THE SOLO WOMAN’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO THAILAND

THE IDEA OF TRAVELING ALONE as a lady can be scary. But we could't Permit that end us — And by chance, we haven't: Solo feminine journey is among the fastest developing demographics in the industry. And nevertheless unbiased Girls adventurers are going nearly just about everywhere, couple of locations have witnessed this boom in excess of Thailand. Over and above being Harmless and welcoming, it's budget-helpful, readily obtainable, and still still completely envy-inducing. It's a triple risk.

Thailand is house to distinct areas, Every with its have cuisine and society. To secure a grasp in the nation, you'll need to see them all. With the roots on the Lanna Kingdom in Chiang Mai as well as Hill tribes from the north, to the Babas about the island of Phuket from the south (and, of course, the behemoth that is certainly Bangkok), we'll wander you in the basics.

Get around the capital, solo

 

 

Thailand travel

Bangkok (identified to locals as Krungthep) has transformed drastically in the last few a long time. The sheer number of matters to carry out — museums, dining establishments, stores, and markets — can make it among the best metropolitan areas in the world to visit or are in, and it's pretty Protected for solo female tourists, Particularly since it's uncomplicated for getting all around.

The BTS (Bangkok Transit Systemand affordable metered taxis make Bangkok a simple place to navigate. Most signals are in the two Thai and English, way too. Tuk tuks — the carriage attached to a motorcycle you might have viewed in Darjeeling Limited— are A different enjoyment method of getting across the metropolis, although you could be expecting to pay extra for your novelty journey (but don't shy faraway from haggling beforehand). When it may be somewhat dearer, it is possible to't head to Thailand without the need of riding a tuk tuk a minimum of the moment.

Spend a night on the town.

 

Thailand travel

 

Look into Bangkok's top rated bars from the business district of Silom (just like the 1930s-cabaret-themed basement bar Maggie Choo's, inside the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom near the Surasak and Taksin BTS stations; or the most effective rooftop see in Bangkok, Cloud 47, near the Sala Daeng station). Sukhumvit is usually jam packed with stylish areas. Purchase some fish at Tororo Sushi right before hitting the nightlife inside the Thonglor-Ekamai community, where you'll have your alternative of dance clubs actively playing best 40 Thai hits, bars serving beer from all over the world, and swanky rooftop patios.

An additional very good option for a unforgettable night time is often a Chao Phraya Princess Evening meal Cruise — you'll get an upscale buffet dinner whilst observing the landmarks together the Chao Phraya riverside float by.

Treat yourself to a night of luxury

  

Thailand travel

 

With a good amount of economical accommodation — such as listings on Airbnb, hostels, and low-priced accommodations — an evening of notroughing it's well worth the splurge. Look into the Windsor Hotel, with sights over the whole metropolis. It's centrally situated in Bangkok and has some good street foods close by, furthermore it's appropriate beside a large BTS interchange (Asok/Sukhumvit) that lets you leap around the skytrain or even the subway. Try to find bargains on the internet and you might be able to locate a place for as small as $fifty.

Want to actually splurge? The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has one hundred twenty five many years of encounter producing its company really feel like queens. With outdoor pools and cabanas, tennis courts, an entire-company spa with Thai massages, yoga classes, and 10 dining establishments, this continue to be will set you again many hundred bucks, but you'll surely experience a throwback to the golden age of Thai luxury journey.

Head south on a one-woman road trip

 

 

Thailand travel

 

Southern Thailand is attractive — and the perfect place for a solo street journey. Car rentals could be arranged on the net all over the region, and acquiring your personal wheels provides you with the flexibleness to stop when and in which you want.

This Component of the state is about exploring the small villages and towns that punctuate the miles and miles of shorelines. Character fans will take pleasure in the "Tiny Amazon" of Takua Pa in Phang Nga, near Khao Lak — where by no constructing is allowed to stand taller than a coconut palm tree — and just a few hrs from Phuket. Prevent in Khao Lak within the beachside Khaolak Laguna Vacation resort (in the center of city) and have a tour of the close by waterfalls, Opt for a hike in Khaolak-Lumru Nationwide Park, or perhaps get pleasure from a drink via the pool though looking at the tide roll in.

Subsequent, drive up the Coastline to Ranong, a lesser-acknowledged town that was at the time a popular spot for your now-defunct Phuket-Ranong visa run. There's an amazing warm spring, cheap but delicious dining establishments (Le Ranong Cafe has wonderful banana smoothies), plus the Rattana Rangsarn Throne Hall, a wood palace replica with gardens that's an excellent afternoon studying location.

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

 

Thailand travel

 

Phuket is Thailand's major island and it has more than 30 beaches. Despite the generally-expressed sentiment that it's also touristy, the reality relies on which Portion of the island and which period of yr you visit. Near the southern idea, Nai Harn beach isn't as occupied as Patong which is a neighborhood favourite. It's got a number of beachside dining places, a temple to examine, and also a significant lake that's a well known working place for expats. Also look at Nai Yang Seashore (from the north, near the airport), a terrific place to go kiteboarding without the need to prevent a throng of swimmers.

After you've had your share of sand and surf, head into city to check out Aged Phuket City — it's crammed with Chinese temples and museums, and it's more compact than you'd envision, taking into consideration the recognition of several of the nearby shorelines. Here is the coronary heart from the island and the destination to be in the course of the annual Vegetarian Festival.

Kopi de Phuket is an effective alternative in city for lunch or espresso. It's also walking length to Jui Tui Shrine — Keep to the smell of incense to this Chinese Temple on stunning grounds. Sunday is the proper day to walk in Outdated Town, snap pictures of your Sino-Portuguese residences, and luxuriate in the road meals and amusement from the strolling sector on Thalang Road as the Solar goes down.

Take time to explore inwards.

 

Thailand travel

 

If experiencing Thailand spirituality is one area you're into, check out the temple-loaded northern city of Chiang Mai. You may take an right away practice directly from Bangkok or an air-conditioned bus — each selections ought to get you there in a lot less than 12 several hours. Another option is the former capital of Siam, Ayutthaya, inside the Central Plains (an easy vacation at below sixty miles from Bangkok). It's full of ruins and temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, home from the well known Buddha statue in an aged tree.

Choose to go certainly solo? Dhamma Kamala in Prachinburi offers 10-day silent classes in Vipassana meditation. This can be legit silence — no speaking, no texting, and no crafting for ten straight times. It's operate on a donation method, incorporates easy lodging and foods, and will give you additional time than you ever imagined feasible to mirror with your only continuous travel companion: your self.

Check out the north on a motorbike

 

Thailand travel

 

With scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles readily available for lease in basically each and every metropolis, city, and village in Thailand, jetting off like Audrey Hepburn (but without the additional body weight of Gregory Peck over the back again) is actually a breeze. You'll desire to ensure that you have adequate insurance policy, a helmet, and beefy ample tires for the categories of roadways you take into account. And don't forget to snap some pictures in the bike before you go away to ensure you aren't billed for almost any hurt you didn't trigger.

The compact towns and peaceful roadways of northern Thailand make for Specially wonderful motorcycle touring. Chiang Rai is a relatively fast drive from Chiang Mai; you'll move quite a few cafes and strawberry farms together the best way. Quit for the Doi Chaang Espresso farm (in the village of a similar identify) to seize a bite to take in and purchase some natural espresso to choose residence along with you.

Chiang Rai's Evening Bazaar is a good position to have a number of beers and sample dishes like seafood soup in the steaming hotpot though individuals-looking at and Hearing area musicians. It's centrally located and within strolling distance with the golden clock tower, which resembles the look of Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), a up to date artwork show during the form of a Buddhist temple, also in Chiang Rai.

Meet your fellow wanderers on an organized tour

 

 

Thailand travel

 

When you're at any time looking for companionship, your options are loads. Head to Ayutthaya to check out temples and websites by bicycle, the place many tour corporations (which include Grasshopper Adventures) have entire- and 50 percent-working day excursions together back again lanes and past appealing cultural websites. You can even choose an right away Mekhala cruise on the Chao Praya River from Bangkok, floating in the restored teak rice barge.

For an extended tour and the chance to invest some critical time with other vacationers, attempt reserving via a tour company like Oriental Escapes, which operates multi-day journeys across the country and has an excellent standing (along with a warranty to prevent tourist traps).