Is Bangkok Safe to Visit In 2024?

Slow TravelSolo Woman Travel
Written By Gi Shieh
Image of wat arun on the river at sunset

disclosure: this article may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission for any booking that you make

Bangkok, Thailand ranked as the 8th most visited city in the world in 2023. With a staggering 22.78 million annual international visitors and 11.5 million residents, it’s safe to say that Bangkok is one of the most chaotic cities in the world. Add to that the recent Siam Paragon mall shooting in October 2023 and you might be wondering… is Bangkok safe to visit?

Bangkok, that capital of Thailand, is known for its unique blend of the old and new. Among the bustling alleys that wind along the canal, you’ll find majestic golden temples of kingdoms past mixed with industrial-chic cafes for everyday workers like you and me.

Safety is a priority if you want to make the most of your experience. A stolen wallet or spiked drink can ruin your entire trip…to say the least. So here’s everything that you need to know about safety in Bangkok with tips and tricks from a solo female traveler.

Image of the Grand Palace in Bangkok from the outside on a sunny day

Is Bangkok Safe To Visit In 2024?

Overall, Bangkok is pretty safe to travel. In my experience as a solo female traveler, I never ran into any danger and felt safe even walking back to my accommodation late at night. However, Bangkok is a big city so you should definitely keep your street smarts about you. Stay aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.

Statistics:

Anecdotal evidence provides an incomplete picture, so let’s take a look at some recommendations from the authorities.

Thailand Rankings:

Bangkok Rankings:

  • Numbeo: 60.24 safety score (100 is most safe)

Most of the crime that occurs in Bangkok is associated with corruption and bribery, the drug scene, and property crimes like vandalism and theft. The risk of serious personal danger is pretty low. Unfortunately, as a tourist, you’ll probably encounter some scams and pickpocketing attempts but we’ll cover some general safety tips to avoid those dangers later on in this article.

ai-generated stock image of a woman wearing blue traditional thai dress carrying a parasol walking through thai temple at golden hour

How Safe Is Bangkok For Solo Female Travelers?

Bangkok is pretty safe for solo female travelers. Almost as safe as Taipei and definitely safer than New York City (two places that I’ve lived for extensive periods of time).

I never had any issues with cat calling, discrimination, or sexual harassment and even felt safe enough to participate in nightlife and walk home alone late at night. Thai locals are extremely warm, helpful, and friendly and any negative encounters that I had were with entitled older white male expats (and these happened on the islands, not in Bangkok).

I’ve also met plenty of other solo female travelers so the fact that other women feel safe to explore Bangkok alone is reassuring. I even connected with another solo traveler while waiting for the bus and we made plans to meet up and hang out in Taipei!

Traveling alone? Here are the top 10 communities for solo female travelers.

I will say that there have been a few reports of kidnappings of Chinese and Taiwanese people in Thailand but most instances were of scams involving fake offers for high-paying jobs. The risk of spontaneous kidnappings off the street or in a bar are pretty rare. (sources: Newsflare, Taipei Times)

All in all, Bangkok is a safe city for solo female travelers to explore. Just follow the general guidelines for staying safe and avoiding scams and you’ll have a pleasant experience.

how safe is bangkok at night? people shopping at night market

How Safe Is Bangkok At Night?

Bangkok is known for its cheap drinks and wild nightlife so as a visitor, it only makes sense to check it out. But if you’re a little apprehensive about some after hours fun, here’s what you need to know about Bangkok safety at night.

Even as a solo female traveler, Bangkok is generally safe at night but as usual, when you add alcohol to the equation, things get a little more unpredictable. Most bars close around 12 or 1am so if you’re looking to explore, I’d probably keep it to the earlier evening (7pm - 11pm); things can get a little more rowdy after 1am. 

Also, some neighborhoods are definitely safer to walk through than other neighborhoods. If you’re ever in a situation where you feel unsure, I’d recommend taking a Grab back to your accommodation. The risk is never worth it.

Tips For Exploring Bangkok At Night:

  • Don’t walk around intoxicated

  • Don’t flaunt your valuables

  • Walk on well-lit streets

  • Avoid sketchy neighborhoods

Nothing revolutionary, but it needed to be stated. Additionally, I like to look at recent vlogs on Youtube to get a more accurate understanding of what to expect!

Safest Neighborhoods In Bangkok:

Choosing a safe neighborhood to stay in is essential when traveling alone. Here are the safest neighborhoods in Bangkok:

  • Siam: a huge shopping district where young people gather

  • Riverside: home to 5-star hotels with resort-style accommodations looking over the river

  • Banglamphu: hippie touristy vibe that’s home to the infamous Khao San Road

  • Sukhumvit: center of business with incredible upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife

  • Sathorn: trendy business district with a mix of classic Bangkok grit and new school class

Top Hotel Recommendations For Bangkok In Each Neighborhood:

Least Safe Neighborhoods In Bangkok:

Like any big city, there are some neighborhoods that are more dangerous than the rest. In Bangkok, the most dangerous districts tend to be associated with the sex industry.  Avoid these areas if you can.

  • Patpong: Bangkok’s oldest red light district where Thailand’s go-go culture started

  • Nana: “the world’s largest adult playground”

  • Soi Cowboy: famous street known for nightlife, entertainment, and partying

Cimes and Scams In Bangkok floating market

Top Petty Crimes And Scams In Bangkok

As a tourist, you’re most at risk for pick pocketing and simple scams. When walking through the streets, keep your belongings close and always be vigilant when someone gets a little too close. Thai people are generally pretty courteous when it comes to personal space so if someone is intruding or getting a little too friendly, take a step back and set some boundaries.

Here Are The Most Common Scams In Bangkok:

  • Taxi/tuk-tuk scam: it’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to say that their meter isn’t running or take the scenic route to your destination. Always ask the driver for a quote before you get in and if anything feels off, pull over and get out. I also found that using the Grab app (a ride sharing app) was one of the most convenient and safe ways to get around. You can also compare the prices quoted there with what local taxi drivers are saying.

  • Tourist site closed scam: this is probably the most common scam in Bangkok. When visiting well-known tourist sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, or Wat Arun, a stranger might approach you and say that the attraction is closed. They’ll then offer to take you to a temple, shop, or attraction that is open where they receive a commission for any sales. You can avoid this scam by going straight to the information desk or ticket booth at the attraction site and finding out for yourself if the site is actually closed.

  • Gemstone scam: be wary of purchasing fake jewelry that is sold as authentic.

  • Khlong scam: khlong means canal. Someone will offer you a ride in a long tail boat through the canals of Bangkok and when your ride ends, they’ll stop a few meters from the pier and demand more money. Unless you want to take a swim, you have no choice but to pay him the extra money. Avoid this by booking all tours and rides beforehand through a platform like Tripadvisor or Viator.

  • Floating market scam: Bangkok is famous for its floating markets but unfortunately, they’re some of the city’s biggest tourist traps. When visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or Amphawa Floating Market, be wary of anyone trying to sell you a tour or an overpriced boat ride ($2000 baht/hour). The official price of boat hires from the market is 400 baht per person on a shared boat or 2000 baht per boat for a 6-person boat (per hour).

Tips To Stay Safe In Bangkok:

  • Be alert as a pedestrian. Thai traffic is wild and accidents happen all the time.

  • Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry too much cash.

  • Don’t carry your passport around.

  • Don’t take or accept any illegal recreational drugs.

  • Invest in a pick-pocket-proof bag.

  • Don’t leave an open drink unattended.

  • Don’t talk about the royal family.

  • Avoid outdoor ATMs.

  • Invest in travel insurance.

Is Thai Street Food Safe - night market stalls

Is Street Food Safe In Thailand?

Thai cuisine is some of the best in the world and street food is a great way to authentically experience it. But is street food safe? Generally, yes. But if you’re worried about getting sick, just make sure that you’re picking stalls with long lines that a lot of local Thais eat at. If you really want to err on the side of caution, stick to cooked vegetarian options as they’re less likely to carry foodborne pathogens.

Is Tap Water Safe In Thailand?

According to the authorities, it is. But the water travels through some very old and dirty pipes so you should always filter and boil the tap water before drinking it. A lot of the locals that I met just drank bottled water and that’s what I did as well. Not the most sustainable, but unfortunately sometimes the only solution.

Bangkok offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers from all walks of life. By staying informed, practicing common-sense precautions, and tapping into the vibrant energy of this metropolis responsibly, you can unlock the true essence of Bangkok without compromising your safety.

I hope that this blog post was helpful and if you’re ready to get to planning your adventure through Thailand, here’s the perfect one month itinerary or the ultimate Thailand bucketlist to begin with!

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Gi Shieh
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