My friend and I are planning a two week visit to Thailand. My biggest concern is the safety issue. We are both younger (23) white female girls. We're planning to stay near the resorts for the majority of the trip.
Just wondering if anyone had any advice. Thanks!
2007-02-19 05:52:48 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
Thailand is a very safe place to travel. At first I was a little sketched out just because I didn't know the language and the culture, but after spending 5 months there I was fine traveling by myself (I am a 20 year old female.) There are a few areas where you might feel uncomfortable (like the red light districts) but for the most part they are avoidable. If you ever have any problems the local Thais are more than happy to help, as they are some of the most friendly people I have ever met. Just be respectful of their culture and they will respect you. It is also much more 'westernized' than you would imagine, so there are 7-11's and things everywhere if you get a little homesick.
There are so many places to go, if you are going to the islands they are very much geared toward tourists so there will be a lot of 'farangs' (foreigners) there with you. And the islands have a lot to offer; scuba diving lessons, beautiful beaches, fun bars, and they are a great place to relax. However, they are a bit more expensive than the rest of Thailand as a result of being so touristy. Remember to bargin!
If you are planning on staying near the resorts for most of the trip you will miss out on so much that Thailand has to offer. While I loved my time in the islands, they are so touristy that I didn't even feel like I was in Thailand anymore. If you plan on going to Bangkok or N. Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai, Sukhothai...) there are so many things to see.
Remember, tourism is a major part of Thailand's economy and they want to keep it that way so they do what they can to make it as safe as possible. I hope you have a great trip and I am jealous, I can't wait until I get to go back.
2007-02-19 18:23:17 · answer #1 · answered by heppeee 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi! Everyone pretty much covered everything, but I wanted to put my two cents in. I'm a 27 yo white female that has been living in Bangkok for two years (due to husbands job). It is very safe!!! I also visited Bangkok and Chiang Mai when I was only 19.
Seriously, there is a ridiculous amount of tourists here so the thais are used to it. They just want to rip you off if anything. If you're in Bangkok and want to visit the Grand Palace, etc...then don't let a tuk-tuk driver convience you to ride along with him for cheap, b/c he'll take you to his friend's shop to buy crap (b/c he gets a commision). Just pay extra for a taxi or do as I did and hire a driver. That way you can tell him all the places you want to go and you're not wasting time. If you're going to resorts then you're really going to be safe. But don't spend too much time at resorts b/c then you won't see what makes Thailand so great.
Also, I noticed that someone mention sex-crazed westerners. I have to agree. There are some crazy men here...so I'm more concerned about them. But you can tell who they are a mile away.
I see girls traveling alone all the time with their backpacks..haha... which makes you tourist SOOO obvious. Trust me, you guys will be fine!
2007-02-22 05:55:56 · answer #2 · answered by Princepessa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thailand is alot safer than the USA for young girls. The people are genuinely friendly and any crimes committed against tourists are punished with double the penalty that would be imposed if the same crime were committed against Thai citizens. That being said, watch out for your purses in Bangkok, especially at bus stations and major tourist attractions. Stay away from Patayya as the sex trade there would probably not be to your liking. Far Southern Thailand is dangerous and should be avoided (Moslem Insurgency). Phuket is safe though, but fly there from Bangkok, do not go by car! Nice beaches are located at Phuket, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, and Koh Samui. Koh Kood (island south of Koh Chang) is also quiet and beautiful, but is not well known yet. Other than those little bits of advice, Thailand should be extremely safe for you and the biggest danger you'll face is getting ripped off by some vendor who overcharges Farangs (Thai word for White Foreigners).
2007-02-21 09:12:14 · answer #3 · answered by Frank 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im 22, been travelling to thailand, solo, or pair as much as 5 to 6 times a year. Apparently, thailand is a nice country to go and relax, doesnt have much worries about safety issues especially for girls.
Even late night at bustling streets in bangkok is safe. If going places like puket, just aviod going into the woods at late night, no matter which country, hanging in woods at late night are never safe.
Have a nice trip! :)
2007-02-19 13:01:28 · answer #4 · answered by gracy k 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As long as you are not going to the deep south you should have no problems at all! Especially around the resort areas.The only thing that will be a slight hassle is tuk tuk drivers trying to get a fare and also the numerous street sellers trying to get you to buy.Thailand is a wonderful country with a great friendly smile and if you always smile back your trip will be an awesome experience.I myself will be there again in two weeks. Have FUN!
2007-02-23 02:11:42 · answer #5 · answered by jon c 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You probably could not pick a safer place. Your biggest concern should be about other tourists (male) who appear to get some sort of psychiatric sexual disorder when they get off the airplane.
I have lived here for 12 years and very few incidents ever occur to tourists, particularly women.
Enjoy Thailand, the Thai people really want you to love their country and will do their best to make your visit memorable.
2007-02-19 21:03:47 · answer #6 · answered by John B 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hi, traveling in Thailand is quite safe even for single lady. As posted by the travellers before. The Thais are very hospitable and will gladly go out of their way to assist you if you experience any problem. So go on and have a good time.
Probably only people you need to worry are the foreignes at the resorts who are just out to enjoy themselves, regardless of the rest.
So travel smart, you will be alright in Thailand.
2007-02-19 15:53:19 · answer #7 · answered by peanutz 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
safer than many other places. I think thousands of young girls visit Thailand by them self every year without any problems
2007-02-21 17:58:25 · answer #8 · answered by try.myanmar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i just came back from Thailand,I'm 20yr old girl and i was traveling solo it's very safe even at night , and i used to wear wotever i want there's no dress code,Thai guys r polite so dnt worry and hv a nice trip.
2007-02-19 10:02:43 · answer #9 · answered by Gucci-Princess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thailand is very safe. More importantly though, look after each other!
Have fun!
2007-02-21 03:18:15 · answer #10 · answered by Enlightenme! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋