Thailand has been on my travel bucket list for a long time. I’ll admit—seeing Instagram posts and reels from influencers and content creators living their best lives, showcasing stunning landscapes, sipping smoothies under the sun, or zipping around on scooters from beaches to nail salons, indulging in luxurious yet affordable beauty treatments—it all felt like a dream.
Now, I’ve finally reached a point in my life where I can dedicate time to planning and actually taking this trip. Preparing for a solo adventure is never simple, especially when it’s your first time visiting another continent as a woman in her 30s. After much consideration, my 3-week Thailand itinerary was narrowed down to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the serene vibes of Chiang Mai, and island-hopping between Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket. During this solo journey, I gathered a wealth of insights that could be helpful if you’re planning your own trip—whether it’s navigating transportation, selecting ethical tours, or choosing where to stay. Here, I’m sharing my experiences and the things I wish I had known before arriving.
Budget note: I spent around £600 on daily expenses (excluding flights and accommodation), which included food, day trips, transport, and activities.
Flying to and within Thailand
As a traveller from Europe, I flew to Bangkok with Hainan Airlines, including a stopover in Beijing. This involved two 7-hour flights, during which I only managed to get about 2–3 hours of sleep on each, and a 5-hour layover in a country where apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Gmail are inaccessible, coupled with unreliable airport Wi-Fi. While I usually prepare thoroughly for my travel destinations, I hadn’t anticipated the challenges of a long morning stopover in China. Although some Wi-Fi is available at the airport, I recommend downloading VPN apps beforehand to access your usual apps and stay connected with loved ones.
A lifesaver during this stopover was my Revolut digital card, which allowed me to purchase food even though I hadn’t exchanged or converted any money into Chinese yuan beforehand. Later, my journey from Chiang Mai to Krabi took 3 hours, including a 1-hour stopover in Bangkok. Direct flights are available but typically cost 2–3 times more. I chose to fly with VietJet due to their better safety and punctuality ratings compared to Thai Lion Air, which I would avoid if possible. Unfortunately, my hard-shell suitcase was dented during handling, and despite lengthy discussions and emails, I only received €5 in compensation.
Getting Around Thailand
Navigating Thailand was easier than I expected, but there are a few things every solo female traveller should know.
The Uber of Thailand: I relied on Grab for scooter and car taxis. Always request a helmet, double-check the address (copy/paste to avoid mistakes), and be careful of app surge pricing. I learned the hard way: exiting the app and reentering the destination can sometimes increase the fare. Review and tip your driver via app or cash if possible — it goes a long way.
Public Transport in Bangkok:
- BTS Skytrain: I used a Rabbit card, which you can buy and top up in cash at BTS stations. It’s faster than buses and avoids traffic. They can also be pre-ordered online on Klook or KKday, paid by card, picked up at the airport and come with 100-200THB credits, for the same price. Note that for pickup or purchase of the Rabbit card, you will need a passport/ID. Also valid on BRT and MTR Yellow/Pink lines. Note that Bangkok and Phuket, for example, accept different Rabbit cards.
- MRT Metro: Tap in and out with a card; convenient for reaching different neighbourhoods.
- Buses: They’re slower, hotter, and mostly cash-only, so I preferred trains for efficiency
- ARL: Airport rail link
- SRT Red line
Domestic Flights & Overnight Travel:
- I took an overnight VIP first-class bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai — included snacks, water, a blanket, and reclining seats. Not luxurious, but comfortable and practical.
- Flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi via Bangkok were slightly cheaper than direct flights. Booking through Booking.com worked well.
Tips for Walking & Safety:
- Thailand drives on the left — be extra cautious when crossing roads.
- Always have a light shirt or scarf for AC in public transport or cabs.
- Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan on walking between markets, temples, or sightseeing. (open-toe sandals with small platform)
Cities vs Islands
Thailand offers very different vibes depending on where you go.
Bangkok: Fast, bustling, and full of surprises. Between street food, night markets, shopping malls, temples, and sky bars, there’s always something to do. I stayed for 10 days, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Chao Phraya River. Must-visits include lunch at Ojo Bangkok for a Michelin-starred meal with free terrace access to the Mahanakhon King Power building for city views. If you have time, book a costume rental at Charis Thai studio for an hour-long photoshoot at Wat Arun or the Grand Palace.
Chiang Mai: Smaller, calmer, and closer to nature. I explored temples, night markets, and even did a day trip to Chiang Rai to see the White, Red and Blue Temples. My honest take? The White Temple is visually striking but overrated — it’s mainly built for tourists. I loved the sticky waterfall tour, Dante Wanta Angel Waterfalls, and visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, where I fed, bathed, and learned about the elephants. Ethical research is key — avoid attractions that exploit animals.
Krabi, Phi Phi & Phuket: Islands offered stunning beaches, snorkelling, and magical sunsets. Day boat trips from Krabi to the “Seven Islands” were incredible — don’t forget to negotiate prices when booking locally (sometimes 40%). Phi Phi hostel experiences were mixed, so I recommend female-only rooms for privacy. In Phuket, I stayed in Chalong, 10mins scooter ride from Kata and 15 minutes from Karon Beach, which offered a quieter base.
Food & Budget
Street food vs Restaurants: I mostly ate out but avoided pre-cooked street food to stay safe. The days are very hot, and food that sits cooked outside can spoil quickly. IconSiam’s food court, small markets, and malls offered a variety of affordable meals. Must-try: coconut ice cream with mango and sticky rice, khao soi and fresh fruit from local vendors.
In Thailand, you’ll find lots of fresh fruits sold either as drinks to go or chopped bites to enjoy on the go, in addition to freshly made smoothies. If you like it as natural as possible, like me, ensure you request no sugar added and less ice to avoid having it as sorbet. Mango yoghurt smoothie was one of my favourites. I also tried blue spirulina and a coconut shake at SookSiam in Iconsiam.
Budgeting Tips:
- Carry cash for markets and small vendors — avoid extra ATM fees (currently £7 per withdrawal).
- Cards are accepted in most malls and hotels, though some charge 3% for international cards.
- Daily food budget: roughly €20, plus transport and day trips (usually around 20e).
Accommodation
I balanced my stays between private villas, studio-type hotels, and hostels:
- Bangkok: Hotel with fridge but no kitchen — breakfast not included.
- Krabi & Phi Phi: Hostels worked for meeting people, but female-only rooms and bed curtains gave privacy.
- Budget Tip: Booking ahead is essential in high season (Dec–Jan) to stay within £20–30 per night.
Tours & Day Trips
- Booked most day trips a day or two in advance.
- Ethical elephant sanctuary: A highlight of Chiang Mai. Booked by recommendation with Jungle Adventures.
- Boat tours in Krabi & Phi Phi: Sunset and snorkelling trips were magical — negotiate prices locally.
- Ancient City in Bangkok: Interesting and large, with over 120 stop points, they are man-made structures, and elephants are mistreated.
Safety & Solo Female Travel Tips
- Thailand felt safe — locals are generally friendly and helpful.
- Avoid dangerous situations, stay sober, and trust your instincts.
- Use phone accessories to secure devices.
- Only use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- Female-only hostel rooms are great for peace of mind.
What to Pack
- Clothing: Light layers, cover-ups for AC, comfortable sandals/trainers, one pair of heels for evening.
- Toiletries & Perfumes: Travel-sized containers; maintain your confidence and routine.
- Extras: Protein bars, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat.
Key Takeaways
- Bold opinion: White Temple overrated; Red Temple also underwhelming; Ancient City shows animal abuse.
- Highlights: Ethical elephant sanctuary, Krabi fire shows, Bangkok sky bars, boat tours.
- Solo female travel in Thailand is doable, fun, and enriching — just plan ahead, stay aware, and balance adventure with safety.
