I am planning to go to Thailand (my third trip in the last year, but frst alone) to look over the spa industry. How safe is this for me to do? I am almost 50 years old (a young 50 though) I have been to most visted destinations around the country. This time I believe I am going to focus on Bangkok. I love to speak with the locals and shop. I have made one pretty good friend who I hope will be able to one day visit the USA and possibly have her work for me here. Although her english is a little slow. I am planning to learn some Thai while I am there. I dont plan on letting people know (other than this friend) that I am traveling alone. Can anyone make suggestions where I can stay (possibly a serviced apt.) which will be safe? Also, where should I not venture....and any other tid bits you can share with me . thanks a bunch....

Alice

I am planning to go to Thailand (my third trip in the last year, but frst alone) to look over the spa industry. How safe is this for me to do? I am almost 50 years old (a young 50 though) I have been to most visted destinations around the country. This time I believe I am going to focus on Bangkok.  I dont plan on letting people know (other than this friend) that I am traveling alone. Can anyone make suggestions where I can stay (possibly a serviced apt.) which will be safe? Also, where should I not venture....and any other tid bits you can share with me . thanks a bunch....

Alice

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Hi - I was there with my daughter for over a year, we taught english for rajaphat univeristy for awhile. In Bangkok we stayed at the Atlanta Hotel - nice old retro hotel - http://theatlantahotel.bizland.com/ (has a nice pool too) - or if it was full the Raja Hotel up the street. We were out late to the night market with the band near Sala Daeng and so on and never had any problems. I think there are expat women's groups in Bangkok you could attend.

It's safe to be here on your own but many things require that you understand how Thais view women differently. Also, being able judge someone's character is much harder when they are from a different culture. Often I have met someone new here and I will ask a few Thais what they thought of the person and their impression is completely different than mine.

Unsafe areas are generally not by neighborhoods, but more by little sections. I know that Thais tell me to avoid areas near construction sites and areas that are undeveloped in BKK. They don't feel comfortable in saying why, but it's been said enough that I don't do it.

Don't be alone with a man unless you know him well and/or your purpose is very explicitly stated. Many Thai women bring chaperones to dates. Some men may get the wrong idea if you are alone.

I have a friend who had someone try to slash her purse open on a crowded public city bus. They accidentally cut her instead. Generally, be aware when in a big crowd.

Busses going out of BKK are generally safe, but if you are going on a visa run sleeper bus, I'd advise you to bring somebody else or make a friend on the bus. I've heard a story of a bus driver (not the one driving, mind you) trying to feel up a woman while she was asleep.

Don't take tuk-tuks in Bangkok. This is good advice for anybody. Taxis are safer, but have a mobile phone. Get out if the driver does not listen to directions. He may know of a shortcut, but they will normally explain if that's the case. If you are in an argument about money with a driver, show them you will call the tourist police 1155.

Many taxi drivers are flirtatious and it is mostly harmless it can be amusing (they sing sometimes!) and sometimes it's annoying. I will call somebody and chat if it bothers me but I don't feel threatened.

Almost any building will have security. Go by any place you are looking at several times to see how good they are. My last building I paid double what I paid now. I asked the security at my old place to keep my ex out of the building. They were too afraid to tell him no, and let him in. Generally they were unfriendly but I didn't know that better was available. My new place has more units and has a team of guys that actually give my guests a hard time. This is good. I accidentally hit the alarm button on 8 AM on a Saturday and they were knocking on my door in two minutes!

I do feel safe here, and you just have to be aware in different ways.

It's safe to be here on your own but many things require that you understand how Thais view women differently.  Also, being able judge someone's character is much harder when they are from a different culture.  Often I have met someone new here and I will ask a few Thais what they thought of the person and their impression is completely different than mine.

Unsafe areas are generally not by neighborhoods, but more by little sections.  I know that Thais tell me to avoid areas near construction sites and areas that are undeveloped in BKK.  They don't feel comfortable in saying why, but it's been said enough that I don't do it.

Don't be alone with a man unless you know him well and/or your purpose is very explicitly stated.  Many Thai women bring chaperones to dates.  Some men may get the wrong idea if you are alone.

I have a friend who had someone try to slash her purse open on a crowded public city bus.  They accidentally cut her instead. Generally, be aware when in a big crowd.

Busses going out of BKK are generally safe, but  if you are going on a visa run sleeper bus, I'd advise you to bring somebody else or make a friend on the bus.  I've heard a story of a bus driver (not the one driving, mind you) trying to feel up a woman while she was asleep.

Don't take tuk-tuks in Bangkok.  This is good advice for anybody.  Taxis are safer, but have a mobile phone.  Get out if the driver does not listen to directions.  He may know of a shortcut, but they will normally explain if that's the case.  If you are in an argument about money with a driver, show them you will call the tourist police 1155. 

Many taxi drivers are flirtatious and it is mostly harmless it can be amusing (they sing sometimes!) and sometimes it's annoying.  I will call somebody and chat if it bothers me but I don't feel threatened.

Almost any building will have security.  Go by any place you are looking at several times to see how good they are.  My last building I paid double what I paid now.  I asked the security at my old place to keep my ex out of the building.  They were too afraid to tell him no, and let him in.  Generally they were unfriendly but I didn't know that better was available.  My new place has more units and has a team of guys that actually give my guests a hard time.  This is good.  I accidentally hit the alarm button on 8 AM on a Saturday and they were knocking on my door in two minutes!

I do feel safe here, and you just have to be aware in different ways.

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I cant thank you enough for your valuable advise. I never knew about the construction sites...I will keep that in the front of my mind when walking about. No matter how many times we visit a place there are always others that have valuable info such as your self....thanks so much

Alice

I am planning to go to Thailand (my third trip in the last year, but frst alone) to look over the spa industry. How safe is this for me to do? I am almost 50 years old (a young 50 though) I have been to most visted destinations around the country. This time I believe I am going to focus on Bangkok.  I dont plan on letting people know (other than this friend) that I am traveling alone. Can anyone make suggestions where I can stay (possibly a serviced apt.) which will be safe? Also, where should I not venture....and any other tid bits you can share with me . thanks a bunch....

Alice

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi - I was there with my daughter for over a year, we taught english for rajaphat univeristy for awhile. In Bangkok we stayed at the Atlanta Hotel - nice old retro hotel - http://theatlantahotel.bizland.com/ (has a nice pool too) - or if it was full the Raja Hotel up the street. We were out late to the night market with the band near Sala Daeng and so on and never had any problems. I think there are expat women's groups in Bangkok you could attend.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks so much for your suggestion. I will look into this hotel. I like the fact that they dont allow outsiders to walk about the hotal without permission. Every little bit of extra security measure helps when you travel alone...

Alice