Best trips for solo female travel in Thailand

Last week, I took time out from my Bangkok days here in Thailand, waiting for the world to reopen for some Me time.

SEIZE THE DAY!

Are you the same and not entirely sure where 2020 has disappeared? If, like me, you have been managing Covid issues for your family across several continents and time zones, the past few months went by in a flash, and now it’s nearly time for your Christmas holidays—not! Have your original plans for festive days with family in your homeland long disappeared?

Time for solo travel

It’s been exhausting. Covid-19 and the accompanying worldwide uncertainty have gone on far longer than we thought. Some of us have waved kids off to universities across the globe, from here, not there. Our nights were spent hoping that the resilience you tried to instil in your (adult) kids would be enough to maintain their sensibilities during a global pandemic. Knowing that if anything goes wrong, there is little that you can do about it.

I’ve lost track of how many family special events, normally celebrated together, have come and gone quietly this year. A whole heap of babies have been born and are waiting to meet their grandparents, and I know of at least two new four-legged friends who will no longer be puppies when they are finally introduced. Then there has been the sadness of seeing our friends grieve family members without a final goodbye.

Hands up who needs a break – me!

Stop the world I want to get off!

THE RISE OF THE SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLER

Travel companies all talk about the rise of the solo female traveller as one of the biggest watch areas in travel. I’m wondering what impact the recent years of the pandemic will have on this market.

Hmmm, I think it’s about to explode. What about you? We have all proven that we can spend weeks in social isolation, some of us in testing times locked indoors with our loved ones. Maybe others have enjoyed this time. Aren’t we, for instance, preparing for a baby boom? While Covid may not be the birth name of choice, I’m certainly hearing of a pug dog in England called Covid, or was it, Boris?! I forget, whatever…

I digress. The point is, let’s go on some adventures, and to make it really fun, let’s explore on our own. I believe we deserve it!

LET’S VENTURE OUT SOLO IN THAILAND!

There has never been a better time to go off on your own. For those of us (happily) marooned in Thailand, we can’t leave Thailand without the worry of how we can return, not to mention the challenges and cost of quarantine.

We also know that Thailand is without tourists, and it is a unique time not to be missed. The prices are good, and some of us’ partners are clamouring for their own me time too.

SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS

Did you know that a booking.com survey resulted in a Solo Travel Report that revealed 72% of American women are taking solo journeys? The biggest demographic was in my age group, 55 years or older.

The next biggest group was under 25 years old. At this stage of my life, I love travelling with those under 25. It makes me feel youthful again!

Covid has also made some of us nervous about returning to exploring. For those of us with families in the epicentres of Coronavirus hotspots, we are mindful not to worry our families about our travel plans.

They say that during COVID, more marriages dissolved and weakened than survived and strengthened. If you were one of the lucky ones with a strengthened relationship, then own that success and travel solo to reinforce the message. If you were one of the unfortunate masses and have now announced your Facebook status to the world as Single, embrace going solo. It’s the new you, and you’d better enjoy it!

ME, MYSELF AND THAILAND

Last year I was invited to attend a product test for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) e-publication Me, Myself & Thailand. We travelled to Nan, one of the five destinations highlighted for solo female travellers to consider, along with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Nong Khai, and Phuket.

I loved all the extensive research and consideration that had gone into this e-book publication. TAT has identified that Solo Female Travellers in Thailand want:

• Conquering Mountains
• Searching for my soul 
• Live like a local
• Recharge
• Make a difference

So, as soon as we could return to travel in Thailand, I knew I needed to follow up with some solo travel. Here, I share some of my favourite places I have explored.

ALEENTA HUA HIN PRANBURI

Friends had told me about a wonderful beachside boutique hotel called Aleenta, Pranburi, 30 mins south of Hua Hin. They also had a deluxe Solo Female package! I spent four nights in a beachside residence it was amongst my happiest days of 2020!

My mornings were spent walking along the wide, sandy beach. Either direction was interesting, and you could go on and on. I walked 10,000 steps daily, did yoga, had long lazy breakfasts, read my book, set up a little office for some writing and went on an epic bike ride to the next bay. I visited the organic farm that the hotel uses for its wonderful restaurant. I could have tried kite surfing famous in the area, but for me, the spa was calling. My afternoons were spent resting, rejuvenating my body with massage and body scrubs, and hanging out in my hammock.

Kamalaya Wellness and Holistic Spa Koh Samui

Each stay starts with a and a with. There are endless opportunities within the resort for treatments and a full schedule of classes and talks. I book an energy healing Reiki session and then I am told to do nothing! ⁣

There are some amazing deals for Thailand Residents, so as soon as I left, I booked to return the second time with a friend. I am not alone. Once you have been, you will want to return, and over 50% of guests do just that.

My Hillside Ocean View room was upgraded to an Ocean suite in a flash sale and cost THB 2750 (88USD) per night, including breakfast. The rooms are all gorgeous. Mine had an outdoor bath on the balcony. The view down to the swimming pools and the beach was stunning. The grounds are amazing.

Kamalaya is a haven that allowed me to pause my hectic schedule. I had found my heart song in Koh Samui, but now it was time to be at one with nature in this incredible setting and listen to the birds’ song. ⁣

Who’s up for a wellness retreat? Form an orderly queue here, and if you are in Thailand, better still make a booking. Tell them the happy little bird sent you! ⁣

Kamalaya Koh Samui 

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Anantara will pick you up from Koh Samui International Airport for the speedboat transfer to the island. There is time for a quick welcome drink, a cold towel, and a temperature check before leaving our shoes in individual cloth bags on the pier. This is the start of the barefoot luxury of a Rasananda stay.

As we walked up the beach, with the world’s softest sand beneath our feet, you can’t help to admire the pristine Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach. No wonder it is described as one of the best beaches in Thailand. Nestled in front of the towering coconut palms are the jaunty red umbrellas and red towels on the beach sun loungers.

A couple of kayaks and some paddleboards await, tempting guests out into the calm waters.

They have the best spa …just saying. This was my idea of the perfect solo indulgent travel. You will not regret investing in yourself with a stay here.

You can read more about my wonderful stay here at Twin Island Bliss

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas 

Website: www.anantara.com/en/rasananda-koh-phangan

CASA BLANCA BOUTIQUE HOTEL PHUKET OLD TOWN

Phuket Old Town is a perfect destination for a solo female travel adventure, there is a bit more to do here than laze on the beach all day, but if this takes your fancy it’s not far away! Although fairly quiet at present I enjoyed just wandering the streets, enjoying the street art, food, museums, etc⁣

Casa Blanca was my favourite hotel in Phuket’s old town. I mean, they had me at the two fat chicks painting in the hallway! It was screaming perfect for the solo female travel market. Well, it made me smile and feel at home! ⁣
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It was fresh, bright, colourful, and fun. The staff was super welcoming and friendly. The hotel was spotlessly clean, with a small swimming pool, and all housed in a charming colonial building. ⁣
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Here’s looking at you, kid! ⁣

Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel

Website: www.casablancaphuket.com

This small hotel is very central. The Memory at On, On might suit you better if you like history; it is like stepping back in time!

Memory at On On

Website: www.thememoryhotel.com

Tamarind Village, Chiang Mai 

Tamarind Village is a small boutique hotel in the heart of historic Chiang Mai. It is a sister property to the beautiful Rayavadee, Railay Beach (one of our best couples’ staycation destinations we had), so I was excited to stay. At its centre stands a huge 200-year-old tamarind tree. I loved the rooms reflecting the history and diversity of Northern Thailand⁣.

It was perfect for solo travel because it is so central in Chiang Mai. I walked everywhere. Each day they have activities for guests. The early morning walking tour of the city was a great way to get the lay of the land. The staff was very welcoming, and the restaurant was fantastic, overlooking the swimming pool.

You will come back full of memories of the ethnic charm and ancient history of Northern Thailand.

Website: www.tamarindvillage.com

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

If you are looking for good value, stay in a brand new hotel in an exciting part of Bangkok, and look no further than ASAI Chinatown.

The staff are full of ideas of places to see, I walked and walked and walked and just loved the energy of the surrounding Chinatown streets. It was such an energising stay.

You will never be bored in Chinatown. While you are here, check out Wallflowers Cafe and Teens of Thailand Bar, or stop by Mustang Blu for an expensive coffee.

Oh, the stories you’ll tell, you’ll come back with the biggest grin on your face from even only one night here!

Website: www.asaihotels.com/locations/bangkok-chinatown/⁣

Wish it, Dream it, Do it!

Travelling solo in Thailand during the global pandemic may not sound like an ideal time to explore your inner wanderlust, but getting out there on the road will make you see that you are not alone. Solo female travel is on the rise!

I hope I have tempted you to invest in yourself. This has been such a challenging year for everyone. A few days’ pause is a worthwhile investment, and for those of us in Thailand, it needn’t cost much money. Let’s go, girls!