Having explored more than 30 countries around the world, I can confidently say that Thailand is one of the safest and most welcoming countries for female travelers. Whether you’re visiting as a solo traveler, as part of a group, or with family, you’ll find the country to be filled with friendly and polite people eager to make your stay both safe and memorable.
So why is Thailand safe for female travelers? Let’s review the reasons.
Thailand’s culture
Arriving in Thailand for the first time, I was not sure what to expect. The Thai people quickly made me feel welcome. Thai culture has strong roots in Buddhist teachings. The focus is on spreading kindness and creating harmony.
As a female traveler, I always feel at ease visiting temples, exploring markets, and interacting with the local people.
Thailand Welcomes Female Travelers With Open Arms
Thailand depends on the tourism industry, so it tries to make traveling throughout the country as stress-free as possible. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, rideshare apps like Grab are easy to use.
Many locals in tourist areas speak English as well.
Whether traveling by bus to Chiang Dao, ferry to Koh Samui, or a plane to Krabi (also one of our favorite honeymoon destinations), I find that many of my fellow travelers are women.
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Thailand Has Low Crime Rates
Thailand’s crime rates are lower than many other popular travel destinations. It’s still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and keep your bag and money close to avoid pickpockets and petty theft. I often notice police around crowded tourist areas, which always makes me feel more confident if I need assistance.
Female-Friendly Accommodations
Most accommodations in Thailand are safe and secure. I always choose centrally located locations ranging from boutique hotels to women-only hostels. This not only makes exploring easier but also adds an extra layer of comfort.
I look for accommodations with strong reviews and good security. And I highly recommend accommodations with a pool in this warm climate.
On a recent trip to Chiang Mai, I stayed at The Rim Resort in Old City, a lovely boutique hotel protected by a wall and gate that was locked for the night at 11pm.
Bonus Tip! Thailand prices are pennies on the dollar compared to most other countries. I have experience staying in the equivalent of 4-5 star boutique hotels for as low as $60 per night. The Rim Resort in Chiang Mai (above) was only $80 per night and includes breakfast.
Thailand Supports Solo Female Travelers
You’ll never be alone as a woman traveling in Thailand. There’s a strong community of solo female travelers and backpackers, especially in places like the islands, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Many hostels have women-only dorms, and night trains even offer female-only cars. There are also a variety of woman-owned businesses, cafés, and tours that make me feel right at home.
Safety Tips for Women Traveling in Thailand
While Thailand is safe, here are some basic travel tips to help you feel even more confident:
- Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas.
- Avoid leaving drinks unattended or accepting drinks from strangers.
- Use Grab or metered taxis instead of unmarked cabs.
- Store valuables in hotel safes and use a cross-body bag during the day.
Food Safety Tips for Thailand Travel
- Always drink bottled water. Tap water is not safe to drink.
- Avoid anything that is not cooked like raw vegetables
- Stick to fruits you can peel yourself, like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples
- Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from filtered water.
Female-Friendly Packing List for Thailand
- Quick-dry undergarments
- Swimsuit, cover-up, and a Rash Guard
- An insulated water bottle like this one
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat
- A scarf for bare shoulders, a long skirt/dress, and/or pants for temple visits
- A reusable shopping bag for street market finds
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons are hard to find)
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals – we love these
- Personal prescriptions – always keep these in your carry-on
- Hair clips and ties. Believe me, you’ll need them.
- Camera with a zoom lens to capture the animals from afar.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t bring hair dryers or styling tools. Even with a voltage converter, they often burn out. Buy a cheap one locally or stay in hotels that provide them. Many of the items on our packing guide for a beach vacation are great for Thailand travel, even if you’re staying inland.
My Experience as a Female Traveler in Thailand
As a woman exploring Thailand, I always feel safe and welcome.
Wherever I go, I find the locals to be kind and helpful throughout the country, from big cities to rural areas in the north. Even when language barriers arise, apps like Google Translate make communication simple. Locals appreciate you making the extra effort.
Final Thoughts: Should Women Travel to Thailand?
Absolutely! Thailand is one of the best destinations for women travelers. Its friendly people, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes make it a dream trip.
Follow common-sense precautions, trust your instincts, and enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer—you’ll feel safe and empowered every step of the way.
The post Is Thailand Safe for Women? Why I Always Feel Secure appeared first on She Buys Travel.
