Bangkok’s horribly congested roads are nothing new to the millions of people who commute to the central business district each day. What a lot of people don’t know is that the problem is getting worse every year. INRIX, a global traffic analytics company, ranked Bangkok as the 12th most congested city in the world this year—18 places worse than its ranking in 2015. According to these findings, the average Bangkokian spends more than 64 hours in traffic per year, which is even worse than other notoriously congested metropolises like Caracas and Mexico City.
For years, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has highlighted the importance and benefits of sustainable practices through the nation’s MICE (meeting, incentive, conventions and exhibitions) industry. The vehicles we use every day play a huge role in Bangkok’s sustainable future, and reducing our reliance on cars to get around will not only help the nation’s environment, it will also cut down on traffic. Here’s how you can contribute to bettering Bangkok’s roads.
Plan your journey well in advance
It might seem like a basic step, but planning where, when and how you are going to travel makes all the difference. Having a clear transportation plan will save time and get you to where you need to be faster.
Get the lay of the land before you go
These days it’s easy to learn about your destination before you go. There are countless resources online dedicated to Bangkok’s various neighborhoods, and modern GPS apps can help you determine the best route once you are on your way.
Use alternative forms of transportation
Bangkok may have some of the worst traffic congestion in the world, but it also enjoys a diverse range of transportation options, and it’s easy to start making sustainable choices.
Cycling
This is the most eco-friendly mode of transportation out there. Not only is cycling a great way to stay in shape, it also reduces your carbon footprint and helps to clean up Bangkok’s roads.
Carpool
Carpooling is one of the oldest, and best, methods of reducing your transportation costs and carbon footprint. Ask your co-workers or neighbors if they want to start a carpooling schedule. Some shopping centers, like CentralWorld, actually reserve premium parking spaces for groups of carpoolers.
BTS/MRT
Not only is this one of the most convenient ways to travel in Bangkok, but smart MICE organizers almost always plan their events in locations close to BTS and MRT lines. In addition, most of Bangkok’s major shopping centers and hotels sit right next to the city’s train stations. Same goes for public parks—Benjasiri park is right next to BTS Phrom Phong while Lumpini park is just across from MRT Silom and BTS Sala Daeng.
Bus
Don’t be afraid to use the bus for adventures around Bangkok’s old town area, especially now that there is a new collaboration between the Traffic Policy and Transport Office and Mayday, a non-profit organization dedicated to Bangkok’s urban development. The two companies have joined forces to create “informative bus stops” around Ratchadamnoen Road to help riders understand the various attractions found at each stop and what bus gets them there.
Minivan
This is a perfect choice to get out of town—you don’t have to drive yourself and get to share the traveling experience with others. You can catch a minivan at Victory Monument and take it virtually anywhere in the country.
Boat
Traveling by boat is a quintessential form of Bangkok transportation that dates back centuries. The city’s vast network of boats provides a fast and easy way to get to its most vibrant cultural and historical centers, like the Arun Ratchwanaram and Yannawa temples—all while enjoying beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River.
BITEC
One of Bangkok’s most renowned convention centers and host to some of the country’s biggest international expos each year—just a short walk from BTS Bang Na.
Royal Paragon Hall
A striking gold-and-white multi-purpose convention center and concert hall, right in the heart of Bangkok inside the famous Siam Paragon shopping mall—connected to BTS Siam.
QSNCC
More than two decades after its Royal inauguration, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center remains one of the most prestigious halls in all of Thailand—connected to MRT Queen Sirikit Center.
Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel
One of the city’s most well-respected luxury hotels, known for its opulent dining options and renowned spa treatments—just a short walk from BTS Phloen Chit.
BCC Hall Central Plaza Ladprao
A large-scale concert hall and convention center that is regularly host to high-profile musicians and world-class performers—connected to MRT Phahon Yothin.
What is MICE?
M – Meetings
I – Incentives
C – Conventions
E – Exhibitions & Events