With its maze-like markets, stunning island beaches, and golden temples, Thailand is a rich tapestry of culture. If you’re looking for adventure (think snorkeling coral reefs, seeing elephants, and navigating a floating market) and you’re up for going it alone, we recommend you visit Thailand as a solo traveler on our guided tours.
Our experts will give you the inside scoop and guide you every step of the way through a land that will stay in your heart forever. Read on to see why Thailand solo travel—on a guided tour—adds up to the adventure of a lifetime. This Thailand solo travel guide will cover:
- 3 reasons why you should visit Thailand
- 3 places to visit in Thailand
- 3 of the top things to do in Thailand
3 reasons why you should visit Thailand as a solo traveler on a guided tour
Thailand is at the top of many travelers’ lists of paradise destinations. Still, it can feel intimidating to fly across the globe to a place you’ve never been, where English may not be widely spoken. That’s why taking a guided tour of Thailand with our experts makes sense!
You’ll have a Tour Director and local guides along to lend a hand, whether you need some help finding the best place for a fresh Thai meal or deciding how to spend your free time as a solo traveler. Here are three reasons why you should check Thailand off your bucket list as a solo traveler.
“Traveling on a guided tour reduced the stress because I didn’t have to worry about navigation, language barriers, safety, and costs,” said traveler Michael.
1. Your local tour guide will be with you every step of the way
Navigating the lightning pace of Bangkok streets or remembering the protocols for entering a Buddhist temple can be tricky when you’re traveling on your own. But on our Thailand tours, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced local tour guide 24/7. “What really made the trip … was our local Tour Director,” said traveler Peter. “He was kind, considerate, knowledgeable, and seemed to go out of his way every day to meet our needs and satisfy us.”
Traveler Cathie agreed. “As a solo traveler I was worried about going to Thailand by myself,” she said. “I couldn’t have been more wrong! I felt totally included and one of the group right away. And I felt very safe!”
2. We’ll show you the best and most unique parts of Thailand
Part of Thailand’s charm is that the country stretches from its northern mountains near Mynamar to its beaches on the Malay Peninsula. (On a map, Thailand resembles an elephant’s head!) With so much to explore in each of its rich regions, it’s a tall task for solo travelers to navigate—especially for first-timers. But, when you visit Thailand as a solo traveler on our tours, we take care of every transportation detail, from in-country flights to motorized boat rides. All that’s left for you to do is soak in Thailand’s incredible scenery and culture.
“Thailand has always been tops on my bucket list!” said traveler Claire. “To fully have the total experience, enhanced with personal travel guides, optional excursions (we did them all) truly gave us a trip of a lifetime. We knew right off that one could never really do this trip without a tour.”
3. We’ll show you a Thailand most tourists won’t see
Solo travel in Thailand on tour with us means more than just hitting the highlights of this magical country. You won’t just eat to-die-for local Thai dishes, you’ll learn how to prepare them with a Thai chef. You won’t just watch elephants roam freely, you’ll help prepare their food and medicine, plus chat with the mahouts who care for the elephants. Our local tour guides will provide valuable insights into Buddhism and the lifestyle and culture of Thai people throughout your journey. Your visit to Thailand will be more than just a tour—it will be an immersive experience.
“This tour packs in a lot of extras and takes you behind the scenes,” said traveler Deborah.
3 places to visit in Thailand as a solo traveler
There are countless reasons why Thailand is one of the world’s top travel destinations. One of the big ones is that it has something for every type of traveler. Some come for the quiet places (the tropical beaches), some for the hustle and bustle of the cities, and some for the cultural and historic treasures. But everyone comes for the food! You could spend a lifetime exploring Thailand. but here are some must-see places to visit in Thailand as a solo traveler.
1. Bangkok
Known as the Great City of Angels, Bangkok—Thailand’s capital—has long been one of the planet’s most desirable vacation destinations. Solo travelers dream of Bangkok’s frenetic urban energy, opulent palaces, dizzying markets, and, of course, who can forget about the incredible food? All of it is made more enjoyable by the warm hospitality of the people. After all, Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. You’ll find yourself smiling, too, as soon as you step foot in this storied imperial capital. When you experience all that Bangkok offers—from the tranquility of its parks to the dazzling beauty of its palaces and temples—you understand why it has become one of the world’s most beloved cities.
Before you go, check out our comprehensive Bangkok Travel Guide →
2. Phuket Island
In the mood for white, sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and some of the best sunsets in Thailand? You’re not alone. Phuket is one the Thailand’s largest islands… and of the country’s most popular destinations. Taking a guided walking tour of Old Town, lined with street stalls, shophouses, and remarkable architecture, is the perfect way for solo travelers to get the inside scoop on this important trading post. The Thai Amulets Market is a great place to pick up an amulet blessed by Buddhist monks to bring you good fortune.
Still wondering why you should visit Thailand as a solo traveler? Read on →
3. Chiang Mai
Thailand offers so much for solo travelers beyond its bustling urban centers and postcard-perfect coastline. In the country’s lush, mountainous north, the tranquil city of Chiang Mai is an intoxicating mix of the ancient and modern. The city offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture. Here, you can treat your tastebuds to traditional Thai flavors while exploring a sprawling night market, observe elephants roaming freely in a World Animal Protection-supported sanctuary, and chat with a monk about the principles of Buddhism.
3 of the top things to do in Thailand
From its palm-fringed beaches to the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a tempting world of adventures for solo travelers. There’s so much to see, experience, and taste, whether it’s your first time in the Land of Smiles or you’re returning to fall in love with this country all over again. “There’s no way we could have seen everything we were able to see on our own,” said traveler Deborah. An expert Tour Director and local guides will ensure you see it all securely. To get you started, here are three of the top things to do on your Solo Tour of Thailand.
Check out our tour specially designed for Thailand solo travel →
1. Ride a long-tail boat through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
You’ll feel like a time traveler as you glide by boat through one of Thailand’s most popular floating markets. Farmers have sold their food and goods on the longest of Thailand’s klongs (canals) for over a century. Along with throngs of locals and visitors, you can soak up the atmosphere while you shop for freshly picked produce, special Thai sweets, and handmade goods. You’ll have your pick of souvenirs to purchase, too. Your local guide will be along for the ride to help you navigate the market and learn about its importance in Thai culture.
“The Floating Market was one of my favorites!” said traveler Sarah. “We took a boat ride through the canals to get there and then wandered around. The market was so different compared to what we see in the States.”
2. Go beach hopping on the Phi Phi Islands
Want to see water-loving monkeys, take thrilling speedboat rides, and swim in amazing crystal-clear waters? This is the most sun-drenched fun you can have as a solo traveler in Thailand. You’ll soak in the laid-back atmosphere of the islands, snorkel through one of the world’s most abundant coral reef systems, and cruise past staggering limestone cliffs on your way to Monkey Island. An expert guide will be alongside for your day of island hopping to ensure you don’t miss a thing, including the delicious local specialties.
“What an incredible adventure!” said traveler Judy. “Right from our arrival, the tour was a kaleidoscope of colours, people, art, architecture, customs, food, and language. It was amazing to realize how much we saw and the activities we participated in each and every day.”
3. Spend the day with elephants as they roam freely in the Chiang Mai countryside
“I especially loved the elephant sanctuary,” said traveler Cathie of her visit to ChangChill, included on our extension to Chiang Mai. That’s the reaction of most who spend time at this remarkable sanctuary where elephants can simply be elephants. You’ll observe the Asian elephants as they roam freely in this safe haven and learn about the efforts to protect them. You’ll also meet with the mahouts (elephant caretakers) who are devoted to their well-being.
“Stopping to see the elephants was an experience in itself,” said traveler Sarah. “We were able to feed them, watch them bathe, and walk around the grounds with them.”
