travelling alone in bangkok

Bangkok Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Bangkok , Thailand? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Capital and highest populated city in Thailand ( 10.7 million people).
Known worldwide for its floating markets , hot climate and friendly people.
Nicknames: Sin City of Asia, Venice of the East, City of Angels.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Currency: Baht (THB)
Spoken languages: Thai (English is also widely spoken).
Best time to visit: from November to April (warm and humid year round).
Arriving via airport: public transport (airport train) is 45 THB , taxi is 300 THB .

WHERE TO STAY

Best hostel for solo travelers in Bangkok: The Yard . This isn’t a party hostel – it’s away from the chaos, located in a clean, modern neighbourhood. Clean beds/bathrooms, welcoming staff, modern facilities… a home away from home. Free delicious breakfast daily. Book ahead to reserve your bunk (or room)!
The Banglamphu area is aimed towards backpackers and budget travelers.
Silom is the place to go for the metropolitan experience (modern hotels, night clubs and malls).

GETTING AROUND

The business district has a well developed subway and skytrain network with fares starting at 15 THB (it does not cover the old city or Banglamphu, however). The train network is complemented by shuttle boats (servicing the Chao Phraya river and most of the small canals).
Bangkok’s bus network is extensive – a fare of 2 THB gets you anywhere within city limits.
For metered taxi services, look for pink cars. The infamous tuk-tuks are also available everywhere. Ensure that the meter is running (or negotiate the price in advance).
Renting a car and driving on your own is not recommended – traffic in Bangkok is chaotic.

BANGKOK NIGHTLIFE

Drinking age is 20 (rarely enforced), last call is never (the party goes on past sunrise).
Hip/local scene: Sukhumvit is the place to go for hip night clubs and rooftop bars.
Out of town/random crowd: Khao San Road is the backpacker hot spot, and turns into one giant party at night.
Looking for casual drinks ? Check out Beer Belly in Thonglor, To More (cocktails), Mulligans Irish Bar (Khao San Road), or 23 bar & gallery (hipster scene).
Head to NeverNormalBkk for a great clubbing experience.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

There are ~500 Buddhist temples in Bangkok, many of which are stunning. Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful ones, and is a must see (especially at dawn).
The Grand Palace is the old royal quarters of Bangkok, and contains the famous Emerald Buddha (carved from a single block of emerald).
The Chao Phraya riverside is a sight to behold. Take a chartered boat for a cruise – make sure to ask the driver to take you to the floating markets , too.
You could spend a whole day walking through the Chatuchak weekend market . With over 8,000 stalls, the goods for sale range from cheap clothes/toys to live animals.

INTERESTING WALKS

Note: walking is not always the best means of transport in Bangkok, as the city’s scorching heat can be unforgiving.
Chinatown makes for a great lunchtime walk, as its alleys are protected from the sun (and stuffed to the brim with with amazing food).
Little India is another great walk, though somewhat out of the way. The easiest way to get there is by shuttle boat on the Chao Phraya river.

LOCAL WISDOM

Bangkok is a true mecca for Asian cuisines , and has some of the best Chinese, Indian, Cambodian and Laotian food options in the area. And of course, the city features some of the best Thai food in the world – from street food to high end dining.
Interested in Muay Thai (kickboxing)? Catch a real fight at the Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium – it’s a real experience. See ticket info here .
The city goes wild during Thai holidays and festivals. During Songkran (Thai New Year), Bangkok turns into a three-day water fest – buckets of water are thrown from cars and super-soakers blast pedestrians. Leave your electronics at home!
The people of Bangkok are known for their friendliness. The city is itself very diverse, and as such is welcoming to visitors. You’ll soon realize why foreigners refer to Thailand as the LOS (Land of Smiles)!
Food you must try before you leave Thailand (quick checklist): – Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles) – Tom Yum Goong (Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup) – Kaeng Lueang (Yellow Curry) – Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry) – Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry) – Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup) – Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice) – Pad Kra Pao Moo (Stir-Fried Thai Basil & Pork) – Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) – Laab (Spicy Salad) – Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)
Where to find good cheap eats : everywhere! Cheap, delicious food is available almost on every corner.
Dangerous areas : Bangkok is generally very safe. Use common sense when alone at night. Keep in mind that most tailors and jewellers are scams.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days

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The Ultimate Bangkok Solo Travel Guide: Best Things to Do Alone in Bangkok

The ever-changing and bustling Bangkok promises many fun activities: dining, sightseeing, shopping, river cruising, visiting temples, or enjoying the nightlife. Bangkok is considered a safe city for solo travelers, including women. It has relatively low crime rates and super-friendly locals. To help you make the most of your trip, this Bangkok solo travel guide reveals the best things to do alone in Bangkok if you plan to experience the city as a solo traveler.

This guest post was written by Leslie from Backpackers Thailand .

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do Alone in Bangkok

Visit the temples.

Buddhism is deeply woven into Thailand’s culture, playing a vital role in people’s everyday lives. No trip to Bangkok is complete without exploring the temples , a popular tourist attraction. Here, you can meet local Thais who visit temples to pay their respects, learn more about the city’s history, and appreciate the unique architecture. Plus, there’s no better place to enjoy solitude than a Buddhist temple full of serenity and peace.

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Entrance ticket: 500 baht ( buy your tickets here )

Located within the Grand Palace in central Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is believed to be the most sacred temple in the country. It’s one of the places Thailand is famous for . Go for this buy-one-get-two opportunity to explore the ancient royal residence and the famous temple. The same ticket will give you entrance to both attractions.

Wat Phra Kaew was built in 1784 as the private chapel for the Thai Royal Family. It holds a historical significance and offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich past. Wat Phra Kaew is a dazzling architectural gem and the nation’s spiritual heart. Enshrined within is the Emerald Buddha, an unbelievably revered green jasper carving believed to bring prosperity and protection. The temple complex is an excellent example of Rattanakosin architecture, with walls decorated by Ramakien murals, stunning ornaments, designs telling the stories of Buddha, and serene gardens.

Other important sites besides the Emerald Buddha include the ordination hall (Phra Ubosot), Phaithi Terrace, Ramakien Gallery, Row of Prang, Ho Phra Khanthararat, and many more pavilions and shrines. Grand Palace is no offbeat destination in Thailand , but it’s a perfect place to meet people from different countries, as more than 8 million tourists visit this place every year!

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Entrance ticket: 300 baht, cash only

If you enjoy the old buildings, you’ll love exploring Wat Pho’s territory. It’s one of the oldest temples in the city, dating back to the 16th century. The temple complex has a vast territory of 80,000 square meters. So you’ll probably find yourself hanging out here for at least 3 hours. The main attraction of Wat Pho temple is the enormous and majestic reclining Buddha statue, which measures 15 meters in height and 46 meters in length. If you love cats, you’ll be glad to find plenty of them on the temple grounds, casually chilling in the gardens. The best time to visit Wat Pho is in the morning (8 am -11 am). It gets busy with tourist groups later in the day. Also, make sure to dress appropriately when visiting Thailand’s temples .

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Entrance ticket: 200 baht ( buy one ticket for both Wat Pho and Wat Arun )

Wat Arun is a beautiful landmark in Asia that you should not miss. It’s a Buddhist temple built in 1656, with the central prang dating back to the 19th century. The temple was named after the Hindu god Aruna (Sun god). You can access this temple by taking a Chao Phraya River ferry to the Wat Arun ferry station. You can admire the whole temple view from the ferry as it crosses the river. This is a perfect photo opportunity. This river ferry departs every 5 minutes.

Wat Arun is a relatively small temple. 45 minutes to 1 hour should be enough to explore the surroundings. The central prang is decorated with beautiful porcelain mosaics and tiles. Four smaller satellite prangs surround it. Best come easy in the morning, or after 3 pm, as it will be less crowded.

Try the Local Street Food

One of the best things to do alone in Bangkok is to explore the food culture of Thailand by visiting a few street food markets. One of the best places to enjoy and taste many delicacies is Bangkok Chinatown, around Yaowarat Road. You’ll find endless types of food, including traditional satay skewers, mango sticky rice, shrimp dumplings, grilled squid salad, tom yum, red and green curry, or even lobster. Other top places to find good street food include Ratchawat Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Charoenkrung Road, Phahonyothin Road (Victory Monument), Nang Loeng Market, and Bangkok’s many floating markets .

Average street food snack prices: 30-100 baht per dish.

Take a Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise

Prices: 850 – 1,200 baht per person ( buy your tickets here )

A 2-hour cruise with live music and a buffet (Thai dishes, European dishes, and sushi corner) offers the best night experience in Bangkok. Most ferries depart from the Asiatique Pier or the Boat Pier at River City. You’ll pass by some iconic landmarks, illuminated and reflecting in the river. You will see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Rama VIII Bridge, and numerous glittering skyscrapers that line the riverbanks (Shangri-La Hotel, Peninsula Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Royal Orchid Sheraton, and others). You will get an assigned seat on the upper or lower deck, which is just as fun and offers spectacular views. Alcohol drinks are not included in the cruise prices, but you can buy them separately at the bar.

Discover the Floating Markets

Exploring the floating markets is like stepping into a colorful picture book! Break from the busy modern streets, board a longtail boat, and dive into the charming historical atmosphere. These markets are unique because vendors cruise along the canals and waterways and sell their goods from boats right on the water. A true Thailand bucket list activity!

The floating market is a lively scene with lots of delicious smells from the street food. Freshly cut pineapples and mangoes hang from colorful boats. You can bargain for hand-crafted souvenirs from the comfort of your longtail boat or buy a steaming bowl of pad thai from a river kitchen. Floating markets are a fun, vibrant scene worth a wander. Bangkok’s most famous floating markets are Bang Nam Pheung, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market, and Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.

Explore Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown is near the Hua Lamphong train station and centers around Yaowarat Road. It’s an absolute must-visit and one of the best Chinatowns in the world. After all, it’s home to the largest Chinese community outside China.

It is a safe neighborhood to explore solo and has many things to do alone in Bangkok – tasting authentic street food, visiting the Chinese temples, or shopping. If you wish to try the local food, the best time to visit Chinatown is in the evening; the streets light up, and most food stalls open. You can experience an authentic late-night market ambiance and an unforgettable culinary adventure. The most known Chinatown temples are Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple), Wat Samphanthawong (Wat Ko), Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi), and Wat Pathum Khongkha.

Visit the Art and Culture Center

Bangkok Art and Culture Center is located right in the heart of the city, near BTS Siam. It’s a great idea for solo travelers because you can explore and enjoy the exhibition at your own pace. This place is free to enter. Often overlooked, the Art and Culture Center is a real treat for art lovers, with cozy little shops.

With eight floors of air-conditioned space, you can beat the heat while exploring some extraordinary Thai contemporary fine arts. The exhibits here change often, so there’s always something fresh. They also host incredible fairs and concerts. On the ground floor, you’ll find a bookshop and library to dig into art books. If you’re hungry, there’s a cafe with coffee and light meals.

Day Trip To Ayutthaya

Located just an hour north of Bangkok by train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal , Ayutthaya is an easy and popular day trip from Bangkok. It was once the capital of the Siam kingdom, and its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your adventure at the majestic Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, once the home of Thai royalties. Explore its elegant buildings and picturesque surroundings, including the Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat temple and the scenic Chao Phraya River. Marvel at the impressive reclining Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam, one of the largest in Thailand, surrounded by lush landscapes.

Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of Wat Mahathat, one of the oldest temples in Thailand, featuring a Buddha head entwined within a banyan tree. Visit the Ayutthaya Evening Market: explore the bustling Ayutthaya Evening Market and treat your taste buds to a variety of delicious foods, from grilled meats to sweet treats like donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bangkok Solo Travel

Is a bangkok solo travel trip safe for travelers.

Yes, Bangkok is generally safe for traveling alone as long as you exercise caution. It has moderate levels of crimes, most non-violent: scams, theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching, and corruption.

Is Bangkok Solo Travel Safe For Women In Bangkok?

Yes, Bangkok is safe for solo women travelers, including the nightlife. Compared to many other megacities, Bangkok experiences minimal catcalling or unwanted attention. Of course, you should follow common sense and safety tips to avoid dangerous situations. Opt for well-lit streets and metered taxis of Grab.

What Are Some Safety Tips For Bangkok Solo Travel?

Crime rates in Bangkok are low but not non-existent. These solo travel safety tips will help you enjoy the city safely and avoid unpleasant situations.

Avoid taxi/tuk-tuk scams : There’s a popular scam in the city with drivers taking tourists to affiliated shops or refusing to use the meter and taking you to a different attraction than you requested. Avoid this by approaching the drivers yourself (not replying to their calls) or using a metered taxi or Grab.

Mind your drinks, and don’t accept drinks from strangers : Drink spiking is rare in Thailand, but it still happens. Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from people you don’t know.

Beware of pickpocketing : This one is uncommon in Bangkok, but keeping your eye on valuables is always a good idea.

Keep copies of your documents : Always keep a printed and a digital copy of your travel documents, just in case the originals get lost or stolen.

Stay in hostels/hotels with good reviews and in good neighborhoods . Safety comes first, so choose hostels or hotels with great reviews in safe neighborhoods when looking for a solo stay. Check out what other solo guests say about the place to ensure it fits well. Look for places with good security, with staff available 24/7.

Bangkok Solo Travel Guide – Final Words

Exploring Bangkok is an adventure of a lifetime, with many pretty places and delicious cuisine. It is a quintessential Thai city, and it’s so easy to see why it is a perfect city to travel solo. Whether diving into the delicious street food scene, exploring ancient temples, or cruising along the river, there’s much to see and do on your own. Following the tips above, you’ll enjoy the things to do alone in Bangkok and the freedom of solo travel. Check out my 4-day Bangkok itinerary if you want to learn more about the best things to do in the city!

Don’t forget to save this Bangkok Solo Travel Guide for your next trip!

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Things To Do in Bangkok Alone - A Solo Traveler's Guide

guides & tips

February 10, 2020

Things To Do in Bangkok Alone - A Solo Traveler's Guide

Edited by Holly Stark

When planning a Bangkok solo travel itinerary, it’s important to feel comfortable, get the most out of the city and ultimately see everything you want to see – since there’s no one else to please! Whether you’re taking the plunge with your first-ever trip alone or are already an avid solo traveler, discover how to get the best out of Bangkok’s quirky cafes, world-renowned fusion food, buzzing Khao San nightlife and enchanting cultural spots. Traveling alone can be a daunting yet exciting experience, but travel to Bangkok alone, and you can experience the best of Thailand’s vibrant and friendly capital. From people-watching to café hopping to museum tripping, here are my top tips on what to do in Bangkok alone, where you can kickstart your trip , eat big, get the best snaps and connect with others.

Where To Café Hop

What’s better than sipping a hot cup of joe at a beautiful Thai café? Bangkok’s café culture, brimming with positive vibes, feel-good instrumental tunes, tantalizing aromas, and delicious coffee, secures a spot as one of the top things to do in Bangkok alone. Try coffee with a cute twist at Pooltime Café . Share your cuppa with fluffy friends Bob, Apo and Yee Pun, three cuddly yet cheeky rescued raccoons living the life in Bangkok. The café interior mimics a public swimming pool setting and makes a great place for unique snaps; deck chairs, tiled floors, blue bun burgers, and pink ombre milkshakes. Cafe service runs 12 pm-8 pm and Raccoon service runs 2 pm - 6:30 pm Tuesday – Sunday. If raccoons aren’t your thing, head to ViVi The Coffee Place for top coffee and coconut cake. Take in the beautiful prime views of the must-visit Bangkok attraction Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) floating peacefully over the Chao Praya River from the café’s veranda. Check it out at sunset for an extra special solo experience. Open Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Where To Eat Big

Wondering where to eat alone in Bangkok? Try Sit and Wonder , a secret hideout tucked in the Thonglor district. It serves local food that’s authentic, delicious, cheap and generously served. Meals are less than 150 baht per person, and the juicy must-eat Bangkok dish of Pad Thai is well worth it. It’s open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. If that doesn’t satisfy you, head for decadent dessert at After You which offers incredibly inventive, aesthetically-pleasing and delicious desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. Basked in sunlight, the chilled Thonglor outlet has a cozy ambiance and is perfect for some alone, self-loving, treat time! It’s open daily from 11 am to midnight.

Where To Enjoy Art, Culture and History

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok ( MOCA ) provides a great introduction to Thai culture and is a must for any art lover. It has everything a world-class art gallery should; natural light, well-spaced rooms, and beautiful thought-provoking art collections. Collections cover political and social issues that the country faces, as well as religion, corruption, prostitution and the loss of traditional values. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Friday (closed on Monday) and 11 am-6 pm on weekends. Entrance, costs 180 baht for general admission, 80 baht for students and is free for visitors under 15 or over 60. If the history of Thai art is not what you’re looking for, try The Jim Thompson House . Considered one of the top things to do in Bangkok, the museum showcases traditional, beautifully maintained Thai home design, décor, art collections, and architecture. Jim Thompson was an American ex-pat, a former architect and silk entrepreneur who mysteriously disappeared, his former home is a fascinating jungle compound, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and is located at 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, close to the National Stadium.

Where To Stay In Bangkok

The off-beat and unique hipster hostel, Tales Khaosan , attracts everyone from digital nomads to enthusiastic backpackers. It’s at the heart of Bangkok’s well-known Khao San Road; one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok . Wake up to Matcha or Thai Tea Latte at the Tales cafe and a community of locals, travelers, and ex-pats! Rental space is available on the 5th floor and 2nd floor; including a night-owl working space for those who work at night. Alternatively, stay at NapPark Hostel , a couple of streets away from Khao San Road; great for both proximity and lower noise levels. Rooms have a traditional Thai vibe; white beds and sheets, with colorful with golden ornamental touches. There are all-female dorms available too, so perfect if you’re a Bangkok solo female traveler. Both hostels are within close distance to famous tourist spots like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple , both just 2 kilometers away.

Tips and Guidance For Solo Travelers

Traveling solo and figuring out where to stay in Bangkok can be intimidating and unknown, but also one of the greatest experiences. You have the freedom to tailor and shift your itinerary and be more open to experiences. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and the people are friendly and helpful so it is a great place to travel alone, particularly if you’re a Bangkok solo female traveler. That being said, there are a few things to do to ensure everything runs smoothly. One of the things you need to know before visiting Bangkok is that there are 2 train options available. The BTS SkyTrain is above ground and covers a good area in Bangkok downtown, while the MRT is underground and serves a more limited range of distance. Single-use tickets for BTS come in credit-card sizes which you can buy using coins at self-service machines. The MRT’s single-use tickets come in circular tokens which you scan upon entry, then slot in to return when you leave.

If you’re adventurous and want the Thai tuk-tuk travel experience, fares are the same regardless of the number of passengers, so you could team up with a couple of other travelers to save money. Agree the fare before setting off (expect to pay 100-150 baht for short Bangkok hops) and ensure you have the money ready on arrival. If you opt for a taxi, don’t take an unlicensed one. If you want to meet people, stick to the main backpacker destinations (including those listed above) and choose a dorm room. Bangkok is safe for solo travelers, but as with any major city, it’s important to keep your valuables on you and hidden at all times.

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Where to Stay in Bangkok for the First Time (Solo Travellers’ Guide)

Everything you need to know before booking your accommodation and choosing where to stay in Bangkok for the first time.

This guide is a bit different to all the other Bangkok accommodation guides you will find on the web. My recommendations will be maybe a bit controversial as I found some of the popular choices like Sukhumvit, Khaosan Road or Bangkok Old Town not as excellent as others suggest.

But please keep in mind that this is my personal opinion derived from my experience. I am here to help you as much as I can.

When choosing accommodation in a big city like Bangkok, picking the wrong neighbourhood could make or break your experience. Especially when travelling to Bangkok for the first time , and solo, you do not want to be spending hours travelling to the most important attractions, staying too far out or finding out there are not many dining options nearby.

Bangkok is overwhelming and hectic as it is, so finding the right accommodation is key. Finding out where to stay in Bangkok and booking the perfect accommodation will be your first step to making your Bangkok trip amazing!

Where to Stay in Bangkok for the First Time - Solo Traveller’s Guide

What actually makes the best area to stay in Bangkok for the first time? What criteria should you take into account?

There are three main factors you need to take into account when booking accommodation in Bangkok.

You want to be close to the main transport links like metro or sky train. This will make everything so much easier. Most of the best of Bangkok attractions are located near the MRT or Sky train so if you find accommodation near one of those stations, you are in for the win.
You also want to be close to the variety of dining options especially if you are short on time or on a budget. If you are hungry in the evening you probably wouldn’t want to travel by metro to get one of those delicious Bangkok street food treats! There are plenty of those in Bangkok! But some areas are so much more abundant, and this is where you want to stay.
The area needs to be safe for tourists. Although Bangkok is a very safe city there are areas where you might be more prone to experience scams. Also, some party areas might be a bit unsafe mostly as some scammers target those that are having a bit too much fun. If you are travelling to Bangkok for the first time, I suggest you avoid those areas. More on this later.

I moved a few times from one area to another during my stay in Bangkok and I must say there were some great and some not-so-great decisions I have made there. But each area had something to offer and had its pros and cons.

But if you are just looking for a quick answer before I give you all the details, based on those 2 criteria I will give you my recommendation.

If you are looking for the best area to stay in Bangkok for the first time my first recommendation is the area from Sathorn to Lumphini Park. It is a wonderful and very much overlooked area in Bangkok offering an excellent range of accommodations, plenty of street food and restaurants as well as superb transport links.

Although it is mostly known as a business district, I found Sathorn to be pretty peaceful, affordable and quite authentic. While located very near bustling areas like Sukhumvit, Siam or Silom, you will stay away from their hustle and bustle.

If you are on a budget, Sathorn (also known as Sathon) also has some of the best hostels I have ever stayed at.

While staying there you will experience the best of Bangkok yet slightly away from the noise and crowds of Sukhumvit. You will be able to easily jump on a metro and see the majority of the sights just as I did.

The second and third best areas to stay in Bangkok for the first time are Silom and Siam.

So this is your quick answer.

But don’t go yet! I have a well of info for you!

Stay for more of this essential guide to the best areas to stay in Bangkok for the first-time traveller, all the Bangkok accommodation recommendations and useful tips.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Bangkok for the First Time

Planning a trip to Bangkok for the first time, and choosing the right area to stay in can be overwhelming. Bangkok is a bustling and enormous city with a range of neighbourhoods, each offering a unique experience.

Here is my list best neighbourhoods to stay in Bangkok for first-time travellers with some hotel and hostel recommendations.

Useful Tip: Anywhere in the centre of Bangkok is great for visiting the major landmarks and attractions as long as you are near the metro (MRT) or Sky Train (BTS) . Those two are the best means of transport in Bangkok and as long as you are within walking distance of any of their stations -you are good.

When searching for a hostel, hostel or Airbnb in Bangkok always check on a map how near (walking) the nearest metro or BTS is.

You can of course use busses or ride-sharing apps like Grab, but the traffic in Bangkok is crazy.

For some reason, Sathorn is often skipped in many articles talking about the best areas to stay in Bangkok. It is also often described as a mainly upscale business district. While this is true, it’s also a lovely neighbourhood that is not at all pretentious and has lots of great hotels, affordable hostels, restaurants and plenty of street food options!

If you stay near MRT stations like Lumphini or near BTS stations like Saint Louis or Surasak, you are at the best place to start your sightseeing adventure. I have travelled all over Bangkok while I was staying in this area and near those stations.

Around here you will find great street food areas like Suan Phlu and Patpong Night Market, and you will be near wonderful Lumpini Park while Sukhumvit is only 2 BTS stations away and Reclining Buddha Temple is only 5 MRT stations away.

Where to stay in Sathorn?

You will find a great range of accommodation options in Sathorn ranging from luxury hotels to great value hostels.

The Tangerine Guesthouse offers excellent value-for-money private rooms and a fantastic location. ASAI Bangkok Sathorn is a bit pricier but absolutely wonderful hotel to stay at.

I stayed in 2 different hostels in this area and loved them both. Tropical Summer Hostel has it all – great location, great vibe and very affordable price. It was my favourite hostel in Bangkok. Apartment45 Hostel is great for digital nomads! There is a dedicated desk area and the capsule beds are extremely comfortable. This hostel is slightly less social thou, but great for getting the work done.

If you are feeling fancy then you should check out U Sathorn Bangkok which offers incredible facilities, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or the luxurious Four Seasons.

I really like Silom.

Silom is actually the name of the street, but it kind of became a well-known Bangkok area. Sort of like Sukhumvit.

I discovered it when I ventured in search of street food corners and smaller night markets, which are often cheaper.

The street food scene around Silom is amazing, and you will feel more like you are in a real Bangkok. There is so much to choose from and it feels very authentic. It’s still a bit geared towards tourists, but it’s not as bad as in some other areas.

Although Silom is not in the centre of the tourist attractions, you will be close to the action of Siam or Sukhumvit. Just a couple of sky train rides away.

Not far from Silom, you will find Lumphini Park, Sri Mahamariamman Temple or Patpong – The Red Light District which is fun to walk around.

Where to stay in Silom:

The Cube Hostel is a great place if you need to work remotely and take a rest after a day of sightseeing. And so is Kinnon Hostel . Ekanek Hostel offers the best value for money in Silom and has amazing beds!

For an affordable private accommodation look no further than iSanook or G Boutique Hotel .

And if you are looking for a more luxurious stay then you should consider Bangkok Marriott Hotel , The Surawongse, dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok or incredible The Standard.

I prefer Siam to Sukhumvit. Maybe it’s because I have this strange ‘thing’ for shopping malls in foreign countries. I can walk around for hours without buying anything, and eventually, I always end up in a food court, always. I buy a lot of things there!

Siam is known for being home to the best and biggest shopping centres in Bangkok and many say it’s the best area to stay in Bangkok for the first time. I kinda agree.

It’s safe and central, close to transport links and you’ll also find plenty of street food along the streets. There are tonnes of accommodation options – from affordable backpacker hostels to luxury hotels with rooftop pools.

So if you want to play it safe, I would say that Siam is probably one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok to stay for the first time. Why isn’t it at the top of my list? It’s simply more touristy and commercial than Sathorn or Silom. And noisier too. Much noisier.

Why is Siam popular?

Siam is mostly popular due to its location and shopping opportunities. Conveniently connected by the BTS sky train, very close to Sukhumvit and packed full of great restaurants and cafes, it is one of the most popular areas in Bangkok.

Where to stay in Siam:

The best and highest-rated hotels in Siam include Waldorf Astoria Bangkok , Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok and Siam Kempinski Hotel .

But if you are looking for a moderately priced private room, Siam has loads to offer too!

Daraya Boutique Hotel is beautifully decorated and has a small cute rooftop pool and Nine Design Place offers incredible value for money with breakfast, afternoon snacks and a top location.

Finally, although Siam isn’t really a backpackers’ district you will find a few brilliant hostels in the Siam area like Siam Eco Hostel or Siam Stadium Hostel.

Sukhumvit is a very vast area and can deliver so many things to so many different people.

When I first read: “Stay in Sukhumvit!” I asked myself – but where? There are many Soi’s (side streets) and areas that are famous for different things – party neighbourhoods, shopping, gay nightlife, cafes, the list goes on.

But when I first got off the Sukhumvit BTS station I was like – for real? The traffic was crazy, it was noisy and didn’t look anything like a place I would want to stay around.

But the whole pizazz about Sukhumvit is in its Soi’s.

You do need a little bit of an instruction manual for Sukhumvit! So here it is:

Sukhumvit is a very long road that in fact goes all the way to the border with Cambodia. The way to distinguish the mini districts is by the Soi (side lanes) number.

So here is a little Sukhumvit Soi number guide for you:

Soi 1 to 12 – Nana – Bangkok’s nightlife district, home to the Arab quarter ( Soi 3 and Soi 5) and red light district ( Soi 4) .

Soi 12 to 22 – Asok – Best for nightlife and some of the best hotels and hostels as well as shopping.

Soi 23 – Famous Soi Cowboy , If you don’t know, you don’t want to stay there.

Soi 34,36, 45, 49, 51 and 55 Thonglor – Hipster part of Sukhumvit, probably the best part of Sukhumvit to stay.

Soi 24 to 43 – Phrom Phong – more affluent and popular among expats.

Soi 61 to 65 – Ekkamai – The up-and-coming neighbourhood, a slightly more low-key neighbour to Thonglor offers great trendy bars and eateries with tonnes of potential.

Why is Sukhumvit popular?

Sukhumvit is home to some of Bangkok’s best restaurants, cafes, clubs, incredible shopping malls and most luxurious hotels. Many consider Sukhumvit to be the heart of the city and it is also popular with many ex-pats as it offers high-end flats and many conveniences.

So is Sulhumvit a good place to stay in Bangkok?

Apart from excellent connections to the BTS, there is nothing in Sukhumvit that particularly appeals to me. But excellent public transport links are high on my list of factors to consider when booking accommodation in Bangkok. This is why Sukhumvit is on this list.

If you decide to stay around Sukhumvit, you need to choose your Soi wisely. I would say that Sukhumvit is a great place to stay in Bangkok if you want to be near great bars, cafes and restaurants, really close to BTS Skytrain and consider enjoying Bangkok’s vibrant and slightly crazy nightlife.

Where to Stay in Bangkok for the First Time - Best areas to stay in Bangkok

Where to stay in Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is packed full of wonderful hotels, boutique guesthouses and affordable hostels.

Some of the most popular hotels in this area include Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit , JW Marriott Hote l and Ascott Thonglor Bangkok .

If you are looking for a more affordable private room then you should check out Hide and Seek Boutique Homete l, Tints of Blue Hotel or The Fig Lobby .

Some of the most iconic hostels in the Sukhumvit area include the legendary HOLY SHEET and Revolution Asoke , Augusta Hostel with the best bunk beds ever or super comfy and chilled Phobphanhostel .

For the best value for money, you just have to check the Piccolo Sukhumvit Hostel !

Sukhumvit vs Siam – Which is better?

Of course, this very much depends on what type of traveller you are. If you are there to party, have fun and enjoy endless food opportunities then Sukhumvit is better than Siam.

If you are all in for shopping and slightly less crazy surroundings, maybe you are travelling as a couple or a family, then Siam will be a much better choice.

I personally would choose Siam over Sukhumvit. It feels more compact, shopping and public transport are nearby and it feels safer and less night-life-crazy for me.

Are you looking for more of the off-the-beaten-path Thailand?

Then you should definitely visit the incredibly authentic town of Phitsanuklok!

And while there be sure to visit Sukhothai Historical Park on a day trip!

Other Areas to Stay in Bangkok worth (or maybe not) Considering

All of the below have their pros and cons. I will list them all. Also, some travellers really recommend those areas as the best neighbourhoods to stay in Bangkok. I will tell you what I found great about each of them, and what I didn’t like that much.

Bangkok Old Town

Please note I will be referring here to The Bangkok Old Town excluding Khao San Road and China Town which will have its own separate mention. below. Those two areas technically sit within the Old Historical part of Bangkok.

This is another controversial opinion of mine regarding the best areas to stay in Bangkok for the first time.

Bangkok Old Town ( Rattanakosin) has a lot of charm, and I loved the architecture there. It made a nice and interesting change after being surrounded by skyscrapers all the time. Also, Bangkok Old Town is where you will find the most famous Bangkok sights like the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun on the other side of the river, Bangkok National Museum and of course, the Grand Palace.

So if you are planning to visit Bangkok just for a couple of days and see all those sights, the Old Town could be a great place to stay. Some areas of Old Town feel much quieter than downtown Bangkok.

But yes, you guessed it, it wasn’t my favourite area of Bangkok.

Near the sights, it feels very touristy and apart from visiting temples and the palace, there isn’t that much to do around Bangkok Old Town. I didn’t see many food stalls, there are no night markets, and at night it feels pretty quiet.

I found it hard to find a place to eat that wouldn’t cost a leg and arm and the majority of the shops were selling giant Buddha statues. I mean this was pretty cool to see, but I needed a supermarket and didn’t find one.

There are a couple of metro stations nearby but I didn’t find their location to be very convenient. So unless you are planning on using Bolt or tuk-tuks, it’s not an ideal base to see the rest of Bangkok.

Is Bangkok Old Town a good place to stay?

If you are looking to stay in the historical part of the city, mostly visit the main Bangkok temples and the Grand Palace without venturing any further, Bangkok Old Town is a good place to stay.

But if you want to experience everything that Bangkok has on offer including excellent street food, night markets, fantastic shopping and nightlife, Bangkok Old Town is not a good place to stay. You will struggle with getting there from other parts of Bangkok and frankly, you might be a bit bored.

Where to stay in Bangkok Old Town

For midrange accommodation in Old Town Bangkok look no further than the stunning Old Capital Bike Inn. Priya Boutique House is a wonderful boutique hotel and maybe even the best hotel in the old town.

There are also plenty of affordable options around Bangkok Old Town where you can get a private room for less than $30 like this U&D guest house . For mid-range options check out Lo-Ha Guest House or Neighbor Phuthon.

Finally, there are a few really great hostels in the area. I stayed at the REST IS MORE hostel and it probably had the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on in the hostel. It is not an overly social hostel but I managed to make friends and had a really good stay. Other excellent hostels in Bangkok Old Town area include Dara Three Hostel , RALPH Bangkok and Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel.

Jam Hostel Bangkok might be one of the best hostels in Bangkok. Although not a party hostel it is very social, there are some really cool activities organised by the hostel and everyone just loves it there!

Khaosan Road

Maybe in the 70s, 80s or 90s, Khaosan Road was a backpacking mecca of Bangkok and Southeast Asia. It isn’t any more

Now, it is a tourist trap, the only place in Bangkok where you can eat worms and spiders and a place to party at night. If this is your vibe, I don’t judge. I used to be this type of traveller too.

I always search for value for money but also the actual value that authentic places have to offer. Khaosan Road doesn’t have any of that. For me.

But Khaosan Road is located in the Bang Lamphu area and this area could be a great place to stay in Bangkok if you do it right.

Soi Rambuttri which runs alongside Khaosan is actually pretty nice and vibrant and has a lot to offer for tourists. But I didn’t find this area particularly affordable.

As you step out of Khaosan Road you will find a few nice streets with cute cafes and restaurants so if you are determined to stay in this area, ensure your hotel is not on actual Khaosan Road.

Apart from the obvious like that it’s a party district, there are a few pros and cons about staying around Khaosan Road.

A pro: Khaosan Road is home to some of the cheapest hostels in Bangkok. And some are pretty awesome too. So if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend more than 5 bucks on a bed, this might be the best choice.
A pro: It is also pretty close to Bangkok Old Town where you will find all the most significant Bangkok temples and the Grand Palace.
The Con: But Khaosan Road isn’t very well connected to the rest of Bangkok. I f you are planning on exploring different parts of Bangkok over a few days, I wouldn’t recommend Khaosan as a place to stay in Bangkok.
The Con: You are more likely to be scammed around this area. And as you walk along you will be constantly asked to purchase something. This is not what Bangkok is.

So is Khaosan Raod a good area to stay in Bangkok for the first time?

If you are between 18 and 25 years old and looking to meet other like-minded travellers to party along with, and if you are looking for the cheapest but pretty awesome and social hostels in Bangkok, then Khaosan Raod is for you. If you want to experience the diversity that Bangkok has on offer, enjoy more of an authentic Bangkok and be close to excellent transport links, then Khaosan isn’t a great area to stay.

Oh dear, I sound so boring here hahaha

Where to stay on Khaosan Raod:

If you are looking for an affordable private room you will find it around Khao San Road. Both KC Guest House and Baan Nampetch Hostel offer excellent value for money for their rooms and great location by the canal. And Roof View Place even includes breakfast.

LOL Elephant Hostel is definitely one of the best hostels in the area and so is Khao San Social Capsule . Bed Station and Mad Monkey are definitely bets for meeting other travellers.

Time Sabai 134 offers an excellent location and a lovely little garden and TALES right one of the best hidden gems of the area!

I was dreaming about Bangkok China Town. I love Thai food and Asian food in general and Chinatown sounded like my definition of heaven. And it was.

Chinatown is one of Bangkok’s most vibrant, energetic, colourful and fascinating neighbourhoods. You will find any type of food here including some Michelin star stalls! It is a heaven for foodies!

I originally wanted to book my stay here but changed my mind at the last minute.

One thing is strolling down the super busy (and extra crowded) streets of Chinatown and trying all the food there is. Another thing is staying there for the night. Or few.

Chinatown is located near the Wat Mangkon MRT station and if you want to stay in the area, be sure to book accommodation near this station and to the other side of Chinatown. Dont book anything right in the centre of Chinatown as you will have to fight the crowds every single night.

Chinatown is also pretty close to Bangkok Old Town and Riverside so this could be a good fusion of food and sightseeing. And Chinatown has so much more character too! For this reason, I think Chinatown is a good area to stay in Bangkok for the first time.

Where to stay in Bangkok Chinatown:

Beautifully decorated and very interesting Shanghai Mansion is one of the best hotels in Chiasn Town alongside the stunning The Mustang Blu.

Lhong Yaowarat is an excellent affordable option for a private room. It’s simple but super cute and eclectic! The Unforgotten B&B also offers really nice and affordable private rooms.

Some of the best hostels in Bangkok Chinatown are Tian Tian Hostel , Happy Station Hostel and Time Sabai 32.

Tamni Hostel is spectacular but on a little pricier side.

Useful Tip: Whenever you are booking accommodation in a potentially busy area, always read the reviews on the booking site.

More the THE BAD ONES.

Those will tell you what to be aware of. Some travellers might not be bothered by a noise from a club downstairs, but those that are will say so in the reviews. If there is a very busy street right in front of the building, if there is a lot of street noise, if the place is dirty or if there are unwanted insects, you will only find out from the negative reviews.

Take it with a pinch of salt though. Some people complain about some ridiculous things. I believe you will be able to filter those through.

Bangkok Riverside

Riverside is last on my list as it is really the least suitable for solo travellers.

The Bangkok Riverside area is spread across several distinct districts and the east side of the river is where you will find Bangkok’s best hostels. This is where you should stay if you fancy a luxurious stay with all the bells and whistles. The majority of hotels here offer river shuttles to places like Wat Arun or Siam Paragon shopping centre and taking an evening river cruise will be a highlight of your stay.

But you don’t have to stay around Riverside to enjoy it.

I really enjoyed commuting by the river ferries and this part of Bangkok is beautiful. You can get to many parts of Bangkok this way and the views are amazing.

Again because Riverside is a long-stretched area you need to be mindful of where you are booking your hotel. If you just want to stay in hotels and take tours, it won’t matter but if you want to be near the transport and nightlife go near districts like Siam or Chinatown or near the Saphan Taksin BTS station.

If your type of vacation is staying in a luxury hotel overlooking the river and stunning Wat Arun, mostly taking taxis and organised tours and eating in restaurants and in hotels rather than at night markets Riverside is the best area to stay in Bangkok for.

Other than that I dont personally recommend it. It can be awkward to get there, expensive and a bit far from Bangkok’s action.

Where to stay at Bangkok Riverside:

Fre of the best reviews and most recommended by travellers hotels include the incredible Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers , Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and

I am not even going to recommend any hostels in this area because if you are the type of traveller that stays in hostels, Bangkok Riverside isn’t for you.

So these are my recommendations, my friends. I hope you have found them useful. Of course, it all depends on what type of traveller you are. Your interests, your age and the length of your stay will determine the best area in Bangkok for you.

I have tried to be as much helpful and honest as possible. Enjoy your stay in Bangkok and spectacular Thailand!

Happy travels!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Exploring more of Thailand?

Here are all the reasons why you should visit the hidden gem town of Phitsanulok . And while there be sure to take a day trip to the incredible Historical Park of Sukhothai.

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Solo Introvert Travel: 5-Day Single Man Bangkok Vacation

T he hype around Bangkok — and Thailand in general — is legit. It’s a Disneyland of a thrill-ride country for people of all ages and personalities. That includes single men with introverted quirks who are traveling alone. In fact, I find Bangkok one of the best places in the world for single, introverted men (like myself) to get amongst it. Solo travelers feeling nervous about touring Bangkok needn’t fret — this city makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. So let’s get amongst it: Ultimate Bangkok itinerary for single, introverted nerds.

I’ve lived in and around Southeast Asia for over a decade. Among all the cities I’ve visited, Bangkok is my favorite tourist city. In my experience, it truly is ‘the Land of Smiles’. That’s partly because of how integral tourism is to the economy here.

The tourism industry accounts for around 18% of Thailand’s GDP. Covid decimated many businesses. The post-Covid era has seen a strong rebound. For 2023, the industry expects 3-4% growth over the previous year (1) .

Thailand’s tourism embrace is most evident along the BTS Line Sukhumvit tourist strip. Once you land and clear customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport, hop on the Airport Rail Link .

BTS Sukhumvit line tourist map for beginners

Get off at Phaya Thai (a 25-minute trip) and you’re basically in the hot zone. There, the sights, smells, and energy of downtown Bangkok will hit.

The Sukhumvit streets from here to a few km east are tourist fantasylands. They’re lined with hotels ranging from $20 to $200 per night. In between are seas of glamorous women, massage parlors, street vendor sages, bars, restaurants, and Sanuk (fun for everybody ).

Warning: this dense urban area is like a heat dome. To mitigate that, I highly recommend choosing a hotel with a rooftop pool .

What You Need To Prepare For 5 Days

On foot, Siam BTS to Ekkamai BTS is 6.7 kilometers (4.3 miles). The entire route is designed around tourists. There are walkways over the traffic, and treed lanes optimized for pleasant, touristy strolls.

Among crowds of gorgeous tourists from all over the world, you can browse shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Every step along that 6.7-kilometer strip has something worth exploring. Given that, there are two essentials everyone should prepare.

Essential: Good Walking Shoes!

The most important thing you’ll need to enjoy 5 days in downtown Bangkok is a pair of good walking shoes. For my first tip, I used a pair of Timberland Garrison Trail Webbing Sandals ( No products found. on Amazon ). That was a mistake.

Recommended footwear for Bangkok holiday: good vs bad

With so much to see and do along the 6.7-kilometer Siam to BTS Ekkamai, I did a lot of walking. After three days, my legs were battered. Luckily, there are plenty of high-end running shoe shops along the same strip.

On Amazon, orange Hoka Profly shoes sell for No products found. . While limping around Terminal 21 in my crappy sandals, I found the same pair for 5500 THB (around USD $160).

Having good running shoes makes a massive difference in Bangkok. With proper foot protection, the entire 6.7 km Sukhumvit strip becomes yours to explore on foot — at your own pace.

Protip: if you need good shoes for Bangkok, don’t bother buying online in advance. Bangkok retail shoe prices are cheaper than online prices for USA buyers!

Cost Of A 5-Day 4-Star Bangkok Holiday

In 2023, USD $1000 is a generous budget. That will more than cover a 4-star hotel , food, beer, marijuana , and incidentals . It doesn’t include shopping (for running shoes, t-shirts, etc).

5-Day Bangkok 4-Star Introvert Holiday

I’ve done two 5-day solo stays in Bangkok already this year. Based on these excursions, here’s a summary of recommended highlights:

Where To Stay

Anywhere between Sukhumvit Soi 4 and Soi 14 (Asoke BTS / Terminal 21 Mall) is within the ultra-hot zone. Find littered on both sides of the street dozens of 3, 4, and 5-star hotels:

For a pleasant 5-day stay, I suggest at the minimum a 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool. Use Trip.com or Booking.com apps with a ‘Sukhumvit’ search filter to zone in on the plentiful options.

Sukhumvit Soi 11: Heart Of The Action

Sukhumvit Soi 11 is not for budget backpackers (Khao San Road does that better). Soi 11 is lined with 4-star hotels, tourist shops, and older tourists from around the world. It’s also tucked neatly between Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy:

Any hotel (with a pool) on Soi 11 works a treat. Soi 11 also works as a nice location benchmark for other hotels. There are plenty near Soi 11 that are also worth a look.

Smoking Marijuana As A Tourist In Thailand

Marijuana consumption for ‘medicinal’ purposes is now legal in Thailand. Along the Sukhumvit tourist strip are plenty of shops and stalls selling strong weed.

Marijuana being sold on the street in Bangkok legally

But consumption rules are unclear. So I asked around some of the bigger shops with western staff. The guys at Cloud9 gave me their take on the rules:

Marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes only. Vendors aren’t allowed to sell joints mixed with tobacco; beer bars aren’t allowed to sell weed either.
Don’t puff weed on the streets. Marijuana laws are tenuous; upsetting too many locals could hinder legalization.
Avoid blazing in bars where other patrons can smell it.

Personal Experience With Bangkok Weed Etiquette

The Cloud9 team also advised me not to ask in bars if I could smoke (most will not allow it). But they also reminded me (with a wink) that ‘this is Thailand’. With those instructions, I set out to get blazed in Bangkok. This is what I learned:

Soi 11 is the only street you can blaze without upsetting people.
Before 5 pm: your hotel’s rooftop pool is the absolute best place to get blazed. Soi 11 open-air cafes are the second-best.
After 5 pm: Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy are both 420-friendly. Ask nicely first for permission. Other open-air bars between the two spots are also willing to accommodate.

How Much Does Marijuana Cost In Bangkok?

In 2023, a gram of top gear costs between 700-1000 THB (USD $20-30). You can buy it as a nugget (recommended) or rolled up into a single joint. As a joint, they’re tiny and super-fast burning (less than 2 minutes).

As a nugget, you can grind it up and stretch it out — with tobacco or cheaper weed. Many street stalls on Sukhumvit Road sell old-school Thai brick for 500 THB (USD $15) per block.

Non-Drinking Daytime Activities

Getting smashed all day every day for 5 Bangkok days will be costly and terrible for your health. However, nothing beats the daytime heat like a cold Chang on ice. If you decide to day-drink, consider a split-shift strategy:

Day drinks: 2-3 drinks after completing a non-drinking activity.
2-6pm: sober up by napping and chilling around your hotel’s rooftop pool.
7 pm until late: tour the naughty nightlife areas on foot with 3-4 beers along the route.

However, skipping the day-drinking part will make your night-time adventures a lot more fun. Therefore, it’s worth resisting the day-drink temptations by keeping your daytime itineraries laid out.

5 Day-Trip Activities From Sukhumvit 11

From Sukhumvit Soi 11, put on your walking shoes. Bring cash/ a bank card, your phone (for photos), and a backpack (in the likely chance that you buy stuff). Here are some of the easiest day trips from Soi 11:

Walk To Siam Paragon: ascend the BTS Nana Platform and cruise the walkway overlooking the streets. On foot, it’s 2.3 km (1.7 miles), or a 30-minute walk one-way (2) After a few hours of shopping and lunch, walk back. (3-4 hours)
Riverside Ferry tour: take the BTS to Siam Station. Transfer to the (green) BTS Silom Line. Travel 5 stops to Saphin Taskin Station. Exit and board the ferry to Wat Arun, Icon Siam Luxury Mall, or the Khao San Road backpacker ghetto. (3-6 hours)
Benchakitti Forest Park: walk south from the Terminal 21 shopping mall for 30 minutes (2.3 km) to one of the city’s best parks (3) . Tour 72 hectares of walkways, wetlands, rare plant areas and cycle paths. Then, walk the Green Mile that connects bb and Lumphini Parks (4) . (2-5 hours)
Chatuchak Weekend Market: every Saturday and Sunday, tour 15,000 stalls (mainly food, clothing, and antiques) spread over 35 acres. (3-5 hours)
Lazy day: cruise the Terminal 21 mall for lunch; get a massage, pedicure, and haircut; meander around looking at knick-knacks.

That’s five non-drinking activities that can keep you nicely stimulated until the late afternoon. After each one, grab a swim in your hotel pool, go down for a nap, and wake up just in time to party the night away.

Nightlife Zones: Nana Plaza & Cowboy

Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy provide convenient boundaries for a gentleman’s evening entertainment. When drinking solo, I like to start with a few beers at one end and then meander to the other. Here’s some perspectives for solo travelers:

Nana Plaza For Introverts

The Nana Plaza entertainment complex opens every night at 7 pm. No cameras are allowed. Inside, there’s a weed dispensary and a central beer courtyard. The courtyard has a smoking area. It’s a great spot to kick off the night with a blaze and a few beers.

Around the courtyard are several levels of ‘dance bars’. Inside, girls dance in bikinis while others pester you for ‘lady drinks’. Traveling solo, I find these smelly, claustrophobic, and expensive. In contrast, the central courtyard is a fun spot to kick off the night.

View inside Nana Plaza entertainment complex

It’s a decent place to go solo. Most of the bar girls are easy to chat up. However, most patrons are there in groups — not looking for stray pals. Details:

What to do: drink beer, blaze cones, chat with bar girls, and watch bikini dance shows.
Prices: around 100 THB per beer; around 200 THB for a lady drink (unnecessary unless you’re lonely).
How long to stay: solo drinkers can find enough going on here to amuse themselves for an hour or so.

Soi Cowboy For Introverts

Once you get bored of Nana, head east towards Soi Cowboy. From one end to the other is 1.3 km (a 17-minute walk). Along that route, you’ll find the Soi 11 tourist street with plenty of solo-friendly bars, plus the Thermae Cafe midpoint.

If you start at Nana and hit a few places along the way, it might take you 1-2 hours to get to Soi Cowboy. By around 9 pm, the action picks up here most nights of the week.

Soi Cowboy Orientation

Soi Cowboy is a 150-meter stretch flanked by a dense collection of 40+ go-go bars. Inside, patrons watch bikini-dancing girls while getting hounded to buy lady drinks. Most people enter at the Country Road bar end.

Country Road plays loud live music. It’s usually packed with local expats and their Thai partners. Not ideal for solo troglodytes. At the other end of the street is the Kazy Kozy live music bar. Opposite that is a quiet 420-friendly beer bar.

Right behind the beer bar is a small weed dispensary with good prices and pretty Thai staff. After a few cones and beers in the dive bar, you should feel pumped enough to enter into the madness.

View of drunk man entering Soi Cowboy Street

With a few spliffs and some beers in ya, the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds seems like an acid trip. The first time, I found it terrifying but exhilarating. But the terror went away fast. Inside the Cowboy hot zone, the ladies are super-nice and great hostesses.

Cruising Soi Cowboy Solo

Start off at the dive bar to get your mojo going. Once you’re fired up, enter the chaos. On both sides, each bar has a patio drinking area outside, leading to the indoor dance area.

Soi Coyboy patio spots for solo drinkers to people watch

Stop off at any of the bars that catch your eye. Seek out the mama-san or lead girl. Nicely ask if you can have a drink on the patio for ‘watching’. Act like a dumb, scared tourist newb and they will take pity on you.

I played that gambit in several bars and it worked a treat. Mama herself will protect you from the lady drink hounds. Once that’s settled, the (drink-less) ladies are also up for some laughs.

Soi Cowboy scene with laughing Thai woman

From one end of the street to the other, I like to hit 2-3 bars for 2 drinks per stop. Once you’re nicely tucked into a spot, most places let you 420blazeit if you want.

Hanging round these Cowboy side lanes as a solo traveler is a treat. The few other foreigners doing the same are friendly. Once you get lady drinks out of the way, most of the women are fun to hang with as well.

Soi Cowboy Downside

The downside of a Soi Cowboy solo run is that by the end, you’ll be well drunk (and maybe stoned). Meanwhile, the ladies working there are pros with a lady drink quota to reach. In a drunken, spliffed-up state, you’ll be putty in their hands.

Pricing: I’ve done solo Cowboy runs three times in 2023. Each cost me a bit under 2000 THB (USD $58). That includes dispensary spliffs, beers for myself, and lady drinks (once my drunken guard is down).

People drinking on a patio in Soi Cowboy party street

Is Soi Cowboy worth it? For a solo traveler, it’s a guaranteed thrill ride of a night, surrounded by hot women, cold beers, and fat spliffs. It’s absolutely worth it — but only if you can keep the lady drink hounds at bay until the end.

Thermae Cafe Midpoint

Midway between Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy is Thermae Cafe. Located under the Ruamchitt Hotel, it’s a famous ‘freelancer’ spot. Every man who enters must buy a drink as an entry charge. Inside, freelancers line the walls, open to chat and arrange ‘dinner dates’.

Whether you’re looking for a ‘dinner date’ or not, this place is absolutely worth visiting for a few beers. A lot of the prettiest girls are open to ‘dinner dates’ with Chinese and Korean tourists only.

Even so, it’s a fascinating place to randomly chat up hotties while smarmy Chinese hotshots strut their stuff.

5 Introverted Bangkok Days Of Bliss

This article outlines 5 cheap and easy days of 4-star bliss in downtown Bangkok. Warning: after five days of shopping, blazing medical-grade joints, and smashing beers, things will get boring and repetitive. That’s the time to move on to somewhere else.

Bottom line: solo male travelers wanting a stimulating city adventure are guaranteed that by spending 5 days in Bangkok .

Nikkei Asia. ‘Thailand GDP expands 4.5% in Q3, buoyed by tourism’. November 21, 2022, https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Thailand-GDP-expands-4.5-in-Q3-buoyed-by-tourism , (accessed 23 April, 2023).
Google Map Directions. ‘Nana BTS to Siam Paragon directions on foot’. https://goo.gl/maps/D6upf5uiMDapseY69 , (rendered 23 April, 2023).
Google Map Directions. ‘Terminal 21 Mall to Benjakitti Forest Park’. https://goo.gl/maps/9SFsyXizHykLCvYr8 , (rendered 23 April, 2023).
Mark Burton. ‘Walking the Green Mile Bangkok 2022’. May 2, 2022. https://thaispicy.co/green-mile-bangkok-lumpini-benjakitti-walking/ , (accessed 23 April, 2023).

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Thailand is the quintessential solo travel backpacker destination. Here you can make the first footprints on secluded sands , dance shoeless under a full moon and swim beneath cascading waterfalls.

Which sights shouldn't I miss?

How should I get around?

Where can i try some thai delicacies, what are the best ways to meet people, is it safe.

Running through Thailand’s rainforests and temples and looping around its islands and beaches is the so-called “banana pancake trail”, a well-worn, tried and tested backpacker route that has seen the sandals of thousands of independent travellers over the decades.

They’re still coming in their droves – and you’re a part of the action as soon as you strap on that backpack. Here's everything you need to know.

Travel ideas for Thailand, created by local experts

Chiang Mai Safari Adventure

The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.

Thailand's Islands and Highlands

Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

Thailand Discovery

A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.

Bangkok-Pattaya Explorer

The perfect trip for adventurers, sun seekers and lovers of island life: take in cosmopolitan Bangkok’s wats or temples, street markets and waterways. Witness the excitement of Bangkok before heading to Thailand’s east coast for island-hopping in the sunshine.

Pattaya Sun

The sandy beaches and tiny offshore islands, dense forests and hidden waterfalls are a natural draw to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Pattaya abounds with activities – from watersports to international-standard golf courses.

Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails

Chiang Mai offers a balmy escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.

Which sights shouldn't I miss?

For a frenetic introduction to Thailand, head straight to Bangkok where the neon lights and market stalls of Khao San Road still serve as the country’s main backpacker hangout . Slurp noodles, sip local beer and visit the gilded Grand Palace and Wat Pho’s giant gold reclining Buddha with your new friends. Especially on the first days, Bangkok can seem very overwhelming, so a guided tour helps to gain a first overview of the highlights .

For impressive Thai temples, head to Ayutthaya in the north, the country’s ancient capital now scattered with temples in varying stages of decay. The brooding red-brick ruins are best viewed at sunset when the golden light makes this atmospheric city a photographer’s dream. To explore the temples, consider taking a bicycle tour . It's a wonderful opportunity to explore the countryside.

If you’re after something a little more laid-back, Kanchanaburi is the spot for you. You can take a train along the famous Death Railway, built by prisoners of war during World War II, see the Bridge over the River Kwai and swim at the tumbling seven-tiered Erawan Falls. If you're pressed on time, it's also possible to visit Kanchanaburi from Bangkok on a day trip .

Check our detailed list of things not to miss in Thailand.

Ayutthaya © Pixabay

Ko Pha Ngan is where the sands of Hat Rin see up to 30,000 people arrive each month for the famous full moon parties. The party starts at dusk, when thousands of lamps are lit, and continues through the night, with dancing, fire twirling and, of course, drinking.

If you want to get to know the locals, head to Chiang Mai , the jumping-off point for numerous guided multi-day treks and short walks in the country’s remote north. Here you can visit small local communities, but be mindful of concerns around tribal tourism . The north is also known for its amazing cuisine - learn how to make Pad Thai or Tom Yun on a small, organic local farm .

Thailand is famous for its spiritual practices. Travelling solo, don't miss out on the opportunity to visit meditation centres and retreats in Thailand .

A journey by tuk tuk is an essential Thai travel experience and you’re sure to use these noisy, fume-cloaked (but very fun) vehicles to get around, especially in Bangkok. Fares are the same no matter the number of passengers so team up with one or two (three is the safe maximum) other travellers to save money. Agree the fare before setting out (expect to pay 100-150 baht for short Bangkok hops) and be sure to have the right money ready on arrival .

Solo travellers can make good use of the motorcycle taxis that ply all common routes in both major towns and more off-the-beaten-track parts. These only seat one passenger and are no good if you’ve got luggage, but short journeys across town or the island can be good value (as low as 20 baht).

Thailand is a sizeable country and distances between large towns can be great (it’s 700km from Bangkok to Chiang Mai). An overnight bus or train is a good way of getting from A to B while also saving the cost of a hostel.

Bangkok tuk tuk © Shutterstock

The overnight trains are operated by the State Railway of Thailand and run on four useful routes out of Bangkok, including services to Ayutthaya, to Chiang Mai and to Surat Thani (a jumping off point for many of the southern islands).

Second-class berths are the best bet for solo travellers, with the communal comfortable seats converting into fully flat curtained-off beds come nightfall.

First-class cabins are set up for two so only book these if you’re happy sharing with a stranger. Bring snacks and drinks and settle in for a long journey.

Don’t fancy the long journey alone? There are plenty of internal flights, with Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air (Thai Airways’ budget arm) and Thai Lion Air all offering daily Bangkok-Chiang Mai flights with a flight time of 1hr 15min. Flying also means not having to go back to Bangkok – trains and buses use the capital as a hub meaning you will keep ending up back there.

Eating alone in Thailand doesn’t need to mean a table for one. The best food is often found at the local night market, where mobile kitchens sell noodles, fried rice, sticky rice cakes, pancakes and fresh juices, and seating is communal and lively.

Almost every large town will have street stalls selling noodles day and night, so you can fill up without even sitting down.

Many hostels have cafés or restaurants, where you won’t stand out as a solo diner and may even meet fellow travellers in search of dining companions. Most travellers love nothing more than discussing where they’ve been or are going over a bowl of noodles or a beer. Or if you prefer to meet others on a tour, take a foodie tour like this one in Bangkok with electric scooters to enjoy Thai delicacies and meet travellers at the same time.

If you want to meet people, sticking to the main backpacker destinations (including those listed above) is the best bet. Stay in hostels rather than hotels – choose to stay in a dorm so you’ll be sharing with other people and not holed up alone.

In Bangkok stay on or near the Khao San Road for the best chance of impromptu Singhas with your new friends – NapPark is a good choice, with its communal tamarind-shaded courtyard and TV room.

In Chiang Mai, Oon Poshtel has dorms and a sociable café on the ground floor, while Kanchanaburi’s Latima Boutique Hostel has a communal atmosphere and swimming pool.

Group activities are a great way to make friends fast. You can try everything, from day trips to Thai cookery courses. If you want an insight into Thailand through food, try a cooking class in either Bangkok or Chiang Mai .

For more of an adventure, take a zipline tour through the rainforest near Chiang Mai with Flight of the Gibbon or learn to scuba dive on Koh Phi Phi.

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, Chiang mai, Thailand © Shutterstock

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Solo Travel Tips: Bangkok, Thailand

Is Thailand a good solo travel destination, especially for women? What can you do in Bangkok as a solo traveler? What are the best tips for solo travel in Bangkok? All these questions, and more, will be answered in this post!

Thailand attracts millions of visitors every year. People just love how convenient it is to travel in the country. With its rich heritage, Thai language , and culture, not to mention the great food and the variety of things to do there, it’s no wonder millions of tourists visit it every year.

Like any other capital, Bangkok has lots of pollution and scams awaiting the clueless tourist. You will find the same in Manila or Saigon. However, I loved Bangkok; I went there before in 2011 and 2012, and in 2014, I lived there for four months, when restrictions on visa runs had yet to be implemented. I loved the city — its people, its attractions, and of course, the food.

Readers have recently asked me about my solo travel tips to Bangkok so I decided once and for all to write this post. While this is targeted to solo female travelers, it can apply to other tourists as well.

Arriving in Bangkok

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi, the main international airport, and Don Mueang, the old airport now used by AirAsia. When you arrive via Suvarnabhumi and don’t have a lot of bags, skip the taxi and go by train instead.

Go down to the lowest floor of the airport, and you’ll find the Airport Rail Link which goes to Phaya Thai, one of the BTS stations in the city. Once in Phaya Thai, find the nearest BTS station to your hotel and you’re all set. You don’t even have to go down to street level.

If you have an AirAsia flight and find yourself in Don Mueang, there are shuttle buses right outside the airport. Turn right once you exit from the arrival area. You will be dropped off at Mo Chit station, and from there, you can go to wherever your hotel is.

Accommodation in Bangkok: Hotel or Hostel?

As a solo traveler, you need not worry about accommodations in Bangkok. There are lots! Prices vary, of course. In choosing where to stay, ask yourself: what’s most important for you? Is it location? Price? Facilities? Wifi? For safety purposes, prioritize location. If your accommodation is cheap but is far from the city or is in a bad neighborhood, it’s not worth it.

When I lived in Bangkok, I stayed mostly in hostels rather than hotels for budget reasons. At prices ranging from THB280 to THB350 ($8-10), they were a good deal. The location was excellent (I usually stayed along Silom Road), and of course, Wifi was also very good. More importantly, the variety of travelers staying there made sure I had company whenever I wanted to.

I have yet to write reviews about the hostels I’ve stayed in, but the ones I can recommend are We Bangkok (I know it sounds weird LOL) and Silom Art Hostel .

The lobby at Silom Art Hostel.

We Bangkok is best for those who want to meet other travelers. There are 8-bed dorms as well as 4-bed ones and it was almost always fully booked when I was there. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Chong Nonsi station and there’s a 7-11 right across the hostel. There are gyms and a spa nearby too.

Silom Art , however, is best for those who want a beautifully decorated hostel which is not crowded. It never gets full (I don’t think they even fill half of their capacity) and there will be times when you will find yourself alone in the 5-bed dorm room. Food-wise, it isn’t so convenient. The nearest 7-11 is a 10-minute walk and street food is a 15-minute walk going to the Sala Daeng station. The nearest BTS station is Chong Nonsi (a 10-minute or so walk).

I’ve made a lot of friends from my stay at HQ Hostel (10 minutes walk to Sala Daeng station) but the staff is not so friendly especially if you stay longer than a week (I don’t know why). Wifi connection wasn’t so good, and I had my credit cards stolen there as well, the only time it happened in my travels.

I loved it for its lobby though; it encourages interactions with others. I also liked its location and it had the best beds of all hostels I’ve stayed in.

My huge room at Kingston Suites.

The only hotel I ever used in Bangkok was the Kingston Suites Hotel along Sukhumvit Road (around THB2,000/$61). I loved it; my room was huge, the buffet breakfast was very good, and they also have a gym and a pool, although these were located next door, in their sister hotel’s property. It’s around 5 minutes from Nana station, but they also have a shuttle that can take you there.

Check out other Bangkok hotels via Agoda .

What to Do in Bangkok

Whether you only have a day or a month in Bangkok, there’s always plenty to see. Get the basics over and done with in the early part of your trip; go visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun during sunset. There are over 400 temples in the city, so if you’re into temples, you’d definitely get your fill. Here are seven of the best temples in Bangkok, according to CNN .

The beautiful reclining Buddha of Wat Pho.

If you’re into shopping, of course, check out Chatuchak Market. It has thousands of stalls selling everything from clothes and shoes to paintings, books, home wares, and absolutely anything you can think of. They’re open only on weekends, so make sure to go there early (like 8am) as it gets hot and crowded later in the day. If you’re buying wholesale, there are couriers inside the market that can take care of shipping for you.

Want something more interesting? Head to Phloen Chit station where you can walk for 7 minutes to the Chao Mae Tuptim shrine, aka the Fertility Shrine (aka the Penis Shrine) where you will see hundreds of phallic objects.

There are hundreds of objects like this at the Fertility Shrine.

If you’re into Thai food (and who isn’t?), you can take the Taste of Thailand food tour, which is a guided tour of Bangkok’s street food. Sure, you can just go and buy street food anytime (as I did), but it’s nice to hear of some background and see locals’ places as well.

You can also take cooking classes, if you’re really into food (I took a cooking class in Sangkhlaburi though), or use a site that connects you with locals and share a meal with them. Whatever you decide to do, it would be worth it. Thai food is the best for me, and I could never have enough of it!

If you’re into fitness, you would love Bangkok. There’s just so many options there, from lots of gyms to yoga, CrossFit, and other fitness classes. I used the CrossFit10500 box near Silom (5 minutes to Chong Nonsi station) for three months and loved it. It started my love affair with CrossFit.

I also went a lot to Lumpini Park to run and join aerobic classes (for free). The outdoor workout stations at the park are also either free or charge very minimal rates (something like THB20).

My all-time favorite Thai fried rice.

Yummy Bangkok street food.

Want to watch the latest English movies at half of the usual cost? Head to Terminal 21 or Siam Paragon on Wednesdays, it’s only THB150 ($4) then. On other days, the cheapest would be from THB250. Wednesday movie days were my favorite time in Bangkok.

Day Trips From Bangkok

If you’re staying for some time in Bangkok (say, more than 4 days), I highly recommend you take a day trip to Ayutthaya Historical Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site. I went there twice, once on my own in 2012, and the second time with a group in 2016. Check out my post!

The iconic Buddha head in Ayutthaya.

Go to the Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok, and from there, you will find trains going to Ayutthaya which can take around 2 hours. Once outside the station, follow the people going down to the river and cross to the other side. From there, rent a bicycle for the day and just go from one temple to another.

There are LOTS of temples in Ayutthaya, so just choose where you want to go. (A must, of course, is Wat Mahathat.) Pick up a brochure/travel guide beforehand from any major BTS station in Bangkok, it’s free.

Some tips: bring sunscreen, water, and a cap or a hat as it can get VERY HOT in Ayutthaya. When I was there, I had to stop at a 7-11 to buy sunscreen. Also, rent the bicycle on the other side of the river, not at the train station’s side. I did that, and I had to lug the fugg’n bike down to the boat and up again.

Scams to Look Out for in Bangkok

Sure, there are scams, but they’re easy to avoid if you do advanced reading beforehand. A common one is going to the Grand Palace where a tuktuk driver will tell you that it’s closed. It happened to me when I went there in 2011, but having read of it beforehand, I wasn’t victimized. I highly recommend just walking to the Grand Palace from the river, it’s not that far.

Thai women are beautiful.

Male travelers, I think, are more at risk from scammers, especially those who are taken in by the beauty of Thai women and ladyboys. The Ping Pong show in Patpong Road is very well known. You go in a bar wanting to see women play ping-pong with their private parts, and get charged thousands of baht instead of just THB250 as you were made to believe. Best to avoid if you don’t want the hassle.

Or, how about this. Someone I know got picked up by a Thai woman and they had an affair for a week or so, the farang so flattered that this lovely girl told him she loved him. They separated at the airport with more professions of love and lots of tears.

Months later, the Thai woman contacted him and told him she was pregnant with his baby. Despite warnings from friends, he sent her money for the baby for 2 years and even decided he wanted to marry her and bring her to Europe. His embassy — very wise move! — required a paternity test, and lo and behold, the baby he had been supporting for years was not his after all!

Be careful of the Chao Phraya river tour scam!

Okay, so the guy was just particularly stupid. I mean, who would get taken in by a pregnancy scam?? And who wouldn’t use protection if they were picked up by a prostitute in a foreign country? Still, this scam has also been noted before . Here’s another one: smiling Thais and dumb tourists .

Safety Considerations for Solo Travelers in Bangkok

Whenever readers ask me which city I recommend for international travel, I always say Bangkok. For me, it’s safer than most cities I’d been to. Of course, I can’t say that it’s extremely safe there; after all, it’s the capital, it has its shares of scams and minor thieves roaming the streets on the lookout for clueless travelers.

You can avoid being victimized by scammers if you read up on the common scams mentioned above. Practice common sense as well when you’re going around. That is, keep your purse close to you, lock up your valuable stuff in the hostel, make sure the taxi turns on the meter, agree on a price with the tuktuk driver beforehand if you don’t want a surprise later, and choose a good neighborhood for your hostel.

Here are more things you should and shouldn’t do in Bangkok .

Lots of scams outside the Grand Palace.

For first time international solo travelers, there’s no other city I would recommend. In Bangkok, everyone’s free to do their own thing. Locals won’t blink at same-sex couples, and if you want to wear your yoga pants while out and about, you won’t get a second look. (Still, of course, you’d have to know what to pack for Thailand !) I would love to go back there again and again, and I’m sure you will, too.

Of course, Thailand is more than just Bangkok, but for solo travelers just learning their way, I would recommend Bangkok for their first international destination.

Do you have other solo travel tips to Bangkok? Do share in the comments!

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83 comments . leave new.

What a comprehensive article! Totally adding Bangkok to my bucket list 🙂 The pregnancy scam is a real shocker though.

Great tips. Thanks. Anyone there between 21 Oct to 28 – ? 🙂

Great post, thanks for the tips! I’m thinking of visiting Thailand in November and glad to hear a recommendation from someone who’s been there solo!

Hey! thanks for sharing, Thailand is one of the most beautiful and calm places I have ever been, I probably go back next year and thanks to this post I could make a great itinerary (last time I stayed for 5 days only) so I will plan to stay more days and I will try to go to some Islands too.

Thank you for this! I’m planning to go to Bkk this September for the first time.

Anyone travelling by may 2- onwards? 🙂

traveling on the 30th of may 2017

Hi. Planning to go first time solo travel in BKK this coming July. Any suggestions anyone? or anyone who will go there too?

the date is on July 25-28

Im planning to go there too this coming July. Anyway where you from ?

hi anne here’s my email please do contact me if your planning to go to thailand this coming july 🙂 Thank you ( [email protected] )

We’re planning an Indochina trip soon and entering BKK from MLA then exiting in HCM to MLA. Was wondering if BKK immigration officers have an issue with this setup? We plan on doing an overland exit and is this an issue? Have you tried?

anyone here who is going there by September 9?

Hi thank you for this! I’ll be travelling to Bangkok in January 19, 2017 to January 24. I would like to ask if I can join some group tours or if there are other travellers here who would like to join or accompany me?

Hi Jacob! I’ll be going too just over the weekend. I don’t have any plans so I can probably join. What do you think? (Haha. Talking about safety, it’s funny how we are looking for travel companions over blog comments) But I’m serious though. I’ll be arriving on January 21st.

Hello! I’m going to Bangkok in mid February. Any suggestions on a tour I should take? You can email me at [email protected] . Thank you!

Hi. Planning to go first time solo travel in BKK. Ano po requirements sa immi nila? Ano kailangan jo dalhin? Thank you.

hi amz.. may i know when u plan to go to bangkok.. planning din ako.. mag isa lng..email me at [email protected]

helpfull info.. I’m going 21 January 2017 ..

This is very helpful..planning to go to Thailand next year and your blog helps me a lot especially in my planning stage. I take down your tips so I wont be a victim of scam.

Hey I really enjoyed reading your blog! I am going to be going to Bangkok the first week of December. I planned on seeing the city for 2 days then going to pattaya and doing a diving course. Reading everything you wrote not sure what else to spend my time doing , there’s so much !!! Wanted to go to an island but they seem so far away. I can stay for 6 or 7 days. Any advice on an elephant place to volunteer? Or swim with them I know you can’t ride them anymore. My family is worried and doesnt want me to go by myself! But im doing it. Cheap hostels are my thing. My dad said women get kidnapped in the taxis .. loved your blog!!

I’ll be in BKK too. Female solo traveler, I’ll be there until December 11,2016. Hope we could travel together I am looking for a companion too! haha..

the blog is really informative thank you @solitarywanderer.

Hi, all-in-all how much is your recommended budget for 4days 3 nights stay in Bangkok – Phuket tour in Php??

great site and very informative. Planning my first round the world trip beginning of sept from the u.k. Solo and will be in Bangkok after I’ve been in Phuket for 8 nights, got 7 nights in BK before either getting overnight train to Chiang Mai or flying for convenience. I’m looking forward to visiting temples, markets, experiences authentic Thai massages. I see cherry mentioned festivals in November? I’ll be there 19th – 25th. Gotta say I was a little nervous about safety and i cancelled my south beach Miami part of my trip in favour of staying in the safety of universal studios Florida but I’ve realised I have to be brave and push ahead. Staying at Rose hotel which looks very close to Lumphini park and bus 45 depot. I have reservations about mosquitos and am taking lots of repellent as I don’t want to catch malaria or dengue fever. The hostels you listed look lovely, I’m yet to take that plunge away from hotels. My trip was due to finish in Nepal at a hostel for two weeks but I just cancelled in favour of a more time in Thailand as I had fears over getting sick in Nepal and safety of solo travel. Hope I didn’t make mistake but there are plenty of temples and sights to see in Thailand and I won’t be so lonely perhaps.

Hi Simon. You would love it in Bangkok and Thailand in general. There are so many international travelers there. As always, though, you should read up about scams, esp the ones involving women and ladyboys. They target white men 😀 Nepal is also very beautiful. I hope you can go there someday!

Thanks for the solo travel tips! It will be my first time in BKK and I find this very helpful. Although it worries me that your credit card was stolen at the hostel… I should be careful in choosing hostels.

Kim, just make sure to lock up your valuables. I was surprised it happened too, but I was careless.

Hi Aleah! I’ll be visiting Thailand for a week this November and its my first solo travel outside PH. I’ll be staying in Bangkok for just 3 days, what places would you recommend? I’m actually also planning to see Loi Krathong/Yi Peng festival, do you happen to know how to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok via public transpo? Thank you! 🙂

Your blog is very inspiring and informative btw.

For just 3 days, I would recommend going around the city, hitting the major temples. If you’re there on a weekend, hit Chatuchak Market as well. From BKK, you can easily take the bus to Chiang Mai. It’s an overnight trip. You can also book a flight if you’re in a rush. If you need suggestions for hotels or hostels, click this link: http://www.agoda.com/city/bangkok-th.html?cid=1652756

This is really encouraging. I’ve never travelled solo outside of the country before, and I’ve been hesitant about visiting Bangkok alone because of it’s bad rep. But the Bangkok you describe excites me. Thank you. ?

Oh Bangkok is great for solo travelers. I really love it!

This a very decent and informative review. Excellent!

Oh thank you for this. Will be Bangkok on October and if my college friends won’t make it, I ‘ll be alone haha I will contact you before my flight. I’ll be needing some expert advice hahaha

Hi Nica! If you need suggestions on where to stay, you can find some affordable ones here: http://www.agoda.com/city/bangkok-th.html?cid=1652756

Hi Aleah, thanks for this information…. my friend is telling me not to go to Thailand because of the August bombing in the middle of the city and the political situation there, good thing i saw your blog and now i am planning my itinerary… My target date is April 20, 2016 it’s going to be my first trip abroad and i am travelling alone, my first stop is Kuala Lumpur for 3 days, then take a train to Penang island for another 3 days (they say that Penang is worth a visit too) then from Penang’s Butterworth train station directly to Bangkok and planning to stay there for atleast 5 days… maybe i’ll just pick a tourist map there and roam around the city, i want to try street food but not a fan of super spicy food.. i’m also planning to go straight to Siem Reap if my budget allow me. I hope i can find solo/group traveler than i can talk to or even share a boat ride or cab. is there a good and safe hotel for a 1,400 Baht?

I been looking for this information, thank you…

I be going to Thailand on Feb 14, 2016 after i come from Philippines on Jan 12, 2016, it be my first time coming to both country & i be coming all by my self, looking forward to it hehe 🙂

How should i dress when i visit both country? will i be target for scam if i wear my hip hop clothes or is it best to dress like the locals?

If I stay at the Kingston Suite, is it easy to go to tourist attractions like the floating market, temples, etc?

Kingston is near the BTS, so you can easily go anywhere from there. Note that at night, you may have to take a tuktuk or a taxi if you don’t want to walk back to the hotel from the station.

Hi Aleah ! I found myself booking BKK for my first ever solo travel 2 days ago !:) I will be going mid August already for 3 days 🙂 It was such a spur of the moment thing as I have always wanted to try traveling alone. Your post eased my nervousness :)) thank you for all the helpful tips :)) I will also be staying in Silom Art Hostel 🙂 Btw, how much is the estmated budget for a 3 day trip? on a tight budget 🙂 thank youu

Sorry for the late reply. 🙁 Hope you enjoyed your BKK trip?

Thank you so much for this. I have a plan of traveling to Bangkok and I have just acquired my tourist visa from a visa consulting firm. Honestly, I was really terrified before reading your post. Bottom line is, common sense is the key. I hope I would enjoy my visit there as much as you did. Keep safe always! 🙂

Hope you enjoyed your Bangkok trip! If you get the chance to read this, let me know how it went. 🙂

I am so damn happy you recommended this article to me! Wonderful tips throughout. Will have to write down all the scams plus OMG, the free fitness classes! that’s one of the things I’m looking the most forward to is that weird LOL. I guess after a month of traveling, I’ll be happy to properly exercise.

-Maria Alexandra

So glad you found this post helpful. Feel free to share!

This is very comprehensive guide to BKK. Sad to say we’re been victimized by the TukTuk scam 2 years back. But of course it didn’t turn us down to love Bangkok.

Our favorite place in BKK? Chatuchak Market! Hahaha

Lots of people get victimized by tuktuk drivers so you were not alone haha

Hi Aleah, thanks for your informative post on Bangkok. BKK is my favourite city in the world, I love the vibrant atmosphere and have lived there for 18 months on and off over the last 5 years. Hopefully I’ll be going back there oon.

Thanks for dropping by. I miss my time in BKK. It’s such a dynamic city.

Once you get past the bad points, there’s lots to love about BKK … can’t wait for my next visit!

Same here, David. Same here.

Bangkok was my first out of the country trip. Enjoyed it and I want to go back their and do a solo travel. And this post is what I needed. Thanks for sharing Aleah.

Also read some scams in Bangkok but this is my first to read about the pregnancy scam. Oh my!

I also miss Bangkok and will definitely go back soon. I’ll start again in Bangkok then travel to Chiang Mai. 🙂

I don’t know when I can go back to Bangkok huhu Enjoy!

I had a trainer on my job early in my career who became a great friend of mine. He went to Thailand a couple times a year and was trying and trying to get me to go with him to experience it and especially Bangkok. Another one of those…I wish would gone…moments. Pad Thai is by far my favorite food and I could eat it all day long! Your room looks amazing, Aleah! Great post and I hope you are doing fantastic! 🙂

Thanks, Mike!

These are really helpful. I am going on my first trip to Bangkok soon.

Have fun! You’ll love Bangkok.

Love the pictures in this post. I’ve never been to Bangkok but definitely want to go one day.

P.S. The pregnancy scam sounds crazy!

It IS crazy. I wonder how stupid one can get to be victimized by it?

Great article. I love BKK visit twice a year and always find something new to do

Me too. I lived there four months and I still kept getting surprised at what I found I could do there.

I love Bangkok, It is amazing for solo travellers. I definitely agree you rarely need a taxi when the BTS and buses are so good! If you do need a taxi, make sure it is on the meter, not an agreed price or you will get hugely overcharged!

I agree. BKK is lovely, but it’s like any other mega-city. You will be taken advantage of if you’re not careful.

Hi. I also travel and write about my travels. I went solo backpacking in Cagayan and Batanes and found it rewarding which I told myself a prelude to solo travel in Thailand and Vietnam at the end of this year and early parts of Jan. next year as my 1st int’l travel. A close friend warned me though abt solo travel. I found your blog helpful and I hope you can do a Thailand and Vietnam too, it will be really helpful. One question, is mobile internet possible?

Ven, sorry for the late response. You won’t have to worry about internet in Thailand. It’s really fast there. Mobile is possible, yes. Just buy a local SIM card and make sure to buy their data package. Someday I will do a post like this on Vietnam. Someday haha

I think Bangkok is a great city! It’s getting a bit hot now though. And locals have said this isn’t even hot. I love the diversity. Mixture of expats locals and travellers.

Allowing yourself extra time to travel is a must and make sure you carry water! Being stuck in rush hour traffic in a bus isn’t great fun.

I usually just take the BTS, the traffic there is almost as bad as in Manila haha

This is a very helpful and comprehensive guide — not just for solo travel. I haven’t yet been to Bangkok, but have never had anyone I know say they didn’t like it. So I hope it won’t be much longer before I go. It’s interesting that you recommend Bangkok for 1st time solo international travelers. Good to know!

Hi Cathy. I think Bangkok is for all ages and all kinds of travelers. The city is big enough to provide everything that one needs and wants. That’s why it’s one of the most popular cities in Asia, if it isn’t the number one.

This is such a handy guide! I’d love to go to Bangkok but feel a bit nervous about the prospect of going alone, so this was quite reassuring. The food tour sounds especially appealing; like you said, who DOESN’T like Thai food?

There are lots and lots of solo travelers (male and female) in BKK, Jessica. You definitely won’t be alone for long if you stay at a hostel!

Our favoured method of getting around Bangkok would definitely be walking. Especially as we won’t be able to resist the delicious food. Our bodies will definitely appreciate the exercise.

I also walked a lot in Bangkok, Matthew. From the hostel, for example, it’s only around 20 minutes by foot to Lumpini Park, and around 5-10 minutes to the nearest station. There are so many interesting things to see along Silom Road that you won’t feel tired at all!

I would definitely be interested in doing a food tour and taking a cooking class. It’s been a very long time since I visited Bangkok, but I still have such great memories of exploring Ayutthaya. I always recommend it to anyone who is visiting Bangkok. Great tips about avoiding scams and the best location for renting a bike at Ayutthaya.

My most distinct memory of Ayutthaya was how hot it was LOL I agree, the food in Thailand is just superb!

These are all great, Aleah and now I really want to go to Bangkok! We made it as far as the airport last summer. My husband was paranoid and cancelled our 4 day stopover because of the political situation. One of the biggest regrets of my travel life. That Kingston Suites hotel looks so glamorous and what a deal. That other Bangkok street food looks like our Filipino empanada, doesn’t it?

Hi Mary! My mother also wanted to cancel her trip to Bangkok. Good thing I was there and I told her that everything was safe. I guess your husband was just worried about the kids? There was no need. Anyway, you’ll find another chance to get there!

hello im carlo and my sister want to go thailand ,but the requirements is we need a bank account ,and my question is how much money that i will deposit? if i already have a bank account ,,,and how much the plane ticket?thank you and sorry for my english

Hi Carl. You don’t need much in Thailand, it’s a very affordable country. Costs would depend on when you go and how long and what you will do there. For flights, check out Skyscanner.com. When are you going?

Great suggestions Aleah. It’s always handy to know how to get to the city centre without using the taxis. I like to splurge the first night or two in a new city until I get my bearings, especially if I’m suffering from jet lag.

Hi Leigh. I prefer to take public transport when I’m traveling. Taxis take too much out of my budget and won’t teach me how to go around the city.

Seems like you found your “home away from home” destination. You’re right every city has its own brand of scams and scammers. Just heads up and trust your gut. Idk if I’m able to visit Bangkok in the future, but somehow I’m still waiting for the one thing would make me wanna go to Bangkok. It does not help that Thai food is not my fave cuisine 🙁

Aww, I can eat Thai food any time. Too bad you don’t like it. I admit the taste is pretty strong. When I was there, there were times I sought “bland” food, so I went to fastfood restaurants LOL

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Bangkok

Bangkok is the heart of Southeast Asia. This vibrant city in Thailand attracts many travellers. Some come here to see the historical and spiritual sites, of which the city ha s many, some want to learn more about Thai culture, and others come to find themselves in Thailand.

Whatever your reason for travelling to Thailand, if you're planning to solo travel in Bangkok, I share my recommendations of what to see and do in Bangkok solo, and if you're unsure where to stay, I've included the best Bangkok hostels for solo travellers too! Click on the map to see their location in Bangkok.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping! Lisa x

Is Bangkok safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Bangkok is safe for solo female travellers. You may encounter a few drunken tourists in the touristy areas and near the Go-Go bars so keep an eye on your valuables. Nevertheless, you should always be aware of your surroundings.

As a Bangkok solo female traveller, you may feel overwhelmed when you arrive in the city for the first time. It's humid and noisy and trying to take a tuk-tuk may feel too much. The city is large and can be a bit challenging to navigate so you could find yourself feeling isolated if you stay in an area without other tourists.

But if you're looking to be completely alone, then you may prefer to stay in a comfortable hotel with a rooftop pool in the city and take day tours to see the temples and sights. If you're backpacking Thailand, one big tip for travelling to Bangkok alone is to head to Khao San Road.

It's backpacker central, and you'll find tour companies and hostels here. Here are the best things to do in Bangkok alone. Tip – Before you solo female travel in Bangkok, check what paperwork or visas are required for Thailand

Things To Do Alone in Bangkok

1. marvel at the grand palace.

The Grand Palace is, well, grand. But it’s really more than that, and it’s one of the tourist spots in Bangkok that you absolutely should not miss.

As it’s not the official residence of the royal family, the Grand Palace is open to tourists and provides people with a look at the stunning architecture, artefacts, and art that is housed here. Just remember to plan ahead: wear clothing that covers your legs and arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds. If you can swing it, try to arrive by boat; it’s the most stylish and breathtaking way to arrive. * Check prices and availability: Grand Palace Tours

2. See Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace and is worth taking the time to explore. This is the royal family’s private chapel, and as such, you’re going to be expected to show a massive amount of respect. This means legs and shoulders are covered, as well as no photography inside the main temple.

But the complex houses more than just the temple. There are libraries that are sometimes open to the public; the Royal Pantheon, a series of statutes that can be viewed only on the anniversary of the founding of the dynasty; and the Phra Si Rattana Chedi, where the ashes of the Buddha are reportedly held. * Check prices and availability: Wat Phra Kaew Tours

3. Find Peace at Wat Pho

Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha to tourists, is a massive temple complex that houses this famous statue as well as a variety of interesting architectural and sacred spaces. Most people just saunter through to see the Reclining Buddha statue but don’t make that mistake. Take the time to look around and find a sense of peace in Wat Pho’s many gardens and tucked away quiet spaces. * Check prices and availability: Wat Pho Tours

4. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market (photo @ Mark Fischer)

If you’re lucky enough to be in Bangkok at the weekend, make sure to set aside time to head to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is one of the largest markets in Asia, housing over 15,000 different vendors, and you can find anything you could ever want or need here. Seriously, everything you ever want is here, from clothes and jewellery to souvenirs and even electronics.

5. Mingle With Others at Khao San Road

Khao San Road, the famous backpacker street which is ideal for Bangkok solo travel females

Khao San Road isn’t for everyone, particularly people who just want to relax, but it is worth mentioning. This is considered the nightlife market for ex-pats and tourists and is literally a road in Bangkok that can service your every need, from repairing your travel gear to giving you great street food at affordable prices. Get a Thai massage or just sit at a cafe or bar to meet others.

6. Window Shop at Siam Paragon Mall

Siam Paragon Mall

During your Bangkok solo travel, if you want to do some luxury shopping, Siam Paragon Mall is just the place with six stories of every type of shop imaginable. And even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, you can also visit the mall’s aquarium. Yes, this mall has an aquarium.

7. Find Solitude at Lumphini Park

Lumpini Park

When you’re ready to collect your thoughts, or you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, walk over to Lumphini Park. This is the city’s biggest park, and it’s found right in the heart of the city. Go for a walk, lounge on the green or take a boat ride on the water and feel all your worries just disappear for a little while.

8. Experience Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

If you've never been to a floating market, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a good introduction. It is one of the most popular markets in Thailand and you'll be floating past both tourists and Thais as you admire colourful garments and all types of exotic fruit and vegetables. It only operates in the morning, so make sure you get up early not to miss it. You can take a tour here or take the bus from Bangkok to get here. * Check prices and availability: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Accommodation For Bangkok Solo Travel

Photo by Norbert Braun

Best Place To Stay in Bangkok For Solo Traveller

Khao San Road is the best place to stay in Bangkok for solo travellers, because it’s the most sociable part of the city. It’s the place for backpackers so you’ll find many hostels and budget-friendly hotels and travel agencies helping you to book the next part of your trip or any transport that you may need to get around the country. Because there are so many tourists, it’s a safe area and it’s easy to meet fellow travellers because there are numerous bars and clubs (and you can see street performers here too). I've included the best hostels in Bangkok for solo female travellers below.

For good 3-star hotels I recommend Tara Place Hotel Bangkok which is 10 minutes from Khao San Road. Or there's the Old Capital Bike Inn which is just a 15 minute walk away.

In Bangkok you’ll find everything from simple hostels and 3-star hotels to international 4 and 5-star hotels. Below are places to stay as recommended by myself and our solo female community. * Click here for all Bangkok accommodation

Best Hostels in Bangkok For Solo Travellers

There are so many hostels in Bangkok that you'll be spoilt for choice and may be a bit overwhelmed by which one to pick. To help, below are the best hostels for solo travellers Bangkok as recommended by our solo female community.

The Yard Bangkok Hostel – This sociable hostel has its own yard (hence the name) so you can meet others in the communal garden. It’s close to the weekend market and there are restaurants nearby. They have female-only dorm rooms as well as private rooms and breakfast is included too! * Check prices and availability: The Yard Bangkok

Prince Theatre Heritage Stay Hostel – Set in an old theatre that dates back to the 1900’s, this is a great hostel to stay in if you love movies. You can even order a signature cocktail that is inspired by the original films. The staff are super friendly, the rooms have high ceilings, there’s a Box Office bar and they have female-only dorm rooms too. * Check prices and availability: Prince Theatre Stay Hostel

Time Sabai 134 – This intimate hostel is in the heart of Bangkok. It’s quiet and peaceful and there’s a family restaurant nearby. The bunk beds have curtains for privacy and all rooms come with a garden view. Plus there’s free water and coffee! * Check prices and availability: Time Sabai 134

Bangkok – Once Again Hostel ($)

Once Again Hostel is one of the best hostels in Bangkok for solo travellers planning solo travel in Bangkok. Just a 15 minute walk to Koh Sang Road, and 20 minutes to the temples, this super stylish hostel is on a quiet street with a nice rooftop.

They offer daily activities as well as bike hire and have a 24-hour reception so you can arrive in Bangkok on a late flight and still be able to check in. The rooms are clean with comfy beds with your own personal curtain for more privacy. All of the rooms have balconies with a view. Choose from the 8-bed female-only dorm or a mixed 4, 6, 8 or 12-bed dorm room. * Check prices and availability: Once Again Hostel

Bangkok – Asia Hotel ($$)

This Thailand accommodation is the perfect place to stay in Bangkok with the Skytrain nearby. If you love food, the Asia Hotel has an impressive range of cuisine with 6 different dining options. The rooms are really spacious and include a fridge, minibar and flat-screen TV.

You can take a bath in your own marble bathroom or relax in the hotel’s hot tub after a workout at the gym. This 4-star hotel is great value for money, and you’ll feel like a princess walking into the Palacio surroundings on a traveller’s budget. * Check prices and availability: Asia Hotel Bangkok

Travelling After Bangkok

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of things to see and do on a solo trip to Bangkok, it will give you a head start for your trip to the Thai capital. There’s something for all types of solos here, from popular Bangkok tourist spots to fun activities to do in the city. Solo travel in Bangkok can be a bit isolating, so when you're all citied out, head north to Chiang Mai or south to the stunning Thailand beaches to meet other travellers.

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, check out my Solo Travel in Thailand guide

Travel Insurance For Bangkok

Thailand is a great country to visit but it is always recommended to take out travel insurance especially if you’re planning on trekking in Chiang Mai after Bangkok or taking a tuk tuk ride.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Thailand. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover. * Check insurance prices and cover for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Questions About Travelling Alone in Bangkok

Are there Bangkok hostels Khao San Road? Yes! There are many located a short walking distance from Khao San Road. Check the accommodation section above for the best hostel for solo travellers Bangkok.
Is it easy to travel Thailand alone? Yes, Thailand is generally a safe country for solo female travellers. The highest safety issues are related to scams. * Read: Solo Travel in Thailand
Which island in Thailand is best for solo travellers? Koh Samui is one of the best islands for solo travellers. It is safe and easy to meet other travellers. * Read: Solo Travel in Thailand

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Tips for traveling solo in bangkok: learn from my experience to plan your trip.

I’m more used to natural parks than huge cities like Bangkok. And it had been a while since I spent time by myself in a foreign country. Still, I managed to have an awesome time when I was traveling solo in Bangkok. Here are a few tips to help you plan your solo trip to visit the world’s most visited city .

Click here to view my four-day itinerary .

Panorama of Bangkok with the city skyline in the background and temples on the foreground

1. Get a SIM card

It’s a good tip for any traveller, but it’s even more important for solo travelers. In big cities, people can be busy and hard to interact with. I admit I would have felt lonely without my phone as it was many times my only way to share my day.

It was also very helpful to search for information. Travelling solo in Bangkok wasn’t particularly hard, but it can be challenging to remember everything when you don’t have a travel buddy. There are also not-so-helpful strangers or taxi drivers that will give you information that you should always double-check.

You can purchase a SIM card online * and pick it up at the airport. I appreciated not wasting time comparing all the offers after a long flight. It gave me unlimited internet access, which is what I needed. Or, if your phone is compatible *, you could purchase an e-sim * before your trip and activate it once you arrive in Thailand. We’ve used Airalo * when travelling and have been very happy with their service. Plus, with an e-SIM, you no longer have to worry about not loosing your home SIM card!

2. Join a tour

Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok from the river

There are many tours to visit Bangkok * and its surroundings. You can easily check out the attractions in Bangkok by yourself using public transport. But if you’re travelling solo in Bangkok, you may want to consider joining a small group tour.

I was lucky to have a private tour with TakeMeTour *, and I loved it. It made me feel like I had a local friend taking me to places. It was nice to interact with someone and get commentaries on things that were happening. The guide could also act as an interpreter between me and the locals – who rarely spoke English – which enhanced the experience.

3. Go out for dinner

Someone preparing pad thai at Tipsamai restaurant in Bangkok

After a long day exploring the city in the heat, I didn’t always feel like going out for dinner. In Thai restaurants, food is often placed in the middle of the table for all the party to share. It can make a solo traveller feel lonely.

But I’m glad I fought back the laziness and initial weird feeling of going out at night alone. Every time, I tried delicious food – which is part of the experience of visiting Thailand. Traveling solo in Bangkok was never a problem.

If you feel awkward not having a buddy with you, a book can be of really good company. Another option is to join a tour with a local. Check out this Tom Yum tour *, this seafood Chinatown tour *, this evening tour in Siam Square * or this nightlife tour *.

Go for a massage

That’s one of the rare must-do solo activities in Bangkok. If like me you are not used to getting massages and feel shy about it, you may want to start with a touristy spot. The famous Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is also known to be the birthplace of traditional massage. It’s relatively expensive to get a massage there, but they are used to dealing with foreigners and can speak English. Then, as you know better what to expect and get more comfortable with the idea, you can choose a less touristy and cheaper place.

Bangkok Wat Pho Massages Price Thai Massage Foot Massage

If you don’t want close contact, don’t go for the Thai massage. They also offer reflexology or shoulder and head massages that could even be a better option if your aim is to relax. It feels fantastic to get a foot massage when you’ve walked around the city all day. And it’s a fantastic way to fill up the evening when you’re traveling solo in Bangkok.

I’d recommend always asking your hotel or other travellers for tips. I was staying at the Ibis Siam * and the massage shop next door was great.

Take public transport

Taxis aren’t expensive and tuk-tuk looks fun. However, when traveling solo in Bangkok, I recommend taking public transport. The price for one person won’t be more expensive than other means of transport, and it’s a lot more eco-friendly. The BTS train is brand new and very comfortable. The small boats along the canals are very fun. It’s way better to see the city from that angle than getting stuck in traffic.

Bangkok canal boat with skyscrapper in the background

Moreover, taxis don’t always use the meter. I found it could be annoying to negotiate a price as a solo traveller. I used a cab to go from and to the airport, and it was fairly easy to find how much it should cost online.

Another option is Grab (the local Uber). I‘m not comfortable using these when traveling solo. When travelling solo, safety is often a concern. I haven’t heard anything bad about Grab in Thailand – but I’ve heard too many things about Uber that make me uncomfortable with the service. Tuk-tuk and motorbike rides can give you a thrill but as they disrespect the traffic rules, they surely not are my first choice.

Choose accommodation in the city centre

As I recommend going out for dinner and massage in the evening, it’s important that you do not worry about going back late to your hotel.

I liked staying in Siam (I was at the Ibis Siam *). I was close to the train station, had a massage place nearby and I could walk to different places for food. It was lively during the day but also at night, which made going out easier as I was traveling solo.

Is it safe to travel solo to Bangkok?

I had no issue as a solo female traveller in Bangkok. Like in any big city, you should be careful of pickpockets and use common sense to avoid certain areas or potential traps. You can learn more about safety in Thailand here *.

If it’s your first trip alone, you may be interested in reading more tips and benefits of solo travel to feel more confident.

Did you travel solo to Bangkok? Share your experience in the comments below!

Where is bangkok.

Check out more things to do:

A Solo Traveler's Guide To Bangkok

Traveling solo can be intimidating. You are heading into the great unknown, with nobody but yourself to have your back. So many top sights and attractions in Bangkok may seem like they are better seen with a handful of friends to accompany you. That being said, traveling alone is one of the most rewarding experiences that you will ever have. Traveling as a group can be detrimental to your experience abroad, as you have to tailor and shift your itinerary to better align with the majority. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. The people here are friendly and helpful, making Bangkok one of the best cities to travel in solo. Here is a guide as to how to spend your days in the City of Angels, alone.

Stay close to public transportation.

Because you are taking on the city of Bangkok alone, you will also be paying for your transportation without the relief of having to split the cost however many ways. Because of this, the best and cheapest way to get around the city is by utilizing public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain, the MRT Subway, or the boats that run on the Chao Phraya River. Of course, getting a taxi at some point is inevitable, but save yourself some time and money by using public transportation. The closer your accommodation is to these, the better.

Book a Hostel

Staying in hostels is quite possibly the best way to meet like-minded travelers who are also taking on the City of Angels solo. There are hostels located around the city, from the business district to some of the city’s shadiest of areas, that are great for meeting people. The most backpacker area of the city is Banglamphu, which is where you will find Khao San Road, the backpacker haven of Bangkok. Silom is another great area to look for accommodation, as it is located on public transportation routes and is close to some of the best nightlife in town.

Have a Drink on Khao San Road

Khao San Road certainly has mixed reviews. Some vouch by the nights they spend on this unforgiving road, while others steer clear of it as much as possible. This is a great area to meet people, however. Most of the bars that line the tourist-ridden street also have colorful plastic stools around shoddy, metal tables. Pull up a stool and grab a seat with your fellow travelers, and maybe even share a bucket or two. As goes for any situation, be wary of your surroundings and stay safe.

Go Where the Expats Go

Bangkok has an extensive expat community. Prior to taking on the city alone, it is a good idea to get connected with this group. One of the best areas to meet expats is Cheap Charlie’s, an outdoor, street-side bar filled with foreigners and cheap drinks to boot. Other great places to meet expats include Levels Club & Lounge, Saxophone Pub, the Australian Pub; essentially any pub will be filled with English-speaking expats.

Visit the Top Attractions

Bangkok has plenty of top sights and attractions that are jaw-dropping, whether you are alone or not. Some of the best places to visit in the city include the Grand Palace , which is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is in this area of the city you will also find Wat Pho , which houses the enormous Reclining Buddha on its grounds. You can spend ample time exploring these ancient areas. Wat Arun is also located near these two temples, however, it is currently under construction and much of the temple is covered in scaffolding.

Take on Bangkok’s Markets

Do not let all of that shiny baht burn a hole through your pocket. Instead, head to one of Bangkok’s outdoor shopping arenas and get ready for the shopping spree of a lifetime. Bangkok has some of the best markets and night bazaars in all of Southeast Asia. One of the most popular markets that foreigners visit is Chatuchak Weekend Market . It is one of the largest markets in the world, and the sheer number of goods and souvenirs certainly reflects its massive size. Whether you are on the hunt for a new outfit or just want to kill some time by exploring its weaving vendors and stalls, this is the market for you. Some other markets in Bangkok include JJ Green Night Market, Liab Duan Night Market, Rod Fai Train Market, Asiatique the Riverfront, and Pak Khlong, or the flower market. Many of these markets and night bazaars are only open on the weekend, so be sure to check online before venturing to one of these popular shopping scenes.

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Learn Some Thai

While staying in backpacker hostels and visiting foreign-ridden areas of the city is one easy way to meet people, you will see the city much better in the hands of a local. While it is certainly more daunting to try and have a conversation with someone whose first language might not be English, you will find your solo traveling experience much more rewarding by doing so. Many Thais living in Bangkok already have a knowledge of basic English phrases, as it is a major city and they are oftentimes working and dealing with foreigners. Knowing a handful of Thai words is one way to attempt a conversation. Say hello, state your name, and most Thai people will appreciate your effort, even if your accent and intonation are horrific.

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Solo travel in Bangkok, Thailand, what to see and where to go if traveling alone

Solo travel in bangkok, thailand what to see and where to go if traveling alone.

Will you soon be heading to Bangkok, Thailand as a solo traveler? Are you a little nervous about traveling alone, especially if you are a woman?

Don’t be. Not only is Bangkok one of the safest cities in the world (I am female and have been living here for 15 years with zero problems anywhere), it is also one of the most interesting.

Throw in that it is also an easy place to meet other solo travelers and, once you get to Bangkok, you will wonder why you left it so long to visit.

During any solo travel in Bangkok, there are also certain things you should do. Here is a list of things to check out during your time in this amazing city.

Khao San Road

While Khao San Road is definitely not my favorite place in Bangkok — well, I live here, it’s very tacky, quintessentially not -Thai and basically nothing more than backpacker heaven — it is a great place to get yourself acclimatized when you first arrive in Bangkok and to meet a ton of other solo travelers.

Eat cheap street food, drink Thai beer and hang out in bars and cafes on Khao San Road with other travelers who will be able to give you some excellent tips about where in Thailand to go and what to see. Find out how to get to Khao San Road here .

Stay in the area at Nap Park Hostel — which has several communal spaces that are great for getting to know other travelers. Or, if you would like to spend a little more money and have a more private experience, then ZEN Rooms offers budget hotel rooms that are clean and comfortable.

Eat Bangkok street food

Literally some of the best and cheapest food in the world, Bangkok street food is everywhere on every block, and you should eat it as much as you can. Street stalls are also wonderful for people who travel alone in Bangkok as many people eat at them solo.

At a typical street stall, you can buy a plate of Thai food (som tam, pad Thai, chicken/shrimp fried rice, noodles, chicken satay with a peanut sauce dip — you name it, they sell it) for around 40 to 60 baht ($1.25 to $1.90). The food is fresh, traditional Thai and always delicious. You can also buy a bottle of water, a Coke or a beer for just a few baht more.

What to eat at a Thai street stall will give you some ideas of dishes to look for.

Just one tip to make sure you get some of the best street food in Bangkok — choose a stall that is popular with Thais, as Thais will never eat at a street stall serving food that doesn’t taste very good.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Just about my favorite spot in Bangkok when it comes to tourist destinations, the Grand Palace is an opulent and incredibly beautiful palace and temple complex that you have to see to believe. It also includes the famous Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses a stunningly beautiful Buddha statue carved from one enormous emerald.

Just make sure you are appropriately dressed for a temple as, if you are not, officials will make you rent clothes before they let you in.

And, if someone stops you at the gate and tells you “The Grand Palace is closed today”, it is not. It is a well-known scam from touters trying to get you to take a tuk-tuk tour to a local jewelry shop. Ignore them and head to the Grand Palace where you will see it is most definitely open.

Get there early as, after about 10.30 am, it is unbelievably crowded.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak is quite literally one of the best places you will ever visit if you love to shop, grab a cheap coffee, breath in the local sights and sounds, or hang out in a bar drinking beer and watch the crowds walk by.

This open-air market has over 15,000 stalls and sells everything from cheap clothes, DVDs and CDs, Thai handicrafts, artwork and house supplies to exotic animals and pets.

Plan to spend half of your day here as it is huge and there is so much to see. You can also stop off at a cafe to have a coffee and cool down, or at one of the market’s many cheap restaurants for a very good and dirt cheap lunch.

Bars at Chatuchak, by the way, are a wonderful place to meet fellow travelers as well as talk to some of the local Thais. There are several bars in the market that get quite busy, but the atmosphere is relaxed and chill. Just order a beer and some Thai snacks, find a table and start talking to people around you.

Here are my tips on how to survive Chatuchak Weekend Market . It is open on Friday nights and all day Saturday and Sunday till around 6-7pm.

Mahboonkrong (MBK) shopping mall

If you want to do some shopping but can’t stand another second in the heat, then head to Mahboonkrong shopping mall. Known by the locals as MBK, Mahboonkrong is one of the cheapest and largest malls in Bangkok.

MBK is a great place for someone traveling alone in Bangkok as it is easy to get to (it’s right next to the National Stadium sky train station), can keep you occupied for hours, and is full of good restaurants and coffee shops.

There is also one of the best food courts in Bangkok on one of the higher floors. A superb place for a dirt cheap lunch or dinner.

And, if you really can’t bear going back into the heat, MBK also has a bowling alley and a multi-screen movie theater — both of which are excellent.

Here are some tips for what to buy at MBK .

Take a Chao Praya ferry boat

A wonderful way to see some of the city, experience local life and get a bit of a breeze while you do it is to take a motorized ferry boat up the Chao Praya River. Boats run all day and well into the evening hours and are only 15-30 baht per trip (less than $1) depending on where you are going.

My favorite way to take a boat on the Chao Praya, and I travel alone in Bangkok all the time, is to take a ferry boat and get on and off at different stops. I then spend an hour exploring the neighborhood, taking photographs, getting a coffee, eating lunch, before I get back on another ferry boat to the next stop.

Here is what you will need to figure out the boat system . Believe me, though, it’s easy. And, if you get on a boat going in the wrong direction, just get off at the next stop and get on another one going the direction you want to go. They arrive every five minutes or so.

Asiatique is a gorgeously designed night market right on the banks of the Chao Praya River. It has a massive number of cool restaurants and cafes and more than 1,500 boutiques and shops that are housed in a faux warehouse district.

There is also a ferris wheel, a ladyboy cabaret and a Thai puppet performance, and it is a great way to spend an evening. Especially if you are traveling alone in Bangkok as the atmosphere is fun, all welcoming and packed with Thais and non-Thais alike.

You can get to Asiatique on a ferry boat from the Saphan Thaksin boat pier, right next to the Saphan Thaksin BTS sky train station.

Do be warned, though, the Saphan Thaksin BTS station is due to close sometime this year for an expansion (no news as to which date yet though). So if you are heading down to the river via the Saphan Thaksin sky train stop, you may have to get off at the previous station — Surasak — where there will likely be free shuttle buses available to Saphan Thaksin.

Remember, traveling along in Bangkok is not dangerous. Thais are friendly, helpful and love to take care of foreigners so, if you need any help, do not be afraid to ask. Many Thais do not speak much English, some speak a lot, but whoever you stop will usually smile and do their absolute best to figure out what you are saying and how you need help.

Enjoy your time as a solo traveler in Bangkok, and see as much as you can possibly see. I promise you, you will love it.

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Bangkok Solo Travel: Attractions, Experiences, and Tips

Feeling anonymous in a crowd, and the freedom that comes with it – is probably the best part about traveling alone. In Bangkok , the bustling capital city of Thailand , you can get all of that and much more. From walking through bustling markets to watching spectacular shows to enjoying quality time on a cruise, Bangkok offers all that solo travelers dream of. If you get butterflies in your stomach just thinking about hopping on a plane by yourself, you’re reading the right blog. Hop onto a plane headed to Bangkok if you want the perfect solo travel experience. And, since solo travels can be daunting especially if it’s your first time, we’re right here to guide you. We’ve gathered up all the attractions you should visit and experiences you should have as a solo traveler in Bangkok. We also have a few tips at the end for you to make sure you’re traveling safely, so check that out too!

Top Attractions to Visit in and around Bangkok

1. damnoen saduak market.

As the most popular floating market in Thailand, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market always bustles with people, visitors, and sellers alike. But don’t let that put you off: the bustling environment brings new colors to the scene you want to experience. Walking along by the waterways, exploring the market, looking for the best local food, is something a solo traveler cannot miss. Get here early in the morning to avoid Thailand’s heat, and see the market at its liveliest moment. Walk around or hop on a boat to explore the nooks and crannies of the market. Also, make sure to get a photo here to share with your loved ones back home.

[Book your Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour here]

2. Maeklong Railway Market

If you’re enjoying the Thai markets, you should certainly head to the Maeklong Railway Market . You’ll get to see the most dangerous market in the world, where trains pass right next to sellers, dangerously close. You can also walk along the railroad alone to see this bustling, and frankly hectic market for yourself: sellers packing to avoid the train, the loud noise as the train passes by, and the visitors taking all of this in for themselves. It’s one of the most exciting places in Bangkok to solo travel.

[Get your seat on the Maeklong Railway Market tour]

3. Ancient City

Visit one of the largest outdoor museums in the world, Ancient City . Here, you can get lost in Thailand’s wonderful history and culture as you walk through the scaled-down versions of Thailand’s top attractions and landmarks. Feel as though you are walking through an ancient city, hence the name, at this truly magnificent place. You can even enjoy a peaceful tram ride through Thailand’s monuments to save you some energy for your next destination. All things considered, Ancient City is one of the best places to take a look at if you are traveling solo in Bangkok.

[Get a discount ticket to about Ancient City to learn about Thai history!]

4. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

There is no better feeling than being completely surrounded by the underwater world. Even better if you’re taking all of it in by yourself. Take a visit to Bangkok’s aquatic wonderland, Sea Life Bangkok . Here, you can see 30,000 curious underwater species swimming around in a beautiful environment. What’s more, is that you can take part in intriguing activities, like walking through a sea tunnel with an oxygen helmet, or getting on a glass-bottomed boat. Take a look around and immerse yourself in the underwater world!

[Get a discounted ticket here to explore Sea Life in Bangkok!]

5. Ayutthaya

If you’re itching to see somewhere else, what about a quick day trip to Ayutthaya ? You can visit the Bang Pa-In Palace, otherwise known as the Summer Palace, and the many temple ruins around Ayutthaya. Walking around the ruins of this beautiful city will show you what a magnificent place it was, before being destroyed. By the nightfall, you will get to see the city gleaming in golden and crimson shades. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to wander around by yourself while enjoying a stunning sunset, heat to Ayutthaya. It’s one of the best and nearest areas around Bangkok to travel solo.

[Book your one day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya here!]

Must-Have Experiences

1. watch fantastic shows.

If you’re in Bangkok, no matter if you’re there solo or with friends, you have to watch the fantastic shows this city has to offer. For the most memorable experience, get a seat at the Siam Niramit show , a spectacular show displaying the culture and history of Thailand. There, you can be all by yourself, surrounded by dazzling costumes and exciting crowds, and watch the spectacular shows right at the center of it at the best seat!

[Get the best-discounted tickets to the Siam Niramit Show]

2. Go on a Luxury cruise

The Chao Phraya River is famed for its many cruise options. On the cruise, you can enjoy Bangkok’s stunning cityscape–the dazzling city lights, along with the marvelous historic monuments and landmarks, like the Grand Palace. So, with this picturesque view, you can enjoy some quality alone time on this tranquil river. Even better, the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise offers a buffet too, so that you can enjoy the view and the river breeze with a tasty meal. Make sure to book the ticket in advance though, since they offer a big discount.

[Get a discounted ticket to the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise]

3. Watch exciting Muay Thai shows

As the national sport of Thailand, with three centuries worth of history, you cannot miss out on watching Muay Thai on your trip to Thailand. If you want to watch an entertaining, and thrilling Muay Thai Show, Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives is a world-class performance you have to watch. Since traveling alone can be a little slow-paced and easy, why not get your blood pumping with this exciting show? You sure cannot watch a show this unique anywhere else in the world. Or, if you want to try out Muay Thai for yourself, you can join Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy. There, you can learn about the basics of Muay Thai – the 8 points of contact. Go and have fun, while strengthening your body and your mind!

[Watch Muay Thai Live with a discounted ticket!]

[Take a class at Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy]

4. Explore Bangkok’s Nighttime

Bangkok is truly a city that never sleeps, that bustles with people no matter the time of day. So, you’ve got to have a night tour around Bangkok. Its amazing markets that open at night are certainly worth a visit! Try Khao San Road, a street full of bustling night markets and street food stalls that tourists love to flock to. Or try Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market to indulge in the beautiful scents of the flowers, or Saphan Phut Night Market for funky clothes and accessories!

[Book a night tour around the nooks and crannies of Bangkok]

5. Treat Yourself with a Hotel Buffet

Solo Travel in Bangkok, or anywhere else, should be all about celebrating. You’ve picked a place to travel to by yourself, took a plane there alone, and explored around without company. That’s certainly an achievement in itself. So, as a pat on your back, treat yourself with a nice hotel buffet, perhaps on your last night. Try the Baiyoke Sky Hotel , the tallest hotel in Thailand that is 88-stories tall. At its sky-high restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious meal and a wonderful view all at once. Perhaps this is the most perfect way to put an end to your exciting solo travel to Bangkok.

[Get a discounted Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet ticket!]

Tips on Traveling Solo in Bangkok

1. Know your emergency contact numbers

Traveling alone can be daunting since you have to handle emergencies by yourself. To best prepare yourself for any emergency situations, have these local emergency contact numbers handy.

Also make sure to keep your personal emergency numbers visible, whether that be on your phone (like Apple Health’s Medical ID), in your wallet, or your handbag. This will make sure your families are kept in the loop in case of an emergency.

Lastly, make sure to know where your nearest national embassies and consulates are located, and their contact numbers. They will be of great help in any urgent emergencies, visa issues, lost passports, and more.

2. Stay in touch with your family and friends

Nothing is more worrying to your family and friends than you taking a trip alone and going completely MIA. Give them a text or two every day to let them know you’re having a blast! If you’re not getting a SIM card, which can be a total hassle that slows down your trip, then a portable Wifi might be the best option. You should book one in advance to simply pick them up at your airport!

3. Look out for single supplement fees

Some hotel rooms, travel activities, and cruises require a pair to share the room or the activity. So, they will ask you to pay an extra supplement fee if you’re using it by yourself. Now, know that they cannot ask you to pay more on the spot if you have not been notified before. And when you book rooms and activities, make sure to read the requirements carefully before you book, and even give them a call to make sure if you’re not certain. You can use an intermediary like Trazy.com to book your travel activities, to get all the information you need, and make sure you are not unknowingly charged extra fees.

4. Find activities with multiple positive ratings

Read reviews and ratings on activities before heading over, to make sure you are in safe hands. Avoid activities that are too new, or look too sketchy, and trust your instincts here! Certainly, Googling an activity before heading over isn’t too much of a burden. Again, you can use websites like Trazy.com to view ratings and photos, and read all the reviews you want, before choosing the right activity for you that’s both fun and safe.

5. Relax and enjoy!

Bangkok is a truly wonderful city, full of awesome people to meet, beautiful places to visit, and tasty food to try out. So, don’t be all tensed up and nervous. Enjoy the trip, and relax! After all, being super nervous and on your toes will only make you stand out more–something we want to avoid when traveling alone. Have fun and enjoy the freedom you’ve got from traveling alone!

Did you enjoy our guide to solo travel in Bangkok? Are you ready to enjoy having tons of fun by yourself in these awesome places? Then, you might want to check on Trazy.com , your #1 Travel Shop for Asia . Or, check out more blog posts about Bangkok!

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Where to Stay in Bangkok for First-Time Solo Travellers — 13 Quirky Hostels Under S$37/night

Make your first solo travel trip in Bangkok even more memorable by staying at these unique hostels!

First published: 15 November 2019

Yim Bangkok Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

The colourful, Peranakan-themed Yim Bangkok. Photo credit: Booking.com

With a vibrant culture, friendly locals, and lively nightlife, Bangkok is a great destination for solo travelling! And if it’s your first time travelling alone, you might want to skip the traditional hotel and stay at a budget-friendly hostel instead 😉

Not a hotel! Photo credit: Yim Bangkok

Contrary to popular belief, hostels are more than just a cheap place to rest! They’ve got cute aesthetics, excellent locations (near BTS train stations), luxe facilities comparable to hotels, and options for both introverts (i.e. private rooms) and extroverts who want to make friends (common social spaces).

So read on for the 13 best Bangkok hostels — where the extra ‘s’ stands for sabai sabai 😂.

Read also: 4D3N Bangkok Itinerary — Finding Hidden Gems in the City All Singaporeans Know

Cheap flights to Bangkok

Walking through Ratchada Rod Fai Night Market - Where to stay in Bangkok

Fly directly to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) . Both airports are a ~20-minute taxi ride to the city, with frequent flights by major international airlines.

If you’re looking to score the cheapest flights, use a flight aggregator tool such as Skyscanner. Use the widget below to get started! But in case that doesn’t load, click here .

1) Lub d Bangkok Siam — for hostel newbies

Lub d Bangkok Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

Photo credit: Klook

Hostels can be daunting for the newbie, but Lub d Bangkok Siam offers affordable bougie accommodation with great social culture — featuring a common area where parties are held at night, and other facilities like a doughnut bar and a cosy home cinema!

Apart from comfy dorm beds, Lub d is also famous for spacious, squeaky-clean bathrooms, which come decked with toiletries and hair dryers. If you prefer more privacy, book a deluxe double room (~S$86 for two) with an en-suite bathroom and other luxuries like a flat-screen TV.

Cost: From ~S$24/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~40min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

2) The Spades Hostel — for aspiring Tai-tais

The Spades Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

Want the high life but don’t have the wallet for it? Those with a taste for luxury will love The Spades Hostel , with sophisticated dorms and a common room that oozes elegance. Have high tea at their Lemoncurd Tearoom restaurant, or shop for the latest off-designer threads at Platinum and MBK , a 20-minute walk away.

Cost: From ~S$19/night (1 pax, single bed with shared bathroom) How to get there: ~30min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

3) AMA Hostel — for colourful personalities

Photo credit: Booking.com

Located in the bustling Chinatown and decorated with Peranakan motifs in vibrant colours, AMA Hostel will delight those with personalities that are larger than life. Shared facilities include a bar, lounge and terrace, as well as a breakfast buffet daily.

Cost: From ~S$18/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~35min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

4) The Yard Hostel — for nature lovers

The Yard Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

Amidst the overwhelming Bangkok bustle, The Yard Hostel ‘s charming, fairy-lit gardens are a breath of fresh air. The greenery isn’t pure aesthetics either — the ecological hostel uses recycled shipping containers as its rooms, and reduces air-con use by insulating walls with recycled paper, amongst other nature-loving practices. First-timers can rent their bicycle (for free!) to explore the much-loved hipster cafes and boutiques in Ari Neighbourhood . Cost: From ~S$23/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~22min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

5) Bed Station Hostel — for grunge lovers

Bed Station Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

If you’re into Doc Marts and electric guitar, you’ll love the grungy, industrial style of Bed Station Hostel . While mostly grey, the hostel is far from drab — they have a modern bar and pod beds. It also has a fantastic location, as it is situated right next to the BTS Skytrain station . Cost: From ~S$18/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~33min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

6) Here Hostel — for avid Instagrammers

While all the hostels on this list are extremely photogenic, Here Hostel gets special mention for having an actual slide . Start your morning by whizzing down to the first floor for free brekkie — talk about #holidaygoals!

Housed in a restored 100-year-old building, this hostel exudes a chic, modern style, with an exposed brick interior alongside other quirky touches. The dorms are also well-designed with privacy curtains, a personal reading light, and charging points.

Its location is perfect for first-time solo travellers as it’s only a 5-minute walk to Khao San Road’s amazing nightlife, as well as historic attractions like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace . Cost: From ~S$26/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~30min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

Read also: Alternative Things to Do in Bangkok: 15 Hidden Gems Most Tourists Don’t Know Of

7) Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel — for foodies

Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel is a gastronomical heaven, featuring an old-school cafe known for delicious brunches and gourmet coffee. For seconds, visit the street food market right outside (a must-do if it’s your first time in Bangkok), or take a 10-minute walk to the hipster eateries along Khao San Road. Cost: From ~S$19/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~33min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

8) NapPark Hostel — for social butterflies

NapPark Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

Photo credit: NapPark Hostel

Making new friends is one of the best things about solo travelling/backpacking, and few places do it better than NapPark Hostel . The chic accommodation is packed with opportunities to mix and mingle, with a chill rooftop balcony and a lively communal lobby.

If you’re feeling especially sociable, book a 22-person dorm — you’ll definitely make some new friends there! The staff are also super friendly and regularly plan fun activities like BBQs and bike tours.

Cost: From ~S$13/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~35min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

9) TALES Khao San — for nightlife enthusiasts

TALES Khao San Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

If you’re into partying, Khao San Road is known for its lively nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music bars! And a unique place to stay in the area is the trendy railroad-themed TALES Hostel .

Housed in a refurbished shophouse, every corner of TALES is eye-catching and on-theme, from its chic steel entrance to dorms resembling train cabins. Make some new friends here and explore the area together by bar-hopping 😉 Cost: From ~S$22/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~38min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

10) Once Again Hostel — for digital nomads

Once Again Hostel - Where to stay in Bangkok

Remote workers will love Once Again Hostel ! They boast WiFi access in all areas so you can work comfortably on your bunk bed, in their lobby, or even on their rooftop terrace. There are also lots of perks like free breakfasts, clean aesthetics, and a shared TV/movie room. The staff offer free tailored tours around the city, so you can be as efficient with your R&R as you are at work! Cost: From ~S$22/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~36min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

11) Sook Station — for smooth criminals

If you’re looking for a unique experience for your first time solo travelling, try a “stint” at the prison-themed Sook Station . You’ll be issued your own black-and-white prison jammies, convict serial number, and a tiny, minimalist jail cell. As dreary as the surroundings may seem (dull walls, blocky benches, and “rusty” bathroom doors), Sook Station is actually pretty luxurious, with complimentary toiletries and cosy, private dorms.

Cost: From ~S$37/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~30min drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport ( Google Maps )

12) Hostel URBY — for quiet introverts

Hostel URBY features a modern teak-and-concrete design, with a wooden balcony where you can admire the view of the gorgeous Chao Phraya River in peace and tranquillity, away from the city. While the hostel does offer shared dormitory rooms where you can meet new friends, you can also opt for a private double room if you wish!

Cost: From ~S$22/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~40min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

13) Pillow & Bread — for slow-paced, chill travellers

Pillow & Bread - Common Area - Cheap Hostels in Bangkok

If you look up Pillow & Bread , you might see a pic of a giant Snorlax plushie displayed in their lobby. I think he’s the perfect mascot for this budget-friendly hostel that prioritises the “couch potato” life. It’s far from the touristy spots in Bangkok, has a garden, and a common area with board games!

Pillow & Bread - Garden - Cheap Hostels in Bangkok

So it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a more laid-back hostel. And if you’re wondering, yes, they do give free bread in the morning 😂

Cost: From ~S$16/night (1 pax, single bed in dormitory) How to get there: ~21min drive from Don Mueang International Airport ( Google Maps )

Where to Stay in Bangkok

The railway-themed interior of TALES Khao San. Photo credit: Booking.com

There really is no better place to stay in Bangkok than a hostel, especially if you’re travelling solo for the first time! The Land of Smiles is filled with game-changing hostels that have full-service facilities, great locations, and chic modern designs. Not to mention, you’ll get to save money and potentially meet new friends along the way 😁

Read also: Bangkok City Guide — Things to do other than shopping

Any other recommendations on where to stay in Bangkok? Let us know in the comments!

For more travel inspiration, follow us on YouTube , Facebook , Instagram , and Telegram .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Dec 26, 2018 at 2:21am PST

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Female Solo Travel in Bangkok – What to Do?

Posted by Carolyn Boston | Nov 21, 2020 | Asia

There's definitely a whole lot of bravery required in travelling the world solo and that's especially true if you're a female. If you would have asked me a year ago if doing female solo travel in Bangkok is safe, I would probably have said no. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand , with all its madness and chaos, you'd be forgiven to think that the city is not for the fainthearted.

But I just came back from a week-long trip to this vibrant city in Asia and I must say that I enjoyed my trip so much. There was never a moment that I felt threatened or feared for my safety during the entire time that I was there. Here are some tips for Female Solo Travel in Bangkok .

Female Solo Travel in Bangkok - Bangkok Asia temple

By now, I can confidently say that Bangkok is a great place to start your Asian journey as a solo female traveller. But of course, just like with visiting any other city in the world, it's always important to exercise precaution, especially when roaming the streets on your own. If you're wondering what to do in Bangkok as a female solo traveller, here are some tips.

Get A Prepaid Sim Card At The Airport

It's important to stay connected to your friends and family back home when travelling solo. Thus, the first thing that you need to do upon arriving at Bangkok's airport is to get yourself a prepaid sim card. I got mine from TrueMove, although I've also heard a lot of great things about AIS. Nevertheless, I'm happy with TrueMove and it only cost me 299 baht . It's already good to use for 8 days with 2.5 GB of data in it.

After you exit out of immigration and just before you get out of the airport at the arrival area, you'll easily see the kiosks where you can get the sim cards. If you can't find them, approach any airport personnel and ask where you can get the card. Simply present your passport, make a payment and give them your phone. They will install the sim and activate your number for you so you can immediately start using the Internet after they hand back your phone.

Female Solo Travel in Bangkok - Sim Card

Never Display Your Cash In Public

Although not as common as other major cities in Asia, there are still a few pickpocketers in Bangkok. Thus, wherever you go, always hide your valuables, especially your cash. Never display it in public and place it somewhere that will make it difficult for anyone to snatch it away from you. Avoid placing your wallet in your pocket, even in the front pockets.

These are easily accessible for seasoned pickpocketers. Tuck your money inside your pouch or bag. Place your cash in the mini pockets in your bag and zip it for safety. In my case, I bought a travel secret waist money belt, which looks like a regular belt but comes with a hidden zipped pocket where I stash my cash.

Female Solo Travel in Bangkok - money bag

As much as possible, avoid bringing expensive bags when walking the streets of Bangkok. There are instances where motorcycle-riding pickpocketers would snatch purses from wealthy-looking tourists walking along the busy streets. If possible, carry as few items with you when roaming the streets. Carrying fewer things also makes it easier and more comfortable for you to walk freely around the city.

Skip The Taxis And Tuk-tuks, Take The Train Instead

One of the most annoying things in Bangkok is being bombarded with a group of tuk-tuk or taxi drivers just after you exit out of a famous tourist attraction, such as the Grand Palace. Although it's fun to ride a tuk-tuk and it's a great idea to experience it when in Bangkok , it's not really the best way to get around the city.

Also, there are lots of reported incidents where unsuspecting tourists are being scammed by these notorious drivers. If you want to stay up to date on travel scams check out Nomad Girl's article on this .

Taking a Tuk Tuk is something you have to experience once. But as a way of transport, it is expensive, hot, full of smog and noisy. Also, some drivers are good scam artists.

Female Solo Travel in Bangkok - taking a tuk tuk

The best and the safest way to get around Bangkok is to take the BTS Skytrain . These trains are safe and comfortable, and they travel fast above ground, covering the entire area of Bangkok downtown. You can purchase single tickets at the station using coins or from a ticket booth, although it's more convenient to use the BTS Rabbit cards especially if you plan to stay in Bangkok for a week like me. These are stored-value cards that cost 100 baht plus a 50 baht deposit, which was given back to me when I returned the card on my last day in the city.

Wear Appropriate Clothing Especially When Visiting Temples

You are free to wear anything that makes you feel comfortable when roaming around Bangkok . However, avoid wearing very revealing clothes that will attract unwanted attention. You don't really need to wear layers or jackets. The weather in this part of the world is extremely hot and humid so choose your clothing wisely.

Wear something light and comfortable. And since you'll be walking a lot, make sure you wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes or sandals such as the Toms Zoe Sandals . It's so stylish, yet very comfortable for walking.

If you plan on visiting temples and other religious sites, make sure you are covered up. All females are required to cover their legs and shoulders when visiting any of these religious sites. Therefore, you can't wear skimpy shorts and spaghetti straps. They may allow you to get inside but you have to rent a sarong from them, which you will use to cover yourself.

Choose A Hotel With A Good Location

Choosing the right accommodation is extremely important for solo female travellers. It's important that the location is easily accessible and that you will not have to walk through small alleys and dark streets when going back to your place at night. A good idea is to choose a hotel that's close to one of the BTS stations. There are plenty of affordable and decent accommodations in the downtown area of Bangkok and most of them are within easy reach from the train station.

It's also important that you take time to read reviews of the hotel you plan to book. From these reviews, you'll be able to tell if such a hotel is safe for solo female travellers like you. You may also check out some of the local homestays at Airbnb and consider staying at a local home. This is a great way to learn more about Thai culture and to meet local friends as well.

Be Extra Cautious When Going Out Late At Night

Bangkok has a vibrant and exciting nightlife, especially at the Khao San Road, dubbed as the centre of the backpacking universe. This is a great place to meet and exchange travel tales with fellow travellers, mostly backpackers, who are preparing for their next destination on the backpacker trail. The street is lined with lots of hippie bars, and when nighttime comes, everyone seems to be in the party mood.

Female Solo Travel in Bangkok - Khao San road

Busy Khao San Road – Party Street and Backpackers heaven in Bangkok

If you plan on going out at night to experience the party scene at the Khao San Road, you need to be extra careful. Although Bangkok is relatively safe, given the abundance of cheap alcohol in this area, the road will be filled with lots of drunken people just before midnight comes.

Also, be careful with who you will share a drink with. There are lots of stories about unsuspecting female travellers being drugged through their drinks and later robbed in this area. It might be best to carry a Personal Alarm that comes with a night vision if you really want to go out and party at night in Bangkok.

Know Where To Go For A Relaxing Thai Massage

You can never leave Bangkok without getting a relaxing Thai massage . In fact, foot and body massages are very popular in Bangkok that you will find massage parlours in almost every corner of the city. But before you go to any of these places, it is best to do a bit of research and know what to expect.

Female Solo Travel in Bangkok - massage sign

Most of the massage places will require you to wear a set of loose clothing before they can start with their massage. Others may ask you to take all your clothes off, but if you're not comfortable with the idea, politely inform the attendant that you would prefer to have your underwear on.

Also, Thai massages will require close body contact and the therapist will massage your body using her own hands. Sometimes, they might need to press kick against your back. The experience may not be gentle and sometimes painful especially if it's your first time. So be prepared for this if you really want to experience an authentic Thai massage on your trip to Bangkok .

The list above should be enough to prepare you for your solo travel to Bangkok . Remember that these tips may not only apply in Bangkok but also in other cities you plan on visiting alone. The most important thing to remember is to use your common sense and always exercise precaution just like you would back home.

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What to do in Bangkok as a female solo traveller

About The Author

Carolyn Boston

"I’m an avid traveller who has been travelling the world on a budget for several years now. Recently, I quit my 9 to 5 job so I can discover more of the world without having to worry about limited vacation leaves!

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Traveling Alone to Thailand as a Single Man: Travel Tips for Male Solo Travelers

Thailand is one of the most popular solo travel destinations for men looking for an exciting overseas adventure. With its affordability, safety, and wealth of activities, Thailand offers an amazing cultural experience unmatched anywhere else in the world.

As a solo male traveler myself, I know that traveling to Thailand alone can seem daunting, especially if this is your first solo trip. But with proper planning and research, traveling alone to Thailand as a single man is absolutely incredible.

Throughout this article, I’ll provide essential advice on everything from choosing accommodations, budgeting, staying safe, meeting people, partying, and more!

Traveling Alone to Thailand as a Single Man

Why Should Men Travel Alone to Thailand?

Thailand is especially suitable for solo male travelers for several reasons:

Easy to Meet Fellow Travelers

Thailand attracts solo travelers from across the globe, making it very easy to meet up with others in hostels, bars, tours, and popular attractions. Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely in Thailand.

Lively Nightlife and Partying

Thailand is renowned for its exciting nightlife, especially in places like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. As a single guy, you can easily experience famous nightclubs, go-go bars, and Full Moon Parties.

Incredible Scenery and Activities

Thailand offers breathtaking tropical scenery from pristine islands to mountainous jungles. You can fill your days with adventures like scuba diving, jungle trekking, motorbike rides, and more.

Experience Thrilling Muay Thai Matches

Take in the exciting atmosphere of a Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match, a popular part of Thai culture. The aggressive style of fighting is thrilling to watch live.

Affordability

Thailand offers amazing value for budget travelers . You can find cheap accommodations, delicious local street food, and long-distance transportation easily.

Unique Culture and Cuisine

Immerse yourself in Thailand’s distinctive culture flavored by Buddhism, fabulous food markets, and friendly locals. It’s an eye-opening experience.

So if you’re a single dude looking for a destination that’s exotic, affordable, full of adventure, and solo traveler-friendly, Thailand is calling your name!

Is Thailand Safe for Solo Male Travelers?

I’m sure safety is one of your top concerns when traveling to a new overseas destination alone. Here’s the good news – Thailand is generally very safe for solo male travelers as long as you take some common-sense precautions:

Avoid confrontations – don’t lose your temper or get visibly upset with locals.
Research common scams – Rickshaw drivers and jet ski rentals are notorious for scams.
Don’t drink excessively or do illegal drugs.
Don’t venture into dangerous areas – southern Thailand has faced civil unrest.
Get travel insurance with emergency medical coverage.
Keep valuables in a hidden money belt and only carry minimal cash.

Thailand is relatively safe, but petty theft and scams do occur, especially in the major tourist centers. Violent crime is rare, however, as Thai culture emphasizes non-confrontation.

Use the same smart travel habits you would anywhere and you shouldn’t have any issues. Also, remember that foreigners tend to stand out, so keeping a low profile and avoiding sketchy situations is wise.

Top Destinations in Thailand for Solo Male Travelers

Thailand offers tons of amazing destinations to explore. As a solo male traveler, I recommend spending time in these spots:

The capital city of Bangkok is many visitors’ first stop in Thailand, and for good reason. This huge, chaotic city offers historic temples like Wat Pho, world-class shopping at malls like MBK Center, and a legendary nightlife scene centered around Khao San Road.

As a solo traveler, Bangkok’s hostels make it easy to meet fellow backpackers to explore with. And a night out on the town hitting Bangkok’s bars and clubs is not to be missed! Just be wary of scams, like rigged gem tours and overpriced cocktail bars.

Chiang Mai

For a more laidback experience, head to Chiang Mai up in Northern Thailand. Nestled among jungle-covered mountains, Chiang Mai boasts hundreds of Buddhist temples, cooking classes, an energetic night bazaar, and plenty of adventure activities.

Solo travelers can easily meet up with others by staying at hostels and joining organized tours. Don’t miss nightly open-air food markets with tasty local dishes at low prices.

The island of Phuket off Thailand’s south coast is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, water sports, and legendary party scene. Patong Beach is the place to go in Phuket for partying, shopping, and people-watching.

Phuket is very solo traveler-friendly – stay at youth-oriented hostels and you’ll quickly find fellow travelers to hang out with. Join boat trips to nearby islands for snorkeling and relaxing on white sand beaches.

Pattaya

Located only a couple of hours from Bangkok, Pattaya is loved by solo male travelers for its wild nightlife. Walking Street is filled with go-go bars, nightclubs pumping EDM, and more adult-oriented pleasures.

During the day, you can recover at the beach or check out attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth temple. Pattaya is a bit seedier than other Thai destinations but offers an indulgent “sin city” experience.

Great Ways to Meet Other Travelers and Locals

One of the big advantages of solo travel in Thailand is the opportunity to meet amazing new people along your journey. Here are some of my favorite ways to connect with other travelers and locals:

Stay in Hostels

Hostels make meeting people easy since you’ll be sharing dorm rooms, communal lounges, and activities. Choose hostels that offer free walking tours, bar crawls, or other social events.

Chat with roommates over a beer in the hostel bar or bond with others while making dinner in the communal kitchen. Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely in a Thai hostel!

Join Organized Tours and Activities

Booking a group tour or activity like Thai cooking classes, jungle trekking, or Muay Thai lessons are great ways to meet fellow travelers. Chat while taking part in the shared experience.

Ask people you meet if they want to join your table at dinner or go out for drinks later. Making friends on tours removes the awkwardness of approaching strangers.

Strike Up Conversations at Tourist Sites

Popular temples, viewpoints, and markets are full of solo travelers who also appreciate having a new friend to explore with.

Complimenting someone’s camera or backpack and asking how long they’ve been traveling is an easy conversation starter. Suggest grabbing lunch or checking out the next site together.

Head to Bars and Nightclubs

Befriending other solo partiers is easy when enjoying Bangkok’s famous nightlife scene. Ask to join someone’s table and get drinks together is one of the easiest ways to make friends.

Dancefloors and beach parties like Full Moon are also fun places to bond over the music and festive energy. Just use good judgment when partying.

Try Dating Apps

Dating apps like Tinder, ThaiCupid , and ThaiFriendly connect you with local people interested in meeting foreign men. You can also try Bumble if you’re into more international people and solo female travelers.

Even if you’re not seeking romance, these apps allow you to meet locals open to grabbing dinner, showing you around, or practicing English over drinks.

3 men riding a motor bike in Thailand rural

Managing Your Budget as a Solo Dude

Thailand offers remarkable value for budget-conscious travelers. With proper planning, you can easily adventure across Thailand on $50 USD a day:

Avoid overpriced tourist restaurants – eat where locals do.
Stay in hostel dorms instead of private hotel rooms.
Use public transportation like trains, buses, and ferries to get around.
Join free walking tours and visit temples, parks, and markets.
Shop at 7-Elevens instead of pricey mini-marts.
Get the best exchange rates by withdrawing Thai Baht from ATMs.
Buy big 1L+ bottles of water instead of smaller ones.
Take overnight buses and trains to save on accommodation.

Flashpackers and those seeking more comfort can enjoy Thailand at $100+ USD per day. The main thing is to watch out for tourist traps (like jet ski rentals) that massively overcharge.

With upfront planning and smart spending habits, Thailand can be experienced on any solo male traveler’s budget.

Nightlife in Thailand: A Guide for the Solo Male Traveler

Hey there, night owl! Ready to dive into the vibrant nightlife that Thailand has to offer? Whether you’re a dance-till-dawn kind of guy or someone who prefers a chill evening with a cold drink in hand, Thailand’s got you covered. Let’s explore the ins and outs of enjoying Thai nightlife as a solo male traveler.

The Electric Energy of Full Moon Parties

If you’ve heard tales of epic beach parties that last till the sun comes up, you’re probably thinking of the famous Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. Imagine dancing on the soft sands, neon paint glowing on your skin, and the rhythmic beats of music filling the air. It’s an experience like no other! But a word to the wise: while these parties are a blast, it’s essential to keep your wits about you. Stay hydrated, watch your drink, and if you plan to indulge in the local ‘buckets’ (a mix of alcohol and mixers), pace yourself. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!

Pattaya and Bangkok: Neon Lights and Night Owls

Pattaya and Bangkok are the heartbeats of Thailand’s nightlife. Walking Street in Pattaya is a sensory overload with its neon lights, live music, and an array of bars and clubs. Meanwhile, Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area offers everything from upscale rooftop bars to underground clubs.

For a unique experience, why not check out a Muay Thai fight night in Bangkok? It’s a blend of sport and entertainment, and you’ll get to witness Thailand’s national sport up close. After the match, the nearby bars and clubs are perfect for unwinding and discussing the night’s events.

Chiang Mai: A Different Vibe

Looking for something a bit more laid-back? With its cooler climate and relaxed vibe, Chiang Mai offers a different kind of nightlife. The city is known for its night bazaars where you can shop, eat, and even catch some live music. For those looking to connect with fellow travelers, the hostels and bars around the Old City are perfect. Share travel stories over a cold Chang beer and maybe even plan a day trip with your new friends!

Safety First: Tips for the Solo Male Traveler enjoying the nightlife

Navigating the nightlife alone can be thrilling, but safety should always be a priority. Here are some quick tips:

Stay Alert: Especially in crowded areas, keep an eye on your belongings.
Know Your Limits: Enjoy the local drinks, but know your limits. Overindulgence can lead to unwanted situations.
Local Laws: Remember, drug laws in Thailand are stringent. It’s best to steer clear and enjoy the natural highs of the music and atmosphere.
Getting Around: Always use reputable transportation. Whether it’s a tuk-tuk or a taxi, ensure they use the meter or agree on a price beforehand.

Thailand’s nightlife is a mesmerizing blend of sights, sounds, and experiences. Whether you’re grooving to the beats on a beach or chilling in a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights, the memories you make will be very memorable!

How to Stay Safe and Healthy in Thailand

Here are my top tips to avoid getting sick, injured, scammed, or robbed during your solo travels across Thailand:

Only drink bottled or filtered water.
Get travel insurance – it’s cheap and provides peace of mind.
Wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent (to avoid Dengue).
Never ride a motorbike without a valid license and insurance.
Avoid drug use and heavy drinking to keep your wits.
Be wary of tourist-aimed scams and theft, especially in Bangkok.
Carry a photocopy of your passport instead of the original.
Don’t pet or take selfies with wild monkeys – they bite!
Practice protected sex to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancies.
Wash hands frequently and stick to hot, cooked foods.

By taking basic precautions, you shouldn’t encounter any major health or safety issues. However, problems can arise anywhere, so travel insurance is a must. And listen to your intuition if a situation feels sketchy or dangerous.

Thailand is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but petty crime does occur. Just use the same common sense you would at home and your trip will go smoothly.

Handy Packing Tips and Checklist for Solo Travel in Thailand

The key to comfortable Thailand travel is packing light, yet being prepared for different conditions. Here are my essential packing tips:

Versatile clothes – stick to light shirts, shorts, and pants you can mix and match. Dark colors hide stains.
Lightweight walking shoes – skip flip flops and pack sneakers or sandals with arch support.
Small backpack – make it your day bag to carry essentials while sightseeing.
Microfiber towels – they pack small, dry quickly, and don’t hold odors.
Earplugs and sleep mask – you’ll sleep better in noisy, bright hostels.
Outlet adapter – Thailand outlets fit flat 2-pronged plugs (some hostels have universal outlets).
Photocopies of documents – keep your real passport secure in the hostel locker.
First aid kit – bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, antihistamines, etc.
Laundry sheets – scrub clothes in sinks to avoid frequent laundry costs.
Tiny lock-lock hostel lockers – loop easily on backpacks too.

Packing light allows you maximum mobility on your Thailand travels. Carrying valuables in a hidden money belt also lets you explore freely without worry.

Essential Thailand Travel Tips for Guys

From getting around to saving money and making friends, here are some last insider tips:

Pre-book overnight trains and buses to reserve a bunk. Also, plan your itinerary ahead. Walk-up tickets may sell out.
Use Google Maps offline – it works great even without data or WiFi.
Buy a cheap Thai SIM card for your unlocked phone at 7-Eleven stores.
Be respectful at temples – cover your shoulders and knees, take your shoes off, and don’t point your feet at Buddha statues.
Carry toilet paper or tissues – some bathrooms don’t provide.
Treat tap water with caution – stick to bottled water, even when brushing your teeth.
Get some Thai Baht before arriving – airports have the worst exchange rates.
Keep 6-8 photocopies of your passport’s info page. Carry one when going out.
Use your own judgment with new friends – some travelers party too hard or do risky things.
Don’t forget to research visa requirements – some nationalities get 30 days, others only 15 days visa-free.
Avoid confrontations and don’t lose your temper – being the “ugly foreigner” won’t end well.
Learn a few handy Thai phrases like greetings, thanks, and for ordering food.

Thailand truly offers an incredible cultural experience for solo male travelers ready to embrace the adventure. By following the tips in this guide, you’re guaranteed to have an epic trip where you create lifelong memories.

Just remember to travel responsibly, trust your instincts, and treat the amazing country of Thailand with the utmost respect.

Summary: Traveling Alone to Thailand as a single man

Here are the key takeaways:

Choose hostels for easy socializing with fellow travelers
Eat street food to enjoy Thailand’s flavors on a budget
Join group tours and activities to meet people
Avoid common scams like rigged gem tours
Buy travel insurance – it’s cheap and you need the coverage
Carry photocopies of your passport when going out
Only drink bottled or filtered water to stay healthy
Pack light and versatile clothes in a small backpack
Withdraw Thai Baht from ATMs for the best rates
Respect local customs, especially at temples
Use common sense and avoid confrontations

Thailand offers an amazing cultural immersion for solo guys ready to dive in headfirst. By preparing properly and following these tips, you are guaranteed to have the adventure of a lifetime exploring Thailand. Enjoy your trip!

FAQs: Traveling Solo to Thailand as Men

Is traveling solo in thailand more expensive than group tours.

Generally speaking, solo travel can be more cost-effective if you budget wisely. However, group tours often include accommodation, transportation, and some meals, which can be convenient.

How can I meet other solo travelers in Bangkok?

Staying in hostels or joining group activities like cooking classes or day trips are great ways to meet fellow travelers.

How has the solo travel scene in Thailand evolved in the past years?

With the rise of digital nomadism and remote work, more people are choosing Thailand as their solo travel destination. The infrastructure has also improved, making it easier for solo travelers.

James Collin, with an MBA and over 14 years in the travel and publishing industries, founded Thailand Solo Travel to spotlight Thailand’s untold stories. His extensive experience in both the travel and publishing sectors, coupled with his academic prowess, has enabled him to steer the company toward success and recognition. James is not only a business leader but also a storyteller at heart, dedicated to sharing the rich, diverse narratives of Thailand with audiences around the world

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Solo Female Travel in Thailand — Is Thailand Safe?

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I’ve traveled solo in Thailand several times in the past ten years. I consider it one of the best destinations in the world for women traveling on their own, including first-time solo female travelers.

There are a number of guides out there, but they tend to be lacking in specific tips for women to stay safe while traveling. (Oh, and I SEE YOU, Rough Guides, with that post labeled “solo female guide to Thailand” in the search results that omits the word “female” once you click on the page and has exactly zero female-specific tips .)

Additionally, you might have family or loved ones who say, “It’s not safe for a woman to travel alone in Thailand!” Believe me, I know. Are they experienced Thailand travelers? If not, they’re not the right people to ask.

I’m an expert on solo female travel in Thailand. I’ve spent several months in Thailand altogether, most of the time traveling solo. I’ve traveled on a shoestring budget and in luxury; I’ve traveled to big cities, small towns, quirky islands, and national parks all over the country.

By this point, I have a strong perspective about what travel in Thailand is like for women, and I want to share the truth about Thailand solo travel with all of you.

This post was last updated in December 2019.

Table of Contents

Why Travel Solo to Thailand?

I always say, “First time in Asia? Go to Thailand!” It’s the perfect introduction to the continent. Asia can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been before. Even my friends who are very experienced travelers were nervous for their first trips to Asia.

And everyone who did their first trip to Thailand said something along the lines of, “I don’t know what I was worried about!”

Not only is Thailand a fantastic destination for first-time solo female travelers, I also think it’s the ideal location for a first-time trip to Asia. Here’s why:

First off, Thailand is a very easy place to travel. There is a well-worn tourist trail and great infrastructure. If you suddenly wake up in Pai and decide you want to go to Koh Phi Phi tomorrow, go to your guesthouse desk and they will purchase the combination of bus, train, and ferry tickets that will take you directly to the island.

Isn’t that insane?! And there are travel agencies on every block that will do it for a bit less. (Side note: don’t go from Pai to Koh Phi Phi overland in one go. That’s a LONG journey. Flying from Chiang Mai to Krabi makes it infinitely easier and shorter.)

There isn’t much of a language barrier in Thailand. If you stick to the tourist trail (and the tourist trail is vast and expansive in Thailand), people speak at least a little English. Learning a few phrases like “sawatdee-ka/kap” (hello for women/men) and “kop kun ka/kap” (thank you for women/men) will be appreciated, however.

Excellent food. Even if you have no idea what Thai food is beyond pad thai , you’ll soon discover a plethora of delicious dishes. Just know that spicy is one thing, but “Thai spicy” is spicier than anything you’ve had in your life!

Thailand is easy to get to. While there aren’t direct flights to Thailand from the United States, you can find easy connections via Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Beijing, and more.

I use Skyscanner to find flights to Thailand, as they tend to have the cheapest rates.

Thailand has something for everyone. Thailand is equally fantastic for young backpackers who want to party, older couples who love history, and families with young kids. It’s a safe and welcoming destination for LGBT travelers. It’s a top culinary destination.

You can backpack Thailand for very cheap or bask in some of the best luxury resorts in Asia. Whether you’re a city person, a mountain person, or a beach person, you’ll find a place that’s perfect for you in Thailand. Solo travel is a blast here.

A young-looking 26-year-old Kate stands on Khao San Road in Bangkok, filled with neon signs and crowds. She has a huge smile.

Is Thailand Good for First-Time Solo Travelers?

If you’ve never traveled solo before, I think Thailand is a great place to start. Even though Asia may seem daunting, Thailand is as easy as Asia gets.

Thailand has been a popular travel destination for a long time and you’ll find tons of travel infrastructure for backpackers, mid-range travelers, and luxury travelers. Transportation is easy and the language barrier is minimal. Internet access is excellent.

Thai food will likely be familiar to you — pad Thai, green curries, tom yum soups — and this is a great opportunity to break out of your usual Thai food orders.

And because Thailand is so cheap, it’s easy to justify spending a bit more money to feel more safe and secure — like taking a taxi at night instead of the Skytrain, or spending a bit more for a hotel in a central location.

Group Tours to Thailand

If you want to go to Thailand and you’ve never traveled solo before, you may enjoy joining a tour group.

G Adventures , a tour company I’ve traveled with and recommend, offers several group tours to Thailand. Here are a few of their Thailand tours:

Classic Thailand: East Coast (14 days, Bangkok to Koh Tao) — A ton of variety in a two-week Thailand trip.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express (7 days, Bangkok to Chiang Mai) — A short weeklong trip with some northern highlights.
Thailand Hike, Bike, and Kayak (14 days from Bangkok) — An active trip all over the country, including hill tribe trekking.
Sailing Thailand — Phuket to Phuket (7 days from Phuket) — A week sailing the islands on the Andaman coast.
See all their Thailand tours here.

Kate stands in front of a line of cars in Siam Square, Bangkok.

Is Thailand Good for Experienced Solo Travelers?

You can have a great time in Thailand if you’re an experienced solo traveler. If you’re used to traveling in developing countries, you’ll find Thailand to be a very easy destinations.

If you’ve done a lot of solo travel, though, you probably have a lower tolerance for tourist zones. I would steer clear of touristy zones like Khao San Road and Patong in Phuket.

If you’re heading for the islands, I’d recommend avoiding the best known islands and heading to lesser-known islands like Koh Kood, Koh Mak, or Koh Kraden. Many of the better known islands are overwhelmed with tourists.

In Thailand, solo travel is very common for newbie travelers and experienced travelers. It’s up to you where you want to spend your time.

Is Thailand Safe?

Generally speaking, Thailand is a very safe country to visit as a traveler. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare, and most theft can be prevented with common sense. Petty criminals tend to seek out inebriated travelers, which makes it all the more important to stay sober enough to know what you’re doing.

That doesn’t mean that nothing bad happens, ever. There’s no 100% perfectly safe location on the planet. Even if you follow every precaution, you can still get robbed. You occasionally hear about a traveler dying in Thailand, and while these incidents are tragic, they are uncommon, just as tragedies are uncommon in your home country.

While you occasionally hear of terrorism and bombings, these tend to be in off-the-beaten-path destinations in far southern Thailand. There was one bombing at Erawan Shine in Bangkok, a busy and well-traversed area, in 2015. Again, these incidents are rare, but they happen — in Bangkok, in New York, in Paris.

Overall, traveling in Thailand as a solo woman is often as safe or safer than staying in your hometown.

What It’s Like to Travel in Thailand as a Woman

Traveling alone as a woman in Thailand is a safe and secure experience, and I feel very comfortable there. In fact, I feel safer and more comfortable in Thailand than almost any other destination. Here’s why:

Catcalling and street harassment are nearly nonexistent. It’s almost disconcerting how pleasant it is. If any man catcalls you as you walk down the street, it will likely be a foreign visitor, not a Thai.

The closest I’ve been to being hit on by a Thai was a makeup salesman at MAC who shyly told me, “I like your eye.”

People are out all night in Thailand. You see people manning street carts even late at night. This is good because it means you’ll never be alone on the street. That in itself is huge for safety.

Thai people are incredibly kind and welcoming. Just like anywhere else in the world, 98% of people are nice and the other 2% are jerks, but I think Thai people are a lot kinder, a lot more open, and much gentler than the general population of the world.

Here are a few things to know as a woman:

Tampons and pads are readily available, but… It’s hard to find tampons with applicators. You can get them at drugstores like Boots or Tesco Lotus; otherwise, get your products at 7-Eleven. That said, I recommend you use a DivaCup instead for convenience, packing, and environmental reasons ( read why here ).

Condoms are also readily available. You can get them at 7-Eleven, including Western brands like Durex and Trojan. And in the event that you get a UTI, just head to a pharmacy and they’ll give you a prescription. Thai pharmacists often prescribe Cipro for UTIs; check with your doctor at home to see if taking it is right for you.

Women are not permitted to touch monks. Don’t sit next to them or walk next to them, either. If you give them something, put it down on the table in front of you and let them pick it up.

Many Thai toiletries have bleaching agents added to them. This even happens in products you wouldn’t expect, like deodorant. Be sure to read the labels when you buy any skin products.

Want to go off the beaten path in Thailand?

Check out Khao Sok National Park!

Thailand Safety Tips

“Is Thailand safe?” is the question of most solo female travelers. Like most destinations in the world, Thailand safety is all about researching in advance and having common sense. Here are some tips that I recommend:

Keep your drinks close to you. Don’t take drinks from strangers and don’t leave them out when you’re drinking them. Watch them like a hawk.

Don’t drink too much. Be in a state where you’re aware of your surroundings. I generally recommend sticking to two drinks per night.

Be cautious of bucket cocktails. These buckets are made from Sangsom (“Thai whiskey,” technically rum), Coke, and Red Bull. Each bucket is worth several drinks and the Coke and Red Bull keep you caffeinated so you don’t realize how drunk you are. These can be very dangerous and I only get one if sharing with friends.

Lock up your valuables in a portable safe in your hotel room. I lock up my valuables in my Pacsafe Travelsafe and I consider it the most important thing I pack .

How to Protect Your Belongings on the Beach

Cover up a bit. Thai women tend to cover up more than Westerners, and it’s good to blend in by dressing a bit more conservatively and not wearing short-shorts or super revealing tops or dresses. Do not wear your swimwear anywhere but the beach.

Always cover your shoulders and knees when you visit a temple.

Don’t take photos of you in front of a Buddha statue. Don’t point your feet at the Buddha, especially when sitting. These actions are disrespectful to Buddhists.

Take VIP buses and avoid backpacker buses. Travel agencies will try to send you on backpacker buses, but these sometimes have drivers who are forced to work long hours and take amphetamines to stay awake. VIP buses are what the locals take.

Do not take drugs, even if you’re a party drug enthusiast. First, drugs in Thailand can be cut with poisonous substances that can often lead to your death.

Second, if you’re arrested while on drugs, the police have the power to do a urinalysis and use the results in a court of law.

Third, if you’re caught with drugs, some corrupt police will take your passport and demand hundreds or thousands of dollars in order to get it back.

Fourth, the penalties for drugs are extremely severe in Thailand. To see the worst case scenario, watch the movie Brokedown Palace .

Don’t be afraid of street food. Street food is life in Thailand. Go where the crowds are; it means the food is great and there’s high turnover. You may want to start with vegetarian food and slowly ease yourself into meat.

Hide your money in multiple places. Only take a small amount of cash and a debit card with you when going out. Keep the rest locked up in your room.

Get an extra debit card. You should have two debit cards to two different bank accounts. If you only have one, I recommend you get a debit card from Transferwise . Keep a few hundred dollars in your account, hide the card deep in your luggage, and use it if your primary debit card is stolen.

Don’t insult the royal family. Thai people love their king, who recently passed away, and speaking badly about the royal family can get you arrested. Always rise and stand still when the national anthem plays — even in places like movie theaters.

Protect yourself from the sun and heat. Bring sunscreen and a hat. If you plan on snorkeling or diving, use reef safe sunscreen ( Stream2Sea is a good reef safe brand). Hydrate constantly. Water is ideal, but coconuts are great for the electrolytes!

The water in Thailand is not safe to drink. For this reason, I recommend you bring a reusable bottle and invest in a SteriPen water purifier (much better and faster than tablets). Alternatively, you can bring a LifeStraw , a bottle that purifies water as you drink it through its straw.

Taxi and tuk-tuk scams abound in Thailand, especially Bangkok. Most commonly, drivers will tell you an attraction is closed, then offer to take you on a super-cheap tour instead…and he will bring you to shops his friends own. (I once got hit with this at Wat Po: “You can’t go in, there is special ceremony right now!”)

These shop tours aren’t dangerous, but they are annoying time-wasters. If a taxi driver offers you a tour, say no.

Additionally, always ask to use the meter when riding in a taxi. Taxi drivers should always use the meter. If the driver says the meter’s not working or he doesn’t have one, it’s a scam and he’ll try to negotiate for more than what the ride should cost.

Tuk-tuks are different — you negotiate their price before your trip. If you don’t, your driver will try to charge you an inflated price upon arrival.

Finally, invest in a guidebook. Even as an expert traveler in the year 2017, I love guidebooks. They’re filled with detailed information about everything from travel times between cities to medical clinics serving foreigners.

I’m a Lonely Planet fan and I recommend Lonely Planet’s Guide to Thailand or Southeast Asia on a Shoestring if you’re visiting multiple countries in the region.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Best Things to Do on a Thailand Solo Trip

Get massages every single day. An hourlong massage in Bangkok usually runs around 250 baht, or a little over $7. Expect to pay a bit less in rural areas and a bit more on the beach. At prices like that, you can afford to get them daily! If you’ve never had a foot massage, this is the time to get one.

Celebrate Loy Krathong. During this November holiday, locals make krathongs, or floating lanterns, and release them into the river. It’s beautiful, especially if you can make it to Chiang Mai for the Yi Peng lantern release.

Find your perfect island or beach. There are plenty of them, but my absolute favorite is Koh Lanta .

Visit Elephant Nature Park and care for rescued elephants. DO NOT RIDE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILAND, EVER. Elephant rides are animal abuse 100% of the time. Instead, visit this park that cares for rescued elephants. You can feed them, wash them, and even hug them — and unlike elephant rides, it’s not abusive at all.

Learn to ride a motorbike. Motorbiking is an adventurous way to explore the countryside! I recommend learning in the northern town of Pai, where the streets are empty and the countryside is stunning.

Shop like crazy. One of my favorite markets in the world is Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, only open on the weekends. This massive place has everything from furniture to local hipster clothing to live animals for sale! You can also get clothing tailored for a very cheap price.

Learn to dive. Koh Tao is one of the top destinations to get scuba-certified. This will be a skill you can take around the world.

Join the water fight at Songkran. Every April, Thailand erupts into a three-day water fight to celebrate the New Year. The best celebrations are in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Where to Go in Thailand

What are the best places in Thailand for solo female travelers? Whether you’re looking for cities or beaches, small towns or ancient monuments, there are tons of options for all kinds of solo travelers.

Bangkok is a thrilling city with more to do than you could ever fit into one vacation. The food is outstanding, the rooftop bars are insane, the people are wonderful. It’s one of my favorite cities on the planet. I wrote a detailed accommodation guide so you can find out the best place to stay.

There are a lot of people who don’t like Bangkok, but I’ve found that these people tend not to be city people in general. My suggestion? Roll with it and enjoy it.

In the north, Chiang Mai is a relaxing city full of temples with great night markets and an amazing street food scene. Pai is a gorgeous mountain village filled with musicians and I think it’s the ideal place to learn to ride a motorbike.

If you like ancient cities, be sure to do a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, or to head further north and visit Sukhothai en route to Chiang Mai. Sukhothai in particular has surprisingly few tourists.

Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches. I will always recommend Koh Lanta first. Railay in the Krabi region gets a lot of praise but I think it’s past its prime, sadly. If you’re looking for luxury beach resorts in Thailand, the best selection are in Phuket and Koh Samui .

If you want to dive or just chill, Koh Tao is your place. Koh Phangan is home to the infamous Full Moon Party. I’m also a big fan of chilled out Koh Chang in That province, which is close to the Cambodian border.

One nice off-the-beaten-path spot is Khao Sok National Park in the south. You can cruise giant lakes filled with limestone karsts , canoe down rivers, and stay in over-water cabins.

These are just a few suggestions — Thailand is full of great places to visit!

My Favorite Place in Thailand:

Adventurous Kate’s Guide to Koh Lanta, Thailand

A beach with bright blue water in Koh Phayam, Thailand.

Best Time to Travel to Thailand

Most Thailand travelers from the Northern hemisphere come to escape the winter — so Thailand is at its busiest from December through March. But what is the best time to visit Thailand?

Thailand has three official seasons: hot, cool, and wet.

Thailand’s cool season lasts from November through March. Temperatures are at their lowest, which makes this a very pleasant time to visit. It’s also the busiest time in Thailand. Most hotels have the highest rates during this time, with peak rates running from Christmas through New Year’s.

Thailand’s hot season lasts from late March through June. Temperatures are at their hottest in April and May, which makes Songkran a very welcome holiday (see more on that below).

Thailand’s wet season or monsoon season varies depending on the region. The Andaman Coast (west coast) has monsoon season roughly from June through October. The Gulf Coast (east coast) has monsoon season roughly from November through May.

Monsoon season is characterized by occasional showers throughout the day. Sometimes it’s just one brief shower per day and the rest of the day is sunny. Sometimes you have longer gray days. But the nice thing about the different monsoon seasons is that you can often go from one coast to the other and have completely different weather!

Keep in mind that weather in Thailand can vary enormously from year to year; this is just a general guide.

One other thing: every year Chiang Mai has a burning season from March 1 through April 12, when the farmers burn their fields. I strongly recommend avoiding Chiang Mai during this time. Most locals who are able to leave the area. If you do go, be sure to wear a surgical mask whenever you’re outdoors.

Personally, I love visiting the islands of the Andaman Coast in November and December. There is some rain and a Thailand trip can be a bit risky for this reason — but the streakiness of the sky leads to the most gorgeous sunsets. The sunsets are so boring by comparison in January and February.

As for holidays, there are two main Thai holidays that I think are worth planning a trip to experience: Songkran and Loy Krathong/Yi Peng.

Songkran is the Thai New Year and it takes place from April 13-15. The streets erupt in nonstop water fights for three days straight, as Thais wear Hawaiian shirts, run around with water guns and buckets, and douse everyone in their path (save monks and the elderly). Songkran is insanely fun and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in Thailand.

I recommend experiencing Songkran in Bangkok (the best water fight zones are on Silom Road and Khao San Road) and Chiang Mai; it is a more muted experience in rural areas.

Loy Krathong usually falls in November each year. On this holiday, Thais build krathongs (water baskets) and set them alight and afloat in the water. There are usually beauty contests and other celebrations. I celebrated Loy Krathong in Koh Lanta and was welcomed wholeheartedly by the celebrating locals.

Yi Peng, a northern Thai or Lanna festival, takes place during Loy Krathong in the north. It’s characterized by its release of lanterns. Chiang Mai is home to the biggest lantern release and it’s an enormously popular event for photographers and travelers. Be sure to book far in advance, as Chiang Mai gets expensive during this fine.

Kate gets her bracelets caught on a chair on a train in Thailand.

How to Get Around Thailand Solo

Is Thailand safe to get around on your own? Yes! Thailand is a very easy country to get around. In every tourist destination there are travel agencies on what seems like every corner, and that’s in addition to the guesthouses that double as travel agencies!

Here are the different ways to get around Thailand:

How to Get Around Thailand by Plane

It’s easy to get cheap flights all over Thailand. Whether you’re looking to earn points on Thai Airways flights or looking for dirt-cheap flights on Air Asia, cheap flights will save you tons of time in traveling throughout Thailand.

Let me put it this way: an overnight bus or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is about 12 hours. A flight is about 40 minutes and usually costs less than $50.

The cheapest flights tend to be on Skyscanner. Check rates here.

Keep in mind that not a lot of islands are flight-accessible. You may need to fly to Ranong, Phuket, or Krabi on the west coast, or Chumphong, Suratthani, or Koh Samui on the east coast, then get a ferry to your final destination. You can check various Thailand ferry schedules here.

How to Get Around Thailand by Train

Thailand has several train lines running throughout Thailand with Bangkok as the epicenter. Many of the journeys are overnight, and I highly recommend taking one overnight train in Thailand just for the experience!

Thai trains sometimes sell out in advance, especially during holidays, so I recommend booking tickets through an agency as soon as you arrive in Thailand.

On overnight trains you need to book a bunk as well. Bunks are sized for Thai bodies and I don’t recommend booking a bunk if you’re very tall or plus-sized.

If you’re traveling solo on a popular tourist line, like to Chiang Mai or Nong Khai (on the Laos border), expect a convivial party atmosphere among the travelers — at least until the bar closes!

If you’re traveling solo on a local line, like I did to Ubon Ratchathani, expect to be asked “Why you no have boyfriend?” over and over by Thai ladies, translated through their younger relatives. I was the only one not in bed by nine.

Finally, keep in mind that trains don’t go to the southern beaches. The closest a train gets is Suratthani, and from there you’ll need to take a bus to points further south.

How to Get Around Thailand by Bus

Not all Thai buses are equal. You have regular-sized buses, usually to popular destinations, and “minibuses,” which are essentially vans.

More importantly, there are cheap tourist buses, which backpackers take on long distances, and VIP buses, which are much better and safer buses.

Always ask for a VIP bus, or the local bus for Thais. Many of the cheap backpacker buses are unsafe — drivers are often hopped up on amphetamines to stay awake and the vehicles are often kept in poor condition. They are not safe travel options and I urge you not to take them.

VIP buses are pricier but nicer, usually taken by all Thais, and the proper way to travel long distances in Thailand by bus.

Minibuses are often the only option for shorter distances.

How to Get Around Thailand by Boat

If you’re traveling to islands or isolated beaches in Thailand, you’ll have to take a boat there. Ferries run regularly along popular routes.

Some destinations, like Railay, don’t have docks big enough for ferries — you must take a longtail boat (those famous small wooden boats) to shore. Keep this in mind if you have larger luggage; you’ll have to carry it through the surf.

NOTE: Please take boat safety seriously in Thailand. I survived a horrific shipwreck in Indonesia in 2011 and have since made it my mission to educate travelers of the risks of boat travel in the developing world.

This is what I tell everyone: Never take a boat at night or in bad weather. Never take any “fast ferries,” they tend to sink most often. Take a larger and/or slower ferry whenever possible. If you’re on the inside, look for the exits before you depart. Grab a life jacket and sit on it during your journey, just in case.

Adventurous Kate Gets Shipwrecked in Indonesia

How to Get Around Thailand by Car

I’ve never felt the need to rent a car in Thailand as a solo traveler, but it’s an option. It will give you the ultimate freedom to come and go as you please.

How to Get Around Thailand by Motorbike

I definitely recommend renting a motorbike during your time in Thailand! Hitting the open road all alone on a motorbike is one of my favorite pleasures as a solo traveler.

Don’t learn to ride a motorbike in a city — learn somewhere rural, like Pai or an island. Always wear a helmet.

Most motorbike rental places will want to hold onto your passport while you have the bike in your possession.

I’ve never gone on multi-day motorbike trips around Thailand, but I have in Laos . My top tip is to leave your main luggage at your guesthouse and only travel with a small backpack with the essentials. You don’t want to wield a huge backpack on a motorbike.

Traveling Within Thai Cities

When traveling locally, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle, or take taxis or tuk-tuks. Taxis should have the meter running; if they don’t have a working meter, they’re trying to scam you.

Tuk-tuks look different in every Thai city. They’re best for short journeys (especially in Bangkok, as the air pollution is awful), and you negotiate a fare in advance.

Bangkok has the Skytrain and MRT — two subway systems. There are also boats along the Chao Phraya and the canals within the city.

If you ride a motorcycle taxi in Thailand (WOW, you are a badass!), it’s expected that women ride sidesaddle. They will provide a helmet for you to wear.

In Chiang Mai, the songthaew is a popular method of transportation — it’s a red pickup truck with two rows of seats on the inside. You tell the driver where you want to go, he may pick up others along the way and the rate is 20 baht for anywhere within the city. Pay on your way out.

Kate pets a brown puppy named Monroe on a beach in Thailand.

What to Pack for a Solo Trip to Thailand

One nice thing about traveling in Thailand is that the shopping is great. There are a few exceptions, though — plus-size clothing is very difficult to find and even as a size 8, I found is extremely difficult to find underwear that fit.

Here are some important things to pack for a solo trip to Thailand:

Flip-flops or other easy-on, easy-off sandals. You’ll be constantly taking your shoes on and off. I have arch issues and can’t wear most flip-flops but I LOVE these flip-flops with arch support from The Walking Company.

A sarong. Works as a cover-up on the beach or when visiting a temple. Extremely easy to find for cheap throughout Thailand.

A Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf . These scarves are ideal for travel — they all have a hidden passport pocket and some come in light fabrics perfect for Thailand. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ).

A hooded sweatshirt and long pants. Some parts of the mountains get cool at night, and buses blast the AC.

A portable safe . By far the most important thing I pack — it keeps your valuables safely locked up in your room.

Either a reusable bottle and SteriPen water purifier or a LifeStraw . The water isn’t safe to drink in Thailand as is, but you can drink it safely with either of these methods. This keeps you from buying bottled water and contributing to Thailand’s horrible waste epidemic.

A Divacup , if you menstruate. Another way to avoid buying pads and tampons and ultimately creating more waste in Thailand.

Reef safe sunscreen. Even if you’re not planning on diving or snorkeling, most of Thailand’s beaches are close to reefs.

A bowl of Khao soi noodle soup topped with wontons in Chiang Mai.

Eating Alone in Thailand

Eating alone may seem scary, but it’s a perfectly normal way to eat in Thailand! Nobody will look at you strangely for eating alone.

Most travelers in Thailand tend to order the same familiar dishes over and over — green curry, pad Thai, tom yum, spring rolls, sticky rice with mango. Try to try new dishes each day. I love eating soup for breakfast in Thailand!

Street food is a way of life in Thailand. Most street carts specialize in one dish and if it’s a busy place, you know it’s good! Fruit shakes are ubiquitous and delicious, but keep in mind they often contain a lot of sugar.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, Thailand will be paradise for you. You can easily eat gluten-free in Thailand — be sure to bring the most extensive gluten-free cards for eating in Thailand , created by my friend Jodi, a expert on navigating Thailand as a celiac.

Keep in mind that Thais love their food VERY spicy. Thai chefs are used to foreign palates and can prepare non-spicy or medium spicy food, but if they say “Thai spicy?” be prepared for the spiciest food of your life.

If you’re eager to experience fine dining in Thailand, consider Bo.lan , Paste , or nahm , all in Bangkok. Make reservations early!

How to Meet People in Thailand

I’ve met so many friends while traveling solo in Thailand. If you’re backpacking or traveling on a budget, it’s very easy to make friends; if you’re not, it requires more of an effort but can still be done.

Stay in social hostels and guesthouses. Read through the reviews of hostels and guesthouses (and keep in mind that many Thai hostels have private rooms!) and spend time in the common areas.

Check out local meetups via Meetup.com . Whether you’re into travel, running, movies, board games, or just want to meet a group of nice people, there’s a Meetup for that.

Couchsurfing. The Couchsurfing Thailand community isn’t just for free accommodation, it’s also for socializing. The local Couchsurfers often put on events and meetups in a variety of cities.

Join local tours and events. Taking a cooking class or visiting Elephant Nature Park or doing a day trip to a few different islands is a great way to meet other travelers in Thailand! Once the day is over, ask them if they feel like getting a drink or dinner.

Join the local party scene. If you’re up for party friends, join a local pub crawl tour or head to a popular bar in town.

Put out feelers on social media. You never know — often a friend of yours will have a cousin or friend in Thailand at the same time as you.

Tinder. If you’re looking to date or hook up, you’ll have a lot of options at your fingertips.

How to Travel Solo to a Party Destination

Travel Insurance for Thailand

One last note — it’s absolutely vital to have travel insurance before traveling to Thailand. If you get sick or injured on your trip, or even have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Thailand.

I once had a medical issue crop up while in Bangkok and I had to see a doctor. I went to Bumrungrad Hospital (which is excellent, FYI — far better than any American hospital I’ve ever visited), got an examination and an ultrasound, got documentation, and my expenses were reimbursed by World Nomads.

If you’re a woman, you will feel safe in Thailand.

People often ask me where the safest place for a woman to travel is. If I were considering safety alone, I would probably put Iceland and Japan at the top of the list. But right after that would be Southeast Asia, and Thailand specifically.

If you’re nervous about your trip to Thailand, don’t be. Plan carefully, do your research, and then go and have the time of your life!

Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation

Have you taken a solo trip to Thailand? Share your tips!

Planning a Safe Trip to Bangkok: What Every Traveler Needs to Know

Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, captivating travelers with its unique cultural charm and bustling city life. However, like any major city, visitors must take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide offers practical advice and essential tips for travelers planning a trip to Bangkok, helping them navigate the city with confidence and peace of mind.

Current Safety Situation in Bangkok

Safety factors to consider in bangkok.

Because of the potential risks of visiting a large city, travelers should use caution when exploring Bangkok. Factors to consider include the local crime rate, air quality, road safety, and general security precautions to take in public.

The local crime rate in Bangkok is moderate, according to the Numbeo crime index . In Bangkok, the crimes that concern people the most include vandalism, theft, drug use, and corruption. These issues weigh heavily on the residents’ minds, as they undermine the safety and well-being of the community. The incidence of violent crimes, including assault, is comparatively low.

Air quality in Bangkok is a serious issue , as the city has one of Southeast Asia’s highest air pollution levels. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of days in Bangkok had PM2.5 concentrations higher than their target of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022. This means travelers should take extra precautionary measures when outdoors, such as wearing a face mask and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution times.

Road safety is also important for visitors to be aware of in Bangkok. Thailand , the second most dangerous country to drive in, reported 21,052 accidents in 2020 and 11,138 accidents in 2021. Visitors should always wear a seatbelt to ensure a safe journey and follow the traffic rules. Additionally, travelers can opt to use public transportation instead of getting behind the wheel.

Common Safety Concerns

Like any major city, Bangkok has its share of common safety concerns. The locals are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors, but it’s essential to be mindful of one’s surroundings. Basic precautions that travelers should take include avoiding walking alone at night, keeping valuable items hidden or locked away in a safe place, not giving out personal information, and being aware of potential scams.

Safe Accommodation Choices in Bangkok

Reputable hotels and neighborhoods.

When choosing accommodation in Bangkok, travelers should look for reputable hotels with good safety ratings. It’s also essential to select a hotel in a safe neighborhood, preferably one that’s well-lit and within walking distance of popular attractions or public transportation. Areas to consider include Riverside, Siam, and Rattanakosin. These three neighborhoods are known for their low crime rates, excellent restaurants, interesting attractions, and proximity to the city center.

Additionally, many reputable hotels offer additional security measures such as 24-hour guards and CCTV surveillance systems. These measures help ensure that guests’ safety and privacy are maintained.

Tips for Booking Safe and Secure Accommodations

To ensure a secure stay, travelers should book accommodations with reputable online travel agents. It’s also important to double-check the property’s online reviews and ratings to accurately understand what other people have experienced. Finally, when booking, ask questions about any security features that may be available.

Transportation Safely in Bangkok

Public transportation tips and guidelines.

Many visitors to Bangkok opt to use the city’s public transportation system, which includes metros, buses, and taxis. To stay safe in these modes of transport, travelers should exercise caution when choosing vehicles. It’s best to avoid unmarked taxis and unlicensed drivers, as they can be more likely to overcharge or take advantage of travelers.

When using Bangkok’s public transportation system, travelers should avoid carrying large amounts of cash. As an added precaution, it’s also advisable to be aware of one’s surroundings and carry a GPS-enabled device in an emergency.

Choosing Reliable Transportation Services

For a more reliable transportation experience in Bangkok, visitors can opt to use ridesharing services such as Grab, Bolt, NaviGo, and InDriver. These services provide licensed drivers and cars with verified passenger ratings, so travelers can easily find reliable and trustworthy drivers. Additionally, these apps allow passengers to make pre-bookings for greater convenience.

Other reliable transportation services include limousines, buses, and charter services. These types of transport are typically more expensive than public transport but provide added comfort and privacy.

Staying Healthy and Safe: Health Precautions in Bangkok

Vaccinations and travel insurance.

To further protect their health and safety in Bangkok, travelers should consider getting vaccinated and purchasing travel insurance. This is especially important for those traveling to Southeast Asia since the region has a higher prevalence of certain infectious diseases , such as dengue fever and malaria. Some vaccinations recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for East and Southeast Asia travelers include typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, cholera, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and polio.

Additionally, travelers should purchase comprehensive travel insurance before their trip. This will cover medical treatment, hospitalization costs, legal assistance, and repatriation. When choosing a coverage plan, travelers should ensure the policy covers their specific needs.

Respecting Local Culture and Customs

Cultural etiquette for tourists.

Most Thais are very welcoming of visitors, and they appreciate it when tourists take the time to learn about their culture. Here are some basic etiquette to follow:

It is advisable to refrain from sitting with crossed legs, particularly when in the company of an elder.
Buddhist monks are forbidden from coming into physical contact with women, so when passing something to them, give it to a male who can pass it forward or hold the object with a handkerchief/tissue.
Use your right hand to receive or pass items, and use two hands if necessary.
Avoid pointing at someone with your index finger or feet.

Local Laws and Regulations

In Bangkok, a few local laws and regulations are important to be aware of for travelers. These include the following:

Public displays of affection, such as kissing or holding hands in public, may be frowned upon by locals.
Sexual activities between same-sex couples can result in arrest or deportation.
Smoking is banned within certain areas, including temples, public parks, hospitals, and government buildings.
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited in Bangkok and can result in severe punishments, including imprisonment or death.

Overall, following the local laws and regulations while visiting Bangkok is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Safe Exploration of Bangkok’s Attractions

Must-visit tourist spots with good safety records.

Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and for good reason. From ancient temples to modern shopping malls, this bustling city has countless attractions to explore. Some of the must-visit spots with excellent safety records include:

The Grand Palace – Located right at the heart of Bangkok, this stunning palace complex is home to numerous historic buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Arun – A beautiful Buddhist temple situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks.
Chatuchak Weekend Market – This open-air weekend market offers a wide selection of items ranging from clothing and accessories to food and souvenirs.
Khao San Road – This vibrant street is lined with countless shops, bars, restaurants, and street vendors offering a range of goods and services at bargain prices.

Tips for Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Areas Safely

If you’re looking to explore off-the-beaten-path areas in Bangkok, it’s important to use caution. Some tips for staying safe include:

Avoid walking alone at night and opt for reputable transportation services instead.
Research the area beforehand and familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs.
Wear appropriate clothing that does not draw unwanted attention.
Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Make sure you have a phone with a working data connection to quickly call for help if needed.

Nightlife Safety in Bangkok

The nightlife scene in Bangkok is vibrant and exciting, with countless bars, nightclubs, and markets to explore. While there are plenty of safe places to visit after dark, travelers should use caution when exploring the city at night.

For one, it’s best to avoid walking alone in deserted areas and always use reputable transportation services. Additionally, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions when visiting crowded places such as bars and nightclubs. When out late at night, always keep essential items like cash, credit cards, and passports hidden in a safe place.

Connecting with Other Travelers and Locals

Safe socializing and networking in bangkok.

While solo traveling in Bangkok can be a rewarding and enlightening experience, connecting with other travelers and locals can make the trip even more enjoyable. Socializing safely is key for anyone looking to meet new people while visiting Bangkok.

Travelers should use caution when attending events, such as parties or group activities, and always practice good social distancing etiquette. Additionally, it’s important to use reputable networking platforms and applications when looking for companionship or advice. This will help ensure that communication is secure and private.

Utilizing Technology for Enhanced Safety

Technology can be an excellent tool for enhancing safety while traveling in Bangkok. For example, apps like TravelSafe and the SafeTravels app offer features like tracking your location, accessing emergency assistance, and sending out distress signals if needed. Additionally, travelers can use numerous travel-related blogs and forums to connect with other experienced travelers or locals who can provide helpful insights and advice.

Embracing Bangkok’s Beauty with Confidence

Bangkok is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, fantastic food, and bustling nightlife. However, it is essential to always be conscious of your safety and well-being. This entails understanding the local culture, being aware of the standard safety concerns, and taking necessary precautions while traveling, exploring, and socializing. You can ensure a memorable and safe journey by using technology to your advantage, following recommended health precautions and respecting local laws and etiquette.

Remember, preparation and mindfulness are the keys to a successful trip to Bangkok. Armed with the right knowledge and tools, you can confidently embrace all the beauty that Bangkok has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bangkok Safety

Is bangkok safe for tourists right now.

Bangkok is safe for tourists right now. However, practicing basic safety precautions and being aware of potential scams is essential. Additionally, keeping up with the latest news regarding the city’s COVID-19 situation is advisable before planning a trip to Bangkok.

What is the safest area in Bangkok?

Riverside, Siam, and Rattanakosin are generally considered the safest areas in Bangkok. These three neighborhoods are known for their low crime rates, excellent restaurants, exciting attractions, and proximity to the city center.

Is it safe to walk around Bangkok at night?

While walking around Bangkok during the day is generally safe, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night. It’s also advisable to stay in well-lit areas, as well as those that are close to public transportation or popular attractions. Additionally, wearing appropriate clothing and being aware of your surroundings can enhance safety.

Do I have to quarantine if I go to Bangkok?

Currently, travelers to Bangkok do not need to quarantine upon arrival. However, visitors must present a valid negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their departure flight. Additionally, they are required to complete a health declaration form and track their activities on the Thai Health Certificate app for 14 days after arriving in Thailand.

How safe is Bangkok for female tourists?

Bangkok is generally safe for female travelers as long as basic safety precautions are taken. It is advisable to dress appropriately and avoid walking alone at night. Traveling in groups or with a trusted companion can further enhance safety.

About The Author

Jonathan Greene

Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of articles that unveil the well-kept secrets of the globe's hidden gems. Let us be your guide to unearthing those tucked-away spots that offer a touch of magic and wonder. As you read through our pages, you'll discover not just destinations, but stories waiting to be told, experiences waiting to be lived.

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Traveling Alone In Thailand: Are Minors Allowed?

Last updated Aug 18, 2024
Difficulty Advanced

Category Travel

Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and many people wonder if minors can travel there alone. The answer is yes, minors can travel to and within Thailand without their parents or guardians. However, there are some requirements that must be met. For example, the minor must have the appropriate visas and travel documents, and those travelling into the country via air may need to make use of their chosen airline's unaccompanied minor service.

What You'll Learn

Unaccompanied minor service, age restrictions, required documentation, booking and ticketing, check-in requirements.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways offers an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service for children between the ages of 5 and 17 travelling alone. The service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 and optional for children aged 12 to 17. The airline staff will accompany minors during all stages of the flight, including at the airport and during connections.

To book the service, parents or guardians must apply at least 72 hours before departure and complete the "Unaccompanied Minors Form". They must also provide the minor's age and birth date, as well as two contact numbers of guardians or parents who can always be reached, one at the departure airport and the other at the destination airport.

At the departure airport, parents or guardians must remain until the flight departs. After check-in, the minor will be taken to a pre-boarding area and looked after during the flight.

At the destination airport, Thai Airways ground staff will meet the minor and escort them through arrival proceedings until they meet the designated person picking them up. The staff will check the identity of this person to ensure the safety of the child.

For international flights, unaccompanied minors must pay the price of an adult ticket and a service fee of USD 60 per flight. For domestic flights, THAI will charge 75% of the normal fare, with no additional service fee.

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways provides an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service for minors aged 6 to under 12 travelling alone. The service is not required but is available for children aged 12 to under 16.

To book the service, parents or guardians must contact the Bangkok Airways reservation/call centre at least 24 hours before departure and provide the following information:

Passport details and date of birth of the child
Name, address, and telephone number of the person escorting the child to the airport and their relationship to the child
Name, address, and telephone number of the person collecting the child at their destination and their relationship to the child

At the departure airport, the adult checking in the minor must provide identification and a phone number for contact and emergencies. The minor's parent or guardian must stay with the child until boarding.

At the destination airport, the ground staff will escort the child and hand them over only to the designated adult. If the connecting flight is on another airline but within the same terminal, Bangkok Airways will transfer the minor to the connecting carrier if the connection time is 4 hours or less.

Finnair offers an unaccompanied minor service for children between the ages of 5 and 11 travelling alone on flights departing from or arriving at Helsinki Airport between 5:30 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. The service is mandatory for this age group but is also available on an optional basis for young travellers aged 12 to 17.

To book the service, parents or guardians must contact Finnair customer service or their travel agency and provide their contact information as well as that of the person greeting the child at the destination airport. Both the person purchasing the ticket and the person meeting the child must be adults.

At the departure airport, it is recommended that parents or guardians arrive earlier than usual. There is a dedicated check-in desk for unaccompanied minors, and 3-4 copies of the UM handling advice form must be completed. The ground crew will provide a neck pouch for the child's travel documents and it is recommended that the adult picking up the child at the destination also has identification with them.

At the destination airport, a ground crew member will accompany the child through immigration, baggage claim, and the arrivals hall. The identity of the designated adult will be verified before the child is handed over.

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Minors travelling alone to Thailand can do so, but there are age restrictions to be aware of. Thai Airways offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for children aged 5 to 17 years old. This service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 and optional for those aged 12 to 17. The airline staff will provide assistance to the child at the airport, during the flight, and with connections. There is a charge for this service, which is included in the ticket price. Children under 5 years old are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by an older child of 12 years or more.

Bangkok Airways offers a similar Unaccompanied Minor service for children aged 6 to under 12. The service is not required for children aged 12 to under 16, but it can be requested. The airline must be contacted at least 24 hours before departure to confirm the application. An adult fare must be paid for unaccompanied minors.

Finnair also offers an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to 11, which is required for this age group. The service is not available for children under 5. Young travellers aged 12 and over can travel without an adult and without a consent letter from their parent or guardian, although this may be required by authorities in some countries. The unaccompanied minor service is available as an option for those aged 12 to 17.

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In Thailand, minors under 20 years old are considered children and may travel into and out of the country and transit through Thailand without their parents. However, specific documentation is required for minors travelling alone or with someone who is not their legal guardian. Here is an overview of the required documentation:

Travelling Alone:

Minors travelling without their parents or legal guardians must provide:

A birth certificate.
A consent letter from their parents or legal guardians. The letter must be in English or Thai, legalized, and notarized. It is recommended to have three copies: one for the minor, one for the person travelling with the minor, and one to be kept in the minor's bag during the journey.

Travelling with Another Person's Child:

When travelling with minors whose last name is different, the following documents are required:

The child's birth certificate.
A consent letter from the child's parents or legal guardians, along with a copy of their passports.

If the child's last name is the same, and only one parent is travelling with the minor, the following documents are necessary:

An official relationship document, such as a birth certificate.
A consent letter from the other parent or legal guardian, along with a copy of their passport. Alternatively, if the travelling parent has sole custody, they must provide custody papers, or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased.

Airline-Specific Requirements:

Different airlines may have specific requirements and services for unaccompanied minors. For example, Thai Airways offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for children between 5 and 17 years old, and Bangkok Airways provides a similar service for minors aged 6 to under 12 years old. These services typically include assistance from airline staff during all stages of the flight, including boarding, connections, and arrival procedures.

When utilizing such services, parents or guardians must complete an "Unaccompanied Minors Form" and provide essential information such as the minor's age, birth date, and contact details of guardians or parents who can be reached at the departure and destination airports.

It is important to note that some airlines may have different age restrictions and conditions for their unaccompanied minor services. Therefore, it is recommended to review the policies of the specific airline you intend to travel with.

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When booking and ticketing a minor's travel to Thailand, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to contact the airline you plan to travel with in advance to enquire about their specific policies and procedures for unaccompanied minors. Different airlines may have varying age restrictions and requirements for such travel arrangements.

In the case of Bangkok Airways, they provide an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service for minors aged 6 to under 12 travelling alone without a guardian. While children aged 12 to under 16 are not required to use this service, it can be requested if desired. To make a reservation, you must contact their reservation/call centre at least 24 hours before departure and receive confirmation. The SSR code UMNR must be confirmed on each passenger reservation, along with specific details such as the child's passport and date of birth, as well as information about the adults escorting and collecting the child. An unaccompanied minor will be charged at the rate of an adult fare, and a reservation is required through their Call Centre.

Thai Airways also offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for children between 5 and 17 years old travelling alone. This service ensures that the minor will be accompanied by airline staff during all stages of the flight, including assistance at the airport and during connections. To utilise this service, parents or guardians must apply for it and complete the "Unaccompanied Minors Form". Special assistance and handling for minors must be requested, and a handling form must be completed with details such as the minor's age, birth date, and contact numbers of guardians or parents at both the departure and destination airports. Thai Airways has specific conditions, such as not allowing children under 5 to travel alone and restricting unaccompanied minors from travelling with pets. Additionally, for international flights, unaccompanied minors must pay the price of an adult ticket, and a service fee of USD 60 per minor per international flight applies.

When travelling with another person's child, regardless of the airline, it is generally required to provide the child's birth certificate and a consent letter from the child's parents or legal guardians, along with a copy of their passports. This consent letter must be in English or Thai and legalised to be effective. It is recommended to have three copies—one for yourself, one for the child's bag, and one for the person travelling with the child.

It is important to note that certain countries or regions may have specific restrictions and document regulations for unaccompanied minors. Therefore, it is essential to check with the relevant government authorities to ensure you have all the required documentation before travelling.

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Thai Airways offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for children between the ages of 5 and 17. This service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 travelling alone and optional for children aged 12 to 17. To use this service, parents or guardians must apply for it and complete the "Unaccompanied Minors Form". The service must be booked at least 72 hours before the flight's departure.

At the departure airport, parents or guardians must accompany their child to the airport and present the completed forms at the check-in counter. They will then need to wait for their child to be escorted by ground staff to the pre-boarding area and then to the aircraft. It is important that parents or guardians remain at the airport until the flight has departed.

For international flights, the Unaccompanied Minor fee is USD 60 per flight, and the full adult fare is applicable. For domestic flights within Thailand, there is no Unaccompanied Minor fee, but 75% of the normal C or Y fare must be paid.

The following information and documents are required when booking the Unaccompanied Minor service:

The name, age, sex, and flight details of the Unaccompanied Minor.
The names, addresses, and full contact details of the person escorting the minor to the airport, the person assisting the minor at the stopover point (if any), and the person receiving the minor at the destination airport.
The signature of the parent or legal guardian at the time of booking.

Upon arrival at the destination airport, the unaccompanied minor will be met by Thai Airways ground staff and escorted from the plane through the arrival proceedings until they meet the designated person picking them up. This person will need to show valid ID and the original consent letter and should arrive at the airport early.

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Frequently asked questions.

Minors can travel to Thailand without their parents or legal guardians. However, the specific requirements depend on the airline. For example, Thai Airways offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for children between 5 and 17 years old. Bangkok Airways provides a similar service for minors aged 6 to under 12 years old.

The requirements vary by airline, but generally, the parent or guardian must provide the minor's age and birth date, along with contact numbers for guardians or parents who can be reached at the departure and destination airports. The adult checking the minor in at the airport must also provide identification and contact information.

The process differs depending on the airline. For Thai Airways, parents or guardians must apply for the service at least 72 hours before departure. For Bangkok Airways, a reservation must be made at least 24 hours in advance, with specific information included in the Passenger Name Record (PNR).

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A Guide to Sukhumvit: Where to Eat, Play, and Stay in Bangkok’s Bustling Downtown Core

Sukhumvit is a lot of things to a lot of different people. Here’s what you need to know about Bangkok’s thriving neighbourhood.

Bangkok Editor's Pick Neighbourhood Guide Thailand Sukhumvit

When travellers think of Bangkok , they often think of Sukhumvit . In many ways, the neighbourhood is Bangkok – in all its glitzy, messy, traffic-jammed, high-flying glory. It’s also something of a misnomer. Sukhumvit is shorthand for Sukhumvit Road, a paved thoroughfare that starts in downtown Bangkok and runs for more than 5,000 kilometres. It is one of Thailand's longest roads, connecting Bangkok to many significant destinations in the eastern part of the country. But for most visitors, Sukhumvit is the heady stretch that spans the full-throttle action in the Nana district to up-and-coming and largely residential Phra Khanong five stops over on the BTS sky train . In between, some of the city’s most exciting restaurants and bars, most abundant shopping opportunities and coolest boutiques, spas and cafés await. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best things to experience in Sukhumvit.

The Em District shopping area, The Somchai and Tuba. (© Shutterstock, thesomchaiofficial/Instagram, Tuba/Facebook)

What to see and do

Enjoy some retail therapy.

The Commons is an indoor-outdoor community area where everyone can hang out. (© The Commons Thonglor/Facebook)

Go café-hopping

Did you know that, apart from Thai massage, Sukhumvit is also home to several Japanese bathhouses? (© Yunomori Onsen)

Treat yourself

A Bib Gourmand meal at Burapa, a train-themed restaurant serving Eastern Thai cuisine in Sukhumvit Soi 11; chicken-focused dishes at Jidori Cuisine Ken in Sukhumvit 26; and popular noodles at Rung Rueang Pork Noodle on the same street. (© Anuwat Senivansa Na Ayudhya/ MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Jidori Cuisine Ken, Rung Rueang Pork Noodle)

Where to eat and drink

Can’t-miss food, from high to low.

The reception area at the two-MICHELIN-Star Gaa, the dining room at Canvas, and the chef’s playful creation. (© Gaa, Canvas)

At the high-end, there’s no shortage of destination dining spots listed in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024. For authentic Thai cuisine by local celebrity chef Chumpol Jangprai , there’s two-MICHELIN-Starred R-Haan . For food plated with a painterly touch, there’s Texas-born chef Riley Sanders ’ Canvas . For cutting-edge Indian cuisine uniting novel techniques with timeless flavours by Chef Garima Arora , visit Gaa , newly minted with two MICHELIN Stars in the 2024 edition. Among these incredible compatriots, two experiences rank among the most unique. Boasting one of Thailand’s only MICHELIN Green Stars and one MICHELIN Star for sustainability, neo-Indian pioneer Haoma led by Chef Deepanker 'DK' Khosla is an experience unlike any other. All the produce comes from either the on-site hydroponic garden and fishery or the team’s own farm in suburban Bangkok. At the two-MICHELIN-Starred Sorn , Chef Supaksorn ‘Ice’ Jongsiri has elevated the fiery, pungent, and vibrant flavours of southern Thai cooking to unprecedented levels. The produce is meticulously sourced and seasonal, with even the curry pastes and coconut milk made in-house. RELATED: 2 Days in Bangkok for Street Food Lovers

Fancy a sip of craft beer at Mikkeller or a creative cocktail with vinyl at Modern-Day Culture? (© Mikkeller Bangkok/Facebook, Modern Day Culture/ Facebook)

Plug into Bangkok’s bar life

137 Pillars Suites Bangkok is situated in the Phrom Phong area on Sukhumvit Road. (© 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok)

Where to stay

Craig Sauers is a Bangkok-based writer who loves good food, drinks, and stories. His work has appeared in magazines and news sites ranging from the BBC, CNBC, and the Nikkei Asia Review to Travel + Leisure. Previously, he was managing editor of BK, Bangkok’s leading English-language lifestyle magazine, and food and drink editor of Time Out Hong Kong.

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Flying is about to become even more miserable

Jennie Zeiher is a frequent flyer , but she was beginning to distrust the process.

It was about 95 degrees Fahrenheit that day, June 10, in Athens, Greece, as she, her husband, and two sons boarded their flight .

Zeiher recalls their pilot announcing over the speaker that the tarmac-bound Qatar Airways plane had an electrical issue.

The doors were sealed, there was no air conditioning, and in the stiff, unmoving air, the heat inside the plane mounted .

Hours passed.

Zeiher and her 10-year-old son drank all their water. She started feeling faint , her son was crying, passengers were fanning themselves with safety pamphlets, and neither the pilot nor flight attendants had information on when they could leave.

"Everyone was up in arms," Zeiher, a 48-year-old Australian business executive, told Business Insider. "People were screaming at the flight attendants to go and get information."

Finally, after three hours and cries that someone had fainted, they deboarded.

The experience was "traumatic," Zeiher said. "That lack of control was quite hard."

A spokesperson at Qatar Airways previously told BI that the delay was due to a "technical issue," and the airline had apologized to the passengers and told them about compensation they could get under "applicable regulations." Zeiher said she never received a response to the ticket she filed. Qatar Airways didn't respond to an additional request for comment.

The incident was arguably a procedural failure. But there was more to it. Greece was experiencing an unseasonably early, severe heat wave .

The day before Zeiher's flight, British TV personality Dr. Michael Mosley was found dead on the Greek island of Symi after he went for a hike. By the end of June, five other tourists died on hikes in Greece's heat.

The extreme temperatures turned a logistical airport mishap into a potentially dangerous situation .

Summer has become a relentless barrage of heat waves , but temperatures aren't the only hazard on the rise.

The climate crisis amplifies some of the worst parts of flying — delays, bumpy rides, and possibly even ticket costs .

Flying is still safe, and it keeps getting safer . Even so, the air travel boom means more people and planes are cruising through an increasingly extreme atmosphere.

While the odds are low that you will get trapped on a hot plane or injured in violent turbulence , more incidents like this are bound to happen. On several fronts, flying is getting worse.

Turbulence is getting worse

Increasing turbulence was aviation professionals' top climate-related safety concern in a 2020 survey of more than 400 pilots, flight crew members, air traffic controllers, and other flight professionals worldwide by the World Meteorological Organization.

One of the most dangerous types is clear-air turbulence, which is much harder to predict than turbulence from storms or mountains.

"It's clear blue skies, there's no storms anywhere, and there's just this invisible turbulence that, often, the first you know about it is when you're flying through it," said Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading in the UK who's been studying turbulence for about a decade.

He's found that clear-air turbulence — especially the most severe instances of it — has already increased because rising temperatures bring more wind shear to the jet stream.

In severe turbulence, an aircraft can be momentarily out of control, passengers lift out of their seats against their seatbelts, and walking down the aisle becomes impossible. That's what happened to doctors Ade Tan and Amos Chan during their honeymoon in May.

The couple barely felt their plane starting to wobble before they were shooting toward the ceiling.

"The last thing I saw was Amos trying to put on his seatbelt, and the next thing I registered was that he was no longer in his seat," Tan previously told BI 's Kwan Wei Kevin Tan.

Investigators later reported that Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 had dropped 178 feet in just four seconds due to an exceptionally rough patch of turbulence.

Tan said oxygen masks were dangling where passengers had crashed into ceiling panels, and people were lying in the aisles, some with blood on their heads.

A Bangkok hospital official later said in a news conference that over 100 of the 211 passengers sustained injuries. Tan said that she suffered a cervical spine fracture and spent a week recovering in a Singaporean hospital.

Singapore Airlines did not respond to a request for comment, but the company previously posted on Facebook apologizing for the "traumatic experience" and saying it had offered $10,000 or upward of $25,000 in compensation to injured passengers, depending on their injury.

The skies could be even bumpier in the future

The North Atlantic, where planes fly between North America and Europe, had 55% more severe clear-air turbulence in 2020 than in 1979, Williams found.

By the 2060s, he predicts twice as much turbulence, or even three times as much.

While FAA data doesn't show a rise in turbulence-related injuries — there are usually less than 20 a year on US airlines flying worldwide — Williams said the data may be misleading. It only counts serious injuries that require a person to be hospitalized for over 48 hours or have hemorrhaging, broken bones, or second or third-degree burns.

Even if nobody gets hurt, more turbulence can cause more wear and tear on aircraft.

"Even light turbulence is flexing the wings up and down and stressing the airframe," Williams said, adding, "That limits the life of the aircraft."

More turbulence doesn't have to mean bumpier flights. Planes have more flexible wings than they used to, which reduces inflight jostling, and forecasting to help pilots avoid turbulence is improving.

New onboard lidar technology can also use a laser to reveal clear-air turbulence ahead. For now, it's large and expensive, but Williams hopes one day it'll be small and cheap enough for all passenger planes. It's unclear if that technology will catch up with turbulence from climate change.

Worse weather brings more delays

Some parts of our flying future aren't necessarily dangerous or scary. They're just frustrating — like delays, which will likely worsen in our warming world.

Bad weather causes about 75% of air traffic delays in the US, according to the FAA, and mounting research indicates climate change is driving more severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, and hail in some places. In fact, heat alone could ground 23 times more passengers by 2050 — up to 185,000 people a year — a 2020 McKinsey report projected.

In some cases, extreme heat can melt runways, like it did at a UK airport in 2022. A more common issue, though, is that extreme heat changes the calculus of takeoff. Planes must be lighter or have a longer runway to get enough lift in extremely hot air, which means that on especially hot days, airlines may have to ditch some cargo and, therefore, some revenue .

Then, there are cases like the Canadian wildfires in June 2023, which reduced visibility in the Northeast US so much that it delayed hundreds of flights.

Changing weather patterns are already increasing flight delays in Europe, according to the International Air Transport Association. The memo warns that these weather delays have "a cost impact" for airlines and travelers alike.

Even if bad weather doesn't cause delays, it can cost money. Airlines are already struggling to turn profits . The climate crisis won't help. Think of the astronomical air conditioning required to cool an airport and the planes at its gates on a hot day.

In its June global outlook , IATA wasn't shy about the issue: "The industry's profitability is still fragile, leaving meager buffers with which to absorb the rising costs of climate change and decarbonization."

Airports are likely to pass their costs on to airlines by increasing their landing fees, "which then get passed on to passengers however airlines can do it," Robert W. Mann, an airline industry consultant and former airline executive, told BI.

Buckle up and expect delays

This all means that you should brace for flying to become more annoying and possibly even scary at times.

"Passengers will need to pack patience when they board aircraft" and heed instructions about wearing seatbelts, Veronica Cote, an associate professor of aviation science at Bridgewater State University and a former pilot, told BI in an email.

Despite the complexity of aviation and the ever-changing atmosphere, Cote added, airlines still run "tens of thousands of operations daily safely . "

Even before the incident in Athens, Zeiher felt anxious while flying. She doesn't like the lack of control, and takeoffs scare her. She's even experienced extreme turbulence.

Still, she's undeterred.

"I'll continue flying. I enjoy travel, so you have to," Zeiher said. "They come hand in hand."

Taylor Rains contributed reporting.

More From Forbes

Hyatt acquires standard hotels and nears launch of hyatt studios.

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The Standard London

Hyatt has been on a strategy reset for the past several years as it looks to compete with larger hospitality brands like Marriott, Hilton and IHG. Its focus has been on filling in gaps in its portfolio, which is notably smaller than its competitors. This has included key acquisitions in the all-inclusive space for vacation destinations (Apple Leisure) as well as high-end, lifestyle properties like Dream Hotel Group.

Since 2017, Hyatt has grown its lifestyle portfolio by five times what it was previously. And the momentum has not stopped.

Yesterday, the company announced the acquisition of Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands, with a closing date on the deal expected by the end of the year.

Hotel du Palais in Biarritz, a famous luxury palace, France, and part of The Unbound Collection by ... [+] Hyatt.

It is a “doubling down” of sorts for Hyatt on its lifestyle, luxury and resort focus, which already makes up 45% of its portfolio (larger than its competitors). The purchase of Mr & Mrs Smith expedited this by giving World of Hyatt presence in new markets like Croatia, Fiji and the British Virgin Islands.

Hyatt plans to add a new lifestyle group in New York, under the aegis of Standard International's Executive Chairman Amar Lalvani, to give more focus and attention on this segment from a marketing, design and nightlife focus.

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The Standard High Line New York City

Once the deal is finalized, the 21 franchised and managed hotels will join the World of Hyatt program. Among them are The Standard, London, The Standard, High Line in New York and Hotel San Cristóbal, Baja California, Mexico. Its destination list also includes hot spots like Ibiza, Bangkok and the Maldives. There are more than 30 projects in the works to join the brand, starting as soon as next year.

This news is just one piece of the strategy that is driving the brand forward. A key focus for Hyatt is maintaining a high-end position in each brand segment it operates, whether that is luxury, lifestyle or midcale. These are some of the ways that Hyatt is evolving its portfolio.

Extended stay on a budget

A model guest room at Hyatt Studios

Coming soon is the opening of Hyatt Studios, a product that Hyatt has high hopes for and expects could eventually become its largest brand. This extended-stay model on a budget will operate within the higher tier of this segment while remaining “low-cost” for developers to operate.

Rather than compete only on cost, it prefers to spend where it can to maintain its larger brand image. Hyatt Studios will be no different. While it will be the most affordable brand (something that varies by market conditions) within the portfolio, Hyatt Studios will rely on experience from its older sibling Hyatt House to guide its execution.

Its competitive set will include Home2 by Hilton and TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

The lobby of Hyatt Studios will have a grab-and-go market with self checkout as well as a ... [+] complimentary grab-and-go continental breakfast.

But, launching a new brand is not easy. A key component is encouraging existing owners and developers as well as new ones to join the bandwagon. Its model rooms in Bensenville, Illinois, have already entertained developers and investors from around the world.

Hyatt Studios is targeting tertiary markets like Billings, Montana and Mobile, Alabama as well as pockets of the country where it does not already have much presence. The first opening will be in Mobile during the first quarter of 2025. It will serve as a test model for how future properties can find success.

The focus customer includes government workers, insurance adjusters and health care workers, among others, who are looking for an extended stay product that balances quality with price. It can fill in the gaps with airport locations and those that target leisure travelers. Traveling youth sports teams is a perfect example of where the brand fits, something that was a gap in the overall brand lineup, says Mark Vondrasek , chief commercial officer for Hyatt.

Decisions not made lightly

This will be Hyatt's first upper-midscale brand in the Americas.

Designers for this new brand, which Hyatt believes will eventually outgrow Hyatt Place, take an exacting focus on the smallest of details from the placement of garbage cans within the room to the height of coffee tables.

Using focus groups of repeat Hyatt customers as well as independent travelers (and existing owner insight), decisions can evolve over time. Its model rooms for the yet-to-open Hyatt Studios brand have gone through multiple iterations as they are tested and reviewed.

One finding was that the placement of shelves in the room needed to be lowered so that guests can use the very top shelf for additional storage (a key feature for extended stay guests). This came through feedback from guests who wanted a place to store empty suitcases, which now fit above the traditional closet, as well as from housekeepers, who said it was difficult to reach the high level without a ladder.

Designers seek this type of internal insight from those that work in management, housekeeping and operations to be sure that they get it right when launching a new brand.

A standard Hyatt Place guest room, which is currently the largest World of Hyatt brand.

Potential customers are also a key part of the decision-making process. Brand leaders relied on similar guests for its other extended-stay brand Hyatt House to help consult in the room development here. While Hyatt Studios will sit one step below in terms of price and offering, it still needs to meet the same needs and standards.

Hyatt’s team learned that certain corporate and government contracts would not even consider a hotel if it does not have certain amenities (like stove-top ovens or microwaves). Properties without certain amenities are filtered out of their travel portals from the beginning. This is all key insight that a brand must get right from the beginning to avoid retrofitting properties later at great expense.

Hyatt’s asset-light approach

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - November 1, 2010: Grand Hyatt Hotel in the Bur Dubai district.

Hyatt has been moving quickly to an asset-light portfolio where hotels are managed, licensed or franchised by others under its own umbrella. Since 2009, the company has tripled its number of hotel rooms and grown its position in the luxury and lifestyle market.

At Hyatt’s investment day in 2023, Joan Bottarini, Hyatt’s chief financial officer, said, “With substantial free cash flow generated from asset-light earnings, together with cash generated from continued asset dispositions, we believe we will continue to have significant flexibility to invest in growth and return capital to shareholders, while maintaining our investment grade profile.”

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas

Put another way: Hyatt can fast forward into high growth mode with a free-cash flow model when it lets other people manage hotel assets.

“Hyatt has been selling down the real estate that we had from 2017 onwards,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s president and chief executive officer, at a hospitality conference in Berlin earlier this year. “Our number one target for redeployment is buying new brands.”

Hospitality Investor’s Isobel Lee reports that Hyatt is still the largest owner of its hotels around the world, but that this helps the company gain more understanding of what its partners are looking for when investing with the brand.

World of Hyatt evolves, but award chart here to stay

The lobby of Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, which is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Hyatt Studios will be the first brand in World of Hyatt to limit earnings by half. While all other World of Hyatt brands earn five points per dollar spent, guests at Hyatt Studios would only earn 2.5 points per dollar spent. World of Hyatt elite status members would continue to earn their standard bonus multipliers, and those using a Hyatt co-branded credit card would earn bonus points for using the card for their stay as expected.

Limiting the number of points earned at certain brands is nothing new. Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy both have a similar approach to their budget-focused brands.

The Treehotel in the Swedish Lapland region, which is part of Mr & Mrs Smith.

Another change for World of Hyatt, which wins accolades from its members for being one of the last-standing programs to continue to offer an award chart that helps members understand how many points they need for a redemption, is that Mr & Mrs Smith properties do not fit into its award chart.

The reasoning, according to Vondrasek, is that an award chart relies on hotels having a standard room type that a property can put into the redemption pool. Mr & Mrs Smith hotels do not have “standard rooms” in the same way that a city hotel might. Instead, its hotels have so many room types that its treehouses, castles and island retreats accommodations do not easily fit into an award chart.

Vondrasek points out that loyalty programs were built for more traditional hotels where the room types were fewer.

While there was online criticism that these redemptions adhered to a dynamic pricing model, Vondrasek says it has more to do with the challenge of how to value rooms at a points tier when they are all so different. He assures that the award chart model is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Under Canvas offers glamping experiences for World of Hyatt members.

World of Hyatt is growing at an unprecedented pace, adding members with great fervor. In the last year alone, the brand has seen a 20% boost in the number of members compared to the year before, now approaching 50 million total members. Vondrasek says recent additions to the portfolio like Under Canvas (a glamping experience in U.S. national parks that is now part of World of Hyatt) and Mr & Mrs Smith have really driven that growth.

According to Vondrasek, he expects World of Hyatt to add even more outdoor experience partners in the coming years because it is something that really resonates with members. Under Canvas and Hyatt have already surpassed their expectations on bookings after their first month. When staying with Under Canvas, World of Hyatt elite members receive standard benefits like bonus points and breakfast for Globalist members.

With World of Hyatt’s smaller scale, it seeks to offer greater benefits to loyal members as it grows its footprint. This includes things like its fiercely popular Guest of Honor benefit, where elite status members can share their perks with someone else who may have never stayed at Hyatt, and the gifting of club lounge access or free-night awards (a new feature that Hyatt says was an immediate hit).

Balance and well-being, both physical and emotional, are key focal points for Hyatt, post-Covid.

Members will even be able to earn points for working out using Peloton bikes being added to more than 800 Hyatt properties. Another collaboration between Hyatt Regency and Future, a personal training app, continues the well-being momentum. Its personalized, online workouts are customized to participating Hyatt Regency property fitness centers. Post-Covid, the brand is looking to be more thoughtful about how it incorporates well-being into its properties to drive loyalty.

Hyatt’s acquisition of Miraval helped it to expand its wellness focus. The company now has its “well-being collective,” which is a group of 50 hotels and resorts around the world where meeting planners and guests can expect the best health and wellness programming while earning and redeeming points. Even the free World of Hyatt app has free content from Headspace and white noise to encourage restful sleep.

“We are so genuinely happy with the program,” says Vondrasek. “It feels to me like loyalty programs in general are going into more of a tightening…we’ve always felt like World of Hyatt could be a point of distinction in the loyalty space, which is why giving members more choice on how they earn and use points and status benefits is so important.”

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Bangkok Solo Travel Guide

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The Ultimate Bangkok Solo Travel Guide: Best Things to Do Alone in Bangkok

Best Things to Do Alone in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Try the Local Street Food

Take a Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise

Discover the Floating Markets

Explore Chinatown

Visit the Art and Culture Center

Day Trip To Ayutthaya

Frequently Asked Questions About Bangkok Solo Travel

Is Bangkok Solo Travel Safe For Women In Bangkok?

What Are Some Safety Tips For Bangkok Solo Travel?

Bangkok Solo Travel Guide – Final Words

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