Thailand is a safe and welcoming country for travellers, but like anywhere popular, it comes with a few things worth being aware of. A little common sense, good instincts and basic preparation go a long way. For us, staying healthy, feeling safe and avoiding scams is about awareness rather than worry.
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🛡️ General Safety in Thailand
Thailand felt safe throughout our travels, even in busy cities. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and most issues travellers face are minor inconveniences rather than serious incidents.
That said, busy areas attract opportunists. Keep valuables secure, avoid flashing expensive items and stay aware in crowded markets and transport hubs. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it usually is.
🚫 Common Scams to Watch For
Thai people are genuinely kind, warm and welcoming, and the vast majority of interactions you’ll have will be positive. That said, in very tourist-heavy areas there are a small number of opportunists who take advantage of visitors simply because they’re unfamiliar with how things work. Think of this as awareness rather than something to worry about.
🛺 Tuk-Tuk “Special Tours”
One of the most common situations travellers encounter is a tuk-tuk driver offering an extremely cheap sightseeing tour. These offers are usually delivered with friendly charm and big promises but often include detours to shops, tour operators or attractions you didn’t ask for. We were once offered a one-hour tour for just 50 baht, only to be dropped minutes later at a longboat company quoting 1,800 baht. It became clear the “tour” wasn’t what we’d agreed to, and the situation quickly turned frustrating. It was a good lesson in trusting our instincts and walking away from deals that sound too good to be true.
Tuk-tuks work best when used like a taxi for short trips rather than tours. Always agree on a firm price before hopping in. And really, it wouldn’t be Thailand without at least one tuk-tuk ride.
🏯 “Closed Temple” Redirects
Another well-known scenario involves someone telling you a popular attraction or temple is closed for the day, often followed by an offer to take you to a “better” or “special” place instead. In most cases, the attraction isn’t closed at all.
If this happens, thank them and continue on your way or quickly check online. It’s usually just a redirection tactic rather than anything malicious.
🍽️ Finding Restaurants on Google Maps
This one isn’t really a scam, but it can be confusing. You might show someone a restaurant on Google Maps and be told “yes, here,” only to be led somewhere completely different. Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, sometimes it’s a nearby place instead.
If you’re unsure, double-check the name, reviews or photos on Google Maps before sitting down.
🛍️ Tourist Pricing at Markets
Markets are fun, vibrant and still very affordable, but be aware that tourist pricing is common. Prices may be higher than what locals pay, and they can vary depending on who’s asking. It’s not personal, and it’s rarely aggressive.
If the price feels fair to you, pay it. If not, a smile and polite negotiation usually go a long way.
🧠 Trust Your Instincts
Scams in Thailand often rely on friendliness, urgency or deals that feel unusually cheap. If someone approaches you out of nowhere with insider information, warnings or special offers, pause and reassess.
If you feel pressured, confused or rushed, walk away. There will always be another option.
💆 Staying Healthy While Travelling
At our stage in life, staying healthy while travelling is a priority. Thailand made this easy. We embraced a slower pace, daily movement and wellness practices that supported us physically and mentally.
In Bangkok, we:
- Built daily routines around swimming, walking and gym sessions
- Enjoyed Thai massages that were both affordable and genuinely therapeutic
- Focused on hydration, nourishing food and good sleep
We also explored alternative health care. After some research, we visited Lekang Clinic in Nana, offering acupuncture and Chinese medicinal treatments. It helped ease persistent aches we’d carried into the trip and became part of our overall wellness routine.
🌡️ Heat, Hydration & Sun Safety
Thailand’s heat can be intense, especially in cities. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common issues for travellers.
Simple habits make a big difference:
- Drink water constantly
- Take breaks during the hottest part of the day
- Wear sunscreen and lightweight clothing
- Plan activities early morning or late afternoon
🧭 Our Health & Safety Tips
- Avoid tuk-tuk “tour” offers and unsolicited guides
- Use Grab or pre-booked transport where possible
- Trust your instincts — walk away if unsure
- Stay hydrated and respect the heat
- Build rest days into longer stays
- Use reputable clinics and spas for treatments
✨ Final Thoughts
Thailand is a country that rewards travellers who stay aware but relaxed. Most people you meet are genuine, kind and helpful. With a little common sense and confidence in your instincts, you’ll find Thailand an easy and enjoyable place to travel — one where health, safety and wellbeing fit naturally into the journey.
🔗 More Thailand Travel Guides
Want more Thailand Inspiration?
Explore all our Thailand blogs in one place – from laid-back islands and beaches to local towns and the energy of Bangkok.
👉 Read all our Thailand Destination Guides & Thailand Travel Essentials Guides Here
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“The best journeys are taken with open eyes, calm awareness and trust in your instincts.”