Bangkok Travel Forum

Is it safe?
What about taxis and tuk tuks?

Thanks in advance!

I have always felt perfectly safe in BKK as a lone, middle-aged female. Although, I now have expat friends there and last time I was there they insisted I take taxis not tuk tuks. I thought the greatest danger (apart from the traffic!) was from peculiar infrastructure, there are sometimes bits missing from sidewalks or odd pipes and things sticking out, so you need to watch where you are walking: a friend of mine also visiting alone twisted her ankle after tripping over a piece of fallen masonry.

About taking a taxi or a tuk-tuk... I'd say that during the day time, there's absolutely no problem, but at night, you have to watch yourself out!

Thank you very much!

Will probably take taxis and try not to stay out late at night :)

I would stick with the skytrain and the metro if there is one around your destinantion. Taxis would be my second choice. And I would avoid taking tuk tuks.

Don't worry. You'll be perfectly safe as long as you use your common sense. If something doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Don't get so drunk you don't know what you are doing (a common reason for assaults...) and don't take tuk-tuks in teh middle of the night. During the day, you'll have no problem apart from them trying to get you to shops where they'll get commission.

The best advice i can give you is to worry less and enjoy the travel experience more

Hi

BKK is a safe city & I'll suggest to take sky train (BTS) as transport, it is really convenient & taxis will be 2nd choice. Not tuk tuk.

Happy Holiday.

I too feel safety will not be a problem. BKK quite safe, however, be careful with scam artists!!!
It is easier to fall prey to some of the common scams going on in Bangkok when traveling alone.
DO NOT accept offers of help from unsolicited tuk tuk drivers - chances are, they're trying to get you to come with them so you can be taken on a wild shopping spree to shops that are giving him a commission.
DO NOT believe it when a person tells you that the Grand Palace or other public places are closed due to religious holiday or, the King being on the premises.
A common rouse to get you away from there while they take you shopping.
DO NOT settle for the first price offered...HAGGLE and bargain for the price.
It is part of the shopping experience.

Don't take tuk tuk, as they will make many other stops on the way that you don't want to go to...I was in Bangkok last week, heard this advice, did not listen to it, and ended up going to buy a $200 suit, then he tried to take me to buy silver and other goods, and this was a government run tuk tuk. Everyone I met in Bangkok (all locals) said DO NOT take the tuk tuk. Stick to metered taxis; they are cheap and will take you where you want to go!

tuk tuks are for tourists, and are almost without exception more expensive than a metered taxi (insist on the meter when you get in, or get out!) taxis are almost always safe, but if given a choice, choose the newer, cleaner looking taxis (which tend to be pink).

cheers
damon

thanks for the overwhelming response :)
very very helpful!