The Bond film, the Man With the Golden Gun, celebrates its 50th anniversary on December 20, having been released back in 1974, instantly transporting cinema goers to tropical locations in Thailand, Macao and Hong Kong. But, if you fancy treading in 007’s footsteps, what do you need to know, from both a travel tips and travel insurance perspective, if travelling from your home in Europe or the UK? Here's some Europesure travel advice.
European governments – and others worldwide – advise against all but essential travel to parts of Thailand, so beware of that, if thinking of heading to locations close to the Malaysian border. Terrorism is considered a big risk in the south, although even the resorts of Thailand come with some terrorism risk. Travellers are warned to stay attentive, keep up to date with media alerts and follow the advice of the authorities.
For this reason, you might wish to consider a terrorism disruption extension to your insurance policy with Europesure. As the British Government’s official FCDO website warns terrorists are “likely to try to carry out attacks in Thailand.”
Travel advice for Thai beach resort holidays
The Bond movie scenes were shot around Phuket which, along with Koh Samui and Pattaya, is one of the most popular tourism hotspots in Thailand. There, you can enjoy a plethora of beach-based activities, from simply relaxing on your sunbed to watersports, or boat trips to James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.
Tourists are warned to watch for riptides around the Thai coast. Take note of red flags and remember holiday water safety rules. Similarly, jellyfish can be plentiful and highly dangerous, particularly during the rainy season. This is traditionally May to October on the west coast but November to March in Koh Samui. However, as climate change is altering such patterns, make relevant checks locally, at any time.
Also be cautious when engaging in scuba diving activities, checking the credentials of the operator by asking to see certification. Checks on equipment should be made before the trip and you should always ascertain that oxygen is on board.
Driving in Thailand can be hazardous and you need to be sure which international driving permission is required. Hiring a motorbike can be risky. Do not ride without a helmet, as it is against the law. Do not go shirtless, as that is also banned. And thirdly, bikes hired by the beach are usually illegal to ride on public roads.
Thailand’s rules and regulations
Rules and regulations are plentiful in Thailand. Drug use and possession of Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty. Cannabis is on sale in Thailand but must not be smoked in public. You will also be fined if you smoke cigarettes in public, even on a beach. And e-cigarettes are completely illegal. Use your vape and you could be fined or imprisoned.
Criticising the monarchy is completely forbidden. The monarchy is highly venerated and, twice a day, citizens – and tourists alike – are expected to stop everything whilst the national anthem is played (8am and 6pm). You should never try to stop a rolling coin with your foot, or try to trap a note floating in the breeze, as standing on the image of the King is also taken as a grave insult to the monarchy and you could face the consequences. Do not take your national flag with you either, as waving anything other than the Thai flag is also banned.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon and you should dress appropriately, but not in black, which is reserved for funerals and so culturally unwelcome. Don’t reach for a naughty nurse costume, as dressing as a nurse is forbidden, as are going without underwear and carrying more than 120 playing cards.
Alcohol should not be consumed in temples, public buildings – even public parks. A five-figure fine in the local currency of baht can be the result of throwing chewing gum on to the street.
Carrying a passport – or at least a copy of your passport – is a good idea, as police may ask to see it. If you cannot show them ID, you would have to give up some holiday time to present your documentation at a police station, within 24 hours.
Be very careful what is posted on social media too. If a post features alcohol, or skimpy dress, both the people featured and the person posting, can be fined or possibly imprisoned.
Travel risks in Thailand and associated travel advice
Negotiating all the Thai laws is one thing but navigating the travel risks is another. Bag snatching, particularly by thieves travelling on motorbikes, and other types of theft too, are common. Carry bags in front of you, do not leave valuables in bags carried in bus baggage areas or in luggage storage areas on trains and do not fall asleep leaving valuables at risk on public transport. Similarly, take extra precautions on ‘open’ transport such as tuk tuks.
Be cautious about card fraud and do not allow cards to leave your sight. Use only ATMs within banks and minimise the amount of cash that you carry. Don’t hand over your passport to anyone hiring out something and, if using the Internet in a public place, use a VPN.
Another thing to watch is drink spiking or needle spiking. Do not leave drinks unattended and buy your own. Look out for any pinprick, bruise or bump on your skin that could suggest you have been injected. Stick with friends and pre-arrange transport to get you home. Do not walk home alone or, even if with others, take short-cuts or late-night walks through dark, isolated areas.
The recent situation at a backpackers’ hostel in Laos in November 2024 should serve as warning about alcohol and the dangers of that laced with methanol. Try to avoid cocktails or ‘free drinks’ and only buy drinks from a reputable source. Check any seals on bottles bought and do not purchase home-brewed alcohol.
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance cover, if venturing to Thailand, as you could have various reasons to call upon its assistance. Staying alert and abiding by all regulations and commonsense rules can, nevertheless, lead to a brilliant holiday experience.
Safe travel in Macao
Macao has a rich colonial Portuguese past, which now mingles with Chinese culture, providing a vibrant holiday experience in a location only seven-miles square. In this relatively tiny location, you will probably need two or three days to explore the 30 different heritage locations helpfully listed on the Macao World Heritage Map. If you want to visit the islands of Taipa and Coloane, you will need even longer.
Macao didn’t just feature in the Man With the Golden Gun but in Bond movie, Skyfall, too. Remember the casino scene? If you too are tempted to the casinos, do watch your wallet. Any crime occurring in Macao is largely pickpocketing or largely petty in nature, but casinos and crowded areas are the most likely locations in which you can run into such trouble. Our travel advice is for you to also watch your baggage, when checking in and out of your hotel.
Otherwise, your main holiday threat might be natural, most probably in the form of a typhoon between April and October. Learn what the warning signals are and be prepared.
Stay safe, have the right travel insurance on board for all eventualities that could not be predicted, and you should have a great time exploring this remarkable place. With sights such as the A-Ma Temple, the Moorish Barracks and Senado Square, and culinary delights including Portuguese egg tart, your memories will hopefully be happy ones.
Hong Kong travel advice for European travellers
One of the main issues many governments flag up to those visiting Hong Kong is that the laws can be interpreted widely by the Chinese government overseeing daily life here. What constitutes the protection of ‘national security’ can be subjective. This is one reason why the number of European travellers has fallen in recent years.
If you do go to Hong Kong, the best travel advice is to urge you to be very careful and cautious. Do not cause any issues by doing things that are banned, including spitting, littering, jaywalking and buying any products associated with the ivory trade. Do not carry any items for anyone who asks you to do so and be very careful about medications or self-medications. CBD products are banned here and regarded as drugs, so possession can result in a prison sentence. Similarly, it is illegal to carry sleeping tablets and some other medications without a prescription or doctor’s letter.
If you do wish to explore Hong Kong, you will find very Instagrammable locations and potentially events too, like the Winterfest, which marks the Christmas season with stunning illuminated displays on the harbourside, in the West Kowloon Cultural District. At any time of year, the West Kowloon area is likely to have the camera clicking and the tummy rumbling too, given all the seafood and Asian cuisine delights available on menus.
You might also be tempted to visit Hong Kong Disneyland – something not existing in Mr Bond’s time back 50 years ago, or be enticed into the shopping area of Pottinger Street and what is known as Toy Street.
Whether or not Hong Kong leaves you shaken but not stirred, is really down to you but good travel advice includes urging you to make sure you have bought your travel cover for your trip and can call upon it, should any health, theft, cancellation or liability issues arise.
To be the man (or woman) with the Golden insurance policy (unless you decide to opt for Silver or Platinum cover), which can assist you, regardless of whether you are travelling to a Bond location from the EU, UK, EEA, Monaco or Gibraltar, head to the Europesure website.
