11 Tips for Traveling Alone to Thailand

Updated: 12 August, 2024

After 3 years living in the Land of Smiles, I'll tell you about my experience traveling alone to Thailand and how to meet other travelers.

Every day there are more travelers who dare to go alone.

Maybe it has happened to you like it did to me, that One day you realize that if you don't go out into the world alone, you won't travel and that shouldn't be allowed. 😄

When I moved to Southeast Asia the idea was to stay in Thailand for 6 months, which was the amount of time the multiple entry visa allowed me to stay.

In the end, with the arrival of the pandemic I stayed for 3 years... a little longer. 😅

In this article I tell you my experience of traveling through Thailand alone during those years, that I was able to visit tourist sites and others, where I went out into the street and everyone looked at me because they were not used to seeing foreigners.

I also explain some ways to meet people on your trip.

1. Is it safe to travel to Thailand alone?

Right off the bat I can tell you that as a woman from Latin America (I'm from Uruguay) and having lived almost two decades in Europe, mainly in Spain, Thailand is a very safe country with a very low crime rate.

I could even tell you that it is safer for women than other countries in the region and if you have never been to Southeast Asia I recommend starting with Thailand.

In Thailand I have always felt safer than in cities like Barcelona, even when going out at night.

Probably the most dangerous thing about going out at night are drivers who drive like crazy, but that's another story. 🏍💨

Although it is a safe country, it is not 100% safe for women either. Like anywhere you go you have to be careful and follow your instinct.

🔝 You may also be interested in this guide on Rent and Drive a motorcycle in Thailand.

2. Are there sexual assaults in Thailand?

Unfortunately, yes, there is sexual assault in Thailand.

The number of sexual assaults is much lower than in countries like Spain. But it must be taken into account that these numbers refer to reported violations.

In Thailand, the stigma surrounding sexual assault and the fear of victims is even greater than in Spain or any European country.

3. Precautions when going out at night

Although Thailand is a safe country, to go out at night alone you should take the precautions you would take anywhere:

• whenever you can avoid passing through poorly lit streets;
• have Be careful not to overdo it with the drink;
• don't accept drinks from strangers;
• is better than don't tell people you know that you're alone, lies blatantly. My friends are there! 😅

🤩 You may also be interested in this article about 8 Cheap Bars and Restaurants with Views in Bangkok.

4. Can I use pepper spray in Thailand?

No, in Thailand the pepper spray as a means of protection for women, like this one in the link, it is prohibited and it is better that you do not carry one with you in your suitcase.

Likewise, Thailand is a safe country.

5. Can I hike alone in Thailand?

Right off the bat I will tell you that you can go hiking alone.

I have hiked alone many times in Thailand. when I had no one to go with, specifically in Chiang Mai, Koh Tao and Phuket.

However, in Phuket in August 2021 there was a case of a Swiss woman who was raped and murdered and from that moment on I was a little afraid to hike alone.

This is very rare, in fact I did not hear of any other similar case in the entire country during the 3 years I lived in Thailand.

In case you are going to go alone through the mountains take the necessary measures:

• tell someone where you are going;
• carries an emergency whistle;
• buy a local SIM to have coverage;
• carry your cell phone well charged;
• and it doesn't hurt that you wear some hiking sticks that not only serve to help you on the walk. You understand what I mean, if you need a clean cane. 🏌️‍♀️

⭐ Check out this article for further insights on Monks Trail in Chiang Mai, a very popular and beautiful hiking route.

6. Are there robberies against women?

In Thailand, due to a religious issue, robberies in general are very rare.

However, in Bangkok (at least I haven't heard from other places) there may be cases where They pass quickly on the motorcycle and snatch your bag.

Be careful, this is rare, but when it happens, they usually rob women because we are weaker.

7. How should I dress in Thailand?

Thailand is a tropical country and you can dress however you want because they are very open on that issue, both in beach areas and in the cities.

For example, you can wear a summer dress or shorts with a tank top and you will have no problems whatsoever.

When I say you won't have any problems, I mean No one is going to shout obscenities at you, they are not going to look at you lasciviously, nor are they going to chase you.

This is very appreciated and I think it is one of the biggest secrets of countries like Thailand to feel so comfortable.

Of course, remember that it is a Buddhist country and When you want to enter the Grand Palace in Bangkok or any temple you should dress modestly.

That means, you have to cover your knees and shoulders, something that you can easily solve with a sarong.

This also applies to men., although men have it easier because their clothes already cover more.

In some temples they have scarves and tied skirts to wear over them, but they are for rent.

In case you have to do any paperwork, To enter a public office, you must also cover up.

8. Can I wear a bikini to the beach in Thailand?

In Thailand you will see some women who wear swimsuits that look like dresses, they are complete with their skirt.

In Muslim areas or people who take care of their skin, you will see women and sometimes men wearing clothing that covers a lot or completely, that is, long-sleeved t-shirts and long leggings.

But don't be shy, you can wear a bikini without problems on Thai beachesEven many Thai women wear bikinis, no one is going to say anything to you or look funny.

Although I recommend not going topless, I would say that it is not prohibited, but it is not frowned upon, much less nudism.

9. Is it easy to find feminine hygiene products?

What concerns to You will find the pads in supermarkets and small stores everywhere., even in rural areas.

Be careful, with the pads that say "cool" (like the ones in the photo), I didn't know about them before going to Thailand. It turns out that they have a refreshing effect similar to that of eucalyptus gum, but on your feminine parts and it is not entirely pleasant. 😬

When it comes to tampons It is easier to find them in big cities, that's why I recommend planning it in advance.

On the other hand, female cups are rare, you will only find them in specialized stores in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and perhaps Phuket.

Therefore, perhaps it is better that you bring with you some menstrual cups like these from the link that come with the sterilizer and travel case.

10. Other information and tips for traveling alone to Thailand

1. Monks

Note that Women cannot touch monks under any circumstances.

The monks have a vow of chastity and poverty, what they eat on a daily basis is what people give them as an offering.

So, if you wanted to offer food to a monk, as a woman you cannot give it to him directly, you will have to leave it somewhere (never the ground) for the monk to grab.

2. Hitchhiking

In Thailand you sometimes see the occasional hitchhiker, especially backpackers.

As a woman you can hitchhike in Thailand following the same rules as anywhere else.

I have never done it because public transport is so cheap that I never even considered it.

3. Help women

Something curious in Thailand is that people will approach you to help you if they see you lost or talk to you in many circumstances.

Thais in general are kind people, it is normal that they help others in a selfless way and with a smile.

If one day you have a problem that you don't hesitate to ask for help, in addition, they are always more willing to help us, I guess it's because of that idea of the "weaker sex."

4. Drugs in Thailand

Note that Drugs in Thailand are prohibited and possession is heavily penalized.

If they catch you with a small amount they can give you several years in prison and if they consider that it is too much for personal consumption the sentence can be the death penalty.

5. Taxis and Grab are safe

In Thailand Taxis and Grab (which is like Uber) are safe for women, unlike other Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia.

The only thing you will have to be careful of is that the taxi driver wants to overcharge you, something you avoid with Grab, but this has nothing to do with being a woman.

👍 In this other article I tell you in detail about 15 Scams in Thailand and How to Avoid Them.

11. How to meet people when traveling to Thailand alone?

Although the recommendations in this article are for women, the way of meeting people will help you even if you are a man.

1. Dating apps

This way of meeting people Maybe it's the worst on the list if it comes to being safe., because like everywhere you can meet very strange people on dating apps.

But this depends on each person's preferences and the skills you have when selecting the right person.

2. Stay in hostels

Hostels are one of the Best ways to meet other travelers.

The reason is that They usually have common spaces kitchen, dining room, sometimes coworking or leisure areas where people gather and you can meet very interesting people to meet up with for visits.

Another advantage of hostels is that they are usually cheaper, but if you are like me and don't want to share a room or bathroom (I'm getting older 😅), there are many hostels with private rooms.

3. Facebook Groups

Facebook groups in Thailand They work well for bonding with other people., whether they are travelers or people living in Thailand.

In case you want to go hiking There are specific groups for hiking on Facebook, at least as far as I know there are in Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Another alternative is suggest hiking routes or other activities what you want to do in expat groups on Facebook, there are even groups that are exclusive to women.

Note that English groups are much more numerous and active.

4. Take excursions

Although it may sound strange, on excursions You will find many travelers in your same circumstance, traveling alone.

You can also meet people who travel in company but don't mind meeting other travelers.

Many places in Thailand will be more worthwhile for you to visit with an excursion, especially if you are traveling alone. On the other hand, other places it is better to join other travelers and do it on your own.

⭐ You may also be interested in these 4 articles about visits near: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket, with details of what to see and how to get to each site.

5. Sign up for a retreat

Thailand is one of the countries that most invite you to do a yoga or meditation retreat.

You will find a wide variety of places that offer classes, accommodation, meals and activities included, such as East of the link in Koh Phangan which is the most popular and is super cheap.

One of the advantages of retreats is that you will be able to meet people with your same interests with whom you have shared several days.

🙏 You can read more in this article about the 7 Best Retreats in Thailand: Yoga and Meditation

Final Thoughts

If you are going to launch yourself into traveling alone to thailandThe biggest advice I can give you is that be guided by your instinct at all times and if a place or someone does not inspire confidence in you, continue on your way.

In conclusion, don't be afraid to travel alone because A trip to Thailand is a wonderful experience.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below. If you found the article useful, please Share it with other travelers who may find it useful.

More about Thailand and Southeast Asia

• Classic Thailand route: 15 and 21 day itinerary
• 7 Movies Filmed in Thailand
• Warorot Market and Chinatown in Chiang Mai
• What to do in Phuket: 21 best plans
• 5 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia
• Thailand or Bali? Which one should I visit?