The notorious Bangkok traffic has a tremendous effect on the quality of life of Bangkokians, causing both physical problems and mental stress. Commute times from the suburbs can cost people hours per day. Extra gasoline consumption can waste up to hundreds of Baht per week. Smoke particles and smog cause respiratory problems and adversely impact the health of all Bangkok residents.

There are some trends that are a direct result of this battle against traffic, congestion and pollution. One such trend is the construction of limited-access toll roads. But they are costly to build and maintain, and difficult to place in crowded downtown areas.

Another trend is for professionals to have a small condo downtown, within walking distance of their workplace, or the nearest skytrain or subway station. Nice affordable condos have been springing up in popular commercial areas of town like Sukhumvit and Silom.

Another trend is the incessant improvement of Bangkok's transportation infrastructure; the elevated monorail and subway mass transit systems are truly world class. Look for new lines to be built for the BTS next year and to come online in the following couple of years. And the brand new Suvarnabhumi Airport boasts some of the world's best features.

There are several great ways to travel around Bangkok.

Buses

Taxis

Tuk Tuk

BTS Skytrain

Bangkok Metro

Boats

Suvarnabhumi Airport