Travelling in Asia

[littlebrownfox]

My son has decided he wants to travel to Bangkok - I am terrified by this. He seems clueless about what he will do when he is there or where he will stay - I want to support him but google doesn’t seem massively helpful. Any other parents out there of people who have done this?

I don't think it's anything to be terrified about, unless you think he'd get involved in drugs. What does he want to do in Bangkok? Try and get out of him what makes Bangkok attractive - culture, sex scene, he's heard of it and just want to go... then buy a travel book or research online so he can plan some stuff to do.

If he's not clued up on travelling would he consider a holiday company? Both our DC have enjoyed 18-35 holidays with Intrepid which give freedom, but you also have backup, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/thailand/bangkok Would that be an option?

I am terrified by this

Why?

I don’t know really

He would be betteŕ hoing with a group. My yoynger sister went to Thailand recently with WeRoad. She loved it. They organise everything. She went to Bangkok and several other places. She was with a group and made lots of friends.

Well we can't really give you any advice if you don't even know what it is that you are "terrified" of.

Drugs?
Snakes?
Not being in contact?
The war with Cambodia?
Food poisoning?
Accidentally shagging a lady-boy?

We were in Bangkok earlier this year. I knew that I would find it a bit of a culture shock and I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy the food, but it was absolutely amazing.

It's a huge, modern city. Lots to see and do, interesting history, lovely people.

How old is he, has he solo traveled solo before..? We need context.

If you’re terrified just because it’s far away, frankly I’d be far more worried about party destinations where British young tourists really go overboard, like in Spain.

I went to SE Asia as a 19 year old girl. I went solo but joined a group of other young people (and married one of them 😅)

could you maybe encourage him to find a group to travel with? I used G-Adventures and it was an incredible experience. Not sure if they’re still around but there will be similar companies I’m sure!

My son went to Thailand two years ago. I was unbelievably worried about him but he had an amazing time. He stated in hostels and met some lovely friends. The only thing I insisted on was to pass his motor bike test as I knew they would be using scooters

Thank you so much

I'm just back from Bangkok. It felt safer to me than my own home city and I wasn't expecting that! It's a great place to visit and the Thai people are incredibly nice. I have a son of similar age to yours and wouldn't be worried about him travelling to Thailand. I totally agree with @Changingeveryday though...Everyone uses scooters in Thailand (including me when I was there), so he definitely needs to be able to ride a motorbike and know the rules of the road. Don't be worried!

Really helpful thanks

My DD travelled solo in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam for 5 months after graduation. Not as part of an organised group. She did volunteering at a rural school for a month, and travelled (bus, train, motorboat) for the rest of the time. She met 2 nice Australian girls with whom she tacked on a visit to India at the end. It was all absolutely fine. She organised it herself.

Make sure he has really good insurance. That covers everything he wants to do for the entire time. That he has any recommended vaccine.

Then let him enjoy it. Thailand really set up for solo travellers. Beautiful country. Lovely people. Just be sensible and aware, as you would in any city. And especially one where there is a significant wealth disparity.

How old is he?

Also suggest he does a traveller safety course the Gap Year course with Objective Travel Safety is excellent

It is good to have some goals though, traveling around Thailand and seeing the country is a great idea, just going to Bangkok and no further seems a bit pointless

www.objectivetravelsafety.com