BANGKOK, THAILAND – Two cities in the kingdom were included in a new global top-10 list for solo travellers, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a hub for solo tourism.
Southeast Asia leads new solo travel ranking
A recent assessment of the best destinations for solo travellers was clearly dominated by Southeast Asia. Hanoi topped the list with a safety score of 82 points and very low daily costs, including around £0.71 for a beer and £0.25 for public transport. Sri Lanka was represented twice in the top three with Colombo and Kandy, while Siem Reap in Cambodia took fourth place.
Thailand matched Sri Lanka with two cities in the top 10. No other country achieved as many placements in the upper tier of the ranking.
Chiang Mai ranked Asia’s safest city for solo visitors
Northern city Chiang Mai placed sixth overall, a result that understated its significance for solo travellers. In the safety category it moved up to third place worldwide and was rated the safest destination in Asia for solo visitors. The daytime safety score stood at 93 out of 100, while at night Chiang Mai achieved 81 points.
Low costs further strengthened its appeal, with an average public transport ride priced at £0.69 and a beer at about £1.66. Peak-season temperatures hovered around 29 degrees Celsius. The city also offered an established digital nomad scene, walkable temple districts and a broad social infrastructure around co-working spaces, enabling solo travellers to make contacts quickly or remain deliberately independent.
Phuket offers beach-focused alternative
The holiday island Phuket ranked tenth and presented a different profile from Chiang Mai. Thailand’s largest island traded some of the north’s calm for direct beach access and lively nightlife districts. Its daytime safety score remained high at 83 points.
Average prices were still moderate at about £1.60 for a beer and £1.09 for public transport. Peak-season temperatures reached around 27 degrees Celsius, slightly milder but clearly tropical. The infrastructure for solo travellers had become markedly more professional, with visitors choosing between party hotspots such as Patong and quieter beaches like Kata and Kamala, while island-hopping tours and diving or snorkelling trips created natural opportunities to meet other travellers.
Safety and value draw solo travellers to Thailand
Tourism infrastructure in the country had been built up over decades with independent travellers in mind. In key destinations, English was widely spoken, public transport networks were extensive and affordable, and cultural hospitality helped ensure that solo visitors rarely felt isolated. Safety, especially for women travelling alone, had become a central argument in favour of the kingdom.
In both cities, a visible security presence was noted without being perceived as oppressive. Local communities also had an economic interest in protecting the tourism sector’s reputation. While Chiang Mai and Phuket did not match Hanoi’s price level, both offered a significantly better price-performance ratio than many Western metropolises, a crucial factor for solo travellers who could not split costs.
Expert highlights region’s year-round appeal
Southeast Asia specialist Helen Wheat of travel provider Travelbag placed the findings in context.
“Southeast Asia is ideal for solo travellers, with affordability, ease of getting around and a welcoming atmosphere all year round.”
said Helen Wheat, Southeast Asia expert at Travelbag.
She recommended travelling outside the peak months of June to August and December to February to benefit from lower visitor numbers and better prices for accommodation and activities.
“The tropical climate provides plenty of sunshine, while established transport and digital nomad infrastructure make independent travel easier.”
said Helen Wheat, Southeast Asia expert at Travelbag.
According to Wheat, the region also offered numerous luxury options, ranging from resorts and boutique hotels to wellness retreats and upscale gastronomy.
Clear signal for the tourism industry
For many expatriates and long-time regular visitors, the latest rankings merely confirmed long-held impressions. Chiang Mai and Phuket worked so well for solo travellers because they had refined their offerings over years, prioritising safety and infrastructure.
The broader trend was clear: Southeast Asia had developed into one of the leading regions for solo travel, with the kingdom at the centre of this evolution. With two cities in the global top 10 and Chiang Mai recognised as Asia’s safest destination, the country’s role as a hub for solo travellers was now backed by measurable data.