6 popular destinations that aren’t as safe as you think
The shiny tourist brochures can be hiding some darker secrets. Here are six popular destinations that aren’t as safe as you think.
1. Thailand
This sunny southeast Asian nation is one of Australia’s favourite tourist destinations, but there are some areas that should definitely be avoided. The southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla are the most dangerous and there have been around 6,500 deaths from violence in the last 13 years. Much of the area is also under martial law.
2. South Africa
World-class safaris, sparkling coastline and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town are big drawcards for South Africa. However, there’s also a very different side to the country that many don’t know about. It has the second highest rate of gun related deaths in the world, the incidence of rape is the highest in the world and crime levels are so high that many residents hire private security firms. Avoid the townships at all costs.
3. Jamaica
Step away from the ritzy beach resorts that line the coast and Jamaica is a decidedly dangerous place. The capital, Kingston, is known for its high murder rate and problems with drugs and gang violence. Many suspect that the police force is also corrupt. Petty theft is the main issue facing tourists, though if you stay within the resort areas and take extra precautions you should be able to remain safe.
4. Myanmar
It’s known as a peaceful Buddhist nation, but this image hides a darker truth. Myanmar is still controlled by a harsh military junta and, while they tend to welcome tourists, violence is common in parts of the country. Currently, the state of Rakhine on the border with Bangladesh is suffering under what the United Nations is calling “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing” at the hands of the government.
5. Kenya
Another African nation with a conflicted personality, Kenya’s safety situation varies widely across the country. The capital, Nairobi, has experienced a number of terrorist attacks in recent years and remains on high alert. Areas around the borders with Somalia and South Sudan should be considered absolutely off limits. But the majority of the country’s safari parks and lodges are secure and welcoming visitors.
6. Laos
Laos is a different proposition to the other destinations on this list. There is little to no risk of terrorism, however it has gained a reputation as a dangerous destination for tourists with unregulated adventure activities (like tubing down rivers and rope swings) fuelled by plenty of alcohol. There are also some 80 million unexploded bombs remaining across the country from the Vietnam War, with many areas roped off to locals and tourists alike.
Have you visited any of these destinations?
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