Bueng Kum
Introduction
Bueng Kum is one of Bangkok's districts, sitting in the city's northern reaches. It borders Bang Khen to the north, Khan Na Yao to the east, Saphan Sung to the southeast, Bang Kapi to the south, and Lat Phrao to the west, so you can use it as a reference point when you're working out how the northern districts fit together.
Getting around
Bueng Kum has no rail or metro station of its own, so getting around means starting with a bus. The district's routes are designed as connections to the wider network: you can reach MRT Sanam Chai, MRT Lumphini, BTS National Stadium, the Airport Rail Link at Hua Mak, the bus terminals, the historic riverfront and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but usually by taking a bus or minibus first and then transferring. Buses are the backbone here. Route numbers follow Bangkok's zone system, with the 1-xx series for city routes alongside 2-xx and 3-xx routes and local "small bus" routes numbered in the 1000s; you will often see the new-style number and the older one in parentheses on the same vehicle, such as 1-37 (27) or 1-45 (115). Direct buses run to Victory Monument, Mo Chit / Chatuchak Bus Terminal, Hua Lamphong, Khlong Toei, Bang Rak, Saphan Phut, Central Ladprao, Minburi, Nong Chok, Rangsit, Lamlukka, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the universities at Ramkhamhaeng and Kasetsart. For the airport, route S3 (559) runs between Rangsit and Suvarnabhumi, and routes such as 1-10 (95) link to the Airport Rail Link at Hua Mak. Minibuses and songthaews marked "ต." cover shorter connections, and the 1000-series small buses handle neighbourhood trips, such as the 1538 loop between the Bueng Kum Eua Arthon project and Seri Thai.
- For a canal-boat link into the city's east–west water route, the Khlong Saen Saep boat service runs from Wat Sriboonreung Pier to Khet Minburi Pier.
- Walking suits short local trips: in the Khlong Kum area the nearest bus stop is a minute or two on foot, while other stops and the nearest ferry pier are up to about a quarter of an hour away.
- Seri Thai Park, home to the lake that gives the district its name, is the obvious place to walk for its own sake.
- Buses start early and some run past midnight, but route numbers and timetables change, so confirm with a transit app before setting out.
- If you arrange a car, use landmarks such as Bueng Kum Market, the Bueng Kum District Office, Uea-Ard Market and Seri Thai Road as reference points.
Three days in Bueng Kum
Day one: Settle into Bueng Kum and get your bearings along Seri Thai, the district's main artery, where you'll find the local market at Bueng Kum Eua Arthon for an easy first meal. If you want to see the water, head for Khlong Saen Saep and pick up a boat at Wat Sriboonreung Pier, which links you toward the rest of Bangkok. In the evening, keep it simple and eat near where you're staying.
Day two: Use the transport network to explore beyond the district. Buses and minibuses run from Bueng Kum toward Victory Monument, Mo Chit and Chatuchak Bus Terminal, and onward connections reach Hua Lamphong, Khlong Toei, Bang Rak and Saphan Phut. For shopping, Central Ladprao is the obvious stop, and the MRT at Sanam Chai and Lumphini or the BTS at National Stadium puts the wider city within reach.
Day three: Look east instead. The neighbouring districts of Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi and Lat Phrao are all close by, and routes continue toward Minburi, Nong Chok, Rangsit and Lamlukka. If you're flying out, the Airport Rail Link connects via Hua Mak to Suvarnabhumi Airport, with minibuses and direct services also running to Suvarnabhumi. Allow time for the trip and keep your bags light on the canals.