Tips for a Solo Trip to Thailand

What are the country's advantages?

One great advantage of Thailand is that it is an affordable country for visitors. Hostel prices range from 3 to 8 euros. The food is extremely tasty and you can get Pad Thai on the street for as little as 1 euro. I paid only a few cents for Bangkok city transport by bus or boat across the river! There are no more excuses that travelling is expensive, the most you will pay is for the plane ticket. Of course, it is wise to be a little careful, as they will try to scam you like everywhere else, as you are a tourist. For example, a tuk tuk ride will cost you three times as much as the locals.

For me personally, one of the biggest advantages is the endless summer. By that I mean high temperatures, but there is a time of the year when it does not stop raining. The best time to visit is from November to March. In this time, you should also be prepared for extreme heat.

I met some of the nicest people in the world in Thailand. People stopped me on the street several times to help me get to my destination without me asking them for help.

Where should I go in Thailand?

Whether you are looking for cultural attractions, natural beauty, or nightlife, it is best to combine them all in one trip. I have visited several cities and islands, and here I will present my favourites:

Bangkok

As the first stop on the trip, Thailand's capital city can be a major culture shock. At first, I was not sure how to get across the five-lane road at all, as the hustle and bustle of the city completely surprised me. But I spent three weeks in Bangkok and quickly got used to the chaos. Soon, I had no problem wandering the bustling streets. A point of interest that not many tourists make is to visit the Sathorn Unique Tower or "Ghost Tower", which is an unfinished skyscraper. It is necessary to climb to the top on foot, that is, to walk about 70 floors. But it is definitely worth it, as the view from up there is magnificent. A security guard must be bribed to get in, so keep some change with you. In addition, I visited Wat Arun and Wat Pho temples. The temples are fascinating, but it is important to respect the rules of dress and behaviour. For nightlife in Bangkok, I recommend Khao San Road.

Koh Samui

The best thing you can do on this island is to go to the nearest motorcycle rental store and ride around the island by yourself all day. It costs about 3 euros per day to rent. It is okay if you have never ridden a motorcycle before, as they are small, and you get used to them immediately. It is smart to know the basic traffic rules, but beware, they drive on the left side of the road in Thailand, which can be confusing at times. When you are at the bike rental store, do not give your passport, as they may claim that you caused a scratch on the vehicle, and do not return it until you "cover the damage". It is therefore also very wise to take photographs of the motorcycle beforehand to prove that you did not cause the damage.

Koh Phangan

For anyone interested in nightlife, I recommend this island, where something happens almost every night, especially during the full moon. When there is a full moon, there is a "full moon festival" on the island, and every month during this time there are many different events and parties on the beaches all over the island. However, you should be a bit careful in some situations.

Koh Phi Phi

If you want to go to paradise for a few days, this is the ideal destination. Phi Phi is such a small island that there is no traffic on it, so you can only move on foot. It is surrounded by turquoise sea, beautiful beaches and diverse marine life. The perfect place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Here, too, you can find evening beach parties and admire incredible sunsets.

Chiang Mai

Thailand's second-largest city, found in the north, is also a very interesting destination. You will most likely have to fly there by plane within the country. Everything here is more relaxed and peaceful than in Bangkok. There are many beautiful temples here that are centuries old. You can go on a day trip to elephant shelters. These are several facilities dedicated to the rescue and ethical treatment of elephants. Many of these elephants have been rescued from abusive situations, such as being used for tourism. In these shelters, elephants live freely, in a more natural and humane environment. As visitors, you learn about it and can feed them bananas and offer them a mud bath. This contributes to their well-being. Do not visit the activity of riding elephants, as this is harmful and stressful for them.

What else can I do?

There are 7-Eleven stores in all cities and islands. This is a very interesting little shop that you will find in almost every corner of every city. They sell a wide range of products, including fast-food items like ready meals, snacks, and drinks. They also offer everyday essentials such as toiletries, household items, and essential medicines. In addition, many 7-Eleven stores in Thailand have become hubs for a variety of services, including bill payments, ticket reservations, and even some banking services. For 30 cents, you can buy a toastie, which is toast bread topped with a variety of ingredients and heated up on the spot. A quick and tasty inexpensive snack.

Carry locks and make sure your accommodation has a locking option for valuables. Lock your passport and money inside, and never carry everything with you when you go around. For emergencies, bring a copy of your passport. It is wise to take out basic health insurance before you travel because you never know what might happen to you. Otherwise, get adventurous and enjoy this beautiful country.