Solo Travel Tips In Thailand

Vivid jungles, picture-perrfect beaches, mouth-watering seafood, and world-famed full moon parties: the reasons to go to Thailand are endless. And flying solo shouldn’t stop you.
With affordable prices, a thriving tourist industry, hella lot of young intrepid English-speaking adventurers around, Thailand is a perfect destination for single travel, whether its your first time alone, or your fortieth. Plus, you’ll have no one to argue with over going right or left (Phuket or Khon Kaen, alternatively).
Bangkok is a great place to start out: the bustling modern capital is the first port-of-call for thousands of holidaymakers, you so definitely won’t want for company. The mix of ancient traditions and modernity results in a unique melting pot of iPad-toting monks and mingling of locals and foreigners. Try all the street food you can get your hands on: it’s cheap, filling and delicious. Pad Thai: I rest my case.
Besides Bangkok, Thailand’s former capital of Ayutthaya is also well worth the visit. The complex of Buddhist temples and yellow ruins is only a short journey from BKK and plenty of tour operators run day trips there if you’d rather not head out alone.

The mountains are also well with a visit: near Chiang Mai the atmosphere is more slow and chilled-out, and there are several volunteering opportunities around in rural schools, orphanages, construction english teaching and elephant conservation. The area is also host to a series of yearly festivals and celebrations.
Although there are a lot of low-fare airlines (such as ThaiAir), the easiest and cheapest option is often local buses. There is an affordable train service with a network throughout the country, which is great way to get chatting with other passengers, and night trains are ideal for saving money on a hostel night. Tuk Tuks: expensive, but definitely memorable!
Some research about safety local culture alongside a reasonable level of caution (if a creepy stranger offers you a drink, think twice) is a good idea, but Thailand is a generally safe place for solo travellers, and your bound to meet plenty more like you on your wanderings.
By Sarah Morland