Thailand tourist traps to avoid
Thailand is an incredible country, but only if you learn to sidestep the staged experiences. Skip the overexposed spots. Here’s a guide to what to avoid in Phuket and Bangkok if you want to avoid getting played
A tropical fever dream — Thailand serves everything a traveller might crave: street food that'll make you forget fine dining, picturesque views for your feed, icy fresh juices to cool down, spas to melt stress, and a nightlife that won't let you sleep. It's a playground for everyone if you choose your city right.
Consider Phuket. It's loud, it's fast, and it rarely sleeps. The place is filled with tourists looking to party, and the energy is contagious. But it can also be overwhelming. With businesses competing for your attention at every turn, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in a noisy game show.
Every traveller brings a different mood board — some want to unwind, others want to explore, and many just want to soak in the local chaos. But here's a universal truth: to a scammer, a tourist is a tourist. Easy pickings.
That said, not every pricey experience is a trap. One evening in Phuket, a man on a Bullet with a sidecar pulled up beside my husband and me, offering a ride. It was new for me — fun, unexpected, and yes, we knowingly paid 100 Baht for a route that could've cost 30. But it wasn't about the price. It was a one-time ride, not our daily mode of transport. We knew what we were paying for: the experience.
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But when you're not making conscious choices like that, the city has its ways of nudging extra Baht out of your pocket. Here's a guide to what to avoid in Phuket and Bangkok if you want to avoid getting played.
Tuktuk? Bye
Riding a tuk-tuk once, for the experience, is fine. Twice? You're burning money. Prices are jacked up for tourists, and you won't know what's fair unless you're a local. Your better bet? Download Grab or Bolt. Not only are they cheaper, but they'll also save you the post-ride regret. Especially at the airport—don't fall for the overpriced car queues. Tap your way out.
Elephant rides and animal shows
They still happen, sadly. You'll see signs everywhere offering "sanctuaries" or "ethical" encounters. Most are far from it. If you want a real ethical experience, check out places like the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where elephants roam freely, and you're not allowed to ride them — because that's the point.
The Jet-ski jam
Jet-skis look fun until someone accuses you of wrecking theirs. A classic scam: you rent a vehicle, ride solo, return it, and suddenly you're liable for "damages" you didn't cause. If you must ride, take one of their staff with you. Or skip it entirely. The repair costs will ruin more than just your day.
"Photo?" No
In 2025, paying for a photo with an exotic dancer isn't edgy—it's unnecessary. They'll pose with you like it's no big deal, and then demand money after. Save your Baht. Get yourself a fresh juice instead. Trust me, the Thai heat is unforgiving, and hydration is priceless.
Nothing Bangla about this road
Yes, everyone raves about Bangla Road. No, you don't need to go. It's crowded, overhyped, and the perfect place to lose your wallet, while you're too busy watching people recording the crazy atmosphere, they are only part of that one Instagram story. You're not missing out. You're being smart.
The island hop trap
Instagram shows you dreamy island getaways. Reality? Choppy boat rides that can make the strongest stomachs turn. Speedboats can be brutal, and if you get seasick, most tour guides will hand you a tablet like it's candy. Stick to one island a day. Trying to squeeze in three will drain the joy out of all of them. Also, don't accept the first price you hear — most tour rates are negotiable. They're not fixed, even if they tell you otherwise.
Gem scams at temples
This one's a Bangkok classic. A friendly stranger tells you the temple you came to visit is "closed for renovation," then redirects you to a "rare gem sale" or "special market" open just today. Don't bite.
The gems are often fake, and the prices are sky-high. If a temple is closed, Google will know. Not the random guy in a button-down shirt.
Khaosan Road chaos
Sure, it's iconic. Backpacker central. But it's also full of overpriced pad Thai, dodgy bars, and noisy tourists. If you must go, make it a brief walk-through. For better vibes, try the nearby Ari or Sathorn districts — full of cafes, rooftop bars, and locals who actually live in the city.
Grand Palace dress code vendors
Outside the Grand Palace, you'll often find vendors claiming you're not dressed appropriately, and that you need to buy or rent clothes from them. Sometimes, they'll even say the Palace is closed. Neither may be true. The Palace has a dress code, yes, but there's a free robe service at the gate if you're not compliant. Always check with the official entrance.
Shop-and-go scam
A tuk-tuk driver recommends a "great" shop. Sounds helpful, right? Wrong. They're getting a commission for every tourist they drop off. Prices? Inflated. Products? Often questionable. Take Grab or Bolt. Avoid the tour guide-on-wheels routine.
The floating market illusion
Damnoen Saduak might look magical, but it's built for tourists. It's crowded, overpriced, and far from the local charm you're probably looking for. Instead, opt for Taling Chan or Bang Nam Phueng. Smaller crowds, better food, and no one's pushing you to buy tacky souvenirs.
Thailand is an incredible country, but only if you learn to sidestep the staged experiences. Skip the overexposed spots.
Let yourself wander into alleyways, local eateries, and lesser-known neighbourhoods. The best travel experiences lie in the hidden gems you find on your own.
Sà-wàt-dii khâ and Kop Khun Ka to your smart, scam-free adventure.
