Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is one of the most exciting cities in Asia. It’s also an incredible destination for solo female travelers of all ages. As a woman over 50, I’ve never run into safety concerns during my visits. Whether you’re drawn to glittering temples, bustling street markets or lively nightlife, Bangkok has something for everyone. Violent crime is rare, and tourist areas are busy and well-patrolled.
The city is affordable, easy to navigate and full of opportunities to explore at your own pace—making it ideal if you’re traveling alone. There’s also a large backpacker and expat community, which makes it easy to meet people if you want company. At the same time, Bangkok offers plenty of safe and peaceful experiences for those who prefer to wander solo. Many locals speak some English as well.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Skip the airport stress — Lyft’s On-Time Pickup Promise guarantees your scheduled ride shows up within 10 minutes of your pickup time. If it doesn’t? You’ll get Lyft Cash. You can schedule up to 90 days in advance and even lock in your rate. Use code SBT25 to save 25% off ONE scheduled ride to the airport.
Traveling solo in Bangkok gives you the freedom to design your own adventure. These places to see and things to do are generally very safe. I’ve done them all. Bring your best walking shoes, you’ll need them!
1. The Grand Palace and Spectacular Temples
This cultural landmark is a must-see for anyone who’s never been to Bangkok. Filled with intricate architecture, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of both Thai royalty and ancient history. The walled complex features not only the palace, but also a collection of extravagant and elegant temples (aka Wats). Go early to avoid mid-day crowds.
There are over 400 temples in the city; here are a few other must-see stops.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Known for its stunning spire, beautifully decorated with colorful porcelain tiles.
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Houses a 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf. You’ll need a wide-angle lens to capture it in one photo.
- Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha): Houses a nearly 3-meter statue of Buddha made of pure gold, weighing several tons
- Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple): The temple is exquisite and unique with its white marble walls imported from Italy..
SheBuysTravel Tip: Temples require modest clothes. Bring a scarf to cover your shoulders, as well as long pants, skirts or sundresses.
Get 365 days of travel inspiration delivered right to your inbox!
2. Chatuchak Market
This Sunday market boasts being the “World’s Largest Market,” with over 200,000 visitors each week. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to meander through the 15,000 stalls featuring local art, crafts, antiques, traditional clothing, incredible food and more. Try Pad Thai, Mango Sticky rice and grilled skewers along the way. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Many shop owners expect it.
3. Take a Tuk Tuk
Riding the streets in a tuk tuk is a quintessential experience for any first-time visit. You’ll be zipping through the streets, wind blowing in your hair, a little terrified by the crazy divers, but still giggling with delight.
- Negotiate fares before starting your journey. No more than 400 baht ($12 US)
- Beware of tourist traps—some drivers may try to take you to silk dealers or unwanted stops.
4. Jim Thompson House
Jim Thomson was an American who helped bring Thai silk to the world before mysteriously disappearing in the 1960s. His traditional Thai-style teak houses are beautifully preserved and filled with an impressive collection of art, silk and antiques. The surrounding gardens are calm and shady. Check the schedule to see a performance featuring Thai dancers showcasing their beautiful hand-bending talents in colorful costumes. The site, located in the heart of the city, offers a serene escape from the urban hustle.
5. Have a Meal by the Chao Phraya River
Eating by the river in Bangkok is one of those experiences you just can’t miss. The Chao Phraya River is lined with all kinds of hot spots. Satisfy your taste buds with foods like pineapple fried rice (one of my favorites), spicy papaya salad, creamy curries or fresh seafood. Watch the long-tail boats and dinner cruises glide lit up at night.
6. Take a Canal Boat
Hopping on a canal boat in Bangkok is a fun way to see a different side of the city. Away from the busy streets, the boats travel through narrow waterways where you can catch glimpses of local life—artsy graffiti along canal walls, kids playing by the water, small wooden houses on stilts and food vendors cooking right by the banks.
Other Ways to Get Around Bangkok
- Car – Download the Grab app, the equivalent of Uber/Lyft. Traffic can be horrendous, so use this option for shorter trips or during inclement weather. Best for evenings, especially if you are alone.
- Rail – Super clean and efficient, the rail system is a convenient way to skip the traffic and quickly reach your destinations.
- Bus – You’ll deal with traffic again, but the buses are a great way to see how the locals get around.
7. Dine at a Swanky Rooftop Bar at Sunset
If you want to step into a movie, try the Sirocca Sky Bar by the Chao Phray River. Featured in the film The Hangover 2, you’ll get a truly epic view of the city skyline. On the 63rd floor of one of the most luxurious hotels in Bangkok, Sirocco not only provided a spectacular view of the night skyline, but also a fantastic menu of fusion and Thai cuisine.
Must-See Sites Beyond Bangkok’s City Center
8. Floating Markets
Bangkok has several floating markets, the largest of which is Damnoen Saduak. Around 60 miles from the center of the city, this market features hundreds of floating stalls along a maze of canals. There are hundreds of small motor boats to take you around the site. Ask to travel through the residential canals to see a unique look at how the locals live. Organized tours or private taxis are the best way to get to this market. I recommend joining a tour if you’re traveling on your own. It’s fun to meet other tourists from around the world.
9. Maeklong Railway Train Market
In Thai, this market is called Talad Rom Hub, but it’s also known as Siang Tai or the “life-risking” market. Colorful canopies and vendor stalls line either side of the tracks. Watch your step so you don’t trip. Here, you’ll find fresh produce, local food and Thai souvenirs. You may want to turn your head when you come across the “catfish killer.” I watched in awe as a local woman cut off the fish heads, blood spattering like a murder scene. Don’t worry, most stalls are tame in their contents.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Many tours provide stops at both markets. Make a day of it. Both sites are spectacular for photography, too.
10. Ayuthhaya
Just about an hour’s drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in. The site was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. The old temples and crumbling ruins give you a glimpse into the city’s long history.
Rent a bike for a budget-friendly way to get around. There are many bicycle rental shops, including a large one near the train station. Peddling past temples and serene riverside spots is an excellent way to spend the day.
Additional Tips for Safety
Bangkok is a very safe city for women traveling alone. That said, these tips will help you feel more confident on your own.
- Use Grab (the local ride-hailing app) or licensed taxis, especially at night.
- Be mindful of your belongings in crowded markets.
- Book reputable accommodation with good reviews from female travelers.
- Stay somewhere with easy access to the Skytrain
- Watch your drink in bars and clubs.
- Stick to well-lit streets and busy areas
- Always follow your gut; when you feel something is off, it’s better to be safe than polite.
Leave a Reply