THE SOLO WOMAN’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO THAILAND

THE IDEA OF TRAVELING ALONE as a woman may be scary. But we can easily't Enable that end us — And fortuitously, we haven't: Solo feminine vacation has become the fastest growing demographics from the industry. And however independent Women of all ages adventurers are likely pretty much everywhere you go, couple of sites have observed this boom in excess of Thailand. Beyond becoming Harmless and welcoming, it's price range-pleasant, conveniently accessible, and however even now totally envy-inducing. It's a triple threat.

Thailand is household to distinctive areas, each with its own Delicacies and society. To acquire a grasp of the country, you'll have to see all of them. Through the roots from the Lanna Kingdom in Chiang Mai along with the Hill tribes on the north, to the Babas within the island of Phuket during the south (and, of course, the behemoth that may be Bangkok), we'll wander you through the Fundamental principles.

Get around the capital, solo

 

 

Thailand travel

Bangkok (recognized to locals as Krungthep) has modified dramatically over the past few decades. The sheer degree of issues to do — museums, dining establishments, retailers, and markets — makes it the most effective towns on this planet to visit or are in, and it's fairly Safe and sound for solo woman tourists, Particularly because it's uncomplicated to get all-around.

The BTS (Bangkok Transit Systemand very affordable metered taxis make Bangkok a straightforward destination to navigate. Most signs are in both of those Thai and English, far too. Tuk tuks — the carriage hooked up to a motorcycle You may have viewed in Darjeeling Restricted— are One more enjoyment way to get within the metropolis, though you may assume to pay a lot more on your novelty trip (but don't shy clear of haggling beforehand). Whilst it might be somewhat dearer, it is possible to't go to Thailand without the need of Using a tuk tuk at least once.

Spend a night on the town.

 

Thailand travel

 

Consider Bangkok's prime bars in the industrial district of Silom (such as the 1930s-cabaret-themed basement bar Maggie Choo's, within the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom near the Surasak and Taksin BTS stations; or the most beneficial rooftop see in Bangkok, Cloud forty seven, close to the Sala Daeng station). Sukhumvit is also filled with fashionable spots. Order some fish at Tororo Sushi prior to hitting the nightlife within the Thonglor-Ekamai neighborhood, in which you'll have your decision of dance clubs playing top forty Thai hits, bars serving beer from all over the world, and swanky rooftop patios.

An additional fantastic option for a memorable night time is often a Chao Phraya Princess Supper Cruise — you'll get an upscale buffet meal whilst viewing the landmarks alongside the Chao Phraya riverside float by.

Treat yourself to a night of luxury

  

Thailand travel

 

With loads of inexpensive accommodation — which includes listings on Airbnb, hostels, and low-priced lodges — a night of notroughing it truly is worth the splurge. Check out the Windsor Resort, with sights through the complete town. It's centrally situated in Bangkok and has some excellent Road food items nearby, plus it's proper next to a major BTS interchange (Asok/Sukhumvit) that lets you soar to the skytrain or the subway. Look for discounts on the internet and you may be able to locate a area for as tiny as $fifty.

Want to essentially splurge? The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has a hundred twenty five years of working experience generating its company sense like queens. With out of doors pools and cabanas, tennis courts, an entire-provider spa with Thai massages, yoga courses, and 10 eating places, this stay will set you back again quite a few hundred bucks, however you'll definitely expertise a throwback towards the golden age of Thai luxurious vacation.

Head south on a one-woman road trip

 

 

Thailand travel

 

Southern Thailand is stunning — and the perfect place for a solo highway excursion. Vehicle rentals can be organized on the web all over the area, and possessing your individual wheels offers you the flexibility to prevent when and where you want.

This Section of the state is all about exploring the compact villages and towns that punctuate the miles and miles of shorelines. Nature fans will take pleasure in the "Little Amazon" of Takua Pa in Phang Nga, in the vicinity of Khao Lak — where by no creating is permitted to stand taller than a coconut palm tree — and only a few hours from Phuket. Prevent in Khao Lak in the beachside Khaolak Laguna Vacation resort (in the middle of city) and have a tour of the close by waterfalls, Select a hike in Khaolak-Lumru Nationwide Park, or simply just delight in a drink through the pool when looking at the tide roll in.

Future, generate up the Coastline to Ranong, a lesser-acknowledged metropolis that was at the time a favorite desired destination to the now-defunct Phuket-Ranong visa run. There's a wonderful incredibly hot spring, inexpensive but tasty restaurants (Le Ranong Cafe has wonderful banana smoothies), plus the Rattana Rangsarn Throne Hall, a wood palace replica with gardens that's a great afternoon reading through place.

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

 

Thailand travel

 

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and has more than 30 beaches. Regardless of the generally-expressed sentiment that it's way too touristy, the reality relies on which Portion of the island and which time of yr you check out. Near to the southern idea, Nai Harn Seaside isn't as busy as Patong and is particularly an area favored. It's a handful of beachside dining establishments, a temple to discover, in addition to a large lake that's a well known operating place for expats. Also look into Nai Yang beach (during the north, near the airport), a fantastic spot to go kiteboarding without the need to prevent a throng of swimmers.

After you've experienced your share of sand and surf, head into city to investigate Outdated Phuket City — it's stuffed with Chinese temples and museums, and it's smaller than you'd think about, looking at the popularity of a number of the nearby seashores. Here is the heart of your island plus the spot to be over the once-a-year Vegetarian Festival.

Kopi de Phuket is a great selection in town for lunch or espresso. It's also strolling distance to Jui Tui Shrine — follow the smell of incense to this Chinese Temple on gorgeous grounds. Sunday is the perfect working day to stroll in Old City, snap pics of the Sino-Portuguese residences, and enjoy the road meals and enjoyment from the going for walks sector on Thalang Street because the Sunlight goes down.

Take time to explore inwards.

 

Thailand travel

 

If enduring Thailand spirituality is one thing you're into, look into the temple-loaded northern city of Chiang Mai. You may take an right away educate directly from Bangkok or an air-conditioned bus — each choices should really get you there in under 12 several hours. Another choice is the previous money of Siam, Ayutthaya, while in the Central Plains (a straightforward trip at fewer than 60 miles from Bangkok). It's crammed with ruins and temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, household from the famous Buddha statue within an aged tree.

Desire to go actually solo? Dhamma Kamala in Prachinburi provides 10-day silent classes in Vipassana meditation. That is legit silence — no chatting, no texting, and no creating for ten straight times. It's operate on the donation process, includes uncomplicated lodging and meals, and gives you much more time than you ever considered achievable to mirror with your only regular travel companion: oneself.

Check out the north on a motorbike

 

Thailand travel

 

With scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles accessible for hire in mainly each metropolis, city, and village in Thailand, jetting off like Audrey Hepburn (but with no extra weight of Gregory Peck about the back) can be a breeze. You'll wish to you should definitely have satisfactory insurance coverage, a helmet, and beefy more than enough tires for the kinds of streets you have in mind. And don't forget to snap some shots with the bike prior to deciding to leave to ensure you aren't charged for virtually any problems you didn't result in.

The compact towns and quiet roadways of northern Thailand make for Specifically nice motorcycle touring. Chiang Rai is a relatively swift drive from Chiang Mai; you'll move a lot of cafes and strawberry farms alongside the best way. Halt in the Doi Chaang Espresso farm (during the village of the identical title) to seize a Chunk to consume and purchase some organic and natural coffee to get residence with you.

Chiang Rai's Night time Bazaar is an excellent area to have a few beers and sample dishes like seafood soup within a steaming hotpot while people-looking at and listening to local musicians. It's centrally Positioned and in walking length through the golden clock tower, which resembles the design of Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), a modern artwork exhibit during the style of a Buddhist temple, also in Chiang Rai.

Meet your fellow wanderers on an organized tour

 

 

Thailand travel

 

If you're at any time needing companionship, your options are a lot. Head to Ayutthaya to explore temples and web pages by bicycle, exactly where a number of tour corporations (such as Grasshopper Adventures) have full- and 50 %-working day excursions together back again lanes and previous interesting cultural internet sites. You can also take an right away Mekhala cruise around the Chao Praya River from Bangkok, floating inside of a restored teak rice barge.

For a longer tour and the opportunity to shell out some significant time with other tourists, try out booking through a tour firm like Oriental Escapes, which runs multi-day visits across the nation and has a very good track record (plus a warranty in order to avoid vacationer traps).