While it’s fun to get together with friends and family for large group vacations, there’s something to be said about the pleasure of traveling solo. From choosing your own itinerary (and changing it on a whim) to not having to worry about the responsibilities of pleasing everyone, traveling alone has many benefits.
That being said, knowing where to go when traveling alone is often difficult. You want to find a destination that offers a variety of activities; whether it’s relaxing on a beach or exploring a cave, hiking a rainforest trail, or touring an ancient temple, finding that perfect spot that’s safe, affordable, and fun can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be challenging when you visit beautiful Thailand! Thailand is one of the safest and most fascinating destinations in the world and is perfect for traveling alone or with others.
Safety First
When planning your solo trip to Thailand, it’s normal to wonder if you will be safe by yourself. The great news is that Thailand is very safe for visitors. In fact, Thailand is such a popular destination with solo travelers, you may even meet a few friends along your journey!
Best Places in Thailand To Visit Alone
Now that you’re ready to plan your solo vacation to the Land of Smiles, you’re probably wondering where in Thailand you should go by yourself. The truth is, anywhere in Thailand is indeed a good place for a solo journey!
Thailand is an ideal destination for solo travelers for various reasons. Firstly, there is a considerable number of tourists who travel alone in Thailand, which makes it effortless to connect with like-minded individuals and potentially find travel companions to join you on your journey.
Secondly, Thailand boasts an abundance of breathtaking locations to explore and an array of activities to engage in, which will undoubtedly keep you occupied and potentially distract you from traveling alone.
Thirdly, Thailand has an impressive and cost-effective public transportation system that includes trains, buses, ferries, and tuk-tuks, providing solo travelers with various options to navigate the country’s popular destinations.
Lastly, Thailand is an excellent option for those on a tight budget. With its reasonable prices, solo travelers can still enjoy private accommodations without having to share, making it an economical choice.
Phuket
Phuket offers history and beauty, with its Big Buddha statue and many lovely beaches, including Patong Beach. Phuket even has an elephant sanctuary where you can wander around and view rescued elephants. You can even ride a jet ski or zip-line or take a Thai cooking class and learn traditional Thai recipes you can make at home! Phuket makes a lovely vacation for those traveling alone because many of its activities, such as relaxing on Patong Beach, allow for peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Furthermore, Phuket is very safe for travelers journeying alone.
Bangkok
Khao San Road is one of the most famous streets in Thailand, with plenty of dining, cafes, bars, shops, tattoo parlors, and street vendors. This vibrant neighborhood offers plenty to explore for solo visitors looking to experience the bustling city life of Bangkok.
Bangkok also has many temples to explore for those seeking a spiritual journey, such as Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (The Grand Palace), and Wat Rachabophit. Wat Rachaphobit is an excellent destination for solo travelers because it is much smaller than temples like The Grand Palace, and much less crowded.
Bangkok has plenty of parks, too – like Lumphini Park, an expansive green space with a manufactured lake, or the Metro Forest Project, a newer park with a skywalk and observation tower that overlooks around 60,000 trees!
Pattaya
Are you looking to let loose and enjoy Thailand’s party scene? Pattaya is the perfect place. With many theatrical shows such as the famous Alcazar Cabaret Show, Pattaya is also home to the Pattaya Walking Street and Pattaya Floating Market, a waterpark and Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, for when you need a moment of relaxation.
Fascinating places to visit in Pattaya include Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha), Khao Chi Chan’s giant Buddha engraving, or a visit to the stunning Ko Larn (Coral Island), which is accessible by a short trip (30-45 minutes) by ferry from Pattaya.
Krabi
If you’re seeking tranquility in your solo adventure, Krabi town is worth a stop. Populated mainly by fishermen, Krabi boasts pristine beaches and a friendly small-town feel. For the adventurous spirit, Krabi even has rock climbing excursions, such as at the stunning Railay Beach.
For those who enjoy a physical challenge, a hike to the top of the awe-inspiring Tiger Temple, accessible by 1,000 steps that are sure to get your heart rate pumping.
Cultural activities in Krabi include a visit to Koh Klang, an island Muslim community where solo travelers can make friends with the locals. Koh Klang also has small accommodations perfect for one guest.
Khao Sok
Khao Sok is home to Khao Sok National Park, a park bustling with wildlife and dotted with trees, rivers, and waterfalls. It is also known for its beautiful Cheow Lan Lake. This park is perfect for single travelers looking to explore nature alone or as part of a tour group.
For the animal lovers, Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary lets you get a closer look at rescued elephants, while nature adventurers can explore caves such as Pakarang Cave (Corol Cave), hiking excursions like Kri Sorn Viewpoint or Rajjaprabha Dam, or an ATV tour at the Khao Sok ATV Adventure,
Visitors can also try their hand at Jungle Cooking, an outdoor cooking class that teaches students how to cook in the jungle!
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai offers the best of both worlds, with stunning temples, Buddha caves, and a fun nightlife scene. The Night Bazaar also offers plenty of souvenirs for those looking to take home some local handicrafts. Other night markets include the Saturday Night Market, a lively market with street food and live music, as well as Sankhong Happy Street and the Kad Luang Chiang Rai Market.
Best Activities For Singles In Thailand
While there are many activities you can do alone, or as a group in Thailand, some activities are better if you’re single. From the many nightclubs in Bangkok and Thailand’s resort towns to group hiking tours that let you follow an experienced guide so you’re not going alone, Thailand offers many opportunities to meet others on your visit.
Yoga Retreats
Many people come to Thailand to experience their world-class yoga and wellness retreats. Because yoga and meditation are perfectly acceptable to practice solo, a yoga retreat is the perfect way to be single in Thailand but meet others during your stay.
Muay Thai Lessons
For those looking to push themselves to the limits physically, learning Muay Thai from the Thai masters is another excellent way to vacation solo in Thailand. You’ll not only meet locals along for the class, but you may even meet a few fellow vacationers on a solo journey to Thailand, too!
Island Cruising
An island cruise around Thailand’s many beautiful islands and beaches is an excellent way to spend the day. You’ll benefit from being in the company of others during your excursion. A boat cruise will allow you to see many sights you may not have been able to visit on your own, and it doesn’t require you to travel alone like you might have if you had rented a kayak or taken a more private mode of transportation.
A reputable and highly recommended cruise is Blue Voyage. This luxury yacht charter offers excursions by both yachts and catamarans, and provides luxury service to guests during they voyage.
Zip Lining
Because zip lining is done safely and with guides, you never need to worry about bringing along a spotter to participate, making zip lining a fun experience for singles and groups.
Conclusion
If you still need to decide about planning your solo itinerary, consider taking a tour of Thailand from a reputable tour agency. These tours offer packages for singletons with private rooms and daily excursions that don’t require you to have a partner or activities that will allow you to pair up with a fellow traveler if they do.
Remember, when traveling solo, don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s rock climbing, snorkeling, jet skiing, or zip lining, many adventures await in Thailand, and just because you’re going it alone doesn’t mean you should miss out!
