Exploring Thailand solo can be a rewarding experience. But the idea of navigating unknown territories can be worrying, especially as a woman. So while it’s generally safe, is Thailand safe for single female travelers? Thailand is safe enough for women traveling solo, but you still need to be wary of your surroundings. To help you out, check out the seven safety tips below!
Is Thailand Safe for Single Female Travelers? How Safe Is It Really?
Thailand is a relatively safe country for single female travelers. However, accidents can still happen, like in any other country. For instance, there was a bombing incident at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine, a popular tourist destination, in 2015. Luckily, these occurrences are sporadic. In fact, Thailand is as safe for a solo woman traveler as staying in one’s hometown.
But practice caution when in the country. After all, robberies are still common in Thailand, especially purse snatchings. You can avoid these scenarios with common sense. For example, just leave if someone’s hustling you for cash in exchange for information or always have your bag by your side while on busy streets. Overall, when in Thailand, have fun but remember to stay safe!
7 Safety Tips When Traveling as a Single Female to Thailand
🏠 Pick a Safe Accommodation
One of the best ways to stay safe during your visit to Thailand as a single female traveler is by choosing secure accommodation. So if you’re traveling on a budget, a $5 shared room may be tempting, but it isn’t the safest choice. Pay a little extra money to get a room with at least a lock on its door, 24-hour reception, and clean facilities.
These extra dollars can be the difference between sleeping comfortably or getting mugged at night. Additionally, many hostels in the country have female-only accommodations. So if you don’t mind sharing a room, this should be a great way to stay safe at night.
✔️ Only Book Your First Few Nights
If you’re a single woman traveling to Thailand for the first time, you’ll need to ensure you’re happy with your accommodation. After all, this is the place where you’ll unwind after a long day of exploring the country. So, I suggest avoiding booking beyond your first few nights in the country.
Doing so helps you see if a particular place is safer than others or if you simply like it better. Although it’s hard to tell before arriving in the area will suit you, remember it’s for your safety! So remember to keep your options open.
👜 Always Be on Your Guard on Busy Streets
Purse snatchings and other petty crimes are common in Thailand, especially against foreigners. Unfortunately, no matter how developed the country becomes, robberies are becoming more frequent.
The most common one is drive-by purse snatchings. Here, motorbikes speed close pedestrians, where the passenger then grabs your bag.
To avoid getting mugged while on the streets, walk as far as possible from the roadside. Always have your bag on the other side, far from traffic.
Additionally, only bring what you need daily and store everything else in your hotel.
Finally, if your bag does get snatched, let the thieves have it if you don’t have anything valuable inside it. After all, your safety should be your priority.
👗 Pay Attention to Your Attire
Despite having some of Asia’s largest party and nightlife scenes, be careful what you wear in Thailand. After all, just because there are many scantily-dressed bar girls doesn’t mean you should follow. Not only is it inappropriate, but it can be dangerous as well. You wouldn’t want to attract the bad kind of attention after all.
Not to mention, Thailand is a conservative country. So, pay attention to your attire and cover-up!
Ladies, don’t go topless on beaches, no matter how comfortable it may feel. Also, don’t go too far from the beaches wearing just a bikini. After all, some lurkers might follow you home.
Aside from that, when visiting temples or royal complexes, you need to dress extra carefully. It would be best to have your shoulders and knees covered to pay respects.
Finally, always bring a sarong with you to save you some time. This accessory can save your wardrobe in no time.
😌 Pace Yourself
The party scene in the Land of Smiles may be massive and glamorous, but it can also be dangerous. And this especially applies to single female travelers.
So whenever you go partying to a club or outdoor rave, watch what you drink. After all, spiking drinks is a common way criminals drug ladies during these events. Also, if you bring bottled water with you, never leave it unattended.
Although this may seem going overboard, remember that dangerous hallucinogens like diazepam can easily be bought over the counter. So always be wary in party environments.
📱 Stay Connected and Buy a SIM Card
Traveling to any country as a single female traveler can pose many dangers. So it only makes sense to secure a line of communication when in Thailand.
Luckily, there are plenty of cell provider kiosks at the airport. And they usually offer tourist SIM cards and data plans you can use from anywhere from a few weeks to months.
I recommend getting SIM cards from DTAC or AIS. These network providers offer consistent coverage nationwide.
Overall, staying connected can help you contact local authorities should an emergency occur.
🔭 Watch Out for Tourist Scams
Although Thailand is a popular tourist spot, scams are still common. And as a woman traveling solo, you may get approached more by these scammers.
There are many scams you must be aware of. However, the most common ones are drivers not giving your change back and locals giving you false information in exchange for cash. So when visiting the country, always give your cab or tuk-tuk drivers the exact change. And book tours beforehand to avoid getting lost due to misguidance.
Overall, be wary of your surroundings when in Thailand, and if something seems odd or too good to be true, avoid it.
Why Travel Solo to Thailand?
Thailand is the perfect introductory country to the Asian continent. It has the ideal mix of modern and traditional attractions, perfect for tourists. If it’s your first time traveling to the country, here are reasons why you should travel solo to Thailand.
- Thailand is accessible. The land of smiles is a regional transportation hub, making it easy to go to! From planes, boats, taxis, mini-vans to tuk-tuks, a single female traveler can navigate Thailand easily—and safely.
- Communication is easy. Most Thai people, especially those on the tourist trail, can speak English. So if you’re a woman traveling solo, you can always ask for help from locals if ever an issue arises. Not to mention, there are many ex-pats in the country, so communicating shouldn’t be a problem.
- Delicious food. Even if you don’t know about Thai cuisine apart from the famous pad Thai, you’re in for a treat! Authentic Thai cuisine offers different dishes that will suit the palate of most. But be warned, ‘spicy’ in Thailand is highly spicy.
- There’s something for everyone. Thailand is a perfect mix of modest and high-end. So whether you’re going on vacation to Thailand on a budget or want to splurge, there’s something for you to enjoy. Also, Thailand is safe for LGBT travelers, so don’t worry about anything—and just be yourself!
- It’s affordable. You can explore Thailand via backpacking for cheap fees and still enjoy your time without limiting yourself. Also, boutique hotels here are inexpensive and can cost as low as $20 to $30 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How safe is Bangkok for single female travelers?
A: Bangkok has plenty of dangers lurking for women, being the party capital of Thailand. But by going to crowded places and always being aware of your surroundings, these can be avoided. However, generally, Bangkok is safe for all travelers, including single women.
Q: What should I avoid in Thailand when traveling solo?
A: Thailand has its fair share of scams and dangers, and as a woman, you need to be extra careful. For instance, when going out on busy streets, don’t walk near the roadside as bag snatching is quite common.
Q: Is Thailand fun for a solo woman traveling?
A: Home to scenic beaches, chic clubs, and ancient sights, Thailand has everything tourists want. There are plenty of guided tours you can go on solo, or you can explore the country by yourself. Just make sure to study more about the country beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Is Thailand safe for single female travelers? The country is generally safe for women traveling solo. Crimes are nonexistent, and common petty crimes can be avoided with common sense. So, the next time you go to Thailand, don’t hesitate, have fun, and stay safe with the tips above in mind!