Whether you are a first-time visitor to Thailand or a seasoned veteran, there’s no doubt that you have heard of the infamous tourist traps in Thailand. It is easy to get caught up in all of the fun and excitement and forget about using your common sense. However, as with anything in life, it is always best to beware of the traps before going. So why are there so many traps in Thailand?
Thailand’s economy is largely based on tourism which attracts millions of tourists. Where there are a lot of tourists there will always be tourist traps, not only in Thailand. Out of the millions of visitors to Thailand, there will be a lot of first-time travelers to Thailand that will be easy prey to experience a tourist trap and scam.
In this post, we will go through why are there so many traps in Thailand. So let’s get started!
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What Are Tourist Traps?
A tourist trap is a place that is promoted as being a must-see place that lures tourists with the promise of seeing something interesting or doing something unique but it usually ends up being disappointing.
Why Are There So Many Traps In Thailand?
Thailand’s economy is largely based on tourism which attracts millions of tourists. Like anywhere else in the world, where there are a lot of tourists there will always be tourist traps. Out of the millions of visitors to Thailand, there will be a lot of first-time travelers to Thailand that will be easy prey for experienced scammers.
What Are The Tourist Traps In Thailand To Be Aware Of?
You will find that the major tourist areas and attractions in Thailand can feel like tourist traps. Unfortunately, you will encounter many of these traps simply because Thailand’s economy is largely dependent on tourism. You do need to beware and keep an eye out for anything suspicious or does not feel right plus lower your expectations. These are the main tourist traps you will encounter.
- Markets.
- Tuk Tuks.
- Bars.
- Attractions.
- Jet Ski Operators.
- Renting A Moped.
- Accommodation.
Markets
The markets in Thailand feel like tourist traps. It is just one of those things that visitors to Thailand just have to do but the markets in Thailand in recent years have become very commercial, especially the floating markets. Plus they have lost their charm but you need to lower your expectations when visiting the markets.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk-tuks in Thailand have a bad reputation and with very good reasons. Tuk-tuks in Bangkok are considered a must-do but tuk-tuks in Thailand are generally dirty, noisy, and unstable, which makes them unsafe. As well as that the drivers will try and upsell tours and drugs.
Avoid drugs in Thailand but in particular, it is well known that the tuk-tuk drivers work with the police and you will open yourself to entrapment. If they offer to take you on tour, decline it as they will take you to visit a jeweler or tailor’s shop. To be ripped off. If you say no the price will increase a lot.
Bars
Simply, legitimate bars will have a menu with prices that include discounts for happy hour drinks and you are left in peace. A lot of bars in Thailand particularly in tourist areas not only go-go bars will have girls that will sit near men and ask for drinks.
If you want to buy her a drink, find out first how much they are charging and what you are paying for. As the bill can get crazy high if you are not careful.
Attractions
Attractions include temples, palaces, and anything that attracts tourists but the problem is not the attractions but that there are people outside the attractions that will tell you that the attraction is closed. These people may have official badges that may seem genuine. And recommend going to another place.
Do not take their advice and do not go into the vehicle that these people get you, especially if they promise to take you to a different attraction.
Jet Ski Operators
This can be more of a scam than a tourist trap. Tourists who rent a jet ski are charged to rent the jet ski for an hour only to return and be charged to repair damages for scratches, dents, bumps, and more. These charges are normally false and just a way to get money out of the tourists.
The police will side with the jet ski operator. You should avoid renting a jet ski in Thailand but if you really want to rent a jet ski take plenty of photos.
Renting A Moped
We all see the holiday adverts of tourists in Thailand touring around on a moped. The first problem is that Thailand has one of the worst road safety records in the world. The second problem is that when you return the moped you are suddenly charged to repair damages for scratches, dents, and more.
The third problem is that they may demand your passport as a security deposit but by law need to have your passport when traveling around Thailand. Do not give them your passport.
Before renting a moped you should check the reviews online, take plenty of photos of the moped before renting, and wear a proper helmet as sometimes the ones in Thailand can be weak.
Accommodation
The accommodation in Thailand generally is good but there is a big range in price and quality. If you want cheaper accommodation you do need to check the reviews online before you book. And if possible inspect the rooms before booking as you will learn very fast that the pictures online may not match what you are getting especially for cheap accommodation.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Thailand’s economy is largely dependent on tourism which attracts millions of tourists from all around the world. And where there are a lot of tourists they will always be tourist traps. There will be a lot of first-time travelers to Thailand that will be easy prey but you do need to learn about the traps before going.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on why are there so many traps in Thailand has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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