Thailand is by far the best destination to travel solo in South East Asia! Ok… maybe I am a little biased as it was the first country I ever backpacked solo. That’s right, I “found myself” in South East Asia while on a “gap year” right after finishing Uni… I’m a walking cliche I know 😂.
So I may have a confession to make… I didn’t exactly travel ‘solo’ to Thailand, I actually had a friend with me on that trip, but it doesn’t stop me from knowing with complete certainty that Thailand should absolutely be #1 on your travel list as a first-time solo traveller.
Is it safe to travel solo in Thailand?
Making that decision to book a ticket to Thailand might be giving you heaps of anxiety and that’s why I wanted to address this question first and foremost. Travelling solo around Thailand is perfectly safe, it’s been top of every traveller’s bucket list for decades and for good reason! It doesn’t matter if you’re doing it for the 1st time or a seasoned pro, Thailand has something for everyone. The people you’ll meet along the way are some of the most relatable humans you’ll ever meet in your life. They are the best friends you never knew you had. Honestly… it’s pretty special 😬
It’s pretty cheap 💸
We’ll start off with the cost because in South East Asia it’s a huge selling point! Travelling alone means you don’t have the added benefit of splitting costs, however, you will also struggle to find too many places much cheaper than Thailand. Whether you’re on your own, with a friend or in a group you can rest assured that your money will travel far here.
Thailand is super popular 🇹🇭
For some, this is a double-edged sword and often a reason some travellers actually skip travelling solo in Thailand. What a mistake they are making! Yes on 1 side it can feel like you are surrounded by other travellers from the western world, but on the flip side isn’t that a good idea when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone for the first time? Thailand has so many special things that attract travellers from all walks of life and corners of the globe. You are sure to meet interesting people and hear stories that will do nothing short of blow your mind. It’s kinda like trading books – we’ve all got stories to share!
Easy to get around 🛺
Travelling around Thailand isn’t just easy but it’s also super comfortable compared to other destinations in Asia. The journey times if well planned are not too long and almost all transport comes with air-conditioning. Booking flights, trains, buses and ferries is easy enough and can be arranged through local agencies.
Travelling around Thailand couldn’t be easier. If you book in advance you can get overnight sleeper trains (which are an experience), buses, flights and boats all with relative ease. Whether you’re on your own, with a buddy or in a group you’ll have little problems getting from one place to the other.
Click here if you don’t like the idea of planning your own trip, maybe a Group Tour is what you need!
Tonnes to see and do 🤿
Island hopping, jungle hikes, cooking classes, tubing down the river or even hot springs… Thailand has got pretty much EVERYTHING! If you can think of it, you can probably do it. Don’t spend another moment on your sofa binge-watching Netflix. Book that ticket and get yourself out here! Where would you rather be… hand-feeding elephants in the jungle or taking your dog for a walk down the local park?
Most people speak English 💬
Tourists have been going to Thailand for decades and the locals have adopted their own version of simple English to both help tourists and also capitalise on ‘getting on your level’. You won’t need to go very far to find someone to help when the Thai street signs or menus get confusing. A please and thank you can be translated by putting your hands together for polite etiquette 🙏🏼
The food is yummy 🥢
There’s no need to worry about what to eat when you get to Thailand, as even the fussiest of eaters are catered for. You can find food from all corners of the earth, and it all tastes incredible! By embracing the local cuisines you’re sure to find some of the best eats you’ve ever had.
Street food markets are a must! You can find fresh pad Thai everywhere, some of the best and cheapest sushi I’ve ever had and more. Some places might not look like much, but don’t judge a book by its cover because they can often serve up the best food! 🥘
The locals are super friendly 😃
Ok maybe not all the locals are super friendly but the large majority will do their best to help. Let’s just say if you’re from the UK you’ll get more help from the locals in Bangkok than you will from a fellow Londoner. Thailand is commonly known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, after spending a few hours here you’ll soon understand why and how it got that reputation.
Beach parties & nightlife 🍻
Looking to unleash your inner animal on an island paradise? We’ll head to the beach after dark and you’ll find yourself surrounded by tonnes of other solo travellers. I guarantee you a crazy night & one you’ll never forget. A cold coconut on the blissful beach is the perfect hangover cure the next day, and if you feel up to it you can do it all over again the next night!
Party tip: Grab some tie-dye, and neon paint and fill sand buckets with your favourite cocktail if you want to party in true “Thai style”.
Beaches, jungle or mountains? Thailand has it all 🏝
If you want to go skiing then you came to the wrong place, but for anything else Thailand has you covered… in abundance! The northern territory is home to luscious greenery, mountains and amazing jungles. Temples are everywhere, but if you want to see some of the most famous you’ll need to visit Bangkok and the south has beaches that films have literally been made about.
The famous Koh Phi Phi sits just off the coast of Phuket, which was the inspiration for ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Here you can hike to a viewpoint for the best view of the island, or head on over to the always spectacular Maya Bay.
Meet Other Travellers 🤝🏼
The stories are great, and the info you get can be truly invaluable. Learn all about hidden gems and where to stay and eat in all the different places you’ll be visiting along your epic trip 😃.
Meeting people should be the least of your worries, as friendly faces are one of the easiest things to find when backpacking in Thailand. Do not let that be a fear that stops you from booking the trip of a lifetime 🙌🏼
Book a group tour 🤔💡
If you’re new to all of this and nervous about going alone and fancy doing it with a group of newbies… or maybe you’re an experienced adventurer and you want the freedom to do it all without planning… well look no further! We can guarantee you the “Best trip of your life”…the reviews speak for themselves. Book on to a trip with Feel Free Travel before you regret missing the opportunity!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
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