Thailand is an abundant paradise in the heart of Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has been one of the most visited tourist destinations worldwide. Most tourists love Thailand due to its thriving culture and beautiful natural environment. It is truly a unique place that has vibrant nature that includes (but is not limited to) white sand beaches, jungles, and mountains. The country also has bustling cities and very famous spiritual sites. So, it is particularly diverse, and travelers can experience different sides of Thailand in one trip.
Some of Thailand’s top natural attractions include the Ao Phang Nga National Park (otherwise known as James Bond Island from the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”), Khao Sok National Park (the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world) and the Thi Lo Su Waterfall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Bangkok, the country’s capital, is one of the most popular stops for its stunning skyscrapers, nice markets, and museums. Thailand has historic temples and many archaeological sites that travelers will surely appreciate. The Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple) are some of the most popular tourist sites. It does not hurt that Thailand has pretty affordable living and very welcoming locals, which makes most visitors quite happy. It is no surprise that it has been coined the Land of Smiles.
While Thailand delivers an enjoyable vacation with an enticing food scene, it is also not considered the safest place to go (by some). On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck the region, centered in neighboring Myanmar but causing widespread impact across Southeast Asia, including Thailand. In Bangkok, the earthquake’s impact was profound. The busy capital witnessed scenes of chaos as buildings swayed and people rushed to the streets in panic.
Most dramatically, a 33-story building under construction near the popular Chatuchak Market collapsed, sending a massive cloud of dust into the air and trapping numerous workers beneath the rubble. The collapse of the high-rise under construction has left over 100 people missing, with rescue efforts ongoing. For travelers considering a visit to Thailand, this recent event adds a new layer of consideration to safety planning. We have compiled some of the most critical information for tourists to know when considering travel to Thailand.
The Best Travel Advisories
Travel advisories help inform travelers of the appropriate safety, health, and travel precautions for particular destinations. Since safety risks can vary, travelers should utilize official advisories to assess their intended destination.
The U.S. Department of State and even the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have travel advisories that are very informative for travelers wanting to assess the safety level of their potential destinations. The Department of State is on a level-one travel destination, which means that travelers can exercise normal precautions. Aside from some areas that are categorized as level three destinations that travelers should reconsider travel to, Thailand is a welcoming destination, according to the U.S. government. There is even a U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Bangkok, Thailand, so citizens can have a place of refuge. Travelers can also find helpful information about Thailand on the CIA’s website, which provides details on travel requirements and local customs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a very informative page on Thailand that details health notices, local vaccines, preventable illnesses, and how to stay healthy while in the area. For example, it is recommended that visitors avoid tap water and stick with bottled or filtered water. The World Health Organization (WHO) also assesses Southeast Asia for health data and concerns, which travelers to Thailand can review if they are concerned about the country’s overall health level.
Is Thailand Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Thailand is generally a safe destination, but travelers should be sure to stay cautious. In light of the recent earthquake, the safety situation for tourists and solo travelers has been impacted but remains manageable. While damage and disruption remain in the earthquake’s wake, Bangkok, Thailand, is still a relatively safe destination for travelers.
Still, Bangkok, which experienced significant tremors, has been declared a “disaster area” by city authorities. This designation allows for more efficient coordination of emergency responses and recovery efforts. Tourists should know that some city areas may have restricted access or ongoing cleanup operations.
Despite the challenges, Thailand’s major airports, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, have resumed normal operations after brief inspections. Air travel to and from Thailand remains largely unaffected, which is crucial for tourists planning visits or departures.
There is also some risk for civil unrest and terrorism that travelers should stay informed about. There have been some violent incidents in the capital city in recent years (2019) that may dissuade some travelers. However, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), Thailand is considered safer because there is limited access to weapons and a low homicide rate.
Solo travelers, especially women, require a certain finesse to have a completely safe experience in Thailand. It is safest for women visiting Thailand to wear more modest clothing when possible. Traveling alone in Thailand as a woman presents special challenges, so solo travelers should exercise caution and avoid late-night exploring.
It is important to note that Thailand is a Kingdom, so the military rules the country. Therefore, tourists should respect local customs and not get involved with political disputes or crime. Crime in Thailand has serious consequences, so tourists should abide by local laws. There are even some scams that travelers should be aware of. In Thailand, tourists should be careful of rentals, city tours, internet romances, and financial scams.
Rental and city tour scams mostly involve promising exceptional services or experiences and requesting large sums of money. The more elaborate scams, like internet romance and financial scams, can entice tourists to provide funds or fall into dangerous opportunities either online or in person.
How To Stay Safe in Thailand
Travelers should familiarize themselves with earthquake safety procedures. The FCDO recommends referring to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency for guidance on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. If you stay in a high-rise building, inquire about its safety status and evacuation procedures. Some hotels may have restricted the use of certain facilities as a precautionary measure.
In addition, visitors should be sure to respect cultural differences and practices while abroad. Thailand is a historically Buddhist country, so travelers should be prepared to observe local etiquette. Things like removing shoes in sacred spaces, talking quietly, exhibiting no public displays of affections, or smoking are important, especially while visiting Thai temples.
To stay as safe as possible, tourists should stay alert while in public areas. Avoiding thieves (pickpockets, bag snatchers, etc.) is a primary concern for travelers. If travelers choose to use public transportation like tuk-tuks, which are open, they should be sure to secure their valuables and keep any precious items stowed away. Other modes of transportation, like buses and trains, are generally safe, but nighttime rides can be particularly dodgy. Travelers should avoid falling asleep on public transport since it is not uncommon for people to take items from the bags of people who are not alert. Thailand is not a highly threatening country, so travelers should just travel safely and stay in tourist-friendly areas.
Where To Stay in Thailand
There are many places in Thailand where tourists can stay safely. Some of the most popular areas are Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Sami, and Phuket. Chiang Mai has a plethora of impressive structures that have great historical significance, so history buffs and cultural connoisseurs will enjoy a stay there. It is even a popular place for expats since it has many co-working spaces and cafes. Tourists note that Chiang Mai is in close proximity to popular national parks, is a great area for families, and is generally a calmer area. Bangkok, on the other hand, has a more metropolitan feel. Bangkok is famous for its affordable street food, great public transportation, and even affordable hostels. It is technically quite cheap to stay there, so areas like the Banglamphu area with nearby nightlife and scenic accommodations are feasible to stay in.
Koh Sami is an area that offers tourists the best adventures. ATV tours, paddle boarding, and swimming in waterfalls are just a few of the adrenaline-inducing activities in Koh Sami. The area is popular for being exclusive, but there is also a backpacker culture, so there are some budget stay options. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and it is an ideal location for beach life. Phuket Old Town is the most affordable place to stay, and it also provides great access to local markets and attractions. For travelers wanting peak beach views, the soft-sanded beaches and crystal-clear waters of Phuket are a top recommendation.
The Best Time To Visit Thailand
While it is generally warm all year round in Thailand, it’s wise to avoid peak travel times. The winter months (from around November through March) are the best time to visit. But the weather is still a factor in determining the best time to travel to Thailand. The wet season is from May through around October. This rainy season coincides with the monsoon season, of course, so heavy rains can impact a traveler’s trip or even create a dangerous environment. Considering that, the best options for travelers are either the shoulder season in the winter or the peak warm season between March and June. This season may be the best in terms of pleasant weather, but there may be large crowds that complicate travel (like increased travel costs).
People Also Ask
Is Thailand really affordable? Yes, many consider Thailand one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. The cheapest time to travel there is around July to September.
How Safe is Bangkok for tourists? Bangkok is a tourist-friendly city, even for solo travelers. However, travelers should exercise extra precautions if they go out at night.
