Bangkok Traffic
Traffic in Bangkok is notorious for itssnarls and gridlock. But is Bangkok's traffic really all that bad? Actually, during certain period of the day and on certain roads, the problems are truly horrendous.
What can you do about it is the main issue? Find alternatives to taxis or choose the right time of day.
First and perhaps your best alternative is the sky train (BTS) or the subway (MRT). The rail systems:
- Reach many sections of Bangkok
- Are reasonably priced
- Fairly easy to figure out
Unfortunately, the MRT & BTS don't go to all popular spots. So the next-best potion is taking the subway or skytrain across town, then hailing a taxi for the balance of the trip.
Pick a time when the traffic isn't as likely to be bad. As with most places, rush hour is the worst time to go anywhere.
- In general terms, the roads don't start to get bad on weekdays until about 6:30 AM.
- Traffic gets progressively worse up until about 9 AM and then slowly improves
- Traffic start to back up again about 4:30 PM with the worst coming about 6:30 PM.
- By 10 PM, they usually aren't bad.
- Weekends (especially mornings and particularly Sundays) are better than weekdays.
- Construction, accidents and the inexplicable can, however, cause jams at any time day or night.
Motorbike taxis should be your last resort These are recommended only for those with nerves of steel who have an emergency to tend to right smack during the middle of rush hour.
In short, they are scary and dangerous.
Agree on a price prior to leaving, just as you would with tuk-tuks.
Bangkok