Victoria

My friend and I, both 21 years old and female, are planning a trip to Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam after graduation. My parents are flipping out and think that we are crazy and are a potential target for danger as 2 females. We plan on only staying in the big, heavily traveled, populated areas and aren't going to be stupid about our safety, but how rational are their fears? Is it really unsafe for 2 young women to be traveling around Southeast Asia? Please be honest.

Andrea

In the places you've mentioned, particularly the main tourist areas, you should be *absolutely* fine.<BR><BR>As an American female under 30 who is currently living in China, I'm very familiar with dealing with the anxiety of friends and family. I have never felt anything but safe on my travels, however, even when I've been on my own. <BR><BR>I think much of the (understandable) anxiety comes from the fact that the destinations are relatively unfamiliar - the only impressions your parents have of the countries are negative news reports. <BR><BR>These are vibrant, friendly countries that are visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, many of whom are young females like you and your friend. <BR><BR>Maybe finding some of the best, most positive websites on these countries (or travel books) will help convince them that for many, many, people, a trip to Vietnam or Thailand is no more a walk on the wild side than a trip to Florida or London.<BR><BR>I do know from experience exactly what you're going through, and it is very hard to break through that barrier. Do feel free to have your parents e-mail me at the above address (they can even call me if you think it would help). <BR><BR>Good luck!

Hanuman

The countries you've mentioned are safe but you have to be wise! It's like going to New York, it can be safe or dangerous.<BR><BR>One recommendation, just in case of any problem, have a cell phone with you. Some American and most European cell phones work in South East Asia if you subscribe to the international roaming option. Check with your service provider and at the very least, you'll save a lot of money calling home compare to what the hotels charges.<BR><BR>Hanuman

Kathie

Yes, Southeast Asia is a safe destination for women travelers. Personally, I think it's one of the safest areas in the world. <BR><BR>In terms of the cell phone idea, you would have to do some careful checking to make sure you could use it in the areas you are traveling as there is not yet a world-wide standard for cell phones. You may be able to offer some reassurance to your parents by e-mailing. There are cybercafes in all of the countires you listed.<BR><BR>Do your research ahead of time so you know where you are going, and that should offer some reassurance to your parents as well.

millar

I think that some really good advice has been given to you by the earlier responses, I just got back and, like they said, found it to be really a safe place. Just keep in mind that you may not have the same cultural practises as the locals and be weary that you dont offend people, they often dont react in the same way westerners do. I found that they are mostly a very timid people when you get away from the larger commercail centers and are more thatn happy to help out if your willing to try to talk to them for a couple of minutes. Have fun, Laos was by far the best place of the counties you visited, si phan don area was great, especially don det.<BR><BR>millar <BR>vancouver, canada

B.C.

I'm currently living in Singapore, and am from Canada. While many people have had good experiences as the other postings show, I can tell you from living here that there are some dangers in the region that can target the unsuspecting. If you know of these ahead of time, you should be fine. But you must be smart. Check out the travel advisories posted by the embassies of Canada, Australia, the US and Britain. They have good information on the mishaps that can befall people, as they hear all the complaints. They give examples of what has happened to other people, and that will prepare you for what to look for. Having been in Bangkok, my impression is that while for the most part it is safe if you are not doing anything to get you too close to the "bad people", there are all kinds of scams being run by people who want to take your money. Some are very intricate and run by organised crime that even involve the cooperation of the police. So if you read up on these, you'll be one up and know what to avoid. One suggestion also is to check out www.2bangkok.com for up to date info on scams. Take care! Oh, and be cautious of Thais who come up to you speaking good English, especially at tourist spots. Usually, they are friendly for purposes other than wanting to get to know you.... Don't believe anybody who tells you something is closed so you have to go somewhere else.... that's where trouble starts.

Milquetoast

I felt a hundred times safer in SE Asia than I did back home in Los Angeles. Saw a lot of women backpackers enjoying themselves. Only time I felt any genuine fear was when trying to cross the streets in Hanoi or Bangkok!!!!!!!

Linda

Regarding the website recommended by B.C.- www.2bangkok.com. I think everyone planning to spend time in Bangkok should check out that website!! On our second day there, my husband and I had a negative experience involving a "policeman", tuk-tuk driver, "tourist" in a Wat, and ultimately a gem shop (one of the shops mentioned by numerous people in the website). Fortunately I had read about the gem scams in advance, so we weren't really intending to buy, and as it turned out, couldn't afford any of the gems anyway! The whole thing was orchestrated so well, however, that we certainly didn't recognize it as a scam. When we refused to buy, we were dropped off by our tuk-tuk driver and told he was out of gas and we would have to get a taxi. We had no idea where we were, and finally figured it out with the help of some other tourists who spoke English. Not a pleasant way to spend the heat of the afternoon, so I would recommend staying away from tuk-tuks and using taxis only.<BR>Despite this one incident we never felt unsafe in our travels, and spent three weeks in Thailand and two in Vietnam.

anon

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