Southeast Asia is in the news mainly when something terrible happens. After all, natural disasters and political turmoil attract the most attention from happy travelers who enjoy good food and generally have the best times of their lives.
Unfortunately, this gives the impression that traveling in Southeast Asia is a dangerous and foolish proposition, when it is not. Staying safe in Southeast Asia is a no-brainer; use these safety tips to get you home happy and healthy.
Scams and scams
Since poverty is a major problem in much of Southeast Asia, Westerners are often seen as roving ATMs. Travelers are often clueless about local prices and customs, making them easy targets for scammers. Try not to let some unscrupulous scammers gasp at you with unfair prejudice against normally genuine people.
This fraudulent mentality seems more common in Saigon, Vietnam, particularly in the backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao. However, most of these scams fall into a rough pattern: to find out how to avoid getting a peek at ‘enterprising’ locals in Vietnam, read this Vietnam scam roundup, or take a broader view and read more about how. Avoid popular scams in Southeast Asia.
To save money overall, you need to learn to negotiate prices across the region. This skill will come in handy whether you’re dicking with a cyclocontroller or getting the best price for a goody in one of the Southeast Asian markets.
Alcohol and drugs
Unsurprisingly, drugs or excessive alcohol generally play a role in many trips that went wrong. Despite being readily available in seemingly lawless places like Vang Vieng, Laos, and the Gili Islands, drugs are illegal throughout Southeast Asia. Getting caught carrying drugs is actually punishable by death!
This article on drug laws in Southeast Asia should give a clearer idea. Simply put, Singapore’s drug laws are harsh and ruthlessly enforced on locals and tourists alike; the drug laws in Bali and the rest of Indonesia are almost as strict, but they are enforced unevenly; and the Cambodian drug scene turns a blind eye to marijuana (in practice) but cracks down on the harsher drugs.
Alcohol is primarily legal throughout Southeast Asia, with a few exceptions: The small country of Brunei, along with conservative parts of Indonesia and Malaysia, completely ban alcohol. Indonesia and Singapore have recently cracked down on new, tougher laws. To find out where a drink is encouraged and where it’s not, read our short guide to getting drunk in Southeast Asia.
Tips for female travelers
Cultural differences mean that women who travel receive an unfair share of the attention of local men as they travel throughout Southeast Asia. It can’t be helped: local men superimpose their own cultural expectations of women on external women, and most local cultural expectations of women tend to lean towards the conservative. Exposed shoulders, short shorts, and a forward attitude – things we take for granted in the West – are often misunderstood in the worst way.
To make matters worse, in places where dark skin is the norm, fair skin is considered exotic and sexy, increasing the likelihood of unwanted advancements.
It doesn’t seem fair or correct to have rules that apply only to women, but it would be unrealistic to leave them out:
- Cover Up: Cover up when you leave the beach. The Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu cultures found on the islands are generally conservative. Sunbathing topless is looked down upon by local men and women.
- Watch for the lack of communication: gestures seemingly harmless, like spending an arm around someone of the opposite sex, can be interpreted differently across cultural divides.
- Watch Your Drink: Putting drugs in neglected drinks is still common on many of the islands. Do not accept drinks from strangers.
Political situations
Political turmoil can appear unexpectedly even in the busiest tourist spots. While these disputes are generally not directed at foreigners, it is possible to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even peaceful protests have sometimes turned violent without warning.
Register your trip with the US Department of State in case the situation deteriorates to the point of evacuation. After registering your itinerary, travel advisories for your destinations will be sent via email. More information here: US Department of State travel record. USA (Off-site).
Due to political events in parts of Southeast Asia, your insurance may not cover your visits to certain locations. Before embarking on your trip, check your travel insurance for exclusions that could void your coverage.
Stay healthy
While tsunamis and earthquakes dominate the news, less obvious threats like fevers, stomachaches and severe sunburns often ruin more trips to Southeast Asia.
The abundance of exotic, and often spicy foods can come as a shock to unsuspecting Western stomachs. While not a show-stopper, no one wants to spend unnecessary time in squat toilets.
- Learn how to control your stomach and avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
With much of Southeast Asia located near the equator, the sun is much less forgiving than at home.
- Read about how to avoid sunburn in Southeast Asia.
Avoid things that bite
Unfortunately, the beautiful landscapes and tropical climate come at a price – more things want to bite you in Southeast Asia! From surprise monkey attacks while walking to bed bugs inviting you to dinner in silence, use these tips to avoid becoming food for local wildlife.
Dengue fever is common throughout Southeast Asia; There is no vaccine. The best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis and malaria is to not get bitten in the first place!
- Read about how to avoid mosquito bites.
Bed bugs were once just a nightmare for budget travelers; now, they can be found even in luxury hotels.
- Read about how to avoid bed bugs in Southeast Asia.
The mischievous macaque monkeys make great subjects for photographs, but a single bite or scratch could send you to the local clinic for an injection.
- Read about how to avoid monkey attacks.
Hiking and Trekking Safety
No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without spending time in the beautiful rainforests or jungle. National parks and trails abound; Outdoor travelers with a huge appetite for adventure may even choose to climb some active volcanoes in Indonesia.
Surprise weather, loose volcanic shale, and other threats have sometimes turned fun adventures into survival situations.
- Read some safety tips for hiking in Southeast Asia.
