Going Solo in Thailand: Everything You Need to Know

Thailand has been a part of the backpacking circuit for the last few decades. The lush jungles, pristine beaches, and wonderful culture have all been a siren call, drawing flocks of travellers each year. Today, the country is primed for tourism. Solo travelling in Thailand has never been easier, and with a little preparation, you’re guaranteed to have a safe and fun experience.

In this article, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about backpacking in Thailand alone. If this is your first time going abroad solo, there are a few things to consider before hopping on the plane. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Why You Should Solo Travel in Thailand

Endless Amount of Travel Information

Of all the countries you could choose to solo travel, Thailand is one of the top choices. Why? Well, if you do one quick Google search, you’ll be flooded with blogs and videos offering quality travel information. From the best accommodation options to what to pack, you can find an answer to any question about travelling in Thailand – now that’s convenient! There’s nothing worse than getting stranded in an unfamiliar country and having zero online information to help you through it.

Cheap, Cheap, Cheap

One disadvantage of backpacking alone is that you can’t split the costs with anyone. But there’s no need to worry about that in Thailand. The Food, accommodation, transportation, and virtually everything else are unbelievably inexpensive compared to countries in the Western World.

For example, you can book a bed at a hostel for as little as $8 per night. Expensive accommodation will burn a hole in your pocket quickly, making Thailand a great place to stretch your money. Of course, more luxurious options cost a bit more money, but you’ll be shocked at the places you can rent for a more-than-affordable price.

Plenty of Other Travellers

Okay, if you’re solo travelling, mingling with others might not be on your to-do list. However, it’s nice to know that there are loads of other backpackers somewhere nearby. When you do feel like socialising, you’ll have no trouble meeting like-minded groups of people who are also looking to have an adventure of a lifetime!

The best places to make friends are hostels! These cheap accommodation options are like magnets for backpackers, and people who stay there are generally friendly. So, when you arrive at your hostel, don’t be afraid to be a social butterfly. You’ll find there are a lot of other solo travelers who are looking for people to buddy up with.

Best Cities in Thailand for Solo Travellers

No matter what parts of Thailand you decide to visit, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time. To help give you an idea of places to go, we put together a list of a few hotspots in the country where backpackers can be found year-round!

Phuket

In southern Thailand, the island of Phuket is known for one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world and limestone cliffs. You’ll find great nightlife, delicious seafood, and an endless amount of fun water activities.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 mesmerizing ancient temples. The laidback atmosphere of the city is a great place to get an authentic cultural experience. It’s surrounded by gorgeous hills with trails that will lead you to local tribe villages, which isn’t something you get to experience every day.

Bangkok

We’ve all heard about Bangkok, and for good reasons! It’s an electric city with endless street vendors, a wild party scene, and vibrant culture. If you visit, you’ll walk around with eyes the size of saucers as you take it all in!

Preplanned Excursion Option for Solo Travelers in Thailand

Mapping out a travel route for your backpacking trip in a country you’ve never been to can be a pain. You never really know if you’re hitting the best spots, and planning can take hours and hours of research. But now you can have all of that taken care of for you.

iFlyGo offers a Thailand Islands Travel Pass, which includes a 13-day and 12-night itinerary that is preplanned and prebooked for you! Each day, you’ll have a new activity at one of the different locations where a travel guide will lead the way. But the Travel Pass gives you flexibility. If at any point you want to deviate from the Thailand travel itinerary, well, you are more than welcome to do that! It’s your trip, after all.

The travel pass is perfect for anyone interested in adventure travel in Thailand and getting a cultural experience you wouldn’t normally have!

iFlyGo has some other awesome preplanned trips in Thailand that you can check out here!

Tips to Stay Safe While Solo Travelling

Backpacking in Thailand is safe, whether you’re alone or in a group. But you should always be cautious when visiting foreign countries. So, here are a few quick tips to ensure you have a safe trip and come back home in one piece.

Avoid Walking Alone

If you’re solo traveling, walking alone is inevitable. Depending on the time of day and part of town you’re in, you should consider taking a taxi (or tuk-tuk) to your destination. No need to walk through dark streets by yourself if it can be avoided!

Lock Up Your Belongings

Hostels bring in all walks of life, which is one of the best parts about them, but each time you head out to go exploring, you need to make sure all of your belongings are locked up. Bring a few extra padlocks with you in case your hostel’s lockers don’t have locks.

Know the Layout of the Area

Before you arrive in a town, take a look at the map to get a feel for the area. Getting lost is an easy way to end up in the wrong part of town and in potential danger. It will also prevent you from looking like you don’t know where you’re going, which may lead to thieves putting a target on your back.

Final Thoughts

Thailand is an incredible country and the perfect place to solo travel. If you fully embrace the experience, you’ll have no trouble having the adventure of a lifetime. Remember, if you want to take the pressure off putting together a Thailand travel itinerary, head over to iFlyGo for wonderful, preplanned trips. Safe travels!