Thailand Solo Travel Highlights: My Best Adventures & Tips

I’m already a seasoned solo traveller with over 8 years of solo travelling mixed with friends trips or partners yet nothing feels quite like solo travelling, especially in Asia. It’s friendly, safe, and welcoming in a way few places are.

This was my 3rd time in Thailand but my first time solo. I was craving a mix: new places to explore, beaches, great food, and of course, a return to beloved Bangkok

My adventures took me through:

Chiang Mai – Culture & Calm

Koh Lanta - peaceful, solo-travel-friendly

Ao Nang - touristy quick stop

Bangkok - Urban Energy Meets Tradition

Chiang Mai – Culture & Calm

This was my first visit to Chiang Mai, and I came with a small wishlist: visit Wat Phra Lat and Wat Doi Suthep, wander the Old Town, and pass through the Tha Phae Gate. But as always, I left space to just explore.

As for every new place, the first thing I do is to walk around and after a quick check of google maps I set off on foot to temple-hop through the Old Town.

Tip: For everyone visiting temples, modest clothing is required (shoulders and knees covered), shoes must be removed when entering, and please don’t point your feet at Buddha statues.

During my walk I discovered a tiny outdoor cafe, well shaded in the grounds of Wat Phra Singh. I sat on an old wooden chair with a fresh cup of iced tea, took out my kobo to read and lost track of time. One of the lessons I’ve learned in years of travelling: resting and watching the world go by is just as valuable as exploring.

I booked a sunset tour to Wat Phra Lat and Wat Doi Suthep (€25–30), which turned out to be perfect.

  • Wat Phra Lat is tucked in the jungle, with wooden and stone structures and a small waterfall flowing through. Monks chant around 6 PM, and the temple grounds are home to friendly cats and dogs cared for by the monks. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore as the grounds are large.

  • After climbing the 500 steps to Doi Suthep, I was rewarded with a richly decorated golden temple and panoramic views over Chiang Mai — the perfect spot for sunset.

Chiang Mai balances cultural depth with modern convenience. There’s no shortage of cafes, food options, and co-working spots — it’s a haven for both expats and slow travellers.

Ao Nang - Touristy Quick Stop 

From Koh Lanta, I caught another van to Ao Nang. I knew it would be touristy — but I wasn’t quite prepared for just how commercial it felt.

Still under the weather and with only a couple of nights there, I ditched my sightseeing plans in favour of rest and recovery.
The food scene was mostly Western, and nearly every activity came with a price tag. But my quiet little hotel was a gem, and the beach at sunset? Stunning — clouds, hills, longtail boats and all.

In need of self-care, I found a well-rated spa — and it worked wonders. I felt so refreshed, so I went back again. Even though Ao Nang wasn’t what I had planned, I made the most of it and left feeling more like myself.

Highlights: 

Chiang Mai

  • Tigerhouse hotel: Cozy, well-located, vegan-friendly, and cat-approved.

  • The Haus 224: best Khao Soi, 70’s style decor in an old colonial house 

Koh Lanta

  • Beach walks at sunset

  • Peak cafe: Amazing vegan breakfast. 

Ao Nang

  • Mini House Ao Nang: Pretty boutique hotel tucked off the main street

  • Cru, Much & Mellow: Western-style meals 

  • Royal Palm Spa: Top-tier massage and spa treatments.

Bangkok

  • Roast: Great for lunch or dinner - Western style meals

  • Kam’s roast: Don’t skip the duck

  • Jodd fairs: Casual night market thai food 

  • Chao Praya Terrace at Four Season: Unforgettable riverside dining.

  • Mahanakorn: Best panoramic view.

  • Benchakitti park: Peaceful oasis in the city

Koh Lanta - Peaceful, Solo-Travel-Friendly

Koh Lanta was another first for me, and it looked like the perfect fit: peaceful, calm, and not overly built-up. I flew from Chiang Mai to Krabi and took a van transfer (about 3 hours).

Unfortunately, I woke up sick the next morning and had to scrap most of my plans. These things happen — it’s a part of travelling no one talks about enough. I spent the following days resting, reading outside my bungalow, and eating plain rice.

I did make it out one evening for a walk to the beach, where I was treated to a glowing sunset and a surprise performance by a Thai Elvis Presley impersonator — surreal and unforgettable.

Bangkok – Urban Energy Meets Tradition

This was my third time in Bangkok, and I still wasn’t done with it (still not done). 

I saved it for last so I could do some shopping at the end and not carry bags across the country.

I stayed in a quiet, Japanese-inspired hotel near EmQuartier, close to the BTS for easy access across the city. 

On the first night back, I headed straight to EmQuartier for dinner. My go-to method when unsure where to eat? Look where the locals are — it never fails.

What I mostly wanted to do was a mix of shopping and visiting new cultural sights. 

Shopping & Culture

I explored:

  • Terminal 21 – each floor is themed after a different city, with a great food court on top.

  • EmQuartier & Emsphere – modern, stylish shopping centres with trendy food, cafes and shops.

  • Icon Siam – huge and luxurious, with riverside views from terraces and the atmospheric Sook Siam food market in the basement.

  • CentralWorld & Siam Paragon – two massive shopping centres with everything you could want (or carry).

For a breather, I walked through Benchakitti Park, iced tea in hand from ChaTraMue. I found a quiet bench by the pond and let the chaos of the city melt away. It’s a beautifully shaded space, ideal even in the heat.

I finally made it to Wat Arun, a stunning riverside temple I had somehow missed on past visits. It was hot and crowded, but completely worth it. You can rent a traditional Thai outfit for photos or just wander the grounds. 

Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and be careful as the stairs are steep. For every ticket purchased you also get a free water bottle. 

That evening, I visited the Mahanakhon Skywalk, Bangkok’s tallest building. Is it overpriced? Probably. Am I glad I went? Absolutely. Watching the sunset over the city was breathtaking.

The Perfect Send-Off

On my final night, I treated myself to dinner at the new Chao Praya Terrace at the Four Seasons, seated in a table nook overlooking the Chao Phraya River. As the sun dipped below the clouds, I found myself tearing up - overjoyed for the trip I’d just had.

The staff were so sweet and quietly brought me tissues. I didn’t need words. That dinner, that moment, was magic. I promised myself: I will be back…

Would I Recommend It? Absolutely.

Thailand is a dream for solo travellers. It’s accessible, safe, and flexible enough for every budget and travel style — from backpacking to boutique luxury. The people are kind, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is one of openness and ease.

This trip turned out to be even more than I’d hoped for — despite the setbacks. And there’s still so much more to discover.

I’ll be back.