The ever-changing and bustling Bangkok promises many fun activities: dining, sightseeing, shopping, river cruising, visiting temples, or enjoying the nightlife. Bangkok is considered a safe city for solo travelers, including women. It has relatively low crime rates and super-friendly locals. To help you make the most of your trip, this Bangkok solo travel guide reveals the best things to do alone in Bangkok if you plan to experience the city as a solo traveler.
This guest post was written by Leslie from Backpackers Thailand.
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Best Things to Do Alone in Bangkok
Visit the Temples
Buddhism is deeply woven into Thailand’s culture, playing a vital role in people’s everyday lives. No trip to Bangkok is complete without exploring the temples, a popular tourist attraction. Here, you can meet local Thais who visit temples to pay their respects, learn more about the city’s history, and appreciate the unique architecture. Plus, there’s no better place to enjoy solitude than a Buddhist temple full of serenity and peace.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Entrance ticket: 500 baht (buy your tickets here)
Located within the Grand Palace in central Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is believed to be the most sacred temple in the country. It’s one of the places Thailand is famous for. Go for this buy-one-get-two opportunity to explore the ancient royal residence and the famous temple. The same ticket will give you entrance to both attractions.
Wat Phra Kaew was built in 1784 as the private chapel for the Thai Royal Family. It holds a historical significance and offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich past. Wat Phra Kaew is a dazzling architectural gem and the nation’s spiritual heart. Enshrined within is the Emerald Buddha, an unbelievably revered green jasper carving believed to bring prosperity and protection. The temple complex is an excellent example of Rattanakosin architecture, with walls decorated by Ramakien murals, stunning ornaments, designs telling the stories of Buddha, and serene gardens.
Other important sites besides the Emerald Buddha include the ordination hall (Phra Ubosot), Phaithi Terrace, Ramakien Gallery, Row of Prang, Ho Phra Khanthararat, and many more pavilions and shrines. Grand Palace is no offbeat destination in Thailand, but it’s a perfect place to meet people from different countries, as more than 8 million tourists visit this place every year!
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Entrance ticket: 300 baht, cash only
If you enjoy the old buildings, you’ll love exploring Wat Pho’s territory. It’s one of the oldest temples in the city, dating back to the 16th century. The temple complex has a vast territory of 80,000 square meters. So you’ll probably find yourself hanging out here for at least 3 hours. The main attraction of Wat Pho temple is the enormous and majestic reclining Buddha statue, which measures 15 meters in height and 46 meters in length. If you love cats, you’ll be glad to find plenty of them on the temple grounds, casually chilling in the gardens. The best time to visit Wat Pho is in the morning (8 am -11 am). It gets busy with tourist groups later in the day. Also, make sure to dress appropriately when visiting Thailand’s temples.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Entrance ticket: 200 baht (buy one ticket for both Wat Pho and Wat Arun)
Wat Arun is a beautiful landmark in Asia that you should not miss. It’s a Buddhist temple built in 1656, with the central prang dating back to the 19th century. The temple was named after the Hindu god Aruna (Sun god). You can access this temple by taking a Chao Phraya River ferry to the Wat Arun ferry station. You can admire the whole temple view from the ferry as it crosses the river. This is a perfect photo opportunity. This river ferry departs every 5 minutes.
Wat Arun is a relatively small temple. 45 minutes to 1 hour should be enough to explore the surroundings. The central prang is decorated with beautiful porcelain mosaics and tiles. Four smaller satellite prangs surround it. Best come easy in the morning, or after 3 pm, as it will be less crowded.
Try the Local Street Food
One of the best things to do alone in Bangkok is to explore the food culture of Thailand by visiting a few street food markets. One of the best places to enjoy and taste many delicacies is Bangkok Chinatown, around Yaowarat Road. You’ll find endless types of food, including traditional satay skewers, mango sticky rice, shrimp dumplings, grilled squid salad, tom yum, red and green curry, or even lobster. Other top places to find good street food include Ratchawat Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Charoenkrung Road, Phahonyothin Road (Victory Monument), Nang Loeng Market, and Bangkok’s many floating markets.
Average street food snack prices: 30-100 baht per dish.
Take a Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise
Prices: 850 – 1,200 baht per person (buy your tickets here)
A 2-hour cruise with live music and a buffet (Thai dishes, European dishes, and sushi corner) offers the best night experience in Bangkok. Most ferries depart from the Asiatique Pier or the Boat Pier at River City. You’ll pass by some iconic landmarks, illuminated and reflecting in the river. You will see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Rama VIII Bridge, and numerous glittering skyscrapers that line the riverbanks (Shangri-La Hotel, Peninsula Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Royal Orchid Sheraton, and others). You will get an assigned seat on the upper or lower deck, which is just as fun and offers spectacular views. Alcohol drinks are not included in the cruise prices, but you can buy them separately at the bar.
Discover the Floating Markets
Exploring the floating markets is like stepping into a colorful picture book! Break from the busy modern streets, board a longtail boat, and dive into the charming historical atmosphere. These markets are unique because vendors cruise along the canals and waterways and sell their goods from boats right on the water. A true Thailand bucket list activity!
The floating market is a lively scene with lots of delicious smells from the street food. Freshly cut pineapples and mangoes hang from colorful boats. You can bargain for hand-crafted souvenirs from the comfort of your longtail boat or buy a steaming bowl of pad thai from a river kitchen. Floating markets are a fun, vibrant scene worth a wander. Bangkok’s most famous floating markets are Bang Nam Pheung, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market, and Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.
Explore Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is near the Hua Lamphong train station and centers around Yaowarat Road. It’s an absolute must-visit and one of the best Chinatowns in the world. After all, it’s home to the largest Chinese community outside China.
It is a safe neighborhood to explore solo and has many things to do alone in Bangkok – tasting authentic street food, visiting the Chinese temples, or shopping. If you wish to try the local food, the best time to visit Chinatown is in the evening; the streets light up, and most food stalls open. You can experience an authentic late-night market ambiance and an unforgettable culinary adventure. The most known Chinatown temples are Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple), Wat Samphanthawong (Wat Ko), Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi), and Wat Pathum Khongkha.
Visit the Art and Culture Center
Bangkok Art and Culture Center is located right in the heart of the city, near BTS Siam. It’s a great idea for solo travelers because you can explore and enjoy the exhibition at your own pace. This place is free to enter. Often overlooked, the Art and Culture Center is a real treat for art lovers, with cozy little shops.
With eight floors of air-conditioned space, you can beat the heat while exploring some extraordinary Thai contemporary fine arts. The exhibits here change often, so there’s always something fresh. They also host incredible fairs and concerts. On the ground floor, you’ll find a bookshop and library to dig into art books. If you’re hungry, there’s a cafe with coffee and light meals.
Day Trip To Ayutthaya
Located just an hour north of Bangkok by train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Ayutthaya is an easy and popular day trip from Bangkok. It was once the capital of the Siam kingdom, and its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your adventure at the majestic Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, once the home of Thai royalties. Explore its elegant buildings and picturesque surroundings, including the Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat temple and the scenic Chao Phraya River. Marvel at the impressive reclining Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam, one of the largest in Thailand, surrounded by lush landscapes.
Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of Wat Mahathat, one of the oldest temples in Thailand, featuring a Buddha head entwined within a banyan tree. Visit the Ayutthaya Evening Market: explore the bustling Ayutthaya Evening Market and treat your taste buds to a variety of delicious foods, from grilled meats to sweet treats like donuts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bangkok Solo Travel
Is a Bangkok Solo Travel Trip Safe For Travelers?
Yes, Bangkok is generally safe for traveling alone as long as you exercise caution. It has moderate levels of crimes, most non-violent: scams, theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching, and corruption.
Is Bangkok Solo Travel Safe For Women In Bangkok?
Yes, Bangkok is safe for solo women travelers, including the nightlife. Compared to many other megacities, Bangkok experiences minimal catcalling or unwanted attention. Of course, you should follow common sense and safety tips to avoid dangerous situations. Opt for well-lit streets and metered taxis of Grab.
What Are Some Safety Tips For Bangkok Solo Travel?
Crime rates in Bangkok are low but not non-existent. These solo travel safety tips will help you enjoy the city safely and avoid unpleasant situations.
Avoid taxi/tuk-tuk scams: There’s a popular scam in the city with drivers taking tourists to affiliated shops or refusing to use the meter and taking you to a different attraction than you requested. Avoid this by approaching the drivers yourself (not replying to their calls) or using a metered taxi or Grab.
Mind your drinks, and don’t accept drinks from strangers: Drink spiking is rare in Thailand, but it still happens. Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from people you don’t know.
Beware of pickpocketing: This one is uncommon in Bangkok, but keeping your eye on valuables is always a good idea.
Keep copies of your documents: Always keep a printed and a digital copy of your travel documents, just in case the originals get lost or stolen.
Stay in hostels/hotels with good reviews and in good neighborhoods. Safety comes first, so choose hostels or hotels with great reviews in safe neighborhoods when looking for a solo stay. Check out what other solo guests say about the place to ensure it fits well. Look for places with good security, with staff available 24/7.
Bangkok Solo Travel Guide – Final Words
Exploring Bangkok is an adventure of a lifetime, with many pretty places and delicious cuisine. It is a quintessential Thai city, and it’s so easy to see why it is a perfect city to travel solo. Whether diving into the delicious street food scene, exploring ancient temples, or cruising along the river, there’s much to see and do on your own. Following the tips above, you’ll enjoy the things to do alone in Bangkok and the freedom of solo travel. Check out my 4-day Bangkok itinerary if you want to learn more about the best things to do in the city!
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