How To Travel Solo in Thailand

Used to travelling solo but fancy some company on your next adventure? Join one of Culture Trip’s small-group adventures, either to Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand.

Thailand is a hodgepodge of destinations, so do a bit of research before you decide on your travel itinerary. Chiang Mai, the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is great for those who enjoy learning about history. While the cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are also home to a number of decaying temples. The capital of Bangkok has luxury hotels, excellent street food, and (arguably) the best nightlife in the country.

And don’t forget the tropical islands. Those with an itch to explore under the sea should sail to Koh Tao, which has excellent scuba diving spots and affordable dive schools. Other great places to dive include the Similan Islands, Phuket and the Surin Islands. Koh Phangan is great for partiers, as it hosts the full moon party each month; Koh Samui is better if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. The city of Kanchanaburi is great for history buffs, chock full of museums and a stunning national park.

All these destinations are a bus, train or short flight away from one another with transport relatively cheap compared to other countries.

Thai cuisine is superb and affordable, making Thailand an easy place to dine alone. The country, and more specifically Bangkok, is home to some of the best street food in the world. Just pitch up at one of the food vendors lining the many sois (streets), pick your meal and enjoy the delicious cuisine.

Feeling lazy? Download Food Panda, a food delivery service with several restaurants on their platform. They deliver right to the accommodation, meaning you won’t have to leave your room to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine.

One of the downsides of travelling alone is that getting from A to B is often pricier. You won’t get to split that taxi fare. However, there are several ways to get around that are both cost effective and safe.

In Bangkok, the BTS sky train runs from 6am to midnight, with two lines stopping at the top attractions in town. The MRT subway stops at fewer attractions, but is still a good form of transportation, reaching destinations including Chinatown and the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, hop on the back of a motorbike taxi, the perfect mode of transportation for those traveling solo. Be sure to barter with the driver and wear a helmet if possible.

Cities such as Hua Hin and Chiang Mai also have songthaews. These are vehicles with two benches in the back on which you can sit. They normally have fixed fares and routes, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. You can also save money by taking overnight buses or trains instead of staying in a hotel or hostel. These are normally safe, even for those traveling alone, and reach some of the most popular cities in the country.

The Land of Smiles is a welcoming and generally safe country to visit, but there are a few things you should know as a solo traveller. Try not to venture out alone too late in the evening. Taxis are readily available, especially in Bangkok, at almost all times of the night. There are also plenty of apps that make it easy to book a ride as opposed to walking.

Getting the right travel apps on your phone will make your solo life much easier. Of course, the Culture Trip app is an essential – find hand-picked recommendations from expert locals on everything from the coolest speakeasies in Bangkok to the most budget-friendly hotels in Phuket.

For assistance in getting around, download apps such as Bangkok MRT, BTS Skytrain and Grab. Grab is similar to Uber, but you can book a taxi, car or even a motorbike.

There are tour companies across Thailand offering excellent excursions. The northern regions have lush jungles, zip-lining, white-water rafting and elephant camps. The south has snorkelling and diving. Signing up for a tour is a good way to meet travellers, and to take the stress out of forging an itinerary.