THE SOLO WOMAN’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO THAILAND

THE IDEA OF TRAVELING ALONE as a lady could be scary. But we will't Enable that stop us — And fortunately, we haven't: Solo feminine journey is among the fastest rising demographics within the field. And though unbiased Gals adventurers are heading almost just about everywhere, couple of areas have witnessed this boom much more than Thailand. Past becoming safe and welcoming, it's finances-helpful, commonly available, and nonetheless nonetheless fully envy-inducing. It's a triple threat.

Thailand is household to different locations, Every single with its possess Delicacies and society. To acquire a grasp in the region, you'll have to see them all. From your roots in the Lanna Kingdom in Chiang Mai as well as the Hill tribes of the north, on the Babas within the island of Phuket within the south (and, of course, the behemoth that is definitely Bangkok), we'll wander you throughout the Principles.

Get around the capital, solo

 

 

Thailand travel

Bangkok (regarded to locals as Krungthep) has adjusted radically in the last several a long time. The sheer number of things to complete — museums, places to eat, shops, and marketplaces — can make it probably the greatest towns on this planet to visit or are now living in, and it's pretty Protected for solo female tourists, Specially because it's straightforward to obtain all over.

The BTS (Bangkok Transit Systemand reasonably priced metered taxis make Bangkok a fairly easy location to navigate. Most indications are in both of those Thai and English, way too. Tuk tuks — the carriage attached to a motorcycle You could have viewed in Darjeeling Limited— are A further pleasurable method of getting within the city, however you'll be able to assume to pay far more on your novelty journey (but don't shy from haggling beforehand). Though it may be a bit more expensive, you can't visit Thailand with no riding a tuk tuk at the least the moment.

Spend a night on the town.

 

Thailand travel

 

Take a look at Bangkok's leading bars while in the industrial district of Silom (like the 1930s-cabaret-themed basement bar Maggie Choo's, in the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom near the Surasak and Taksin BTS stations; or the very best rooftop view in Bangkok, Cloud forty seven, near the Sala Daeng station). Sukhumvit is also full of stylish locations. Buy some fish at Tororo Sushi before hitting the nightlife from the Thonglor-Ekamai community, in which you'll have your option of dance golf equipment taking part in top forty Thai hits, bars serving beer from world wide, and swanky rooftop patios.

Yet another superior selection for a unforgettable night is often a Chao Phraya Princess Supper Cruise — you'll get an upscale buffet meal although seeing the landmarks alongside the Chao Phraya riverside float by.

Treat yourself to a night of luxury

  

Thailand travel

 

With lots of inexpensive accommodation — which includes listings on Airbnb, hostels, and cheap accommodations — an evening of notroughing it can be worth the splurge. Look into the Windsor Lodge, with views across the complete city. It's centrally situated in Bangkok and it has some wonderful Road foods close by, in addition it's suitable next to a giant BTS interchange (Asok/Sukhumvit) that allows you to leap about the skytrain or perhaps the subway. Seek out specials online and you might be able to locate a room for as very little as $50.

Want to really splurge? The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has a hundred twenty five yrs of encounter producing its company sense like queens. With out of doors pools and cabanas, tennis courts, an entire-services spa with Thai massages, yoga courses, and 10 eating places, this keep will set you again various hundred pounds, however you'll unquestionably practical experience a throwback on the golden age of Thai luxury travel.

Head south on a one-woman road trip

 

 

Thailand travel

 

Southern Thailand is gorgeous — and the proper place for a solo highway vacation. Automobile rentals could be arranged on the internet through the entire location, and acquiring your own wheels provides you with the pliability to halt when and in which you want.

This Section of the region is all about exploring the tiny villages and cities that punctuate the miles and miles of beach locations. Mother nature enthusiasts will take pleasure in the "Little Amazon" of Takua Pa in Phang Nga, close to Khao Lak — in which no constructing is allowed to stand taller than the usual coconut palm tree — and only a few hours from Phuket. Stop in Khao Lak with the beachside Khaolak Laguna Resort (in the center of town) and have a tour of the close by waterfalls, go for a hike in Khaolak-Lumru Countrywide Park, or maybe love a drink by the pool even though observing the tide roll in.

Subsequent, drive up the Coastline to Ranong, a lesser-recognised town that was as soon as a favorite spot for that now-defunct Phuket-Ranong visa run. There's an awesome warm spring, affordable but delicious restaurants (Le Ranong Cafe has brilliant banana smoothies), and also the Rattana Rangsarn Throne Corridor, a wooden palace duplicate with gardens that's an excellent afternoon reading spot.

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

 

Thailand travel

 

Phuket is Thailand's major island and has over 30 seashores. Despite the typically-expressed sentiment that it's much too touristy, the fact depends on which Portion of the island and which time of calendar year you pay a visit to. Near to the southern idea, Nai Harn Seaside isn't as busy as Patong and is also an area favored. It has a few beachside dining establishments, a temple to discover, plus a big lake that's a favorite managing spot for expats. Also consider Nai Yang Seashore (in the north, close to the airport), an awesome spot to go kiteboarding without needing to avoid a throng of swimmers.

If you've had your share of sand and surf, head into town to discover Old Phuket City — it's full of Chinese temples and museums, and it's more compact than you'd imagine, thinking about the recognition of a lot of the close by seashores. Here is the heart on the island as well as spot to be over the once-a-year Vegetarian Competition.

Kopi de Phuket is an effective solution in town for lunch or espresso. It's also walking length to Jui Tui Shrine — follow the smell of incense to this Chinese Temple on lovely grounds. Sunday is the right day to stroll in Previous Town, snap pictures in the Sino-Portuguese residences, and enjoy the street food items and enjoyment with the walking market place on Thalang Street since the Sunshine goes down.

Take time to explore inwards.

 

Thailand travel

 

If suffering from Thailand spirituality is something you're into, check out the temple-loaded northern town of Chiang Mai. You will take an overnight educate straight from Bangkok or an air-conditioned bus — the two selections really should get you there in fewer than twelve hrs. An alternative choice is the previous funds of Siam, Ayutthaya, while in the Central Plains (a simple trip at below sixty miles from Bangkok). It's full of ruins and temples like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, dwelling from the popular Buddha statue in an previous tree.

Desire to go actually solo? Dhamma Kamala in Prachinburi features ten-day silent classes in Vipassana meditation. This really is legit silence — no talking, no texting, and no composing for 10 straight times. It's run over a donation technique, consists of basic lodging and meals, and will provide you with a lot more time than you ever imagined probable to mirror on your only continuous journey companion: yourself.

Check out the north on a motorbike

 

Thailand travel

 

With scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles accessible for rent in in essence every town, town, and village in Thailand, jetting off like Audrey Hepburn (but without the included pounds of Gregory Peck to the back again) is often a breeze. You'll want to be sure to have satisfactory insurance coverage, a helmet, and beefy plenty of tires for the kinds of streets you have in mind. And don't neglect to snap some pics on the bicycle before you go away to make sure you aren't billed for virtually any destruction you didn't bring about.

The compact cities and quiet streets of northern Thailand make for Particularly great bike touring. Chiang Rai is a relatively fast generate from Chiang Mai; you'll move a lot of cafes and strawberry farms alongside just how. Halt in the Doi Chaang Espresso farm (while in the village of the identical name) to grab a bite to take in and buy some organic espresso to choose dwelling with you.

Chiang Rai's Evening Bazaar is a good position to have a couple beers and sample dishes like seafood soup within a steaming hotpot though people-watching and listening to community musicians. It's centrally located and in walking length with the golden clock tower, which resembles the design of Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), a contemporary artwork exhibit while in 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 wanting companionship, your choices are a great deal. Head to Ayutthaya to examine temples and sites by bicycle, in which various tour firms (which include Grasshopper Adventures) have complete- and 50 %-working day excursions together back again lanes and previous intriguing cultural web-sites. You may also acquire an overnight Mekhala cruise about the Chao Praya River from Bangkok, floating inside a restored teak rice barge.

For an extended excursion and the opportunity to invest some major time with other vacationers, try reserving by way of a tour organization like Oriental Escapes, which runs multi-day excursions across the country and it has a good standing (plus a ensure to prevent tourist traps).