Traffic and Pollution

Going nowhere in a hurry 

Traffic is a major problem in cities like Bangkok because population growth outpaced the speed with which urban planners could establish new roads and public transit systems.  Even after 9 p.m., much of the city is gridlocked in bumper-to-bumper traffic.  Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable facet of Bangkok-living, so you'll simply have to get used to it.  The skytrain and metro systems can take you to many popular tourist destinations around the city, but they are by no means comprehensive.  Be prepared to spend large portions of your day stuck in a taxi.  Not even Mexico City, Los Angeles, or Manhattan can compete with Bangkok traffic jams. 

Inconvenience and frustration are not the only products of this unbelievable traffic.  Air and noise pollution are also significant problems.  If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than a couple weeks, it is strongly recommended that you get out of the city for a few days in order to explore areas like Chang Mai or the islands.  This is especially true if you suffer from respiratory disorders like asthma.