Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok, Travel & Transportation, Major Highways & Driving Tips

Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bangkok, Thailand

1. Sukhumvit Road

Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok's longest and busiest roads, running from the city center to the eastern provinces. It is notorious for traffic congestion, so plan travel during non-peak hours to avoid long delays.
  • Traffic Flow: Often congested during rush hours.
  • Landmarks: Contains many shopping and dining areas.
  • Public Transport: Easily accessible by BTS Skytrain.

2. Silom Road

Known for its vibrant nightlife and business district, driving through Silom can be challenging due to heavy pedestrian traffic. Be cautious of jaywalking pedestrians and limited parking.
  • Pedestrian Traffic: Heavy, especially in the evening.
  • Parking: Limited and often expensive.
  • Night Driving: Extra vigilance required due to nightlife activities.

3. Ramkhamhaeng Road

Stretching through a densely populated university area, this road is busy with student traffic. Be patient and watch out for motorcycles and bicycles.
  • Student Traffic: High density of student commuters.
  • Public Transport: Multiple bus and boat options available.
  • Road Conditions: Narrow roads with frequent stops.

4. Phahonyothin Road

Connecting central Bangkok with the northern suburbs, this highway is a major thoroughfare for long-distance travel. Plan for possible lengthy traffic delays.
  • Suburban Access: Connects to many suburbs.
  • Road Construction: Ongoing projects might cause detours.
  • Scenic Views: Offers views of suburban areas.

5. Vipawadee Rangsit Road

This road bypasses heavily congested areas of the city, making it a good alternative for faster travel. Be mindful of toll fees and frequent U-turns.
  • Toll Fees: Frequent and can add to travel costs.
  • Bypass Use: Avoids city center congestion.
  • U-turns: Necessary for changing directions.

6. Sirat Expressway

An elevated tollway, this expressway allows for quick travel across Bangkok but requires toll payments. Consider this option during rush hours.
  • Tollway: Requires toll payment at booths.
  • Scenic Drive: Elevated with city skyline views.
  • Traffic Management: Usually faster during peak hours.

7. Bang Na-Trat Highway

Ideal for reaching the industrial zones and Suvarnabhumi Airport. Early morning departures recommended to avoid slow-moving traffic.
  • Industrial Access: Main route to eastern industrial zones.
  • Airport Access: Direct route to Suvarnabhumi.
  • Morning Rush: Busy with airport commute traffic.

8. Ratchadaphisek Road

Circling the city center, it provides access to many major shopping complexes. Avoid during the evening when traffic is at its peak.
  • Shopping Areas: Close to major malls.
  • Peak Traffic: Heavy in the evening.
  • Public Transport: MRT access along the road.

9. Asok-Din Daeng Road

Known for its heavy traffic, especially near the Rama IX intersection. Seek alternate routes during peak times.
  • Intersection Congestion: Notorious near intersections.
  • Road Access: Connects several major districts.
  • Motorist Services: Limited availability during rush hours.

10. Ratchaphruek Road

A convenient link to the western suburbs, often offering a smoother ride due to less traffic. Plan your trips earlier in the day.
  • Suburban Commute: Eases travel to western areas.
  • Traffic Density: Generally lighter than other highways.
  • Time of Travel: Beneficial for early morning starts.

11. Rama IV Road

Offers direct access to the central business district but can be heavily congested. Avoid driving here during office hours.
  • Business Access: Main route to the CBD.
  • Office Hour Congestion: Best avoided 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM.
  • Parking Availability: Limited and expensive within the area.

12. Kanchanaphisek Ring Road

This outer ring road helps bypass city center congestion altogether. An excellent choice for long-distance and intercity travel.
  • Bypassing CBD: Effectively avoids downtown traffic.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Useful for inter-province journeys.
  • Road Quality: Generally well-maintained and broad.

13. Kasemrat Road

The road provides direct access to the vibrant Chatuchak Weekend Market. Expect heavy weekend traffic due to the market.
  • Weekend Congestion: Saturdays and Sundays are busiest.
  • Market Access: Provides entrance to Chatuchak Market.
  • Availability of Parking: Limited during market days.

14. Srinakarin Road

Serves as a connection to eastern Bangkok and convenient for retail activity near the Seacon Square. Driving can be slow-moving during the afternoon.
  • Retail Access: Close to several large shopping centers.
  • Afternoon Traffic: Slows dramatically post-noon.
  • Road Safety: Heavily monitored by traffic police.

15. Phetkasem Road

One of the longest roads in Thailand, it handles substantial commuter traffic. Suitable for getting out of Bangkok to the west.
  • Exit Road: Ideal for heading to western Thailand.
  • Traffic Volume: High during peak commuter times.
  • Road Expansion: Wider roads under construction.

16. Rama IX Road

A critical route linking eastern Bangkok with central areas, often prone to gridlock at peak times. Best traversed using public transport options.
  • Peak Time Congestion: Heavy reliance on timing.
  • Road Links: Connects several major districts.
  • Public Transport: Extensive MRT and bus routes available.

17. Bangna Expressway

This expressway offers quick travel to the east towards Pattaya, avoiding narrow city streets. Watch for sudden toll booths.
  • Direct Route: Straight path to Pattaya.
  • Sudden Tolls: Remain vigilant for the payment stops.
  • Urban Exit: Avoids city traffic smoothly.

18. Ngam Wong Wan Road

Known for accommodating many healthcare facilities, leading to frequent health-service vehicles creating stop-and-go traffic.
  • Healthcare Access: Road to numerous hospitals.
  • Stop-and-Go: Frequent stops due to healthcare traffic.
  • Parking Spots: Often full around medical centers.

19. Chan Road

Allows access to the diverse cuisines in the area's restaurants, but narrow roads can lead to minor delays.
  • Culinary Exploration: Renowned for diverse dining.
  • Road Width: Narrow lanes require precision driving.
  • Minimal Parking: Limited spaces lead to street parking.

20. Chaloem Phrakiat Rama IX Road

Offers glimpses into local life with fewer tourists and leads to the Nong Bon water sports center. Traffic is less intensive here.
  • Tourist Volume: Lower than in other areas.
  • Local Insights: Provides views of everyday life.
  • Sports Center Access: Leads to water sports area.