Thailand is consistently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Every traveler will find something that piques their interest in this nation, whether it be the exotic experiences that can be had in the rainforests, the beaches with white sand, or the lively nights spent in Bangkok.
Are you ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime? Going solo in Thailand can be both exhilarating and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to break your budget. From picking the perfect destination for hiking and exploring temples to saving time and money with Travel cards and organizing travel insurance – this first-timer’s guide will provide you with all the tips, tricks, and advice needed for an incredible experience without breaking your bank account!
Choose your destination – Thailand has many beautiful and popular places to visit, so do some research to figure out where you want to go.
Thailand has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, exploring the country’s rich history and culture, or getting away from it all. From urban cities like Bangkok to rural villages and stunning islands like Koh Samui and Phuket, there are plenty of options for choosing your destination in Thailand.
For those seeking an adventure-packed holiday with activities such as zip-lining, white water rafting, or scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, Ao Nang is a great option. Want to stay away from the tourist crowds?
Opt for Pai in northern Thailand instead – here; you can go river rafting on bamboo rafts and explore its many waterfalls. You could also take a trip to the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, which offers picturesque temples and markets, and a trek in the surrounding hills.
Best 5 Tourist Attractions in Thailand:
1. Bangkok is a must-see destination.
Bangkok is an exciting metropolis. Thailand has a lot to offer: beautiful temples and palaces, fantastic marketplaces and stores, one of the wildest nightlife scenes, and delicious food. I didn’t take to the city initially, but it’s become one of my favorite places to live.
2. Chiang Mai Excursions
An ancient city with temples, marketplaces, night markets, incredible cuisine, and a laid-back vibe, Chiang Mai is a must-visit. There is a nearby elephant sanctuary, and the region is the beautiful jumping-off point for jungle hikes—one of the finest in all of Thailand.
3. The Khao Yai National Park Hike
Approximately 2.5 hours north of Bangkok sits one of Thailand’s most incredible national parks: Khao Yai National Park. Unique in every way, beautiful to look at, devoid of visitors, rich in wildlife (including a few wild elephants), and so much more. The Greenleaf Guesthouse has the neighborhood’s lowest room rates and the most affordable tours.
4. A Songkran tradition is to splash people with water.
The Thai New Year is celebrated with April’s massive three-day water fight. Songkran is a Thai holiday celebrated on the first day of the new lunar year to cleanse oneself and welcome in the next 12 months symbolically. You should expect to get soaked in any outside activity on those days.
5. Visit Ko Lanta.
Ko Lanta is still a wonderland despite its recent development compared to its more urbanized surroundings. This is one of my favorite places in the nation since it has everything I could want: wide, white sand beaches; affordable meals; beautiful sunsets; fantastic caverns; excellent snorkeling and diving; and an incredible selection of cheap lodging options.
6. Check out Phuket
It’s no secret that Phuket is Thailand’s most popular vacation spot. If you skip Patong Beach, you may escape much of the overdevelopment and overcrowding while enjoying the island’s excellent beaches and spectacular activities. There are many visitors in Phuket, so if you want a good time, you must go out of the typical tourist traps.
7. Visit the Floating Markets
There are several marketplaces in Thailand. The country’s many floating marketplaces are among the most quirky of them. Among the greatest is Bangkok’s Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market and Ratchaburi’s Damnoen Saduak Temple.
Photographic opportunities abound in floating marketplaces, where boats of varying quality are stacked high with brightly colored merchandise and tasty treats. Even if you’re just a tourist, it’s cool to get personal with one. For 1,000 Thai Baht, you may enjoy a guided tour of Bangkok’s Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway markets.
8. Check out Elephant Nature Park.
You may visit Thailand and ride an elephant, but you may reconsider after learning about the brutality they endure to offer these rides. Volunteering at or visiting the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai is an even better chance to get personal with the creatures.
It’s a fantastic organization that helps the local community and these gorgeous creatures. You’ll see why riding an elephant is not good after visiting here. The standard adult rate for a day trip is 2,500 THB.
How should I get around?
When in Thailand, you must take a ride in a tuk-tuk. These loud, fume-cloaked (but highly entertaining) vehicles are ubiquitous across the country, notably in Bangkok.
If you’re planning on taking a trip, it’s best to split the cost with one or two (three is the absolute limit) additional people. Expect to spend between 100 and 150 baht for short flights inside Bangkok, so be prepared with the appropriate cash before you go.
Motorcycle taxis are a convenient option for solo travelers, and they can be found on all main thoroughfares, whether in a large city or a more remote location. These aren’t practical for trips with more than one person or bags, but they can save money on short, local trips (as low as 20 baht).
Because of the country’s vastness, travel times between major cities in Thailand can be lengthy (for example, the distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is around 700 kilometers). You may save the money you would have spent on a hostel by taking an overnight bus or train.
Expert Advice for Your Thailand Vacation:
- Scams are common in Thailand, especially in the local taxi system, so be on the lookout at all times. It would be best if you never got into a cab with a driver who tells you the meter is broken or not working. Avoid taking taxis unless you want to pay exorbitant rates.
- The Grab app is Thailand’s equivalent to the Uber service. Instead of using the bus, rail, or BTS, you may take a Grab cab, where you’ll pay for the distance traveled.
- Refuse Drugs: In Thailand, drug use is prohibited in every way possible. In Thailand, drug use might have grave repercussions, so have fun but abstain from doing so.
- Thailand is a religious and culturally sensitive country. Therefore visitors should dress appropriately. Visiting a temple or other religious building requires correct attire. Visiting a temple requires dressing modestly, including covering your shoulders and legs.
Practical Advice for Visiting Thailand on a Budget:
Spending too much in Thailand is only possible if you’re aiming to splurge. This is how to save even more money when visiting if you are on a strict budget (or want to decrease prices).
- Go local: Living like a native is the best way to cut costs in Thailand. Get around with the public transportation system, dine on street vendors, and sip the beer of the land. In Bangkok, the typical Thai person spends less than 7,750 THB monthly, while those living in rural areas pay much less. Keeping things straightforward can help keep costs down.
- Eat street food: The tastiest cuisine in Thailand can be found on the streets for a fraction of the price of a restaurant dinner. If you’re watching your spending, stick to street food. Benefit from happy hour prices, which often drop to half off, or even offer two deals for one in Thailand. Only go out to bars during their designated happy hours.
- Get your beer from 7-Eleven: You may save money on your bar account if you buy beer from one of Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drink it in the fresh air. You should expect to save over 50% compared to the cost of alcoholic beverages in a bar.
- Tours should not be reserved in advance: Do you fancy yourself a budding chef? Consider going zip-lining. Have you ever wanted to go on a jungle trek? Dive? Only make reservations once you reach Thailand. Countless tour operators stake up prime real estate in busy pedestrian thoroughfares to hawk their wares. You may buy these trips online before you go there, but you’ll have to pay a premium. If you want to save money, wait to make reservations until you get to your destination.
- Host up with a native: Nothing beats the price of a free bed. Travelers may find friendly hosts who are willing to let them crash on their couches for free and who can also recommend the best sights in the area by using the Couchsurfing website. Remember to get your requests in early, however!
- Bring along a water bottle: Since tap water isn’t drinkable, a water bottle with a filter is a must in Southeast Asia. LifeStraw is my go-to bottle since it contains built-in filters that keep your water pure and safe (plus, it’s eco-friendly).
Is Thailand Safe?
Traveling around Thailand by yourself is very secure, and despite the country’s thriving sex business, ladies won’t draw more attention to themselves than men will.
Observe the usual safety measures, such as avoiding strangers and unofficial cabs when returning home. Assuming you’re using common sense, traveling in Thailand is entirely risk-free. There are usually female-only dormitories available at most hostels.
Sadly drug muggings are reported to sometimes occur in Thailand. Never, ever accept food or drink from an unknown person, especially on a train or during a complete moon party. Please keep all of your belongings on you at all times on public transportation, especially on trains and buses, as they are prime targets for pickpockets.
Bottom Line
All in all, Thailand is a fantastic country to travel solo. It’s affordable, the people are friendly, and there’s a lot to see and do. Just be sure to plan your trip well so you can make the most of your time there!
