Getting around in any crowded urban area can be challenging. Bangkok, Thailand is no exception. In its past, the city was navigated by a series of canals. When roads became necessary, it seems little heed was paid to usability. Today, traffic slows to an inchworm’s rate during rush hours. I’ve spent forty minutes in a taxi while traveling a total of 200 meters. Luckily, there are ways to escape the gridlock, even during rush hours.

The Skytrain

Perhaps the biggest advance in public transit was Bangkok’s sky train. Finished in 1999, it has two lines which deal with the urban gridlock by simply rising above it. It is extremely convenient, but with only two lines, it does not go everywhere. It is a state of the art system, and the air conditioned cars are a major relief on hot days (which is to say, almost every day). Bangkok also has a subway system. Though both the subway and Skytrain are limited in scope right now, they do run down the city’s major arteries and there are plans for major extensions to the existing lines. Another attractive aspect of the Skytrain is that it provides some great views of the city.

Motorcycle

Called “Bangkok Helicopters” in John Burdett’s crime novel Bangkok 8, motorcycle taxis are often the fastest way to get around the city. They are quite easy to find as all drivers have to be licensed and wear colored vests with their number on them. Helmets are mandated by law. You will always be provided with one (though sometimes it may be little more than a construction hard-hat), so bringing your own is not necessary. Motorcycles often ride between lanes, passing the gridlocked cars and moving to the front of the pack whenever there is a stop light or traffic jam.

As for the danger: yes this is the most dangerous way to travel in Bangkok. I’ve witnessed a few accidents involving motorcycles, and not of them were pretty. That said, nothing fatal has ever happened to anyone I know.

On Foot

Bangkok is hot (I mean temperature wise). If you don’t mind it, or if you are going somewhere early in the morning, walking is an excellent option, especially for tourists who might want to get a feel of the city’s street life. There’s no better way to do this than lacing up and hitting the pavement.

Taxi

Bangkok’s gridlock is worst for cars. However, once you are familiar with the city, choosing which routes are accessible by taxi becomes easier. If there is an option to take a toll road, it’s worth the extra couple of dollars to do it.

When it is raining, taking a taxi is almost a luxury. Also, unlike Viet Nam and Cambodia, many of the taxi drivers know enough English to carry on a conversation with you.

Just make sure the taxi has a meter and that the driver resets it when you get in.

With a little planning and experience, getting around Bangkok is not a problem.