White Sand Beaches And Incredible Temples! Why This Asian Destination Is A Hot Spot For Solo Travelers  

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It’s the season for solo travel!  

And whether you’re looking for frantic cities, laid-back beaches, high-octane adventure, or cultural enrichment, there’s one destination that is attracting solo travelers in huge numbers.  

Thailand is having a real moment right now, especially among those thinking of going it alone.  

Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan temple, Lampang, Thailand

Here’s why this Asian destination is a hot spot for solo travelers: 

Why Should Solo Travelers Choose Thailand? 

Thailand boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure that is easily accessible for solo travelers.

Getting around the country is straightforward, and finding places to stay as a solo traveler is also easy here.  

Thailand is also an incredibly affordable destination for solo travelers.

From hostels to higher-end hotels, you won’t break the bank when choosing somewhere to stay.  

woman with hat relax and sightseeing on Thai longtail boat in Ratchaprapha Dam at Khao Sok

If you’re new to solo travel or a seasoned solo traveler looking for some company, then there are plenty of small group trips throughout Thailand.

These are a great way to meet new people or to explore somewhere you might not feel comfortable going it alone.  

From tours of Bangkok noodle shacks to snorkeling tours of lesser visited islands, there are diverse options to choose from.  

I recommend booking a tour or two and combining this with your own solo adventures and seeing where the day takes you, so that you get the enjoy the best of both worlds.  

Bangkok Food Tours offers a historic Bangrat food tasting and culture tour that is ideal for solo travelers. Bangrat is a popular foodie destination for locals in Bangkok and is an area with a rich cultural heritage.

This tour costs 1650 THB ($) per person.  

Iconsiam indoor float market food court with all Thailand street food

While some people see eating as a social experience, the nature of dining in Thailand makes it ideal for solo travelers.  

The street food stalls you’ll find everywhere and casual ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurants mean that grabbing a bite and eating on the go, or taking a stool and sitting shoulder to shoulder with the locals, is the norm.  

A Diverse And Cultural Rich Destination  

Thailand is an incredibly diverse and multi-faceted destination.

If you want to relax on paradise-like white sand beaches, Thailand is for you. But you can also embrace the rich culture, bustling cities, and spectacular temples here.  

Thailand is a temple-rich (some might say temple-tastic!) destination, so if learning more about Buddhism and exploring its most spectacular temples is on your to-do list, then there is no better place to be.  

The most famous temple in Thailand is Wat Phra Kaew, and as it’s located right in the heart of Bangkok this is also one of the easiest to visit.  

Wat Phra Kaew Ancient temple in bangkok Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew is located within the city’s Grand Palace and its most noteworthy feature is the Emerald Green Buddha, considered one of the most sacred in Thailand.

Entrance costs 500 baht ($14) per person.  

For something truly unique, visit the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.

This is a spectacular and intricately carved temple that has the distinction of being the largest wood building in Thailand.  

Entrance here costs 500 baht ($14) per person too, and your entry fee also includes a guided tour in either English or Thai.  

Thailand is also famous for its beachfront Full Moon Parties, which take place in Koh Phangan.

Up to 20,000 people gather on the beach here once a month when the moon is full.  

Full moon party in Thailand

This is a great place to be if you love to party and meet new people.

It’s a riot of fun and decadence. However, solo travelers should be aware of their safety at these parties.

Where there is drunkenness and excess there can sometimes be poor decision making.  

Being aware of your surroundings, and not leaving your drink unattended are both good tips.  

Other Reasons To Choose Thailand

You can’t talk about Thailand without talking about its people.

Thailand is nicknamed ‘Land of Smiles’, and for good reason.

Digital Nomad Working From Her Tablet In A Tropical Location In Thailand, Southeast Asia

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you’re in the city, which contributes to solo travelers feeling safe and comfortable in the country.  

It’s also worth noting that Thailand offers a high degree of safety for solo travelers, and this includes solo female travelers. 

The U.S. Department of State has awarded Thailand a Level 1 Advisory Rating. This is the lowest possible rating, and means that travelers should exercise normal precautions, but are otherwise free to enjoy their travels.  

The only exceptions are the regions of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla.

Due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities, these provinces have a Level 3 travel advisory rating.  

Solo travelers are advised to avoid these regions when traveling around the country.

 

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These 3 Cruise Lines Don’t Charge Extra For Solo Travelers

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Solo travel and cruises are two travel trends that have been increasing in popularity lately, and yet at first glance, they may not seem like they mix well.

More travelers than ever are venturing out solo for their vacations rather than traveling with friends, family, or significant others.

Cruising is also exploding in popularity right now after the industry was dealt a heavy blow due to travel restrictions for several years.

woman in cruise ship port

However, most cruise ship fares are based on double occupancy, with the option to add a third or even fourth passenger to the cabin for a lower price.

On most cruise lines, there’s no discount for solo travelers, so even if you’ll be the only one in your cabin, you’ll still have to pay the two-person rate. Some cruise lines offer a reduced single supplement (for example, 75% instead of 100%) but you’ll still end up paying quite a bit.

Man on Cruise Ship

The following four cruise lines don’t charge single supplements.

Instead, solo travelers have the option to book single cabins on these cruise lines at a rate that is much more reasonable and less than a standard double-occupancy cabin.

1. Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian is one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers. Six of Norwegian’s ships offer “studio cabins” priced for just one person:

  • Norwegian Epic
  • Norwegian Breakaway
  • Norwegian Getaway
  • Norwegian Bliss
  • Norwegian Joy
  • Norwegian Encore

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Woman looking out over cruise ship

These studio cabins are only around 100 square feet but come with all the same amenities as a double occupancy cabin.

As a bonus, solo travelers staying in studio cabins will have access to a shared common area called the Studio Complex and Lounge which functions as a social gathering place with events to meet other solo travelers.

2. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean was just named America’s favorite cruise line, and offering cabins for solo travelers is just one more reason to love this popular cruise line.

Royal Caribbean ship

The seven Royal Caribbean ships that offer studio cabins are:

  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Spectrum of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Odyssey of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas

These cabins are priced specifically for single travelers. Unlike Norwegian, which only offers interior studio cabins, Royal Caribbean has a mix of interior, exterior, and balcony cabins for solo travelers.

Cabins range in size from 96 to 119 square feet.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

3. Holland America Line

Finally, Holland America Line is another popular cruise line that doesn’t charge extra for passengers who are traveling solo.

Right now, only three Holland America ships offer solo cabins, and there are fewer of these onboard (only 12 per ship) compared to Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.

The Holland America ships with studio cabins are:

  • Koningsdam
  • Nieuw Statendam
  • Rotterdam

Studio cabins are priced for just one person and are on the more spacious end, with cabins ranging in size from 127 to 172 square feet.

A Holland American Cruise ship passes by a mountain

What About Other Cruise Lines?

Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America are the only major cruise lines to offer solo cabins priced for one person. Smaller cruise lines like Oceania Cruises also offer single cabins.

And other popular cruise lines occasionally offer deals for solo travelers.

Although rare, sometimes the single supplement may be waived or greatly reduced for specific voyages.

woman holds champagne on a cruise ship with engagement ring - honeymoon, girl's trip, vacaiton

If you want to keep up with these offers and score a great deal, Cruise Specialists has a regularly updated list of cruises with waived or heavily reduced single supplements.

Other cruise lines may not offer solo traveler-friendly pricing, but many do host meet-ups and events for solo travelers onboard to meet other cruisers.

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