IS BANGKOK risk-free TO VISIT?

Last Updated: 2/2/2020 | February 2nd, 2020

Bangkok can be an overwhelming destination for tourists, as well as it is depicted in many Western films as seedy, gritty, as well as intense, with wild nightlife as well as never-ending traffic.

Most visitors don’t stay there for long, however if you’re patient as well as begin to peel back the layers, you’ll find a complex, lovely city full of a few of the friendliest as well as most thoughtful people you will ever satisfy (Thailand is called the Land of Smiles for a reason!) as well as tasty street food.

But is Bangkok a risk-free location to visit?

Just like any type of major city, you must be alert as well as conscious of your surroundings, however it is quite safe, as well as the danger of serious risk is extremely low (unless you are as much as something illegal). You are most likely to encounter little scams designed to get a few additional bucks from you (more on that later).

Here are a few methods to stay additional risk-free in Bangkok:

1. Be alert as a pedestrian.
Traffic in Bangkok is chaotic — many motorbikes will run red lights or even drive on the sidewalks! — so it’s always a great concept to be careful when crossing the streets as well as walking around town. look both methods as well as stay alert. (And, remember, they drive on the left side of the road (British side) so be sure to look as well as stay alert!

2. bring a photocopy of your passport with you.
This is a no-brainer for anyone who travels overseas. put your genuine passport away in the lockbox provided by your hotel or hostel, as well as bring around a photocopy or a digital version on your phone or in your email.

3. never leave your drink unattended.
This is one more universal security tip. drinks can be spiked at any type of moment, so always keep yours close, or hand it to somebody you trust if you requirement to.

4. Do not take or accept any type of recreational drugs.
Thailand has a strict no-drugs policy; anyone caught utilizing or bring unlawful substances will go to jail, or in unusual instances get the death penalty.

5. Don’t talk about the royal family.
Under the lèse majesté law, you are prohibited to speak negatively of the king as well as the royal family. If you are caught insulting the monarchy, you will be sentenced to 3–15 years in prison. other countries may have lèse majesté laws, however Thailand’s enforcement is the world’s harshest. Over the years, people have dealt with lèse majesté charges over minor offenses: a lady who used black on the king’s birthday, a guy who mocked the king’s dog on the internet, as well as individuals who have liked Facebook posts regarding the king, to name a few.

It’s vital you not discuss the king or royal household publicly or with locals, or you will deal with major consequences that all the travel insurance coverage in the world will not protect you from!

6. buy travel insurance.
No one wishes to believe about things going wrong on their trip, however being prepared as well as buying travel insurance coverage is something I do before every trip. You should have it whenever you travel, however in a country where petty theft as well as scams are, unfortunately, a bit more common, it’s additional important. as well as of course, it’s likewise important for covering any type of medical or other emergency circumstance you may encounter. Be a wise traveler — buy travel insurance.

We suggest world Nomads for travelers under 70, while Insure My trip is the very best option for travelers over 70.

For more info on tarvel insurance, inspect out these posts:

What Does travel insurance coverage really Cover?

The 7 finest travel business in 2019

How to buy the very best travel Insurance

How to prevent Scams in Bangkok

Bangkok is generally risk-free for travelers as well as backpackers, however it’s likewise incredibly hectic. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most typical type of criminal offense you’ll face. Also, some people will try to rip you off, including taxi drivers who decline to turn on their meters. avoiding travel scams needs a great deal of typical sense as well as a healthy dose of suspicion. (Also checked out this publish on travel scams to avoid.)

Here are the two most typical scams to be conscious of:

Taxi scams: You hop into a taxi as well as recognize the meter isn’t running. You mention this to the driver as well as their response is that the meter is “broken,” as well as he quotes you a cost that is outrageously high. Or you may notice that the meter is working however the fare is increasing as quick as a bullet train in Japan.

To prevent this scam, do your research study as well as get an concept of exactly how much a trip should expense from your hostel or hotel personnel before hailing a taxi. In my experience, if the cabbie tries to negotiate the rate, I utilize the one quoted to me though my prior research, as well as if he refuses, I get outas well as discover somebody who will turn the meter on. (Ideally, utilize only taxis with working meters.)

If the meter looks as though it’s rising unusually fast, ask the driver to pull over as well as get out immediately.

Another circumstance you may encounter is your taxi driver “taking the scenic route.” You’ll end up sitting in traffic, as well as the cabbie will make money at your expense. We online in the age of technology, so if you’re suspicious of your driver’s route, pull your smartphone out as well as utilize Google Maps to discover the quickest method to your destination. (Better yet, discover out the optimal path ahead of time.)

Don’t hesitate to show the phone to your driver as well as firmly insist on taking this route. download a map of the city utilizing Google Maps or MAPS.ME so you always have gain access to to it offline.

If you end up with a poor taxi experience, take a picture of the driver’s ID/registration number as well as report him to Thailand’s tourism board. as well as always, always utilize only official taxis.

The tourist site is “closed”/tuk-tuk trip scam: This is most likely the most typical scam in Bangkok. When visiting tourist attractions, commonly around Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace, or Wat Arun, somebody will randomly come as much as you as well as state that the location is closed for a special ceremony or for lunch hour. Then, this excessively practical private will offer to take you to locations that are open. While touring the attractions, the driver will take you to a gem shop, a souvenir shop, or a tailor where they get a commission.

A few hours later, the driver will decrease you off at your original place when it’s “reopened,” as well as by that time you’ve realized that the site was open the entire time — you were just in the wrong part of the building.

This is where your great sense as well as confidence come into play. prevent speaking to these locals, or firmly state “no thanks” as well as walk away. Or discover the primary entrance or ticket counter as well as see for yourself!

Another thing to note is that most attractions don’t close for lunch — they close for the day. look up the hours of operation before you go, so you understand what to expect — opening as well as closing times are almost always offered online.

FAQ on Bangkok Safety

Below is a listing of a few of the typical concerns I get on security in Bangkok, so you can be much better gotten ready for your trip!

Is street food safe?
Yes, absolutely! Bangkok is thought about the street food funding of the world, as well as you will not discover a shortage of stalls selling tasty regional dishes on every corner. keeping that said, if there is something that doesn’t odor or look “kosher,” then it may be finest to avoid. If a street vendor has regional customers, you can usually trust that it’s safe. (If you are overwhelmed with where to start, I’d suggest reading this blog publish on exactly how to deal with the street food culture in Bangkok.)

Is the tap water safe?
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, it complies with the world health and wellness organization requirements for providing risk-free drinking water for the population. However, although the water is treated in plants, the pipes it travels with can be extremely old as well as dirty, which can lead to contamination. Locals usually boil the tap water very first before drinking it, or they will purchase bottled water. utilize a Steripen or Lifestraw to ensure that your water is risk-free to drink. Also, bring a recyclable water bottle to cut down on your plastic consumption.

Are taxis safe?
Taxis are risk-free as well as affordable as well as my favored method to get around town. However, you will come across the occasional meter or “scenic route” scam. When you get into a cab, always inspect that it has a working meter as well as agree on a path prior to the begin of your journey. (If you’ve checked out the section on taxi scams above, you will be well gotten ready for this type of situation.)

Is Bangkok risk-free for solo travelers?
Bangkok is risk-free for solo travelers, as well as a excellent very first city to solo-travel in. I’ve been going there for the past 15 years as well as have seldom encountered any type of problems.

However, there are areas of Bangkok that are all about partying as well as drinking, as well as the biggest incidents occur when people are drunk as well as stupid. Don’t get as well drunk. likewise prevent unlawful substances at all expense — Thailand is very, extremely strict on drugs, as well as you’re going to be screwed if you get caught. always trust your gut instinct; if you don’t do it at home, don’t do it when you’re in Bangkok.

Is Bangkok risk-free for solo female travelers?
Solo female travelers should feel risk-free touring the city. It’s extremely simple to satisfy other travelers, particularly female ones, in Bangkok. Some precautions as well as planning are in order, though: always have a downloaded map as well as translation app so you can discover your method house or request assist if you requirement it. Don’t flaunt any type of valuables, as well as prevent taking taxis alone at night. If you’re still anxious about heading somewhere, ask to join a group at your hostel; groups are less likely to be victims of scammers or theft, as well as you’ll feel safer that way.

Here are a few practical posts on security written by our solo female travel experts:

How to stay risk-free as a Solo female Traveler

8 myths about Solo female travel Debunked

10 typical concerns about Solo female Travel

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Bangkok has an electric energy to it, as well as with its endless supply of things to see as well as do, you will never be bored. I lastly began to like the city when I got understand it beyond the temples as well as the typical tourist sites. when I discovered hidden markets as well as amazing street stalls frequented only by locals, ended up being good friends with residents, as well as comprehended exactly how Bangkok operated, I comprehended why people liked it so much.

Like any type of major city, Bangkok includes its fair share of scammers as well as unruly drivers. If you are wise as well as alert, trust your instincts, as well as comply with this security guide, you’ll have an unforgettable experience while staying safe.

Get the in-depth budget plan guide to Bangkok!

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Book Your trip to Bangkok: Logistical tips as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a affordable flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse websites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses as well as affordable hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:

Lub d Bangkok Silom

Golden mountain Hostel

Mad Monkey

If you’re looking for more locations to stay, right here are my preferred hostels in Bangkok. as well as if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my community breakdown of Bangkok!

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will protect you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s comprehensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it many times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want more info on Bangkok?
Be sure to see our robust destination guide on Bangkok for even more planning tips!