Thailand is an abundant paradise in the heart of Southeast Asia. In recent years it has been proclaimed as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Most tourists are attracted to Thailand due to its thriving culture and beautiful natural environment. It is truly a unique place that has vibrant nature that includes (but is not limited to) white sand beaches, jungles, and mountains. The country also has bustling cities and very famous spiritual sites. So, it is particularly diverse and travelers can experience different sides of Thailand all in one trip.
Some of the top natural attractions of Thailand include the Ao Phang Nga National Park (otherwise known as James Bond Island from the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”), Khao Sok National Park (the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world) and the Thi Lo Su Waterfall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is therefore one of the most popular destinations for tourists since it has stunning skyscrapers, nice markets and museums. Thailand has historic temples and many archaeological sites that travelers will surely appreciate. The Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple) are some of the most popular sites that tourists visit. It does not hurt that Thailand has pretty affordable living and very welcoming locals, which makes most visitors quite happy. It is no surprise that it has been coined the Land of Smiles.
While Thailand is an enjoyable place to vacation in with an enticing food scene and interesting attractions, it also is not considered the safest place to go (by some). Travelers should be sure to do their research before visiting to secure their safety in unfamiliar places. We have compiled some of the most critical information for tourists to know when considering travel to Thailand.
The Best Travel Advisories
Travel advisories help inform travelers of the appropriate safety, health and travel precautions for particular destinations. Since there can be varying risks to safety, travelers should utilize official advisories to assess their intended destination.
The U.S. Department of State and even the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have travel advisories that are very informative for travelers wanting to assess the safety level of their potential destinations. The Department of State is on a level-one travel destination, which means that travelers can exercise normal precautions. Aside from some areas that are categorized as level three destinations, that travelers should reconsider travel to, Thailand is a welcoming destination according to the U.S. government. There is even a U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Bangkok, Thailand so citizens can have a place of refuge. Travelers can also find helpful information about Thailand on the CIA’s website which provides details on travel requirements and local customs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a very informative page on Thailand that details health notices, local vaccines, preventable illnesses and how to stay healthy while in the area. For example, since food and water safety standards differ all over the world, it is recommended that visitors avoid tap water and stick with bottled or filtered water. The World Health Organization (WHO) also assesses Southeast Asia for health data and concerns, which travelers of Thailand can review if they are concerned about the overall health level of the country.
Is Thailand Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Thailand is generally considered to be a safe destination, but travelers should be sure to stay precautious. Thailand is a very safe country for travelers but there is some risk for civil unrest and terrorism that travelers should stay informed about. There have been some violent incidents in the capital city in recent years (2019) that may dissuade some travelers. But according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), Thailand is considered safer because there is limited access to weapons and a low homicide rate.
For solo travelers, there is a certain finesse that is required to have a completely safe experience in Thailand, especially if the traveler is a woman. It is safest for women visiting Thailand to wear more modest clothing when possible. Traveling alone in Thailand as a woman presents special challenges, so solo travelers should exercise caution and not explore the country out late at night.
It is important to note that Thailand is a Kingdom so the military rules the country. Therefore, tourists should be careful to respect local customs and not get involved with political disputes or crime. Crime in Thailand has serious consequences, so tourists should abide by local laws. There are even some scams that travelers should be knowledgeable of. In Thailand, tourists should be careful of rentals, city tours, internet romance and financial scams. Rental and city tour scams mostly have to do with promising exceptional services or experiences and requesting large sums of money. The more elaborate scams, like internet romance and financial scams, can entice tourists to provide funds or fall into dangerous opportunities either online or in person.
How To Stay Safe in Thailand
Travelers should be sure to stay respectful of cultural differences and practices while abroad. Thailand is a historically Buddhist country so travelers should be prepared to observe local etiquette. Things like removing shoes in sacred spaces, talking quietly, exhibiting no public displays of affections or smoking are important, especially while visiting Thai temples.
To stay as safe as possible, tourists should stay alert while in public areas. Avoiding thieves (pickpockets, bag snatchers, etc.) is a primary concern for travelers. If travelers choose to use public transportation like tuk-tuks, which are open, they should be sure to secure their valuables and keep any precious items stowed away. Other modes of transportation, like buses and trains, are generally considered safe but nighttime rides can be particularly dodgy. Travelers should avoid falling asleep on public transport since it is not uncommon for people to take items from the bags of people who are not alert. All in all, Thailand is not a super threatening country so travelers should just travel safely and stay in tourist-friendly areas.
Where To Stay in Thailand
There are many places in Thailand which tourists can stay in safely. Some of the most popular areas are Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Sami or Phuket. Chiang Mai has a plethora of impressive structures that have great historical significance, so history buffs and cultural connoisseurs will enjoy a stay there. It is even a popular place for expats since it has many co-working spaces and cafes. Tourists note that Chiang Mai is in close proximity to popular national parks, is a great area for families and all around is a calmer area. Bangkok, on the other hand, has a more metropolitan feel. Bangkok is known for its affordable street food, great public transportation and even affordable hostels. It is technically quite cheap to stay there so areas like the Banglamphu area with nearby nightlife and scenic accommodations are feasible to stay in.
Koh Sami is an area that offers tourists the best adventures. ATV tours, paddle boarding and swimming in waterfalls are just a few of the adrenaline-inducing activities in Koh Sami. The area is known for being exclusive but there is also a backpacker culture so there are some budget stay options. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and it is an ideal location for beach life. Phuket Old Town is the most affordable place to stay which also provides great access to local markets and attractions. For travelers wanting peak beach views the soft sanded beaches and crystal clear waters of Phuket are recommended.
The Best Time To Visit Thailand
While it is generally warm all year round in Thailand, travelers are advised to avoid peak travel times. So, the winter months (from around November through March) are considered the best time to visit. But weather is still a factor in determining the best time to travel to Thailand. The wet season is from May through around October. This rainy season coincides with the monsoon season of course, so heavy rains can impact a travelers trip or even create a dangerous environment. Considering that, the best options for travelers are either the shoulder season in the winter or the peak warm season between March and June. This season may be the best in terms of pleasant weather but there may be large crowds that complicate travel (like increased travel costs).
People Also Ask
Is Thailand really affordable? Yes, Thailand is considered one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. The cheapest time to travel there is around July to September.
How Safe is Bangkok for tourists? Bangkok is a tourist friendly city, even for solo travelers. It is recommended that travelers exercise extra precautions if they go out at night.