idea about letting them out first could do that too, and I have let dad drive last time we went to the south of Thailand. He actually did quite well as he is a real capable driver. (that is the problem actually).

Nice Italian food is at Maria, at ratchapruek, the parents like it there.

When I go into bkk I usually park my bike at either mochit or JJ mall (prefer JJ mall more walking but easier and more room to park as I got a big bike)

I don't know what's going on with JJ mall, it's under construction for a long time but nothing is happening. Guess it will be demolished?

I park on chatuchak market when i'm there. Just where i see a spot, one day they moved it but nothing happened.

You can also drive to Saphan kwai Big C and park there. That's a close walk to the bts and guarded parking there.

Yes i 've been to Maria once, i ordered pizza but was disappointed and never went back. Then Samsen is better.

By car i let my wife drive so i can see the shops. On the motor i have to concentrate soo much that i never see any shop along the road. We also drove all over thailand but its' dangerous outside bkk.

[Crossy]

Well one more year before Westgate has skytrain but even then we still have to walk pretty far from the station into westgate. they should have made it like in Paragon, very close walkingdistance.

It's about 250m walk from the station to the nearest entrance to Westgate, there 'should' be a skywalk, at least it will be shaded.

Unfortunately the station is as close as it can be because of the 90^o bend

I've actually just been to S02 on a site visit. There is NO skywalk!

IMHO a serious drop off by Central.

Passengers must exit the station to ground level and walk to Central

Photos:-

Image00001.jpg

Image00002.jpg

No pictures yet, but there is now a skywalk under constriction from the Purple Line station (PP02) to Westgate

[Crossy]

No pictures yet, but there is now a skywalk under constriction from the Purple Line station (PP02) to Westgate

I had cause to visit station PP02 today, skywalk to Westgate is progressing albeit slowly.

Still on schedule for opening in August.

[BKKdreaming]

Will the Purple line connect directly to the other line at Bang Sue ?

I know sometimes the lines do not connect like the Airport Link / MRT at Asok which they finally made it easier but proper planning would have made it much easier on Day 1

[Thian]

I guess/hope that one day they will also make a skytrain from Bang sue to Mo-chit bts...Then we don't need the metro anymore.

[Crossy]

Will the Purple line connect directly to the other line at Bang Sue ?

I know sometimes the lines do not connect like the Airport Link / MRT at Asok which they finally made it easier but proper planning would have made it much easier on Day 1

There is (will be) a 1.5km extension of the existing Blue Line from Bang Sue to link with the Purple at the Tao Poon terminus. It's a proper transfer (like Siam on the BTS) so no exiting one system, walking a bit and entering the other, just walk down / up 1 level (or use the escalators) from one platform to the other.

The extension is currently running behind schedule so probably won't be ready for August (there will be a bus but I don't know any details).

And yes, there will be a single ticket / card for both Blue and Purple lines

[Crossy]

A few more photos, this time PP01 (Khlong Bang Phai) which also has a massive Park and Ride area..

Fare collection is in place, I include a shot of the ticket purchase screen to show it is possible to buy a ticket right through to Hua Lamphong. Do note this is the first release of the configuration data and some of the stations are spelled incorrectly. You will be able to use notes to buy tickets, this machine had a faulty note validator.