Last Updated: 02/02/20 | February 2nd, 2020
Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions in the world for backpackers and budget travelers. It’s home to a well-worn travel trail that dates back to the 1960s and ’70s, stretching across Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore.
I’ve been checking out the area frequently considering that 2004 (I even spent a few years living in Thailand). It really does have something for everyone: bustling cities, delicious food, spectacular diving, lots of outdoor activities, historic sites — the list goes on.
Best of all? It’s budget friendly!
But is Southeast Asia safe?
That’s a question I get asked often, especially by solo travelers (or their anxious families).
Generally speaking, Southeast Asia is exceptionally safe. In fact, it’s one of the safest regions in the world.
You aren’t going to really face any physical danger, and it’s rare to even get robbed or mugged. people are nice, respectful, and friendly.
That said, here’s everything you need to know to stay safe in Southeast Asia!
Table of Contents
11 ways to stay safe in Southeast Asia
5 common Scams in Southeast Asia
Is the food safe in Southeast Asia?
Can You drink the tap Water in Southeast Asia?
Are Taxis safe in Southeast Asia?
Is Southeast Asia safe for Solo Travelers?
Is Southeast Asia safe for Solo female Travelers?
Should You check out Southeast Asia?
11 ways to stay safe in Southeast Asia
Staying safe in Southeast Asia doesn’t take a lot of work. Southeast Asia is an exceptionally safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. violent attacks are rare. There are some common scams around, like the motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for damage to their bike, but for the most part, this is a safe place to travel. people are great and valuable and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. The people who do tend to be involved with drinking or drugs or sex tourism. stay away from that stuff and you’ll be fine. That said, here are 11 ways to make sure nothing is going to happen on your trip:
1. enjoy for purse-snatchers – Purse-snatching is rare, but it does happen. To avoid the most common types of theft, don’t wear your purse or bag over just one carry — instead, wear it across the front of your body. Also, lots of purse-snatchers will be on a scooter, so take particular caution when walking alongside traffic.
2. Be extra careful in traffic – a lot of injuries in Southeast Asia are caused by vehicles. Be especially careful walking in busy cities like Hanoi or if you are driving (especially scooters).
3. Don’t do drugs – drugs like marijuana are easily easily accessible in Southeast Asia (especially in party locations, like the full Moon Party). but they are illegal! Fines are heavy — and if you get caught, expect to spend time in jail or pay a large bribe. save yourself the hassle and don’t do any drugs while you’re in the region.
4. wear a helmet – If you’re renting or riding a scooter or motorbike, be sure to wear a helmet. also wear proper clothing and footwear. I’ve seen a lot of road rash during my time in Southeast Asia!
5. look out for bedbugs – Unfortunately, bedbugs are a reality in Southeast Asia. though rare, you will likely encounter them at some point if you’re traveling around the region for any length of time. always check your accommodation in advance. If it looks dirty, simply step on. Also, never put your backpack on your bed. That way, if the bed is contaminated, at least your backpack won’t also be contaminated.
6. Bring a lock – While theft in dorm rooms is rare, you don’t want to take any chances. Hostels nearly always have lockers available. Bring a lock so you can store your ownerships safely while you’re out and about.
7. hide your valuables – When you’re out exploring, keep your budget and valuables hidden in your backpack (or leave them loved up in your accommodation). carry some cash in your pockets, but keep your cards and other valuables out of reach. a lot of theft is opportunistic, so if you’re vigilant, you’ll have nothing to worry about!
8. Don’t party solo – Make sure if you’re out partying that you do it with pals or people you can trust. Don’t get so drunk that you can’t get home safely. (If you’re taking part in the full Moon party in Thailand, you can find certain safety ideas in this blog post.)
9. keep your passport – never give away your passport as a deposit when booking things like accommodation or rentals. always make sure you get it back, or else you might not see it again. (And be sure to keep a digital scan of your passport in your email inbox just in case.)
10. stay away from animals – stray dogs (as well as monkeys) typically carry diseases, such as rabies (which can be fatal). To avoid getting bitten, don’t pet stray dogs or wild monkeys.
11. get travel insurance– While Southeast Asia is normally safe, unexpected occurrences can still occur. Cover yourself by getting travel insurance. It has the potential to save you thousands of dollars while also giving you peace of mind. I never leave home without it!
5 common Scams in Southeast Asia
While Southeast Asia is normally quite safe, there are still a few common travel scams. here are four of the most common scams — and how you can avoid getting fooled by them!
1. The Taxi/Tuk-tuk Overcharge
This is one of the most common travel scams out there — you’ll encounter it all across Southeast Asia. Either the motorist will tell you the taxi meter is broken and try to charge you a high rate, or you’ll see the cost on the meter skyrocket faster than Superman!
For tuk-tuks, you’ll need to discuss in advance, because motorists will quote a price much higher than what the ride must cost. To avoid being ripped off, you’ll first need to know how much your ride must cost. the best way to figure this out is to ask your hostel or hotel staff for a quote so you have a frame of reference (or google it, if you’re just arriving).
If the motorist tries to discuss the rate with you, offer them the right rate. If they refuse, just leave and find someone who will put the meter on. (Then, if the meter seems to be going up too quickly, have them pull over and get out.)
Many tourism boards let you report bad cab drivers, so be sure to always make a mental note of their ID number when you get in the cab.
2. Motorbike Scam
Southeast Asia is a terrific place to rent a scooter or motorcycle and get off the beaten path. but there is a common scam you’ll want to be aware of.
Here’s how it goes: You’ll rent a bike and then when you bring it back, the owner will demand additional payment or expensive repair services because there is some “damage” you didn’t know about. often the owner will send someone to mess with the bike or steal it so you have to pay.
To avoid this, take photos of the bike first to paper any previous damage. Go around it with the owner so they know what you are taking pictures of.
Once you rent it, use your own lock and keep the bike out of sight and off main streets when you park it.
Also, always make sure you get travel insurance so you can make a claim if there is an issue.
3. Your Attraction is closed for Lunch
I admit that I fell for this one when I first pertained to Thailand. A friendly local will technique you and inform you that the attraction you want to check out (often a temple) is closed for any number of reasons (religious ceremony, holiday, etc.).
They’ll then try to guide you to a different attraction (or typically a shop), where you’re heavily pressured to purchase something or pay a high admission price.
To avoid this scam, be sure to ask your accommodation staff before you leave to confirm that the attraction is open. then find the main entrance or ticket counter and see for yourself. opening and closing times are nearly always available online too, so you can typically look them up just to be safe.
Generally speaking, a lot of attractions in Southeast Asia don’t close for lunch. They either close for the day or not at all.
4. The drug deal Gone Bad
This scam is common anywhere there is a party in Southeast Asia. You’ll be in a popular vacationer area (usually a party place) and someone will offer you drugs.
If you say yes, before you know it, a real cop is will be on the scene! They’ll insist that they are going to arrest you unless you can pay a large fine ideal there (i.e., a bribe).
Caught red-handed, you’ll probably pay the bribe rather than go to jail. simply put: Don’t get drugs in other countries!
5. The Taxi Scam
Only use taxis that use a meter. If the meter is rigged or they refuse to use it, just get out and find a new taxi (more on this below!).
Is the Food safe in Southeast Asia?
If the food weren’t safe here, I’d likely never come back. street food is nearly always safe (it’s crucial to the cultures of the locals). In fact, it’s normally a lot more safe than restaurants, because the operation is so basic and the turnover so fast.
When trying to find somewhere to eat, find a place with a crowd, as well as one with children — if parents think it’s safe for the kids, then it’s safe for you! Anywhere with a lot of people (specifically locals) is a good indicator that the food is both good and safe.
Be sure to wash your hands before eating (hand sanitizer is good for that), as you’ll likely have been out and about all day and may have picked up all sorts of germs.
Can You drink the tap Water in Southeast Asia?
The tap water in Southeast Asia will vary from country to country, but as a general policy I would not recommend you drink the water unless you have a water purifier like the Lifestraw or Steripen.
Are Taxis safe in Southeast Asia?
Taxis in Southeast Asia are safe — but they also have a track record for overcharging (see above) or taking longer routes to diveup the fare.
Always make sure your motorist is using the meter (and that the meter is not moving overly quickly). If you encounter a problem, simply get out and find a new taxi.
A better option is get hold of or Uber (depending on where you are). You’ll be able to see your driver, track your ride, and make complaints if you have a problem. It’s the best way to get around, when available.
Is Southeast Asia safe for Solo Travelers?
Southeast Asia is one of the best places in the world for solo travelers. There are tons checking out the region each and every year, lots of of them traveling solo for the first time (it’s terrific for both new and veteran travelers alike).
With a little common sense, a solo traveler won’t have to worry much about safety here. There is a well-worn backpacker trail, so you’ll never be far from other travelers. That indicates it’s easy to meet people in case you decide you’d rather travel in a group for some (or all) of your trip.
Is Southeast Asia safe for Solo female Travelers?
Female travelers have additional safety worries they need to be aware of. That being said, Southeast Asia is still one of the best (and a lot of safe) regions for solo female travel.
By following the ideas above, as well as the same precautions you’d take at home (such as not wandering alone at night intoxicated, keeping an eye on your drink while at the bar, etc.), a solo female traveler will be able to have an incredible check out to Southeast Asia without worrying too much about her safety.
And as pointed out above, with so lots of solo travelers — including lots of women — in the region, it’s easy to find others to spend time with in case you’re feeling insecure or unsafe.
Should You check out Southeast Asia?
So, is Southeast Asia safe?
Absolutely!
It’s incredibly unlikely that anything will happen. and even less so if you follow the recommendations provided above.
Be sure to get travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. The past is not prologue and you always want to play it safe. travel insurance was there when I lost my bag, broke my camera, and popped an eardrum while diving in Thailand. I never expected those things to happen and was happy I had insurance! You can use the widget below to look up the travel insurance policy that is ideal for you (or just click here to go to their web site directly):
travel Insurance. basic & Flexible.
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