Bangkok answers
Is the BTS or the MRT better for getting around Bangkok?
Quick answer
They cover different parts of the city and interchange at a handful of stations. Use whichever line serves your route, and fall back to boats or motorbike taxis for the last stretch.
The BTS Skytrain runs above ground along Sukhumvit and Silom, the MRT runs underground and loops through areas the BTS does not reach, and the two interchange at points including Asok and Sala Daeng. Neither is universally better — Bangkok residents learn the one or two lines that match where they live and work.
For everything the trains do not cover, the Chao Phraya boats are fast along the river, motorbike taxis handle the last kilometre from the station, and ride hailing apps are the default after the trains stop running. The transport guide on BangkokConnect explains when each option is actually the quickest.