Our Personal Earthquake Experience in Bangkok

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar. The tremors reached far and wide, including Bangkok, where we—50+ slow travelers journeying with our dog—were staying at the time. What began as a normal day quickly turned into an unforgettable experience that tested our calm and reshaped our view of travel preparedness.

Our Personal Earthquake Experience in Bangkok

We were relaxing in our high-rise apartment when we felt it: a strange swaying motion, subtle at first, but quickly intensifying. It took a few seconds to register what was happening. The building creaked, the hanging lights swayed, and our dog became visibly agitated. We knew we were experiencing an earthquake. https://youtu.be/9VAkdPiHsJE?si=hdF_NKQ6HXgtigef

After moving away from windows and bracing ourselves in a safer part of the apartment, the tremors subsided. Outside, other residents had gathered, confused but relieved. For many of us, it was a first. There was a shared understanding—unspoken but felt—that we’d just experienced something that would leave a mark.

The Impact on Bangkok

Though the epicenter was far from the Thai capital, the effects in Bangkok were serious. A high-rise building under construction in the Chatuchak district collapsed, tragically resulting in several casualties and a handful of people reported missing. Cracks and structural issues emerged in a number of older buildings, prompting swift safety inspections and evacuations.

Transportation was disrupted, with roads temporarily closed to assess damage. Emergency services responded promptly, offering support and stability during a chaotic moment.

Do We Still Feel Safe Here?

After the shaking stopped, we had to ask ourselves: do we still feel safe staying in Bangkok? It’s not a question we ever expected to ask—but one we had to take seriously.

The city has shown resilience. Authorities acted quickly to assess structural safety and restore normalcy. We monitored news updates, talked with locals, and checked our building’s safety certifications. In the end, we decided to stay.

We’re not ignoring what happened. We’re aware of the risk—but we also recognize that earthquakes, like many natural disasters, can happen anywhere. What matters most is being prepared.

Should You Still Travel to Bangkok Now?

If you have plans to visit Bangkok or are considering it, here’s our honest take: yes, it’s still worth coming.

Bangkok remains vibrant, beautiful, and welcoming. The city didn’t shut down. Life has continued—restaurants are bustling, the markets are full, and the hospitality is as warm as ever. Still, this earthquake was a reminder that travel isn’t always predictable.

So if you come:

• Choose accommodation with good safety records.
• Ask about emergency plans wherever you stay.
• Consider travel insurance that covers natural disasters.

Lessons We’ve Learned as Slow Travelers

This wasn’t our first unexpected travel moment, but it was certainly the most dramatic. It reminded us that being a slow traveler—someone who stays longer and integrates more deeply—means you’ll occasionally experience the highs and the lows of a place.

It also reminded us to pack smarter. We now keep a small grab-bag ready with essentials: passports, cash, snacks, a flashlight, pet supplies, and our most important documents. We hope we’ll never need it, but it brings peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing an earthquake in a foreign country is humbling. But it also brings clarity: to stay calm, to stay prepared, and to stay connected to the world around us.

Bangkok has been good to us—and we’re not leaving just yet.

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Until next time, stay safe, travel smart, and keep exploring.