BANGKOK, THAILAND – Two cities in the kingdom were ranked in a new global top 10 list for solo travellers, reinforcing Thailand’s reputation as a hub for independent tourism.
Southeast Asia led new solo travel rankings
A recent assessment of top destinations for solo travellers was dominated by Southeast Asia. Hanoi topped the list with a safety score of 82 points and very low everyday costs, including about £0.71 for a beer and £0.25 for public transport.
Sri Lanka appeared 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 ranking and surpassed all other countries in the number of placements within the global top 10.
Chiang Mai named Asia’s safest city for solo visitors
The northern city of Chiang Mai took sixth place overall, a result that arguably understated its importance for solo travellers. In the safety category it rose to third worldwide and was rated the safest destination in Asia for solo visitors.
Daytime safety was scored at 93 out of 100 points, with a nighttime score of 81. Average costs remained low, at around £0.69 for public transport and £1.66 for a beer, while peak season temperatures hovered near 29 degrees Celsius.
Chiang Mai offered an established digital nomad scene, walkable temple districts and a broad social infrastructure centred on co-working spaces. These conditions allowed solo travellers to connect quickly with others or remain deliberately independent.
Phuket offered a contrasting solo travel profile
The island of 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 about £1.60 for beer and £1.09 for local transport, with peak season temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius, slightly milder but distinctly tropical.
The solo travel infrastructure on Phuket had become markedly more professional. Visitors could choose between party hotspots such as Patong and quieter beaches like Kata and Kamala, while island-hopping tours and diving or snorkelling excursions created natural opportunities to meet other travellers.
Why solo travellers continued to choose Thailand
Over decades, Thailand’s tourism infrastructure had adapted to independent travellers. In major destinations, English was widely spoken, public transport networks were extensive and affordable, and cultural hospitality meant people travelling alone rarely felt isolated.
Safety, particularly for women travelling alone, had become a key selling point. In both cities, a visible security presence was reported without being perceived as oppressive, and local communities had an economic interest in protecting the tourism sector’s reputation.
Cost structures also played an important role. While Chiang Mai and Phuket did not match Hanoi’s prices, they offered significantly better value for money than many Western cities, a crucial factor for solo visitors who could not share expenses.
Expert: Region “ideal” for independent trips
Helen Wheat, Southeast Asia specialist at the tour operator Travelbag, contextualised the findings.
“Southeast Asia is ideal for solo travellers, with affordability, easy navigation and a welcoming atmosphere all year round.”
said Wheat, Southeast Asia specialist at Travelbag.
She recommended travelling outside the main holiday periods from June to August and from December to February in order 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 makes independent travel easier.”
said Wheat, Southeast Asia specialist at Travelbag.
According to her, the region also offered numerous luxury options, from resorts and boutique hotels to wellness retreats and high-end gastronomy.
Clear signal for the travel industry
For many expatriates and long-time regular visitors, the new rankings merely confirmed existing impressions. Chiang Mai and Phuket were seen as successful for solo travellers because they had refined their offerings over years, focusing on safety and robust infrastructure.
The broader trend was clear: Southeast Asia had evolved into one of the leading regions for solo travel, with Thailand at the centre of this development. 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 quantitatively documented.