Is Thailand safe for travellers?

Thailand has been firmly on the travellers’ trail for decades and proudly sends millions of happy visitors back home year after year. There’s a reason this country is nicknamed the Land of Smiles, but is Thailand safe to visit? Like all places in the world, it pays to be prepared before you visit. Check out our guide to staying safe in Thailand, from navigating healthcare to tips for solo travellers.

Safest places to visit in Thailand

Most places in Thailand are safe to visit, and the biggest risk of travelling here might be pulling a muscle during a morning yoga session. Jokes aside, it's wise to take precautions at night when you're out and about. Thailand is no stranger to a party. Khao San Road in Bangkok is great fun: full of amazing food, cheap drinks, and thumping bars. Travellers take to dancefloors with pockets of baht and heads full of rum, perfect targets for pickpockets. This can also be the case in the hedonistic heartlands of Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai.

You're in good hands on: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express

Healthcare in Thailand

Thailand’s healthcare system is pretty good, and the country has government-run and private hospitals. Private hospitals often come with high-quality facilities, short waiting times, and English-speaking staff, while public hospitals have fewer facilities and vary in quality depending on where you are in Thailand. The more rural you go, the less equipped the hospitals are and the greater the risk of dengue fever and rabies. Make sure you're up to date on your vaccinations, and wear insect repellent.

Leave your wellbeing to us on: Southeast Asia Encompassed

Is Thailand's tap water safe to drink?

No, drinking tap water in Thailand is not recommended. Pack a water bottle with a filter to use on your trip, and be wary of bars watering down drinks with unfiltered ice cubes. Drinking unclean tap water is a surefire way to get yourself on a diet of rehydration salts.

Travel insurance in Thailand

Even though you hope you never need to use it, it's essential to have travel insurance when visiting Thailand — or anywhere in the world. Thailand offers tons of incredible adventures, from motorbiking and hiking into the jungle, which come with inherent risks. Watch out for wildlife in Thailand, such as king cobras (no, we don't mean the big beers!) and box jellyfish, which pack quite a punch. What about careless bikers? They might not count as wildlife, but they are arguably the most accident prone of all. Motorbike accidents are common in Thailand, so wear a helmet.

Crime in Thailand

Violent crime is rare in Thailand, but pickpocketing and bag snatching can be common in tourist hot spots. Keep your valuables safely locked away in your accommodations, and don't wear flashy jewellery. Travellers to Thailand should also be aware of common scams. If you rent a vehicle, take pictures of scratches or scrapes so that the company doesn't fault you for them when you return the vehicle. This tip applies anywhere, not just Thailand. If you are the victim of a scam, know that you won’t be the first or the last, so don’t let it ruin your trip.

Is Thailand a good place for solo travellers?

Travelling solo in Thailand is great fun. Many travellers take their first solo trip to Thailand because the country is well set up for tourists and is an easy place to meet like-minded adventurers. That said, it’s worthwhile being more vigilant when on your own. You don’t want to run out of gas when scootering through the countryside or end up in a sketchy part of town at 4am. Thailand knows how to party, and you wouldn’t be the first visitor to lose your mind and your flip-flops on a beach in Koh Samui. However, if you are travelling alone, it’s important you drink alcohol with people you trust. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and keep an eye on your glass.

You're in good hands on: Solo-ish Thailand

Is Thailand safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for women travelling alone, but like other destinations, it's worth taking some precautions. If you’re alone and want to take a taxi, use an app such as Grab to pre-book your journey. The app also includes the driver's information and offers rides at fixed rates, which takes away the risk of flagging down a potentially fake taxi or getting stung with scammy fees. Opt for female-only dorms when staying at hostels. They are probably nicer than huge mixed dorms, and you might also meet some fellow solo female travellers.

Is Thailand LGBTQ+ friendly?

Thailand has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, especially in big cities like Bangkok, but levels of acceptance vary across the country. Rural areas tend to be more conservative. While Thailand is often seen as a paradise for LGBTQ+ people, discrimination and violence do exist, especially for trans people.