Girls ask me: ” Is it safe to travel to Thailand as a solo female.”?
I’ve lived in Thailand since 2012 and before getting married I traveled solo and lived on my own in Koh Phi Phi for a couple of years. There is not a single time I can recall feeling unsafe or in a dangerous situation in all these years.
So my answer to the question is “yes”. From my personal experience, Thailand is a great place to travel and explore Asia for the first time travelers. You will most likely meet another fellow solo ladies, make new friends on your journey and share your travel experiences.
Thailand is as safe as anywhere else in the world. So you just have to be generally wary of anything suspicious and keep your eyes open.
As a single female in Thailand, I never had any problem getting hassled by local men, you are much more likely to get bothered by tourists.
I totally recommend Thailand for solo female travelers, as long as you use common sense and follow some simple rules you will have an amazing time in Thailand!
1. Know your limits when consuming alcohol
2. When you do drink, reach for a quality alcohol
3. Choose hotel in the right locations
4. Know your dress code
5. Areas to avoid
6. BEWARE OF the thai roads danger
7. Organize your travel with a reputable agency
8. Make new friends
9. Don’t touch the monk
10. Let your friends know your whereabouts
1. Know your limits
It’s safe to say, the majority of problems involving tourists in Thailand have some level of alcohol involved.
Koh Phi Phi, where I live is a beautiful tropical paradise by the day and a party island by night. Phi Phi Island is well known for its beach parties and the infamous buckets.
Some girls underestimate the amount of alcohol drunk and ended up passing out on the beaches or in the bar. Not only it’s not a nice picture to look at. It is also very likely she will wake up without her wallet, card, phone or even worse.
Keep the drinking under control, especially if you are on your own.
2. Quality over quantity
Be aware of what you drinking. My advice is instead of gulping down the cheap buckets of an unknown substance, have one or two more expensive drinks of a better quality of alcohol. Your head will thank you in the morning.
It goes without saying- keep an eye on your drink. That is a number one rule anywhere in the world, and especially in Thailand, where all sorts of drugs are available over the counter in pharmacies.
Also, this is probably obvious, but just to mention, don’t do drugs in Thailand. Same as in most Asian countries, Thailand has zero tolerance when it comes to drugs and serious offenses such as drug trafficking is punishable by death.
3. Choose a hotel in the right location
Book a hotel or a hostel in the town center, so you don’t have to walk anywhere dark or dodgy on your own. If you want to socialize then hostels are great options and sure way to meet new friends.
Many hostels in Thailand have female only dormitory.
4. Know your dress code
Thailand is pretty flexible with a dress code, especially on the islands, but once you are in the town, don’t wear too revealing clothes when it’s not appropriate.
Topless sunbathing is not welcomed in Thailand and of course, long sleeves and pants or a long skirt are a must in temples and official buildings.
5. Areas to avoid
Thailand as a country is very safe to travel for anybody, but they are areas which you should avoid due to the ongoing conflict. This is general for all tourists not specifically females.
Thai provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani are the most southern provinces of Thailand, close to the Malaysian borders and generally a no-go zone for tourists.
The religious, racial, and linguistic differences between the minority Malay Muslims and the Buddhist majority in Thailand caused this area to be unsafe for the decades.
6. Danger on Thailand Roads
Thailand is a popular destination for backpackers and sun-seekers from all over the world and there is a very good infrastructure which makes it easy getting from one place to another. However, the roads can be very dangerous.
Thailand is notoriously known as being a country with one of the most dangerous roads and it’s in a second rank, following Lybia, for being a country with the most deaths caused by road accidents. So be extra careful if you drive and always wear a helmet. I actually avoid motorbikes as much as I can, especially in Bangkok and Pattaya.
Also be careful when walking on a sidewalk. Someone can easily grab your bag or a phone.
7. Organize your travel with a reputable agency
I don’t recommend taking local overnight buses. Many drivers are underpaid, forced to work long hour and taking amphetamines and other drugs to help them stay awake through the night.
Rather book a VIP bus for tourist, it should only cost you a couple of dollars more and it’s much safer.
8. Make new friends
Even when you traveling alone it is very likely you will meet many people during your trip. Fellow solo girls and women, especially if you are planning on staying in hostels.
Many people share the same route so you can join others on some part of your journey, which can also save you some cash.
9. Don’t touch the monk
This is not much or a safety rule but something to be aware of as a woman.
Monks are not allowed to touch women so be considered. In most places, including public transport, airport and offices, there are specially designated areas for monks to sit.
But if you see a monk sitting on a bus or train do not sit on the seat next to him. Do not touch the monk or hand him anything directly.
10. Let people know your whereabouts
It’s always a good idea to tell at least one person where you are and your travel plans. Buy a cheap travel sim card at the airport or in 7/11 to stay reachable.
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