Is Bangkok safe to visit?

Thailand's notorious capital Bangkok is a city of extremes; it is both busy, chaotic, and overwhelming – as well as surprising, unique, and bustling. Although the city might not be every traveler's cup of tea, one thing is for sure: Bangkok is a city you will never forget!

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, receiving more than 22 million curious and excited travelers yearly, and you'll be one of them soon! With a bustling nightlife, a rich cultural heritage, and some of the world’s best street food, Bangkok has so much to offer. It's without a doubt one of the most interesting cities on the planet and for many years it's been a favorite city to travel to for all sorts of travelers!

But with any big city – and Bangkok is a very big city – it's not completely free from safety concerns. With a small threat of natural disasters, scams, and out-of-control tourists, there are a few things you should be aware of before traveling to Bangkok.

One of the best ways to ensure your Bangkok vacation is as safe and relaxing as possible is to explore the city on a private tour. This is exactly why we have curated our very own private tours in Bangkok – because we think it’s one of the best destinations in the world and we want to help you discover it in the safest way possible!

Our friendly local tour guides will ensure you get to see the real Bangkok by sharing their in-depth knowledge and advice to help keep you happy, interested, and safe on your tour trip. They’ll act as your personal tour guide, driver, and photographer for the day – what could be better?

But the main question still remains: 'Is Bangkok safe to visit?' The answer is a bit more complicated than just 'yes' or 'no,' but don't worry, we are here to help you! Let's dive into it!

Is Bangkok safe to visit?

YES, in general Bangkok is a very safe destination, but that doesn't mean it doesn't come with its own unique crimes. Petty crimes (pickpockets, con artists) do exist here– but not nearly to the same extent as in other cities the same size as Bangkok. While parts of the city feel seamy, we can almost guarantee you'll have a pleasant, trouble-free stay in this city! That being said, it's always good to know a few things: how to avoid scams, how to manage politically-tinged encounters, and how to navigate the city’s notorious traffic. The best advice we can give is to stay away from sketchy areas and use your common sense. But know that incidents of violent crime against tourists are very low.

The safest and unsafest areas in Bangkok

The safest neighborhoods in Bangkok are Riverside, Siam, and Rattanakosin. The least safe areas are Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy. Usually, the most touristy areas in Bangkok are the safest, although these are also where most tourist scams happen. Most pickpocket incidents occur at night markets, bus stops, shopping malls, and tourist spots like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Khao San Road.

How to keep yourself safe

Here are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to keeping yourself safe:

• If you’re planning to visit Bangkok between May and October, know that you'll be flying in during the rainy season, when rainfall is a daily occurrence. Be careful of floods and other monsoon-related incidents that might disrupt your trip.
• Look both ways when crossing the street. Motorized vehicles in Bangkok do not yield to pedestrians.
• Around March and April, the air quality in Bangkok can be poor. Pollution can be severe, so take precautions if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Wear your bags in front of you or invest in belt bags to stash your money and valuables.

Most common scams and tourist traps in Bangkok

• The tuk tuk scam: Tuk-tuk drivers often pretend they don't speak English. After your ride, they may claim you agreed on a higher fare.
• The gem scam: Don’t believe anyone who tells you to buy gems; these are often worthless.
• "This is closed" scams: If someone tells you an attraction is closed, don’t believe them. They're likely trying to divert you to a less worthwhile location with high entrance fees.
• Bracelet scam: If someone tries to put something on your wrist, don’t let them; they'll try to charge you for it.
• Ping pong show scams: Avoid offers to see a "ping pong show." These often come with hidden charges and can lead to a costly experience.
• Bird food scam: Avoid people offering bird food; they’ll charge you after you’ve fed the birds.
• Fake police scams: A "policeman" may approach and claim an issue with your passport, leading you to pay a “fine” to avoid further trouble.

Is Bangkok safe at night?

Like any city, Bangkok can get sketchy at night. Stick with a group instead of heading out alone, avoid side streets, and opt for taxis to get around, even for short distances.

Is Bangkok safe for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Bangkok has long been a favored destination for solo travelers. As long as you're aware of scams and areas to avoid, you’ll have an amazing time traveling solo in Bangkok!

Is it safe to drive in Bangkok?

Generally, no. Thailand has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates globally. During peak hours, Bangkok’s streets can be overwhelmingly chaotic. Public transportation, a driver, or a taxi is a safer option.

Is it safe to eat street food in Bangkok?

You shouldn't be afraid to try street food in Bangkok. Choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked, and avoid food that has been sitting out all day. If you have a sensitive stomach, steer clear of papaya salad, cut fruit, and buffet seafood.

Other safety tips:

• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never give your passport as a deposit; you may not get it back.
• Use ATMs inside buildings to avoid skimming and fraud.
• Agree on a price before getting in a tuk-tuk.
• Cover up to protect against mosquitoes; dengue fever is a risk.
• Bangkok taxis are known for not turning on meters.
• Stay away from street dogs; rabies is a concern.
• Be cautious with needles for tattoos, as HIV is a risk.
• Avoid drugs; they are illegal and come with severe penalties.
• Do not participate in political protests.
• Be respectful of Thai royalty.
• Avoid tap water, even for brushing your teeth.

Conclusion:

Bangkok offers so much in terms of history, culture, and adventure. Armed with this guide, you’re ready to safely explore Bangkok’s temples, street food, and markets. Whether you’re on one of the tours in Bangkok or exploring on your own, an unforgettable adventure awaits!