Yes, taking the train in Thailand is generally considered safe, comfortable, and a popular, budget-friendly way to travel for tourists. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates an extensive, generally reliable network, with modern sleeper trains offering high safety standards, including CCTV, staff, and locking doors.
It's comfortable, safe, cheap, environmentally friendly and unlike flying it's a genuine Thai experience. Ride the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or take train+ferry or train+bus from Bangkok to Ko Samui, Phuket or Krabi.
Yes it's mostly safe I'd say, but does depend on where you are travelling within Thailand. Check this page for more info, avoid the far south: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand If you both stick together, don't go wondering separately and keep your wits about you, you should be fine.
When visiting Thailand, DO greet with a wai, dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) at temples, remove shoes before entering homes/temples, respect Buddha images, smile, and learn "mai pen rai" (no worries), but DON'T touch heads (most sacred), point with feet (dirtiest part), disrespect the King/Buddhism, get angry in public, touch monks (women especially), or vape (it's illegal). Always carry cash, respect traffic, and get proper insurance for activities like scooter riding.
Buses and minivans form the most comprehensive – and cheapest – network of transportation in Thailand. There are a variety of bus companies, but the most reliable are those run by the government-subsidized the Transport Co. Buy tickets online or in person at the bus station to avoid scams.
TRANSPORTATION in BANGKOK: Everything You Need To Know BEFORE you VISIT
What to be careful of in Thailand?
Travellers may experience sexual assault, other assault and robbery. Be extra careful in tourist spots such as Khao San Road and Sukhumvit in Bangkok, as well as the night-time entertainment areas in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Don't leave food or drinks unattended.
Section 112 of Thai Criminal Code currently reads as follows: "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years."
As such, public displays of affection are frowned upon by most Thais. While it is acceptable to hold the hand of your other half in public, kissing and hugging should not be done; in temple grounds, everything, even holding hands, is considered quite improper.
When it comes to transportation, passenger rail is among the safest modes of travel in America. On a per-mile basis, riding a train is roughly 15 to 25 times safer than driving a car, with about 0.43 fatalities per billion passenger-miles compared with about seven fatalities per billion passenger-miles for cars.
✔ Avoid tourist traps– Bars in Patong/Phuket can drain your budget fast. ### **Final Verdict** With $10,000, you can comfortably live in Thailand for 6-12 months (or longer if frugal). If you want to stay beyond a year, consider remote work, teaching English, or a Thai Elite Visa for long-term stays.
Thais usually wash with water first, then use paper to dry. You'll miss it when you go back to your home country! 🚻 SQAUT VS WESTERN TOILETS: In big cities, you'll mostly find Western sit-down toilets.
Thailand is no different and the list of antiquated ways to stray foul of the law in Bangkok includes: It is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear. It is illegal to drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested.
In Thai culture, wearing shoes indoors is seen as unclean. Failing to remove your shoes can appear disrespectful and careless, particularly in homes or religious spaces. Dress Modestly, Especially in Temples: Modest clothing is required when visiting temples and other religious sites.
When visiting Thailand, do respect the monarchy, dress modestly (especially at temples), remove shoes before entering homes/temples, use the wai greeting, keep voices down, and embrace the "mai pen rai" (no worries) attitude; don't touch people's heads, point feet at people or Buddha images, show public affection, raise your voice, disrespect Buddha images, or get into taxis without a meter.
