Thailand
Ancient temples, mountain towns and the most rewarding street food on earth.
Why Thailand?
Thailand has been welcoming independent travellers for decades, and its infrastructure, warmth and extraordinary variety of experience remain unmatched in Southeast Asia.
For a solo traveller, Chiang Mai offers the ideal base: a walkable old city, excellent food, countless day trips and a community of travellers and expats that makes the first few days easy.
Why it works.
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most solo-friendly countries. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, transport between cities is easy and affordable, and the culture of café and street-food dining makes eating alone an entirely natural pleasure.
Best areas.
Chiang Mai old city
The walled northern city, walkable, temple-rich and the ideal base for the first chapter.
Bangkok: Silom & Ari
For the capital chapter: the riverside temples and the quieter local neighbourhood of Ari for eating.
Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Noi
Quieter Andaman islands with a relaxed atmosphere, clear water and fewer crowds than the famous beaches.
November to April is the cool, dry season — the best time to visit. May to October brings the monsoon, green and dramatic in the north, rougher for the Andaman coast. The Gulf of Thailand coast (Koh Samui) has its own dry season from February to October.
Domestic flights connect the main cities quickly; overnight sleeper trains are an experience worth taking at least once. Tuk-tuks and grab (ride-hailing) handle city transport well. Alma will map the route so the travel itself is part of the experience.
Ready to make Thailand your own?
Tell us how you like to travel and we'll build a personalised plan for Thailand — the right neighbourhoods, stays and experiences for you.
Plan My Thailand Trip