Every year, more and more women are getting out of their comfort zones, determined to see the world on their own terms, alone but not lonely. And while some countries and destinations present additional challenges for a woman traveling solo, there are others that are more welcoming and receptive of this emerging trend in the travel industry. One such place is Chiang Mai, located in the northern part of Thailand.
Chiang Mai is an excellent starting point for solo female travelers. The city has such diverse attractions that appeal to women of different tastes, including its countless temples, bustling night markets, beautiful nature destinations, thriving art scene, and many more. Indeed, you can Eat. Pray. Love. your way through Chiang Mai and gain the confidence to face more challenging destinations in the future.
So, why not book a Chiang Mai tour package today to get to know this city all by your lonesome self? Find out why veteran solo female travelers from all over the world love this laid-back mountain city.
Temple Hopping to Your Heart’s Content
Imagine dragging a significant other to one temple after another. If your partner is not the history buff type, you’re likely going to face opposition after you’re done visiting just the second or third temple. And being the patient and good partner that you are, you’re probably going to relent and go with them to see a Muay Thai match instead.
The point being that—when you’re with someone else—you’re not going to be able to spend your time completely the way you want to. Well on your own, you’ll be free to appreciate each intricate design and detail of every temple you want to see—and for as long as you want.
While you’re at it, make sure not to miss the most popular temples in the Chiang Mai. These include the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the Wat Chedi Luang, and the Wat Prasingh.
Shop Around Different Night Markets
Thailand, in general, is renowned for their markets, and Chiang Mai is no exception. Take a leisurely stroll down the Night Bazaar to find souvenirs, clothes, and housewares. This market is open daily from 6PM to 10:30PM.
On Sundays, however, make sure to visit the Sunday Weekend Walking Street, located at the area around Tha Pae Gate and Ratchadamnoen Road. Here is where you can find those unique and beautifully handcrafted items instead of mass-produced goods from China. What’s more, there are constant performances from local musicians, giving this market a remarkably chill vibe.
Eat Alone Comfortably
One of the minor hurdles a beginner solo traveler would have to overcome is the awkwardness of eating alone. In Chiang Mai, you won’t have to feel self-conscious about dining by yourself. For one thing, you can simply eat a snack while walking around the city. For another, when sitting down for a meal, hardly anyone will bat an eye at your table-for-one since there are a lot of other solo travelers in the city anyway.
What’s more, you also have the option to go to more social and community-centric restaurants like the Bodhi Tree Café and the Free Bird Café, where you’ll likely share a table with a group of strangers and make some new friends in the process.
Grab the Opportunity to Do Volunteer Work
You can also make your Chiang Mai holiday more meaningful by volunteering to different organizations that benefit the people of the city. Volunteer work allows you to gain better insight and deeper understanding of Thai culture, in addition to providing you with the opportunity to change someone’s life. What could be more rewarding than that?
In Chiang Mai, different programs are available for tourist-volunteers, and guess what?—it’s totally the norm to be by yourself. Tourists work together to care for elephants in sanctuaries, help teach English to monks, volunteer at children’s homes, and apply for professional internships on a volunteer basis. If you’re interested in volunteering, check out The Friends for Asia Foundation for available programs.
Chiang Mai’s friendly people and laidback lifestyle is truly a boon to a female solo traveler. There’s always something to do even as a solo traveler, and opportunities to make new friends are plenty. It truly is the ideal training ground for beginner solo travelers as well as a reliable go-to destination for the veterans.
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