There's no chance to program a local trip by car without two or three hours of tolerance.
The traffic is always jammed, and the pollution high.
We took a taxi for a five kilometers ride to a restaurant, and were forced to use the highway (extra payment) to do it in less than three hours. If possible... walk (get yourself a mask, as most locals do)
Updated Feb 8, 2011
Bangkok is world renowned for its terrible traffic problems, so getting around on the roads is a bit of a nightmare. Yes, Bangkok has a metro but it only consist of one line (at the moment) and, yes, it has the BTS Skytrain but this doesn't go anyway near the city centre in order to get to the main tourist destinations like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho or Wat Arun. Instead you either have to take a tuk-tuk or a taxi. I took a few taxi's during my time in Bangkok and found them to be a lot cheaper than the tuk-tuk prices I was quoted but allow plenty of time to make your journey and try to avoid peak rush hour times.
Written Oct 25, 2009
Watch out for traffic jams - especially in the middle of the city (around Siam Square) and around peak hours (morning and evening rush hour traffic). You can be jammed up really tight and everything will come down to a crawl if not a complete stand still. Perfect chance to test that patience of yours...especially if you are in a open-aired tut tut in the midst of all that pollution, heat and humidity.
If you are rushing to the airport around peak hours, I would suggest that you give yourself a generous lee way (get to the airport early) less you intend to miss your flight and stay another day.
Written Nov 6, 2005
It says a lot that I felt a tremendous amount of achievement at crossing my first busy road. The cars, bikes, buses and tuk tuks are unforgiving to eachother, and even more so to pedestrians. You have to pick your moment to go, and just hope for the best! It's quite often a good idea to cross at the same time and point as a local as they seem to have mastered the technique!
Written Apr 19, 2005
Traffic is a real chaos in Bangkok. There are so many vehicles of all kinds that crossing the streets may become a real adventure! The best way to avoid it is to use the BTS elevated railway, the fastest and more modern way to move around...
But if you have to go through, be patient and don't make very tight schedules, give some "extra" margin for the traffic jams.
Taking the river boats is another way to avoid the traffic in the city center.
Written Oct 21, 2003
The traffic in Bangkok still very jam even after the launch of BTS SkyTrain. Try not to take taxi during peak hour and on weekend night. You will easily be trapped for 1 hour inside a cab while you can reach the place in 15 mins by BTS.
Written Apr 20, 2003
Bangkok is generally a very safe place to visit. U will be considered very unlucky if something bad happens to you.
Something u have to be prepared of though and u can possibly avoid unless you know when to go out and when not to -
Traffic Jam! Dont go taking da taxi everywhere even though its cheap. The jams in Bangkok are one of the nastiest in the world! Try the BTS instead! Faster and cheaper...depending on how ur route is like)
It is also advisable to learn some Thai for conversations. Some taxi drivers cant speak a word of English for nuts!
Updated Oct 12, 2002
Traffic in Bangkok is horrible. It can take half an hour for a cab ride of a couple of miles. Try and take the skytrain when possible and if the destination is close, you are better off walking.
Updated Jan 18, 2009
Traffic the biggest problem in Bangkok
I took a taxi from Samut Prakan to go Bangkok centre and its takes 3 hours to be inside Bangkok.
Updated Jul 12, 2008
Website: www.thailandbethere.com
Bangkok's traffic is a nightmare. Don't even think about taking a taxi at rush hour - you'll get there a lot faster if you walk. Or take one of the city buses, which can use their own lanes.
.
Updated Jun 11, 2003
Sponsored Links
The Oriental, Bangkok Bangkok
25 Reviews and 915 Opinions its an experience one must have...stay there at any cost. its totally worth it in every way u can...
Shangri-La Bangkok
36 Reviews and 1310 Opinions I have visited Bangkok many times for business, but this was the first time for pleasure. My wife...
Sukhothai Bangkok Bangkok
7 Reviews and 522 Opinions We come to Bangkok every few years and, now that we can occasionally afford to, we’re working our...
Traffic Jams tips and photos posted by real travelers and Bangkok locals.
Write a Review
Bangkok's traffic is a nightmare. Don't even think about taking a taxi at rush hour - you'll get there a lot faster if you walk. Or take one of the city buses,...
1,390 members live in Bangkok
Q: Hi guys, Im travelling in 2weeks time. Saw the news at Bangkok Tourist District on the bombing. I'm lost! I want to go..I don't...

A: For me i would go ahead, Bangkok is always a safe place.
Read 8 Replies
1
Bangkok, Krung Thep - The best of

Photo: Tuk Tuk in Chinatown, Bangkok Bangkok - Krung Thep Bangkok is also known as Krung Thep is one of Asia ’s most cosmopolitan cities. The capital city of Thailand, the actual name in Thai is...
2

The name is abbreviated as Krungthep or Krungthep Mahanakorn, which means City of Angels. The name 'Bangkok' was derived from 'Bang Kork' and refers to the original site. Bangkok is also means as the...
3

Bangkok didn't feel any different from home at first. When we arrived just before 11pm on Friday night, January 24th, the temperature was a couple of degrees higher than it was when we left Manila. As...
4
Bangkok - Which Means "Straw Hat!"

On my first visit to Bangkok, I clicked all day from the moment we left our hotel! Walk out the door of the Grand China Princess, and no matter which way you turn, there is something to see - that you...
5
Links to Street Maps: Finding Your Way

This Is Thailand ( ! ) Bangkok is the bit at the top of the bay, almost slap bang in the middle of the page. Here you go. Essential Street (and All the Sites) Maps ...and all the tips you get on what...
Build your own Bangkok page
Sponsored Links