Is Thailand Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Our Experience and Safety Tips

Thailand can be a dream come true. Some women give up their lives back home to move here for a year, or forever. Others just save all of their money to come here on a fantasy holiday whether that be with a backpack or a private jet. Whatever your future in Thailand might look like, being street smart and having the right information is key to being safe. 

Safety should be a key consideration when traveling, especially for women and for those travelling alone. To make a bold generalization, Thailand is safe. You will hear plenty of people who live here tell you this, you will read it in all the blogs. But there are things to look out for. There are dangers. There are ways we can protect ourselves better. 

“As a white Spaniard having lived here for 8 years, I have never felt safer anywhere. After a month of living here, I could literally feel how stressed and scared I had always been in Spain and France when coming back home at night, without even realizing. That faded away.” – Amaia

This article aims to provide practical safety tips from real women who live here as insight to help solo female travelers and single women looking into the expat life in Thailand who are ready to navigate the ups and downs of this awesome tropical wonderland with confidence.  

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Where We Get Our Information 

Hello! I’m Phoebe, and I’ve lived in Bangkok for eight years. During that time, I founded a community for women in the city through Facebook groups. We currently manage a dozen groups focused on various aspects of life in Thailand, with a combined membership of over 20,000 women.

For this article, I spoke with hundreds of women who participate in online discussions in a safe space, sharing their experiences regarding personal safety in Thailand. All quotes are from real people.

Overview of Safety in Thailand 

In good news, The U.S. Department of State gives Thailand a level 1 safety rating. This means you should exercise normal safety precautions. Violent crimes are pretty rare, but petty crime can happen anywhere in the world and Thailand is no exception. 

Being ripped off can happen in Thailand and we have written a detailed article about the various Thailand tourist scams which you can find here. If looking for taxi, tuktuk, and jetski advice check that article before you travel.  

Generally, when walking around the streets, you are in little danger. As an expat woman who has lived in Bangkok for eight years, I can confidently state that I have never experienced one moment of unease or feared for my safety while walking alone in the day or in the middle of the night. My biggest fear is tripping over a friendly rat.  

“I’m in my early 40s. I’m originally from South America but I’ve lived in a few cities in Europe and also in Japan. I’ve been here for 7 months and this is one of the places where I feel the safest, only after Japan.” – Nis

There are times in Thailand when you might find yourself more at risk than usual. Bar and nightclub districts can be a bit sketchier than most places. Participating in adventure or extreme sports will put you in a more precarious situation as well. We will go into more detail about how to mitigate those risks below. 

“I think Bangkok is one of the safest mega cities in the world for (Caucasian?) women. As a European in my 40s I never feel unsafe, I never avoid any parts of the city. I am not a regular party goer though. But I do know that my Thai female friends feel very different about their safety, in regards to both Thai and expat men.” – Anonymous

Learn More: 

• Moving to Thailand: A Guide for Expats to Live Here
• Is Hua Hin Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Go

Thailand Accommodation Safety  

As a solo woman traveller in Thailand, you should choose your accommodation carefully and consider location, security, online reputation, and safety features. 

Backpacking and Hostels 

Even if you live full-time in Thailand, it is loads of fun to pack up a bag and hit the road, buses, trains, ferries, and cheap hotels and hostels make travelling here a fun and affordable adventure. 

But with the recent news that five young women and one man between the ages of 19 and 26 died in Southeast Asia in a recent case related to alcohol poisoning in a hostel in Laos, it is fair for all travellers to wonder if it is safe to still enjoy budget travel adventures in Thailand.  

With shared accommodation comes inherent risk. Strange people have access to your body and your belongings while you sleep. There is no way to tell if you are sharing a bunk with a bad person. The transient lifestyle of backpackers and tendency to relax and have fun, often with alcohol can make them a target for criminals of all kinds. 

Tip: If you choose to stay in hostels, opt for private rooms whenever you can. If you are in shared dorms, choose woman-only dorm rooms (of course women can be bad people too, but mixed dorms absolutely carry a higher risk of creepy, awkward, or unpleasant things happening). 

There are even a few women-only hostels around Thailand as well. These include TIMN Hostel Female Only in Pai which gets great reviews and the Khaosan Lady Hostel in Bangkok. 

Hostel organized activities often center around getting as drunk as possible for as little money as possible. We strongly advise against participating too enthusiastically in some of these activities. More on cheap and fake booze later. 

One hostel favorite pastime – Tipsy Tubing in Pai – was recently hit with a booze ban as thousands of drunk foreigners floating down the river for hours every day was really starting to annoy the locals. This was a wise move as the activity in Laos saw 27 backpackers die in one year of drunk river tubing. 

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Choosing Safe Hotels and Hostels in Thailand

Airbnb is not recommended for short-term stays in Thailand, as such rentals are not legal for periods under 30 days. Tourists risk facing sudden eviction if complaints from neighbors lead to police involvement. Opting for accommodations with proper oversight, such as licensed hotels or hostels, is a safer choice.

When selecting a hotel or hostel, read online reviews carefully to ensure the property has a good reputation. Be vigilant for potential safety concerns, such as hidden cameras or unusual features like unexplained holes in walls. 

Hidden cameras are so small these days and there have been several Thailand cases of them being used for nefarious purposes. In February of 2025, a young woman found a camera inside a pen facing her bed in a Pattaya pool villa. Then there was the case where a former employee of the Australian embassy in Bangkok was charged following the discovery of several spy cameras in women’s restrooms.

“I’m an older woman, so I don’t need to deal with the worries that some younger women do. I feel completely safe in Thailand. I’m from the States and don’t feel comfortable wandering the streets of big cities late at night. In Bangkok, I have no worries.” – Ruth

Tip: Ensure your room has secure locks and consider carrying a portable door lock for extra safety. Look for accommodations with visible security measures, like CCTV cameras, and choose well-lit properties in safe neighborhoods. If possible, assess the area at night to confirm it feels secure and is free from undesirable activity.

Nightlife Safety for Solo Female Travelers  

Thailand’s nightlife is legendary, and for good reason—beach parties, rooftop bars, hidden speakeasies, and everything else. But if you’re going out solo, it’s worth keeping a few safety tips in mind to make sure your night stays fun and doesn’t take a turn for the worse.

Bars, Clubs, and Entertainment

“Never any bad experiences for me- lived here 10 years. I have felt super safe here. If you are a partier, I’d be careful there, as I’ve heard drinks could be spiked in certain areas. I’d avoid the usual seedier places in town after about 2am. Precautions you would take anywhere.” – Mary

Always keep an eye on your drink. This applies everywhere in the world, but it’s especially important in busy tourist spots where spiked drinks can happen. If someone offers to buy you a drink, watch the bartender make it. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

Cheap Drinks Aren’t Always a Bargain

Alcohol in Thailand can be cheap, but there’s a difference between a good deal and a bad idea. Cheap alcohol is often homemade, unregulated, or made with deadly chemicals.

Tip: When drinking in Thailand, get your drinks from legitimate stores like 7/11 and reputable bars. If it is too cheap, it is not good. If you are paying 60 baht for a liter bucket of cocktails, you can bet they aren’t using Absolute. 

Eating Alone at Night

Street food and local restaurants are part of the experience, and eating alone shouldn’t be a safety concern if you stay aware of your surroundings. Choose busy, well-lit places, and avoid sitting in isolated spots. If a situation feels uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to move to another spot.

Enjoy the nightlife, but stay smart—Thailand’s an amazing place, and a little caution goes a long way in making sure your night ends just as great as it started.

Who to Watch Out For

One of the most common things I heard from women while writing this article was that it’s rarely local Thai people who make them feel uncomfortable. Instead, many shared bad experiences with expat men.

Several women knew someone who had been sexually assaulted in Thailand by a man they initially felt safe with—often another traveler or an expat they met through mutual friends. 

The unfortunate reality is that Thailand’s reputation as a carefree party destination also attracts people looking to take advantage of that environment. The country’s association with indulgence and, in some cases, unchecked behavior means that some men arrive with the belief that normal rules don’t apply.

This isn’t to say every expat or tourist is a threat, but it’s a reminder to trust your instincts. Just because someone speaks your language or seems familiar doesn’t mean they have good intentions. Stay aware, set boundaries, and don’t feel pressured to be polite if something doesn’t sit right.

“Bangkok for the most part feels safe, now that I don’t participate in the party scene anymore. It seems the worst of the worst has come to this city. I’ve had awful experiences in the local Latin dance community, so many predators walking around even organizing events. Even the “holistic” “conscious” scenes have men with weird vibes.”   – Anonymous 

How could we forget about Narcis Tarcau of the Agama yoga school on Ko Phangan who is accused of sexually assaulting dozens of women. 

Thai Transportation Safety

Here are some tips for making sure you are safe when using transportation in Thailand 

Taxis and Private Rides

Choosing reputable transportation services is essential for safety. Opt for trusted car hire companies and services booked by your hotel or travel agent so that there is some accountability as far as having the driver’s name, the licence number etc. 

“I feel safer now that I’m older and have more experience in S.E Asia. When I first arrived in my late 20’s, I had a taxi driver hit on me and start rubbing my leg. It made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Now, I always sit in the back.” – Tess

Use reliable ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Bolt, Cabb, or Muvmi. These are widely used by travelers and locals and offer tracking features for added security. Learn more about Thailand transportation options in our article here. 

I have definitely had issues in taxis once or twice. This usually comes in the form of the obvious scam where you know you are paying too much off-meter, but just want to get to your destination, so you let it happen. Then there were times when the meter was running at lighting speed, and another instance where the driver was visibly falling asleep and I have had to tap him multiple times on the shoulder to keep him alert. 

If you must take a taxi from the street, ensure the vehicle is licensed, share trip details with someone you trust, and avoid sitting in the front seat to minimize risks. Take photos of the licence plate and the driver’s ID card inside the taxi. You can do this covertly to avoid creating a problem when there isn’t one. 

“I feel totally safe here. I walk home very late at night sometimes with no worries. Of course there are predatory men here but I feel like women have to take precautions against that everywhere in the world, no matter how safe the place is. I sit in the back of the taxi or Grab when alone” – Elana

Trains, Buses, and Skytrains

Public transport in Bangkok and across Thailand is generally very safe, with the BTS Skytrain and underground MRT being well-maintained and reliable. Travelers can use these services comfortably both day and night, though it’s wise to remain vigilant in crowded areas. Stations are well lit and covered with CCTV cameras. 

Despite often being packed at peak hour, Thai commuters are known for their politeness and tend to avoid crowding or pushing, making even busy trains and buses feel orderly and respectful. Avoid isolated stops late at night and keep an eye on personal belongings at crowded stations.

When travelling on long-distance trains, keep an eye on your bags but you can certainly relax into the journey. Especially if you are on a sleeper train where you will have your own space and people will generally leave you alone. 

Motorbikes and Tuk-Tuks  

Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are a fun way to get around, quick and convenient. While they add a touch of local charm, they are risky choices. Negotiating fares upfront is essential for tuk-tuks and bikes as they don’t have meters. 

Stay safe on busy roads—hold on tight when you’re riding on the back of a bike. Always go with drivers who have helmets and steer clear of reckless ones.

Tip: If you are feeling unsafe on the back of a motorcycle taxi, tap the driver on the shoulder and gesture for him to stop. Or say in Thai: “หยุดตรงนี้ค่ะ” “yut tdrong nii kaa” Hop off, pay the driver and walk away. In some cases drivers might be tired, under the influence, or just too fast and reckless. It is not worth your life to continue a journey if you are feeling that something isn’t right. Listen to your instincts. 

Safety at Popular Tourist Attractions  

Tourist attractions in Thailand, such as temples, markets, and cultural sites, are generally safe but require extra caution. These areas often attract petty criminals due to the higher likelihood of tourists carrying more cash or valuables than locals. 

Be vigilant against common scams, such as inflated prices or unsolicited offers, and keep your belongings secure to avoid pickpocketing. Staying alert, avoiding overly friendly strangers, and researching typical costs in advance can help ensure a trouble-free visit. 

“I have had some teasing and cat calling and hitting on occasionally in Bangkok. As I usually go around alone in the city. But I’ve also lived in Europe so I still think it’s relatively safe. I was grabbed in the ass and stalked on a motorbike in Pattaya though.” – Amy

Are Adventure Activities Safe in Thailand? 

Adventure activities in Thailand, while popular and exciting, come with risks that should not be overlooked. Accidents have occurred in the past, often due to insufficient safety regulations or poorly maintained equipment. 

Who could forget the 2018 passenger boat which sank in Phuket and killed 47 Chinese tourists? Not to mention the Kuwaiti tourist who died bungee jumping, the Canadian who passed away in a tragic zip-lining accident, and two Russian tourists who drowned in Samui in 2024, just to name a few. 

Thailand sees hundreds of boat-related accidents annually, resulting in around 20 deaths per year often due to overcrowding or inexperienced operators. High-risk activities like scuba diving and cliff jumping also pose dangers without proper guidance or safety checks. Solo trekking can lead to challenges such as getting lost or encountering hazardous wildlife, especially in remote areas. 

These things happen. They happen all over the world. But in Thailand visitors are packing loads of risky activities into a short period of time and they might not be thinking about their safety first. 

To stay safe during adventure activities in Thailand, careful preparation and awareness are key. Choose operators with strong reputations and positive reviews, ensuring they follow proper safety standards and maintain their equipment. 

Don’t hesitate to ask about safety certifications or inspect gear yourself before use. For water activities like diving or island hopping, check weather conditions in advance and avoid tours that appear overcrowded or rushed.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as cliff diving without local guidance or trekking alone in unfamiliar areas. Always inform someone of your plans and carry essentials like water, a phone, and a first aid kit. For high-risk activities like zip-lining or bungee jumping, confirm the operator has adequate insurance coverage, and double-check harnesses and other equipment. 

Most importantly, avoid alcohol before participating in any activity and remember that safety should always take priority over thrills.

Thailand Nature and Wildlife Safety 

The wildlife in Thailand can be another safety concern, while your chances of being eaten alive by a tiger are extremely rare, there are snakes, bugs, and sea critters to watch out for. 

Thailand is home to some dangerous bugs and animals, including venomous snakes. While deaths from snake bites only reach 20 or 30 per year in Thailand, it is a good idea to be able to identify venomous snakes when travelling in remote areas. 

Other things like scorpions and spiders pose little risk but in the ocean, jellyfish and sea urchins frequently injure unsuspecting tourists. Watch out for box jellyfish especially, and learn how to treat stings from other ocean creatures. 

“For me, (Bangkok is) generally safer than most cities I’ve been to in Southeast Asia, not sure if it is because I’m Asian? So far I’ve only been followed by a local guy twice (different occasions). Scams are definitely more rampant here but when I ignore them they just find the next prey.”  – Liz

It is also wise to be wary around stray dogs and monkeys that may carry rabies.  

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Pathogen-carrying mosquitoes are an issue, and dengue fever is a real risk and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Within the first 6 months of 2023 there were more than 24,030 infections and over 20 deaths from dengue fever. 

Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint pain, and rash, which can escalate to more serious conditions. Since there is no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue, prevention is key. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing, and stay in accommodations with proper mosquito netting or air conditioning.

Malaria is a risk in certain rural areas, as is Japanese encephalitis, another mosquito-borne disease. Rabies is also present in Thailand, so avoiding contact with stray animals is important. 

Waterborne illnesses, including diarrhea and hepatitis A, are common concerns due to contaminated food or water, particularly for travelers eating street food or visiting remote areas.

“I feel super safe, but I don’t party, and I avoid going to the top floors of the shopping center across from Soi Cowboy (Terminal 21). I’ve had a few experiences with expat men when trying to go to the movies, so I just don’t go up there.” – Ginny

Vaccinations are a vital part of pre-trip preparation. The CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, and influenza. Additional vaccines to consider for Thailand include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis for extended stays in rural areas. The rabies vaccine may be recommended for long trips or for travelers planning to work with animals.

Tip: Carrying a basic medical kit is highly recommended. Essentials include medications for common issues such as diarrhea, antihistamines for allergic reactions, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever. Travelers visiting areas with a malaria risk should consult a doctor about antimalarial medications. Other helpful items include bandages, antiseptic cream, motion sickness tablets, and any personal prescriptions in clearly labeled packaging. 

Personal Safety Tips For Women in Thailand 

• Remove Yourself from the Uncomfortable Encounter: Most uncomfortable encounters start small, a stranger standing too close, a pushy conversation, or someone ignoring your signals that you’re not interested. If someone makes you feel uneasy, don’t worry about being rude, remove yourself from the situation immediately. It is better to overreact than to regret not being firm enough. 
• Get Help if Someone Won’t Take No for an Answer: If someone won’t take no for an answer, move toward a bartender, security, or a group of people. Thai culture tends to be non-confrontational, so if you’re firm but polite, many locals will step in to help if they see you’re uncomfortable. If you’re in a bar, restaurant, or street food spot, don’t hesitate to ask staff for help. 
• Use Firm Language: If a local is being too pushy, a firm “mai ao” (ไม่เอา), meaning “I don’t want,” can be effective. With pushy expats or tourists, direct and assertive responses work best, and don’t feel the need to soften your words to spare their feelings.
• Have an Exit Strategy: Always have an exit strategy and know how to leave a situation quickly. If you’re at a bar or club, keep enough cash on hand for a taxi or motorcycle for a quick getaway. If you’re walking, stay aware of open businesses or well-lit areas you can step into if needed.
• Use Your Phone Strategically: Use your phone strategically by calling or texting a friend (even if they’re not nearby) to make it seem like someone is expecting you. If you feel unsafe, take out your phone and pretend to video call someone, making it obvious you’re being watched.
• Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and be overly cautious, don’t worry about being rude to people if you don’t want to talk to them or engage. You do not owe them your time or energy, no matter what their intentions may be. 
• Keep in Close Contact: Keep in close contact with friends and family while traveling. Use safety features on your phone like Find My Phone, Find My Friends, Location Sharing, and Emergency Contacts. There are also lots of apps to look into for personal safety such as bSafe, Red Panic Button, and Watch Over Me. 
• Carry only the Essentials: Carry only the essentials when out in Thailand. You do not need all your cards, cash, passport, and jewelry. Keep the important things in your hotel safe and carry enough cash for the night or one credit/debit card. While it is unlikely you will be robbed, you might just have so much fun that you lose everything in a club or taxi. 
• Travel Insurance: Speaking of losing all of your valuables, this is a good time to remind you to get GOOD travel insurance. Accidents happen, medical things can take down even the healthiest of us, and valuable things can be stolen or lost. 

Learn more: 

• How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance for Your Thailand Trip
• Health Insurance in Thailand: What You Need to Know as an Expat
• A List of Popular Insurance Companies in Thailand
• My Experience (and Mistakes) Using Health Insurance in Thailand as an Expat  

Conclusion: Is Thailand Safe for a Female Solo Traveler? 

Thailand overall is extremely safe for women who are traveling solo. 

A lot of women travel alone here without major issues. Many of us choose to live here indefinitely because it feels so safe. The country’s got a solid tourism setup, so getting around and finding things to do is easy. But, like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings.

In the bigger cities and tourist spots, you will usually be fine. But be cautious, especially at night or in quieter areas or – conversely – in packed bars, clubs, and tourist attractions where you might be targeted because you are distracted or impaired. 

• When wandering alone, stick to well-lit places with friendly foot traffic
• Use trusted transportation,
• Keep your stuff secure.
• When in a busy space, be alert and aware of your belongings and personal space. 

As long as you stay smart and use your common sense, Thailand will be a fantastic and safe place to explore solo no matter who you are, where you are from, or what your budget. 

To give you that extra layer of protection, get travel insurance before you go. Accidents can still happen, even in safe places. You can find trusted options at safeandnotsorry.com