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Abi is a Londoner who left a 10-year HR career and moved to Bangkok on her own. Through AGA Travel (Always Go Anywhere), she shares destination guides, solo female travel tips and honest advice on living in Thailand, and helps women go solo with confidence.
This Thailand travel guide is for women planning a solo trip. Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved destinations - a country where golden temples, bustling markets, paradise islands, and world-famous street food come together in one unforgettable trip. From the buzz of Bangkok to the white-sand beaches of Phuket and the jungle-covered mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, or just a spot to relax in the sun, this country delivers it all.
For me, Thailand is more than just a place to visit - it’s also where I now call home. I’ve settled in Bangkok, and every day I find myself falling a little more in love with the culture, the food, and the easy-going vibe of life here. There’s an energy to Thailand that you can’t quite explain until you’ve experienced it yourself - a mix of warmth, chaos, colour, and charm that keeps you coming back again and again.
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Where to go in Thailand
These are the top places to visit in this Thailand travel guide. Each one links to my full guide, and the dashed ones are coming soon.
Bangkok
A vibrant capital mixing modern skyscrapers with ancient temples, floating markets, and legendary nightlife.
Ayutthaya
A UNESCO World Heritage site, once the capital of Siam, with stunning temple ruins.
Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong
The floating market and the market built right along the train tracks.
Chiang Mai
Nestled in the north, famous for its temples, night bazaars, and elephant sanctuaries.
Guide coming soonPhuket
Thailand’s largest island, known for its lively beach resorts and water sports.
Guide coming soonKoh Phi Phi
Famous for turquoise bays and limestone cliffs.
Guide coming soonThailand for solo female travellers
This part of my Thailand travel guide is for women going alone. I live here, so I'll give you the practical detail rather than a blanket "it's totally safe". For my full answer, read Is Thailand Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Where I stay
As a woman travelling alone, I usually stay in a serviced apartment or a hotel within walking distance of the main tourist areas. See my best places to stay in Bangkok for the areas I'd pick.
Getting around safely
I always use Grab. It's probably the most reliable option, and you know the fare before you get in. On the islands, Grab can be a little less common, so it's quite reasonable to arrange transport through your hotel. They're often more than accommodating. If you're feeling brave, you can always look at hiring a scooter, but make sure you have the correct licence and insurance in place before doing so.
Meeting people
I host women's meetups in Bangkok, so you don't have to do it all alone. Join the community. I also use the Meetup app, and Facebook groups and social media are good places to find people too.
What I'd tell a friend before her first solo trip
Embrace it and enjoy it. Don't worry if you don't have a plan, because things never go exactly to plan anyway, and whatever happens you'll learn to adapt. And if you don't love it, at least you've tried it and you know it's not for you. Group travel might be a better fit in the future.
Feeling nervous about going solo? Grab my free solo confidence guide.
Money and ferries
Currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted in most cities. For island hopping, book ferries online in advance to save time and avoid queues. You can book them through 12Go.
Dress and etiquette
A respectful bow with hands pressed together (wai) is a common greeting. Dress modestly when visiting temples - cover shoulders and knees. Tipping isn't required, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
My Thailand highlights
Since settling in Bangkok, I have been exploring at every opportunity. One of my first adventures was visiting the Maeklong Railway Market - a traditional market built right along the train tracks, where vendors pull back their stalls just seconds before a train passes through. I paired this with a trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which gave me a glimpse into local life on the water. You can read my full guide on the Damnoen Saduak & Maeklong Railway Market tour for everything you need to know before you book.
History lovers should not miss a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok - the ancient temple ruins of Thailand’s former capital are just 85km north of the city and make for a brilliant and easy day out.
For a quick escape from city life, Koh Samet has become a favourite of mine. Just three hours from Bangkok, it offers soft sandy beaches, turquoise water, and a much slower pace - perfect for recharging. Read my full guide on Koh Samet as a solo female traveller for tips on getting there and what to expect. You can reach the island by catching a bus from Ekkamai bus station.
Further afield, Koh Samui is one of my favourite island escapes - stunning beaches, great food and easy to reach from Bangkok. Check out my guide to the best beaches in Koh Samui and my full guide on how to get to Koh Samui from Surat Thani to plan your trip. I have also spent time in Hua Hin, a great coastal escape that is much closer to Bangkok. Read my Hua Hin hotel guide for where to stay.
Back in the capital, I love spending time at Benjakitti Park - a peaceful green space with a lake and skyline views, ideal for an evening stroll. Bangkok itself never stops surprising me. Neighbourhoods like Silom and Sukhumvit are filled with trendy cafés, rooftop bars, and a lively nightlife scene, while Khao San Road buzzes with backpacker energy. The city’s temples are nothing short of breathtaking, from the riverside beauty of Wat Arun to the sacred atmosphere at Wat Phra Kaew. And no trip to Bangkok would be complete without exploring its shopping scene - whether it is high-end luxury at Icon Siam or bargain hunting at MBK Mall, there is something for every type of traveller. For a full guide to the city, check out my guide on the best things to do in Bangkok and the best places to stay in Bangkok.
Best time to visit Thailand
The best time for your Thailand travel guide plans depends on what you want to do, so here is how the year breaks down.
Cool and dry
The most popular season - perfect weather for exploring cities and relaxing on the beach.
Hot season
Expect high temperatures, great for islands but can be intense inland.
Rainy season
Lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but be prepared for tropical downpours.
Getting there and getting around
Planning flights and transport? This Thailand travel guide section covers how to arrive and how to move around once you are here.
How to get there
- Major international airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), and Phuket (HKT).
- Direct flights from London to Bangkok take around 11-12 hours.
- Domestic flights are quick and affordable, making it easy to combine multiple destinations in one trip.
Getting around
- In Bangkok, use the Skytrain (BTS) and Metro (MRT) to beat traffic.
- Tuk-tuks are fun but agree on the price beforehand.
- Night trains and buses connect major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani.
- Ferries and speedboats operate between islands - book ahead in peak season.
- Grab is available in most of the major cities, so taxis and scooters can be booked easily.
Local dishes to try
Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass and lime.
A fragrant coconut-based curry with vegetables and meat.
Spicy green papaya salad with peanuts and lime.
Stir-fried flat rice noodles with soy sauce, egg and greens.
Grilled marinated pork skewers, often served with sticky rice.
A rich, creamy coconut curry with a mild, nutty sweetness.
Sweet mango with sticky rice and coconut milk.
Moving to Thailand
My move to Thailand was possible because I decided to take the leap and teach abroad and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you are curious about making a similar move, I have written a detailed guide full of tips, advice and honest reflections on what it is like.
Read my Teaching Abroad Guide · Teach in Thailand: The Complete Relocation Guide · How to Move to Thailand · Cost of Living in Bangkok
Thailand travel FAQs
Do UK citizens need a visa for Thailand?
UK passport holders can currently visit visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days (cut from 60 on 15 September 2026). You also need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 3 days before you arrive. Rules change, so check gov.uk before you book.Is Thailand safe for solo female travellers?
Lots of women travel Thailand solo, and I live here in Bangkok. Like anywhere, use common sense, book rides through Grab and share your plans with someone. I cover this in my solo female safety guide.When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February is the cool, dry season and the most popular. March to June is hot, and July to October is rainy but green and quieter.How do I get around Thailand as a solo traveller?
In Bangkok, use the BTS Skytrain and MRT. Elsewhere, Grab, domestic flights, night trains, buses and ferries cover most routes.
Abi is a UK travel blogger, currently living in Thailand, sharing destination guides, solo female travel tips, and insider advice on exploring Southeast Asia. Through AGA Travel (Always Go Anywhere), she helps women discover the world with confidence, whether they’re travelling solo or joining one of her hosted group trips.
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