BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Department of Highways recommended alternative routes from Bangkok for Songkran 2026 and published key emergency hotlines for travelers.
Songkran travel period and background
The Department of Highways set the main Songkran travel period from 10 to 19 April 2569 (2026). The stated aim was to ease congestion on primary and secondary roads and make trip planning easier.
The report noted that travel demand this year could also be influenced by higher oil prices. Regardless of cost concerns, the agency urged motorists to use alternative routes to avoid major bottlenecks.
Detour routes from Bangkok to the North
One option to the North ran via Rangsit on Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) to Ayutthaya, then on Highway 32 (Asia Highway) through Ang Thong and Sing Buri to Chai Nat and Uthai Thani, before heading toward Nakhon Sawan. Another route led from Nonthaburi on Highway 340 (Bang Bua Thong–Suphan Buri–Chai Nat) and then continued on Highway 1 to Nakhon Sawan.
A further alternative started in Rangsit and used the Ban Klang interchange on Highway 346 to reach Highway 347 (Pathum Thani–Bang Pahan), then joined Highway 32 heading north. Additional options included a route via Rangsit–Wang Noi–Saraburi–Lopburi on Highway 1 and onward on Highway 11 (Tak Fa) toward Phitsanulok, as well as a corridor using Motorway 9 (Bang Pa-in–Bang Phli) to Wang Noi, then Highway 1 and Highway 32 into the northern region.
Detour routes from Bangkok to the Northeast (Isan)
Several variants targeted Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). One route used Motorway 9 (Kanchanaphisek) to Wang Noi, then Highway 1 and Motorway 6 (Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima) to reach the city. Another option ran Bangkok–Wang Noi on Highway 1 and joined Motorway 6 near Saraburi at km 99+600 toward Korat.
A third route combined Highway 1 and Highway 33 with access to Motorway 6 at Hin Kong (Highway 33, km 82). A fourth recommendation followed Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) via Saraburi–Pak Chong–Si Khio to Korat.
Further alternatives included a path via Nakhon Nayok on Highway 305 and minor roads to Kaeng Khoi or Pak Chong, or from Ban Na on Highway 33 toward Kabin Buri and Aranyaprathet. Additional corridors were outlined via Chachoengsao–Phanom Sarakham–Kabin Buri–Wang Nam Khiao–Pak Thong Chai on Highway 304, and another entry to Motorway 6 near the junction with Motorway 9 at km 80.
Detour routes from Bangkok to the East
For Chonburi and Pattaya, the agency highlighted Motorway 7 (Bangkok–Chonburi–Pattaya) as a primary route. Another option led via Chachoengsao on Highway 304, with the possibility to continue on Highway 331 (Sattahip–Khao Hin Son) toward Nong Prue and Pattaya, and onward to Sattahip.
A third route ran via Bang Pakong on Highway 34 (Thepharat Road) and then either on Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) or the Burapha Withi Expressway (Bang Na–Chonburi) to Chonburi. A fourth alternative started at the Bang Khun Thian interchange on Motorway 9 and then connected to Motorway 7 toward Chonburi.
Detour routes from Bangkok to the South
One southern corridor used Borommaratchachonnani Road, Highway 338 (Arun Amarin–Nakhon Chai Si), to Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi, then continued via the Wang Manao junction to Phetchaburi on Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) and further south. Another route relied on Motorway 81 from Bang Yai (Bang Yai toll plaza), exiting at Nakhon Pathom West, then following Malaiman Road (Highway 321) and Highway 4 toward Ratchaburi and the southern provinces.
A third option passed through Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram on Highway 35 (Rama 2 Road) to Wang Manao before joining Highway 4 to Phetchaburi. A fourth route combined the southern section of Highway 9 (Kanchanaphisek Ring) with Motorway 82 (Ekkachai–Ban Phaeo), then Highway 35 to Wang Manao and onward on Highway 4 to Phetchaburi.
Detour routes from Bangkok to the West
For Kanchanaburi, the department recommended Motorway 81 (Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi) as a main alternative. Another route began on Highway 346 from the Rangsit interchange, then continued on Highway 9 (Kanchanaphisek) toward Lat Lum Kaeo and via Phanom Thuan to Kanchanaburi.
A third option headed through Nakhon Pathom on Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road, Bang Khae area) and then followed Highway 323 (Saeng Chuto Road) to Kanchanaburi. Two further variants also used Highway 4 or Borommaratchachonnani/Highway 338 to reach the Si Sa Thong access to Motorway 81, then continued toward Kanchanaburi.
Key hotlines for travelers
For additional travel information or emergencies on the road, the report listed the Department of Highways hotline 1586, available free of charge, 24 hours a day, on all networks. For questions related specifically to motorways, callers could dial 1586 and select option “7”.
In the event of incidents on long-distance routes, motorists could also contact the Highway Police on 1193. Authorities advised drivers to keep these numbers handy before starting their journeys.