THE SOLO WOMAN’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO THAILAND

THE IDEA OF TRAVELING ALONE as a woman is often Frightening. But we are able to't Permit that prevent us — and luckily, we haven't: Solo woman journey is without doubt one of the swiftest escalating demographics inside the industry. And though unbiased Girls adventurers are heading almost just about everywhere, few places have found this growth more than Thailand. Over and above staying Risk-free and welcoming, it's funds-helpful, conveniently accessible, and nevertheless nevertheless totally envy-inducing. It's a triple danger.

Thailand is home to unique locations, each with its personal Delicacies and lifestyle. To secure a grasp from the place, you'll have to see them all. In the roots from the Lanna Kingdom in Chiang Mai plus the Hill tribes with the north, towards the Babas around the island of Phuket from the south (and, obviously, the behemoth that is definitely Bangkok), we'll stroll you through the Fundamentals.

Get around the capital, solo

 

 

Thailand travel

Bangkok (known to locals as Krungthep) has transformed dramatically over the past couple of many years. The sheer quantity of things to do — museums, eating places, outlets, and marketplaces — can make it among the finest cities in the world to go to or are now living in, and it's very Risk-free for solo feminine vacationers, Particularly since it's uncomplicated for getting all-around.

The BTS (Bangkok Transit Systemand cost-effective metered taxis make Bangkok an uncomplicated destination to navigate. Most signals are in the two Thai and English, far too. Tuk tuks — the carriage connected to a motorbike You may have viewed in Darjeeling Constrained— are One more exciting way to get within the city, nevertheless you are able to expect to pay far more for your personal novelty journey (but don't shy from haggling beforehand). Though it could be a tad dearer, it is possible to't head to Thailand devoid of riding a tuk tuk at the very least at the time.

Spend a night on the town.

 

Thailand travel

 

Consider Bangkok's prime bars within the industrial district of Silom (such as the 1930s-cabaret-themed basement bar Maggie Choo's, during the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom near the Surasak and Taksin BTS stations; or the top rooftop look at in Bangkok, Cloud 47, near the Sala Daeng station). Sukhumvit can also be full of trendy places. Purchase some fish at Tororo Sushi just before hitting the nightlife within the Thonglor-Ekamai community, in which you'll have your option of dance clubs playing leading 40 Thai hits, bars serving beer from around the globe, and swanky rooftop patios.

An additional fantastic choice for a memorable night is really a Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise — you'll get an upscale buffet evening meal even though observing the landmarks together the Chao Phraya riverside float by.

Treat yourself to a night of luxury

  

Thailand travel

 

With a lot of economical accommodation — including listings on Airbnb, hostels, and affordable hotels — a night of notroughing it's well worth the splurge. Look into the Windsor Lodge, with views over the entire town. It's centrally situated in Bangkok and has some wonderful Road foods nearby, moreover it's proper next to a giant BTS interchange (Asok/Sukhumvit) that allows you to bounce around the skytrain or even the subway. Try to look for deals on the internet and you might be able to look for a area for as minimal as $50.

Want to essentially splurge? The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has 125 many years of experience earning its company come to feel like queens. With outside swimming pools and cabanas, tennis courts, a full-services spa with Thai massages, yoga classes, and 10 dining places, this keep will set you back several hundred pounds, but you'll surely encounter a throwback towards the golden age of Thai luxury travel.

Head south on a one-woman road trip

 

 

Thailand travel

 

Southern Thailand is magnificent — and an ideal place for a solo street vacation. Car or truck rentals is often arranged online all over the area, and possessing your own personal wheels provides you with the flexibility to halt when and where you want.

This part of the nation is focused on exploring the smaller villages and cities that punctuate the miles and miles of seashores. Character enthusiasts will take pleasure in the "Minor Amazon" of Takua Pa in Phang Nga, in close proximity to Khao Lak — wherever no creating is permitted to stand taller than a coconut palm tree — and only some several hours from Phuket. Quit in Khao Lak at the beachside Khaolak Laguna Resort (in the center of town) and have a tour from the nearby waterfalls, Opt for a hike in Khaolak-Lumru National Park, or merely delight in a drink because of the pool whilst watching the tide roll in.

Next, travel up the coast to Ranong, a lesser-known city that was at the time a popular location with the now-defunct Phuket-Ranong visa run. There's an incredible sizzling spring, inexpensive but delicious eating places (Le Ranong Cafe has great banana smoothies), along with the Rattana Rangsarn Throne Corridor, a picket palace replica with gardens that's a perfect afternoon examining spot.

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. Regardless of the frequently-expressed sentiment that it's far too touristy, the truth is dependent upon which A part of the island and which era of 12 months you stop by. Near the southern idea, Nai Harn beach isn't as busy as Patong which is a neighborhood preferred. It's got a handful of beachside dining places, a temple to investigate, as well as a huge lake that's a favorite jogging place for expats. Also consider Nai Yang beach (during the north, near the airport), an excellent location to go kiteboarding without having to prevent a throng of swimmers.

Once you've had your share of sand and surf, head into city to investigate Aged Phuket City — it's crammed with Chinese temples and museums, and it's lesser than you'd think about, thinking about the recognition of a few of the close by beaches. This is actually the heart with the island as well as location to be in the course of the once-a-year Vegetarian Festival.

Kopi de Phuket is an efficient alternative in town for lunch or espresso. It's also going for walks distance to Jui Tui Shrine — Adhere to the scent of incense to this Chinese Temple on attractive grounds. Sunday is the right working day to stroll in Outdated Town, snap pics with the Sino-Portuguese houses, and enjoy the road foods and leisure of your walking market place on Thalang Highway as being the Solar goes down.

Take time to explore inwards.

 

Thailand travel

 

If enduring Thailand spirituality is one thing you're into, check out the temple-loaded northern city of Chiang Mai. You will take an right away teach straight from Bangkok or an air-conditioned bus — both alternatives should really get you there in lower than twelve hours. Another option is the previous money of Siam, Ayutthaya, from the Central Plains (a simple journey at fewer than 60 miles from Bangkok). It's filled with ruins and temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, dwelling in the famed Buddha statue in an old tree.

Desire to go genuinely solo? Dhamma Kamala in Prachinburi delivers 10-day silent programs in Vipassana meditation. This really is legit silence — no conversing, no texting, and no composing for 10 straight times. It's operate over a donation technique, features straightforward lodging and meals, and offers you extra time than you ever assumed feasible to replicate on the only consistent travel companion: yourself.

Check out the north on a motorbike

 

Thailand travel

 

With scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles readily available for rent in generally just about every metropolis, city, and village in Thailand, jetting off like Audrey Hepburn (but without the extra pounds of Gregory Peck over the back) is actually a breeze. You'll choose to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage, a helmet, and beefy plenty of tires for the kinds of roadways you take note of. And don't overlook to snap some images with the bicycle before you leave to ensure you aren't charged for almost any problems you didn't result in.

The compact towns and silent streets of northern Thailand make for Particularly wonderful motorbike touring. Chiang Rai is a relatively swift generate from Chiang Mai; you'll pass several cafes and strawberry farms along how. Cease on the Doi Chaang Espresso farm (in the village of the identical name) to seize a bite to try to eat and buy some natural and organic espresso to take household with you.

Chiang Rai's Evening Bazaar is a wonderful place to have a number of beers and sample dishes like seafood soup within a steaming hotpot while people-observing and Hearing community musicians. It's centrally Positioned and in strolling distance from the golden clock tower, which resembles the design of Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), a up to date artwork show while in the form of a Buddhist temple, also in Chiang Rai.

Meet your fellow wanderers on an organized tour

 

 

Thailand travel

 

In the event you're ever wanting companionship, your options are loads. Head to Ayutthaya to check out temples and web pages by bicycle, wherever various tour organizations (for example Grasshopper Adventures) have entire- and 50 %-day excursions along back lanes and earlier intriguing cultural web sites. You may also take an overnight Mekhala cruise about the Chao Praya River from Bangkok, floating within a restored teak rice barge.

For a longer tour and the chance to expend some critical time with other tourists, attempt booking via a tour enterprise like Oriental Escapes, which operates multi-working day excursions across the country and it has an excellent track record (and also a assure to prevent tourist traps).