Travel in Thailand

While Thailand is extremely popular with tourists from around the world, that doesn’t mean everything is coconut milk and gorgeous sunsets. There are a few things tourists should be aware of when visiting Thailand to stay safe.

First off, the leading cause of accidental death in Thailand is motorbike collisions. If you are going to drive a motorbike (which we don’t recommend for first-time visitors) you must wear a helmet and drive cautiously. If you can, avoid night travel altogether, and be extremely careful walking across any streets. Most of the fatal accidents occur on underdeveloped roads in Samui and Phuket.

If you are traveling to Thailand alone and are a foreigner, you should never get involved in a fight with Thais. Thais watch each others’ backs and you can be outnumbered. Instead, a smile and joking off troubles can go a long way.

Rates of HIV/AIDS and STDs are quite high in Thailand. Also, a noticeable amount of women there weren’t born that way. If you are going to engage in intimacy, be sure to take all safety precautions.

It’s a smart idea to have your passport (or at least a photocopy of your passport) with you at all times. Also, be aware that there are many scammers by touristy sights in Thailand. Just one popular scam involves young Thai men dressing up as Theravada monks and asking tourists for money. Real Theravada monks in Thailand only go on alms round in the morning and they never ask for money.