THE SOLO WOMAN’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO THAILAND

THE IDEA OF TRAVELING ALONE as a woman can be Frightening. But we could't let that end us — And by chance, we haven't: Solo woman journey is among the fastest growing demographics within the field. And nevertheless independent Ladies adventurers are likely pretty much all over the place, several spots have found this growth greater than Thailand. Outside of being Risk-free and welcoming, it's spending budget-pleasant, easily accessible, and but even now totally envy-inducing. It's a triple danger.

Thailand is house to distinctive locations, Every with its have cuisine and culture. To obtain a grasp on the place, you'll really have to see all of them. From your roots of the Lanna Kingdom in Chiang Mai plus the Hill tribes on the north, on the Babas over the island of Phuket during the south (and, naturally, the behemoth that's Bangkok), we'll stroll you throughout the Fundamentals.

Get around the capital, solo

 

 

Thailand travel

Bangkok (identified to locals as Krungthep) has changed substantially over the past couple decades. The sheer number of factors to carry out — museums, restaurants, outlets, and markets — makes it among the finest metropolitan areas on the earth to go to or reside in, and it's really Risk-free for solo woman travelers, especially because it's basic to have all around.

The BTS (Bangkok Transit Systemand cost-effective metered taxis make Bangkok an uncomplicated location to navigate. Most symptoms are in both equally Thai and English, also. Tuk tuks — the carriage hooked up to a motorcycle You could have observed in Darjeeling Limited— are Yet another exciting method of getting across the town, although you can assume to pay for extra on your novelty ride (but don't shy away from haggling beforehand). When it may be a tiny bit costlier, you are able to't drop by Thailand without having Using a tuk tuk at the very least when.

Spend a night on the town.

 

Thailand travel

 

Take a look at Bangkok's top rated bars inside the industrial district of Silom (like the 1930s-cabaret-themed basement bar Maggie Choo's, from the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom near the Surasak and Taksin BTS stations; or the most beneficial rooftop look at in Bangkok, Cloud 47, close to the Sala Daeng station). Sukhumvit is also jam packed with fashionable regions. Purchase some fish at Tororo Sushi right before hitting the nightlife in the Thonglor-Ekamai neighborhood, where you'll have your decision of dance golf equipment enjoying best forty Thai hits, bars serving beer from worldwide, and swanky rooftop patios.

One more great choice for a unforgettable night time is actually a Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise — you'll get an upscale buffet dinner when observing the landmarks alongside the Chao Phraya riverside float by.

Treat yourself to a night of luxury

  

Thailand travel

 

With loads of very affordable accommodation — which include listings on Airbnb, hostels, and inexpensive hotels — an evening of notroughing it is actually well worth the splurge. Look into the Windsor Hotel, with views through the full city. It's centrally located in Bangkok and has some fantastic Avenue meals nearby, moreover it's proper close to a big BTS interchange (Asok/Sukhumvit) that lets you leap to the skytrain or even the subway. Look for promotions on the web and you could possibly find a place for as minimal as $50.

Want to really splurge? The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has a hundred twenty five a long time of experience building its company really feel like queens. With outdoor pools and cabanas, tennis courts, a complete-support spa with Thai massages, yoga lessons, and ten places to eat, this keep will set you back again a number of hundred pounds, however you'll undoubtedly practical experience a throwback for the golden age of Thai luxurious travel.

Head south on a one-woman road trip

 

 

Thailand travel

 

Southern Thailand is lovely — and the ideal spot for a solo street journey. Motor vehicle rentals could be arranged on-line through the entire area, and possessing your personal wheels provides you with the pliability to stop when and where you want.

This Component of the region is centered on exploring the smaller villages and cities that punctuate the miles and miles of beaches. Character enthusiasts will take pleasure in the "Minimal Amazon" of Takua Pa in Phang Nga, around Khao Lak — the place no constructing is allowed to stand taller than the usual coconut palm tree — and only some hours from Phuket. End in Khao Lak on the beachside Khaolak Laguna Vacation resort (in the middle of city) and take a tour in the nearby waterfalls, Select a hike in Khaolak-Lumru National Park, or simply just appreciate a consume via the pool whilst viewing the tide roll in.

Future, travel up the Coastline to Ranong, a lesser-recognised town that was after a popular destination for the now-defunct Phuket-Ranong visa operate. There's a fantastic incredibly hot spring, affordable but tasty dining places (Le Ranong Cafe has amazing banana smoothies), and also the Rattana Rangsarn Throne Hall, a picket palace duplicate with gardens that's a wonderful afternoon examining location.

See the other side of one of Thailand's most popular tourist spots

 

Thailand travel

 

Phuket is Thailand's most significant island and has more than 30 shorelines. Despite the normally-expressed sentiment that it's much too touristy, the reality depends upon which Section of the island and which period of year you stop by. Near to the southern tip, Nai Harn Beach front isn't as occupied as Patong and is particularly a neighborhood favored. It's got a number of beachside places to eat, a temple to take a look at, along with a big lake that's a preferred managing place for expats. Also consider Nai Yang beach (during the north, close to the airport), an excellent spot to go kiteboarding without having to stay away from a throng of swimmers.

Once you've had your share of sand and surf, head into town to check out Outdated Phuket Town — it's filled with Chinese temples and museums, and it's scaled-down than you'd think about, contemplating the recognition of a few of the close by beach locations. This is the heart from the island as well as destination to be through the annual Vegetarian Pageant.

Kopi de Phuket is a superb alternative in town for lunch or espresso. It's also strolling length to Jui Tui Shrine — Keep to the smell of incense to this Chinese Temple on attractive grounds. Sunday is the perfect day to stroll in Old City, snap photos of the Sino-Portuguese houses, and enjoy the road food and amusement with the strolling marketplace on Thalang Highway as the Solar goes down.

Take time to explore inwards.

 

Thailand travel

 

If enduring Thailand spirituality is one area you're into, check out the temple-loaded northern metropolis of Chiang Mai. You usually takes an overnight coach directly from Bangkok or an air-conditioned bus — equally options should really get you there in fewer than twelve hours. Another choice is the previous cash of Siam, Ayutthaya, within the Central Plains (a simple excursion at lower than 60 miles from Bangkok). It's filled with ruins and temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, household with the popular Buddha statue in an aged tree.

Want to go certainly solo? Dhamma Kamala in Prachinburi offers ten-day silent programs in Vipassana meditation. This is legit silence — no talking, no texting, and no creating for ten straight days. It's run on the donation technique, incorporates very simple lodging and meals, and will provide you with much more time than you at any time thought feasible to replicate on your only consistent journey companion: on your own.

Check out the north on a motorbike

 

Thailand travel

 

With scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles accessible for lease in generally each city, town, and village in Thailand, jetting off like Audrey Hepburn (but without the included weight of Gregory Peck around the back again) is usually a breeze. You'll wish to be sure you have sufficient insurance, a helmet, and beefy more than enough tires for the types of roads you bear in mind. And don't overlook to snap some pictures on the bicycle before you leave to make sure you aren't billed for any damage you didn't trigger.

The compact cities and tranquil streets of northern Thailand make for Primarily nice motorbike touring. Chiang Rai is a relatively quick push from Chiang Mai; you'll go various cafes and strawberry farms together how. Cease for the Doi Chaang Espresso farm (in the village of the exact same name) to grab a bite to take in and purchase some natural espresso to take home along with you.

Chiang Rai's Evening Bazaar is a superb position to possess a couple beers and sample dishes like seafood soup in the steaming hotpot though men and women-seeing and listening to local musicians. It's centrally Found and in just walking distance from your golden clock tower, which resembles the design of Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), a modern day artwork show inside the sort of a Buddhist temple, also in Chiang Rai.

Meet your fellow wanderers on an organized tour

 

 

Thailand travel

 

When you're ever looking for companionship, your choices are loads. Head to Ayutthaya to take a look at temples and web sites by bicycle, where quite a few tour providers (such as Grasshopper Adventures) have full- and 50 percent-day excursions along again lanes and past interesting cultural internet sites. You can also take an right away Mekhala cruise about the Chao Praya River from Bangkok, floating inside a restored teak rice barge.

For an extended excursion and the chance to shell out some serious time with other travelers, attempt reserving by way of a tour firm like Oriental Escapes, which operates multi-day visits across the country and it has a very good track record (plus a ensure to prevent vacationer traps).