Thailand is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. From spectacular views to the amazing tradition and culture, this is that one place that has everything. Tourists visiting Thailand are offered a wide variety of options when it comes to food and shopping. Therefore, the chances of leaving disappointed are very low. However, if you plan on backpacking in Thailand to some unexplored and offbeat places, you are going to need a few tips to ensure your safety. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Thailand Backpacking Safety Tips
Advance Bookings
When you are planning your trip to Thailand, you should make sure that you organize a separate budget for backpacking in Thailand. Many flights go to Thailand. However, due to certain events or at some particular times of the year the fares can double. Therefore, to avoid the last-minute surge you should always book in advance to travel on a budget. This does not only stand true for your home country but inside traveling in Thailand as well.
Stay in Hostels
Although most people tend to live in beach resorts and swanky hotels, you should ditch them and choose to stay in hostels to have a lifetime experience. These hostels not only offer amenities and comfort but give you a golden opportunity to travel and enjoy with like-minded followers as well. You can choose to stay in Siamaze, Old Town Hostel, Blanco Hostel, or Baan Kamala Fantasea Hostel that happens to be the most popular hostels in Thailand.
Learn the Etiquettes
While backpacking for Thailand, you should go through the values and etiquette that need to be followed. Thailand is a sensitive country towards its values and etiquettes and it expects its guests to respect them as well.
The first thing you should know that the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Therefore, you should not be touching anyone’s head. Even children for that matter as it can be disrespectful. At the same time, since the foot tends to be the lowest portion of the body, touching anyone with the same is highly disrespectful. In addition to that, you should not be talking about the king in public places. He is the most loved figure in the country.
Wai is a way of greeting. It involves closing the hands and bowing down. Therefore, if someone meets you that way, you should also return the favor. If you are entering a sacred place, you should cover your head and be wearing something decent. Lastly, the national anthem is played everyday at 8 am and 6 pm, you should stand wherever you are and pay respect to the country.
Pack Light Pack Right
The most important tip, perhaps regarding backpacking, is traveling with light luggage. For backpacking, you should purchase a light backpack and only keep the essentials inside. These essentials are hand sanitizers, essential medicines, water, light clothes, sunscreen, and slippers, etc. Thailand is a tropical country. Therefore, it is always hot and humid. You will not be wearing or feel the need to wear woolen clothes or jackets so do not bother packing them.
Avoid the Red Light Areas
Thailand is also famous for its red-light districts. This is where prostitution thrives and people from all over the world come for satisfying themselves. This is also the area where things can go very wrong. You can get robbed and ripped off with no one around to help you.
Furthermore, these areas are managed and protected by the local gangs. Therefore, the last thing you would want is to be kidnapped by scary men who just want everything valuable that you possess.
Don’t Do Drugs
Thailand is a blessed country for drug dealers especially those who deal in marijuana. You will find plenty here and those who sell it. While roaming the streets, you will be offered plenty but you should avoid it at all times. Oftentimes, the drug dealers will sell you the drugs and then report to the police. As a result, you will only get out after paying a huge bribe. Therefore, the best way to avoid all these things is by staying away from such areas and streets.
Say No to Scams
Unfortunately, scams also thrive in Thailand. If you have someone offering you something on the street just say no and move on, especially the tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok. They will take you to places other than asked and will get a kickback while overcharging. If you plan on visiting a temple and the driver tells you that it is closed, you shouldn’t listen. It is better to ask the travelers or the hotel where to go.
Overall, Thailand is a pretty safe place for backpacking. However, there are some limitations that you should consider. In most cases, people have ended up in bad situations for things they should have avoided. Every year, tourists complain of being scammed and ripped off for a few dollars. Therefore, keep things to yourself and avoid anything that sounds or looks suspicious.
Final Word
Thailand’s tourism sector contributes a huge share to its economy each year. Although Thailand is trying to make itself safer for the tourists but some things take time. In the meantime, you should consider the safety tips mentioned above and use your common sense. Avoid dangerous areas, scammers, and drug dealers that can ruin your entire experience.