Things to do and see along the Purple MRT Line
What’s along the Purple MRT Line from temples to riverside markets and why is it far from complete?
The Thaiger key takeaways
- The Purple MRT Line stretches from Tao Poon in Bangkok to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi, offering a glimpse into local culture, food, and hidden gems along its 16 operational stations.
- Key stops include Tao Poon for connectivity, Wong Sawang for shopping, Phra Nangklao Bridge for riverside temples, and Talad Bang Yai for shopping and dining at Central WestGate.
- Despite setbacks like the Bangkok sinkhole delaying expansion, the Purple Line gives travellers and locals alike a convenient and scenic way to experience both Bangkok and Nonthaburi.
Spanning from Tao Poon in Bangkok to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi, the MRT Purple Line is more than just a commuter route. It’s a gateway to a side of Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces that’s often overlooked by travellers, yet packed with cultural intrigue, local eats, and modern convenience.
While it might not get the same attention as the BTS Sukhumvit Line or the MRT Blue Line, the Purple Line has been thrust into the spotlight again for the sinkhole in Bangkok that has obstructed its progress. Let’s dive into what makes this line so unique and what to do along its route.
On this page
| Section (Click to jump) | Summary |
|---|---|
| A brief history of the Purple MRT Line | Opened in August 2016, the 23 km line connects Nonthaburi to central Bangkok, easing traffic and providing a commuter link beyond the city limits. |
| Where the line takes you & things to do | The line has 16 stations in operation, offering cultural spots, local food, riverside views, hidden parks, markets, and shopping centres along the route. |
| What lies ahead: The Purple Line extension and the Bangkok sinkhole | The extension will run south to Rat Burana, though construction has been delayed by a sinkhole. Once completed, it will improve connectivity to southern districts. |
A brief history of the Purple MRT Line
The Purple Line first opened in August 2016 and was designed to connect the northern suburb of Nonthaburi to central Bangkok via the Tao Poon interchange. This route was envisioned to ease traffic congestion and create a seamless travel link for commuters coming in from the outskirts.
Covering roughly 23 kilometres with 16 stations, it was the first MRT line to extend beyond Bangkok’s city limits into a different province. Despite a rocky start with low ridership numbers and initial inconvenience due to the lack of a direct interchange to the Blue Line (fixed later in 2017), the Purple Line has grown steadily in popularity.
Now, a southern extension is under construction, expected to stretch the line another 23 kilometres, running from Tao Poon to Rat Burana. However, recent issues, including a rather dramatic sinkhole on Phra Borommaratchachonnani Road in Bangkok, have delayed progress. The sinkhole, which caused part of the road to collapse near Borommaratchachonnani Road Soi 17, was reportedly triggered by underground tunnelling activity linked to the Purple Line’s extension.
Also: Things to do along the Yellow MRT Line
Where the line takes you & things to do and see
Currently, the project is 61.80% complete as the Purple MRT line currently has 16 stations in operation out of the 33 stations that the project is aiming for. Despite the hiccups in expansion, the existing Purple Line offers plenty of exploration opportunities for travellers willing to veer slightly off the well-trodden tourist path.
Tao Poon Station
Tao Poon serves as the interchange between the Purple Line and the Blue Line. While it’s more of a residential area, there are still a few hidden gems nearby.
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Bang Sue Grand Station is just one stop away and well worth a visit. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s largest railway stations and a future central hub for high-speed rail in Thailand.
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Chadchart Park (Wachirabenchathat Park) is also nearby for those who fancy a walk or a weekend jog in a beautiful and natural park.
Bang Son Station
Located near a bustling canal, Bang Son offers a glimpse into local riverine culture in Nonthaburi.
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The canal along Bang Sue is great for photography lovers. You’ll find boat traffic, riverside homes, and small temples tucked along its edge.
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You can also pop into neighbourhood cafés, which are slowly gaining popularity with Bangkok’s younger crowd for their minimalist aesthetic and good coffee.
Wong Sawang Station
One of the more vibrant stops on the line, Wong Sawang is a fantastic destination for food lovers and shopaholics.
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Market Place Wong Sawang is a mall/shopping centre where you can find a variety of restaurants and food there along with shopping for anything that you need or want. Air-conditioned and comfortable, it is just a 7-minute walk from the station
Bang Krasor Station
Bang Krasor is where Bangkok truly starts to give way to the province of Nonthaburi. The vibe changes — think less concrete, more community.
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You can take a short taxi ride to the Nonthaburi Pier to catch a boat down the Chao Phraya River into Bangkok. The boat ride is scenic and avoids traffic and could be a neat way to take a date anywhere along the river.
Yaek Nonthaburi 1 Station
The Yaek Nonthaburi 1 Station puts you close to the heart of Nonthaburi’s local government and historical buildings.
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You could either take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or a long walk Nonthaburi Museum, a modest but charming museum that offers a crash course in the province’s history.
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The area also has numerous shrines and old-school shophouses that speak to Nonthaburi’s quieter, slower pace.
Phra Nangklao Bridge Station
Phra Nangklao Bridge Station is arguably one of the most scenic stops on the line.
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You can cross the Phra Nangklao Bridge for a beautiful view over the Chao Phraya River.
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You can also visit Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan, a lesser-known but stunning riverside temple with well-kept gardens and intricate architecture.
Sai Ma Station
Though it’s primarily residential, Sai Ma still has a few surprises.
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You can visit the Wat Sai Ma Neua temple, which has beautiful architecture that was constructed back around 1757 and then completed in 1965 and 1970.
- There are the gardens of Wat Sai Ma to the where you can go to and the gardens of various locals to the north, where it’s best not to trespass.
Bang Rak Yai Station
Bang Rak Yai station brings you closer to the edge of Nonthaburi.
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You should visit the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek), a South Indian styled temple which sports a very colourful and intricately coloured facade that is indicative of its Hindu roots.
Talad Bang Yai Station
Talad Bang Yai Station is located next to the sprawling Central WestGate, one of the largest shopping centres in Thailand.
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You’ll find every major Thai and international retail brand here, plus a huge food court and indoor amusement park.
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The IKEA Bang Yai branch is connected to the mall, and yes, the meatballs are just as good in Thailand.
Khlong Bang Phai Station
The Khlong Bang Phai Station is ideal for catching your breath and planning onward travel.
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You’re now in western Nonthaburi. You should take a short taxi ride to Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn (Wat Leng Noei Yi 2), one of Thailand’s most impressive Chinese temples.
What Lies Ahead: The Purple Line extension and the Bangkok sinkhole
The upcoming extension of the Purple MRT Line is one of Bangkok’s most anticipated infrastructure projects. Once complete, the line will run south through Bang Khun Non, Bang Wa, Wongwian Yai, and finally terminate at Rat Burana.
However, progress has hit a few snags, most notably, the Bangkok sinkhole that emerged in August 2025 near Borommaratchachonnani Road. Caused by underground tunnelling near the MRT site, the sinkhole disrupted traffic and raised concerns about the safety of ongoing construction.
Authorities have since reassured the public that the project will move forward with reinforced safety protocols. But for now, that section of the line remains under review.
While it may not have the flash of other MRT or BTS routes, the Purple Line offers a refreshing look into everyday Thai life just outside the city centre. From historic temples and eating by the riverside to hidden art spaces and massive malls, it has something for every kind of traveller.
As the line continues to expand and eventually links Bangkok with more southern districts once the sinkhole in Bangkok is patched up and it’ll likely become even more valuable to both locals and visitors. So whether you’re living in Bangkok, visiting for the weekend, or just trying to avoid another Sukhumvit traffic jam, hop on the Purple Line and explore a side of the city many people miss.
Also: Transportation guide for travellers in Thailand
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