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We all have our favorite travel destinations – places that are etched in our hearts for one reason or another and places that we will always return to throughout our lives.
Two of my all-time favorite destinations as a solo traveler are in Thailand. However, I have been putting off traveling to this popular Southeast Asian country for quite some time.
I had a preconceived idea of what it was like, and I thought it was a bit too cliché to be worth my time and money.
But from the moment I was hit by that warm stream of humid air as I stepped off the plane at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, my love affair was already beginning to be written.
A travel icon
Before the pandemic, Thailand regularly ranked among the top 10 most visited countries in the world – in 2019 it set a record of almost 40 million international tourists.
It is so popular for a reason: it is a country with incredibly friendly people, fantastic weather, incredibly beautiful beaches and a fascinating history and culture.
It also has one of the most exciting and delicious cuisines in the world (it’s not all spicy) and is still relatively cheap to visit despite its popularity.
Now that travel to Thailand is back to business as usual, I wanted to share two of my favorite solo travel destinations in the country that will always have a place in my heart.
Bangkok
It would be easy to dismiss Bangkok as simply the entry point to Thailand and not worth spending time exploring in itself.
But this mega-metropolis is a very intoxicating place despite the hustle and bustle of its nearly 10 million inhabitants.
As a solo traveler, there’s no shortage of accommodation options, from cheap and cheerful hostels around the city’s Khao San Road party district to serviced apartments and hotels of all shapes and sizes.
Bangkok’s sheer size means there’s something to suit every budget and taste, and it’s not unreasonable to expect to pay as little as $30 for a room.
Food and drink are also very affordable, with street food being the obvious choice to keep costs down, costing just $2.
Public transport is cheap and convenient in Bangkok, whether you hop in a tuk tuk or take the metro.
It may be an urban jungle that looks chaotic, but it’s easy to work through and there are almost endless hidden gems to discover.
My three things not to miss in Bangkok:
1. Bangkokian Museum
A free museum housed in three restored heritage houses in the city’s Silom district, it shows what life was like for the middle and upper classes in Bangkok in the 1940s.
It’s a quieter alternative to the famous Jim Thompson House Museum.
2. Mahanakhon Sky Walk
Located in the heart of the city, the Mahanakhon Sky Walk offers incredible 360-degree views of the city from its staggered observation deck and glass-floored terrace, which sits more than 300 meters above the city streets below.
It costs about $25 to get a ticket to go up, but if you do it at sunset or even at night, you’ll be handsomely rewarded.
3. Wat Suthatthepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan
While the Grand Palace and Golden Mount may steal much of the spotlight, this slightly quieter temple is a nice place to get to know Thailand and its rich Buddhist culture.
Located next to the famous Giant Swing, Wat Suthat features intricate Southeast Asian architecture, impressive murals and many ornate golden Buddha statues.
Chiang Mai
Located in the far north of Thailand, surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful scenery, Chiang Mai is a change of pace from Bangkok.
That said, there’s still plenty of great nightlife in the city for those seeking it – hop aboard one of the famous red truck taxis and see where the night takes you.
Food and accommodation are also cheap here, and modern developments mean there’s no shortage of stylish apartments to choose from if you decide to base yourself in Chiang Mai for a while.
The city itself, dotted with enchanting temples, pretty gardens and a thriving arts scene, can keep you entertained for at least a week before you even think about heading to some of the amazing national parks and natural beauty that surround it.
My three things not to miss in Chiang Mai:
1. Bike tour
I won’t name just one company, but Chiang Mai has a large number of organizations offering guided cycling tours of the area.
On two wheels you will visit street food markets in the suburbs, see unknown temples and drive past rice fields. Don’t worry, the whole area is in a very flat valley so driving is easy.
2. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The Thailand Tourism Authority says exactly what I need to say about this: “The locals would say that you haven’t really been to Chiang Mai until you’ve been to Wat Phratat doi Suthep.”
Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s worth it. This super impressive temple is located about 9.5km outside the city (you can take local buses between 5am and 5pm) and sits atop a mountain that offers unbeatable views of the city.
3. A real Thai massage
Chiang Mai is one of the best places to get an authentic Thai massage, which will leave your back feeling 20 years younger.
My personal favorite is the Lila Thai Massage chain, which employs women who are in rehabilitation after serving time in prison. It gives them a purpose and a career to help rebuild their lives.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
