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Ready for the ultimate solo journey through the wonders of Thailand? Whether you’re dreaming of historic temples, elephant encounters, or blissful beaches, Thailand is the perfect destination for both new and experienced solo female travelers. This guide will be your passport to navigating Thailand as a solo female traveler, from safety and tips to what to expect. We’ll dive into cultural etiquette, must-visit destinations, how to make friends, and important safety information. So, grab your backpack, and let’s uncover everything you need to know to have the best solo adventure in the heart of Southeast Asia!
Solo female travel in Thailand: FAQs
Is Thailand a good place for solo female travelers?
YES! With its safety measures, affordability, solo-friendly amenities, and solo travel community, Thailand is the perfect destination for solo female travelers. Greeted by warm and welcoming locals, you’ll feel at home as you explore ancient temples, taste delicious street food, and swim in crystal-clear water at world-class beaches. Solo travelers can follow the tried and true routes of the backpacker community and connect with fellow travelers. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation, thrilling adventures, stunning natural landscapes, or cultural immersion, Thailand has something for every solo female traveler.
When to travel to Thailand as a solo female traveler?
Thailand has 3 main seasons: the dry season, the hot season, and the rainy season. There are regional variations in weather patterns between the northern, central, and southern regions, so it’s important to look at weather trends for your specific destinations. Here’s a general overview of the weather by season:
| Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| North | Dry, cool | Dry, warm | Dry, hot | Dry, hot | Dry, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, cool | Dry, cool | Dry, cool |
| Central | Dry, cool | Dry, warm | Dry, hot | Dry, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, warm | Rainy, warm | Dry, warm | Dry, cool |
| South | Dry, hot | Dry, hot | Dry, hot | Dry, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Rainy, hot | Dry, hot | Dry, hot |
December to March is considered the best time to travel in Thailand because of the drier and cooler weather. However, the crowds are the busiest at this time. If you’re on a budget, consider traveling during the rainy season for cheaper options. During the rainy season, there is usually only one heavy downpour each day that lasts about an hour. Usually, the rain occurs in the late afternoon, with the weather typically improving soon after. It can be worth the cheaper prices and smaller crowds to travel in the rainy season.
Where to go in Thailand as a solo female traveler?
As a solo female traveler, it’s best to stick to well-known tourist destinations. Because solo travelers are common in these areas, you can benefit from the locals and hospitality workers being used to them. You’ll also meet fellow travelers easily, so you can explore together and look out for each other. Some of the top destinations for solo travelers in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Tao. Read more about the best destinations in Thailand for solo female travelers, based on style of travel, below.
How to get around Thailand as a solo female traveler?
Thailand is an easy country to get around, with good public and private transportation options country-wide. Within Thailand, you’ll often have a choice of traveling by plane, train, bus, private car, and even boat. You can choose which methods of transportation fit your schedule and budget best, with trains and buses being the cheapest (but longest) options. The country is huge, so you’re likely to need to fly or take an overnight train or bus at least once. Luckily, overnight trains and buses are part of the backpacker culture in Southeast Asia, so you’re likely to meet other travelers and make a fun experience out of it.
Once you’re in an area, you can get around via local buses or trains (the MRT in Bangkok), taxis, or tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled bicycles that are great for getting short distances on a budget. Just make sure to negotiate your fare, as drivers are likely to upcharge tourists. If you’re going to call a taxi, I suggest using the Grab app instead of flagging one down. This way, you won’t be scammed and there is a digital footprint of your driver and route.
If you don’t want to worry about organizing all your own transportation, a great option is to join organized excursions or a group tour. These tours take care of your transportation while shuttling you around to top tourist destinations with a local guide. They range from day trips to weeks-long trips. They’re also a great way to make friends as a solo traveler. Read more about these options below.
How to meet people in Thailand as a solo female traveler?
As I mentioned above, joining organized excursions or a group tour is a great way to make friends while also not having to worry about your transportation and itinerary. Organized excursions are day trips that cover the top sights and attractions in the area, while group tours span many days and areas and also take care of your accommodations. Both are easy ways to meet fellow travelers to enjoy the journey with.
If you’re planning your own accommodation, hostels are the best places to stay to meet new people. By sharing a dorm room with other travelers, you can easily bond and make friends to explore with. Many hostels also organize group activities, such as excursions, dinners, local experiences, and parties. However, not all hostels are created equal when it comes to socializing. Some hostels have a quiet, relaxed vibe, while some have a social, party vibe, and some are in-between. It’s important to read hostel reviews to find a vibe that’s a good fit for you.
My favorite website for booking hostels is Hostelworld. Hostelworld has the best choice of hostels around the world for social travel, with thousands of reviews that will help you find the best fit for you. Book your Thailand hostels here.
If you want to make friends ahead of your trip, try using social media to join Thailand travel groups, such as this Thailand Backpacker Group. Of course, always use common sense when meeting people from social media.
Solo female travel in Thailand: Safety
As a solo female traveler, it’s important to know that the Land of Smiles lives up to its name – it is indeed a friendly and safe destination. With a strong tradition of hospitality and respect, Thailand is renowned for its warm and helpful locals. Additionally, Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide, meaning that many solo female travelers have come before you. Thailand’s friendly locals and booming tourist industry make it an ideal and safe place to embark on a solo journey. While you should always be cautious and practice standard safety precautions, solo female travelers will feel safe and welcome. Thailand is the perfect place for solo female travelers to embark on an incredible adventure while ensuring safety remains a top priority.
However, this doesn’t mean that nothing bad can happen. It’s important to keep your guard up and stay aware of your surroundings. Keep reading my solo female travel in Thailand tips to stay vigilant about safety.
Solo female travel in Thailand: Tips
Wear a crossbody bag
A good crossbody bag is a staple for any vacation. A spacious crossbody should hold everything you need in your day bag with added protection against bag snatchers. I love the Round Mini Shoulder Bag from Uniqlo – it’s spacious, has an inner pocket, and is sleek and simple.
Get a phone strap
Whether you’re prone to misplacing your phone or want to be extra vigilant against phone theft, a phone strap is a great purchase before traveling solo. Many phone straps come in fun colors and patterns with cute charms, making them not only practical but also stylish.
Bring luggage locks (and locker locks if you’re staying in a hostel)
Luggage locks are a cheap yet easy way to secure your luggage when you aren’t around it. Whether you’re storing your bags at a hotel or on transportation, checking them at the airport, or leaving them unattended in your hotel or hostel, luggage locks provide an extra layer of security against theft. If you’re staying at a hostel, don’t forget a standard lock for securing your locker while you’re away.
Bring a backpack, not a suitcase
Speaking of luggage, Thailand is a great place to bring a backpack instead of a suitcase. There are so many benefits to using a backpack during your Thailand travels. You’ll be constantly on the move, usually on roads that aren’t great for rolling luggage. Additionally, it’s nice to have the security of being able to keep everything near you. No checked bags or bags in public transportation storage spaces reduce the chance of lost or stolen luggage. Backpacks also limit you to packing what you can comfortably carry yourself. It’s a miserable experience to lug a massive, heavy suitcase across Asia. I use the Osprey Fairview 40L Travel Pack and I love it.
Watch your drinks
This tip has no boundaries, but unfortunately, Thailand has a serious problem with drink spiking. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended. You should watch your drink like a hawk, from the time it’s being made to your last sip.
Understand the cultural expectations
It’s always important to educate yourself on the cultural expectations in any country you’re visiting. In Thailand, there are a few unique cultural practices that are good to know for keeping a low profile and avoiding insulting locals.
- Always cover your knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites, like temples
- Don’t wear swimwear anywhere but the beach
- Don’t speak badly about the royal family – it’s illegal! (It’s better to avoid discussing politics completely)
- Don’t take photos of you in front of a Buddha statue
- Don’t take drugs – they can be laced with dangerous substances and are illegal with severe punishment
- Maintain a safe distance from monks – women aren’t permitted to touch, sit next to, or walk next to them
- Don’t touch anyone’s head
- Don’t point your fingers or feet at anyone or anything
Know the best destinations for solo female travelers
Thailand offers so many amazing destinations for all types of travelers, from nature and history to active excursions and parties. Because Thailand is such a popular tourist destination, many solo female travelers have come before you and will travel alongside you. It’s best to stick to the beaten path so you can benefit from being in areas that are used to solo female travelers. You’ll also meet other solo travelers easily, so you can explore together and look out for each other.
Best destinations for solo female travelers in Thailand: Sporty and active
- Chiang Mai – trek through jungles, visit hill tribes, and zip-line through rainforests
- Koh Tao – Thailand’s best location for snorkeling and scuba diving
- Erawan National Park – known for its 7-tier waterfall and scenic hiking trails
- Krabi – a world-famous rock climbing destination
- Pai – a laid-back town with lots of backpackers where you can go trekking, caving, and motorbiking
Best destinations for solo female travelers in Thailand: Nature and beaches
- Koh Samui – known for its beautiful beaches, water activities, and wellness retreats
- Koh Tao – Thailand’s best location for snorkeling and scuba diving
- Khao Sok National Park – steep limestone mountains jutting out of deep green water
- Krabi and Ao Nang – visit the stunning Railay Beach and go on island-hopping boat trips
- Chiang Mai – jungles, rainforests, elephant sanctuaries
Best destinations for solo female travelers in Thailand: History and culture
- Bangkok – a bustling hub of cultural and historic sites, including temples, museums, and palaces
- Chiang Mai – known for its traditional Thai culture and beautiful temples
- Chiang Rai – famous for the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
- Ayutthaya – an ancient city home to magnificent temples and palaces from the 14th century (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Sukhothai – the first capital of Thailand with well-preserved historical ruins and sculptures (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Best destinations for solo female travelers in Thailand: Social and party
- Pai – a small, hippie backpacker’s paradise with a lively nightlife scene
- Phuket – bustling streets and beach clubs with a vibrant atmosphere
- Koh Phangan – known for its Full Moon Party, an all-night beach party
- Koh Phi Phi – stunning natural beauty during the day with beach parties and bars coming alive at night
Be aware of where NOT to go
Just like anywhere else in the world, there are parts of the country that you should avoid. Due to civil unrest from ethnic and racial conflicts, the U.S. Department of State recommends travelers reconsider travel to Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces in the southern tip of Thailand. Read the most recent travel advisory here.
Stay at a social hostel
One of the best ways to stay safe as a solo female traveler is to make friends who you can explore with and look out for each other. Not only is this great for your safety, but it makes the journey more fun to experience it with new friends! However, not all hostels are created equal when it comes to making friends. Some hostels attract travelers who want to keep to themselves, while some attract those who want to socialize. Make sure to thoroughly research hostels and read reviews to find a vibe that’s a good fit for you.
You can find nearly 700 hostels all across Thailand with thousands of reviews on Hostelworld, the best place to find and book a social hostel. Book your best-fit Thailand hostels today!
Join organized excursions
Organized day trips and excursions are an easy and safe way to explore Thailand’s highlights with the help of a tour guide and the company of other travelers. There are so many tours to choose from all across Thailand, so you can easily find affordable tours that will take you to your top choice destinations. You’ll have the guidance of a local, organized transportation, a pre-planned itinerary to the best spots, and the chance to mingle with other travelers.
Find the best organized day trips and excursions for your Thailand trip on Klook, where you can conveniently book ahead for a competitive price.
Join a group tour
Like the sound of an organized tour that takes care of your entire itinerary, including top attractions, transportation, and hotels? Joining a multi-day group tour is the easiest way to discover a new country while making friends and having the guidance of a local. It relieves the burden of having to plan every aspect of your own adventure. It’s also the easiest way to make friends while traveling because the same group of travelers stay together for long periods of time. This is a great way to travel solo but have company and the logistics taken care of along the way.
Some of the best tour companies for young adult travel are TruTravels, Feel Free Travel, Intro Travel, and G Adventures.
Solo female travel in Thailand: What to expect
The locals will be friendly and hospitable
Thailand lives up to its nickname as the “Land of Smiles”. The country has a great reputation for hospitality and the genuine smiles of the locals that you’ll interact with. Tourism plays a significant role in Thailand’s economy, so locals understand the importance of making travelers feel welcome and appreciated. You’ll likely always be greeted by a warm smile and a genuine willingness to help.
You’ll meet many other solo travelers
Thailand is one of the top destinations in the world for solo travelers because of its strong backpacker culture, affordability, safety, amazing destinations, and solo traveler community. Therefore, Thailand has a well-established backpacker and solo traveler culture, particularly in areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands. You can easily connect with other travelers and join group activities or tours.
The language barrier won’t be a big problem
Although English is not the official language of Thailand, it is widely spoken and understood. Basic English is common in tourist areas and large cities, so you should have no trouble with simple communication such as ordering at restaurants and asking for directions. Many tours and activities are also offered in English, making your adventures as smooth as possible. However, I recommend you learn a few basic Thai phrases and download a translation app such as Google Translate in case you encounter limited English proficiency.
Thailand is a budget-friendly place for solo travelers
Thailand is known for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for solo travelers on a budget. Usually, solo travel can get expensive because you aren’t splitting costs with other travelers. Thailand eases the expense, with hostels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly accommodations catering to solo travelers. Food, transportation, and activities are also often reasonably priced for individuals if you opt for local and budget experiences.
It’s a great destination for both first-time and experienced solo travelers
Thailand is a great place to start or continue your solo travel journey. Whether it’s your first or hundredth country, both new and experienced solo travelers will have an easy and memorable time. Because it’s such a common destination for solo travelers, the travel infrastructure is set up in your favor. If it’s your first time solo traveling, Thailand is about as easy as it gets in Asia. If you’re experienced, you’ll find Thailand to be one of the easier countries to solo travel in.
You’ll feel safe as a woman traveling alone
Safety is a huge reason why Thailand is so popular for solo travel. The country attracts millions of solo female travelers each year, and many have positive, comfortable, and secure experiences. This isn’t to say that nothing bad can happen, so you should always exercise standard safety precautions and common sense. As long as you stay informed and take the necessary precautions, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience as a solo female traveler in Thailand.
You can rest assured that with this guide to solo female travel in Thailand, you’re prepared to have an amazing time on your solo adventure across the Land of Smiles. Whether it’s your first time solo traveling or your fiftieth, you’re prepared to have a safe and successful journey full of spectacular sights and new friends. Thailand’s friendly locals, stunning scenery, and fellow travelers are ready to embrace you with open arms.
Keep reading:
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