Trang Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Trang.
Healthcare System
Trang has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with the main Trang Hospital being the largest and most equipped facility in the province. Healthcare quality is generally good for common ailments and minor injuries, though serious medical emergencies may require transfer to Hat Yai (1.5 hours) or Bangkok for specialized care.
Hospitals
Trang Hospital (public) is the main facility with emergency services, surgery, and most specialties. Wattanapat Trang Hospital (private) offers higher-end care with better English support. Several smaller clinics throughout the city handle minor issues. Island clinics on Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, and Koh Ngai provide basic first aid only.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant in Trang city, with many open until late evening. Look for stores with green crosses. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries are available over-the-counter. Pharmacists often speak some English and can help with minor ailments. Common medications like pain relievers, antibiotics, and stomach remedies are readily available.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Medical costs are affordable compared to Western countries, but serious emergencies requiring evacuation or specialized treatment can be expensive. Ensure your policy covers water activities if visiting islands.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you're taking, including generic names
- Pharmacies can treat minor ailments like cuts, stomach issues, and skin infections effectively
- Keep your travel insurance details and emergency numbers saved on your phone
- Trang Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department; don't hesitate to seek care if needed
- Private clinics are affordable and offer faster service for non-emergencies
- Dengue fever occurs in the region; use mosquito repellent and seek medical care if you develop high fever
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are relatively uncommon in Trang compared to major Thai tourist destinations, but opportunistic theft can occur, particularly from unattended bags, rental motorbikes, or hotel rooms.
Thailand has a high rate of traffic accidents, and Trang is no exception. Motorbike accidents are the most common cause of tourist injuries. Roads can be poorly maintained, driving standards vary, and many tourists are unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach upset are common due to different food preparation standards, spicy food, and water quality. Most cases are mild but can disrupt travel plans.
Tropical sun is intense year-round in Trang. Tourists often underestimate sun exposure, especially during boat trips and island hopping. Heat exhaustion can occur during outdoor activities.
Jellyfish stings, sea urchins, coral cuts, and strong currents pose risks at beaches and during snorkeling. Box jellyfish can be present during certain months. Drowning risks exist for inexperienced swimmers.
Disputes over damage to rental motorbikes are common, with some rental shops claiming pre-existing damage or inflating repair costs. Police may be called, and passports held as collateral can complicate situations.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Rental shop claims you damaged the motorbike (scratches, dents) that were pre-existing or that they created themselves. They demand excessive payment for repairs, sometimes threatening to call police or hold your passport.
Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists or claim the meter is broken. Some take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares or claim there's a special tourist price.
After returning a jet ski, operators claim you damaged it and demand immediate payment for repairs, sometimes with aggressive tactics or police involvement. Damage may be pre-existing or fabricated.
Friendly locals or tuk-tuk drivers recommend a special jewelry shop with 'tax-free' gems or 'investment opportunities.' Gems are low quality or fake, sold at inflated prices with promises you can resell for profit.
Tuk-tuk or taxi driver claims your intended destination (temple, attraction) is closed for Buddhist holiday or cleaning, then suggests alternative destinations where they receive commission.
Tour operators add hidden fees, charge for equipment that should be included, or provide lower quality service than advertised. Some tours are overcrowded or skip promised destinations.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends, especially when visiting remote islands
- Learn basic Thai phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Register with your embassy if staying long-term
- Carry small bills for emergencies and to avoid change-making scams
- Be aware that English proficiency is limited outside tourist areas
- Respect the Thai monarchy—criticism is illegal and taken very seriously
Transportation Safety
- Always wear a helmet on motorbikes—police checkpoints are common and fines apply
- Carry an international driving permit if renting vehicles
- Use boat operators with life jackets and safety equipment
- Avoid overloaded songthaews (shared taxis) and boats
- Don't ride motorbikes after drinking—DUI penalties are severe
- Use Grab app for transparent pricing when available
- Be extra cautious on rural roads which may have potholes and loose animals
- Avoid riding motorbikes at night due to poor lighting and increased accident risk
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone, especially at remote beaches
- Check weather and sea conditions before boat trips
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect both yourself and coral
- Use reef shoes to protect against coral, rocks, and sea urchins
- Don't touch coral or marine life while snorkeling
- Keep valuables locked at hotel when going to beach
- Respect local fishing areas and private beaches
- Be aware that lifeguards are not present at most beaches
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or filtered water
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating
- Bring basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and common medications
- Apply mosquito repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk
- Consider antimalarial medication if visiting very remote jungle areas (consult doctor)
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines
- Avoid touching stray dogs and cats due to rabies risk
- Seek medical care immediately for any animal bites or serious jellyfish stings
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly when visiting temples—cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
- Never touch anyone's head or point feet at people or Buddha images
- Show respect to monks; women should not touch monks or hand items directly
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks
- Keep voices low and behavior respectful at religious sites
- Stand for the national anthem played at 8am and 6pm in public places
- Learn the traditional wai greeting (hands together, slight bow)
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours for safety
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extras in hotel safe
- Keep money in multiple locations on your person
- Be discreet when handling cash in public
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry some small bills for markets and street food
- Count change carefully and check bills for tears (damaged bills may not be accepted)
- Be aware that credit cards aren't widely accepted outside hotels and larger restaurants
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Trang is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Thai culture is respectful, and harassment is less common than in many other destinations. Women traveling alone are not unusual in Thailand. However, standard precautions apply, particularly regarding personal safety after dark and in isolated areas. The local population is conservative, and modest dress is appreciated, especially at religious sites.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees at temples and in rural areas
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis or Grab instead
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drink at bars
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours for island hopping and cave visits
- Women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- Keep phone charged and share location with friends or family
- Be aware that Thai men may be shy or indirect in their approach
- Solo female travelers report feeling very safe in Trang compared to other destinations
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels if budget traveling
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Thailand, and the country is generally considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly in Asia. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal but civil partnerships with many rights are recognized as of 2024. There are no laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people or relationships.
- LGBTQ+ travelers generally report feeling safe and welcome in Trang
- Public displays of affection are uncommon for all couples and may attract stares
- Bangkok and Phuket have more visible LGBTQ+ scenes if you want to connect with community
- Hotel staff are professional and unlikely to question same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Be more discreet in rural areas and small villages where attitudes may be more conservative
- The term 'ladyboy' is considered acceptable in Thailand but avoid using it in a derogatory way
- Trans travelers should carry documentation matching their gender presentation to avoid issues
- Most Thais will be polite even if they don't understand or agree with LGBTQ+ identities
- LGBTQ+ travelers face minimal discrimination in tourist areas and hotels
- Consider joining LGBTQ+-friendly tour groups if you want to meet other travelers
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Trang. While medical costs are lower than Western countries, serious accidents or medical emergencies requiring evacuation can be extremely expensive. Motorbike accidents are common among tourists, and island boat trips carry risks. Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and emergency evacuation.