The Land of Smiles and Its Capital: 5 Tips for Staying Safe in Bangkok
Thailand is an amazing country to visit, and Bangkok is one of its top tourist destinations. Although the population is largely Buddhist and violence is rare, things still happen. So whenever you travel with inspire4travel, you want to be aware of your surroundings and make good decisions.
1. Hide Your Cash
Just as you shouldn’t flash a wad of cash at home, it’s not a good idea to do it in Bangkok either. Not only are you risking getting robbed or pickpocketed, but you could also lose your money or be charged higher prices because vendors know you have it. In addition to keeping your money out of sight as much as possible, it may be wise not to keep it all in one place. In the event that something unfortunate does happen to some of your money, it won’t happen to all of your money and leave you in a dire situation.
2. Think Critically
This means a lot of things. There’s safety in numbers. Take personal responsibility and don’t drink too much. You won’t be able to call your best friend or neighbor to come to pick you up. It means staying visible. It may seem cool to explore an empty beach alone, but it could also be a recipe for disaster. You should leave your passport in a safe place. Some bike rental stalls will ask you to leave your passport in exchange for a rental. Don’t do it!
3. Look Out for Scams
Everyone has to make a living, right? There are tons of scams on the city streets. A very common scam is for a tuk-tuk or taxi driver to offer to tour you around for bargain-basement prices. If you accept the offer you will be taken to several specific spots where your driver will receive a hefty commission for your overpriced purchases. Taxis that offer you a flat rate instead of using the meter are definitely overcharging you. Another common scam is someone telling you an attraction is closed (when it isn’t) and offering to take you somewhere else (that benefits him financially).
4. Avoid Protests
As the capital of the country, Bangkok is going to be the central spot of protests and riots. Generally, protestors are trying to make a specific point, and although intentions may have started as peaceful, it may not always remain peaceful. Getting caught in the middle of a protest can turn into a nightmare. So if you happen upon a protest, it’s probably best that you avoid that area and explore elsewhere.
5. Transportation
While motorcycles, bikes, and motorbikes are a great way to get around Bangkok, but they are a more vulnerable means of transportation. It is very easy to fall off the back, and these are often involved in accidents. So be cautious while riding.
Bangkok, Thailand is an awesome place to visit, but it won’t be much fun if you fall on hard times. It pays to be aware of your surroundings, be alert and have contingency plans. It’s a pretty safe place to visit, but be sure to keep these tips in mind.
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