Flying Solo in Bangkok
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I arrived at the Niras Bankoc Boutique Hostel (204-206 Mahachai rd. Samranrach Phra-Nakom, Bangkok) in Bangkok solo. To my surprise I was relieved (and just a little nervous) that I was doing this on my own.
I had heard that Bangkok was an easy place to travel alone as a woman. “Everyone is out to meet new people and, if you want be anti-social, there are enough things to see to keep one occupied.”
Like clockwork, I was greeted by two fellow solo travelers, Jennifer and John Park at the check-in desk of my hostel. Jennifer was making a reservation and she had brought her friend (they had just met as well) along with her.
They invited me to join their posse on Khaosan Rd. and though I was in a state of delirium after having spent a a few emotionally crazed final days in Cambodia, I immediately agreed.
Khaosan Rd. is the mind-blowing and world famous mecca for new-age frugal travelers. There, you will find everything from cheap (and often dingy) hostels, hair braiding, clothes, jewelery, and an abundance of drinking and dining options. You can easily spend your entire time on this strip.
We ended the night in Soi Cowboy, where I obtained a rude awakening into the distressing world of sex tourism, money and the delicacy of eating cockroaches.
The following morning, I awoke to find an incredibly sick Jennifer in my hostel lobby asking to share the room with me. Despite my initial uneasiness (what if she wanted to steal my identity or put drugs in my bag?! Hello, Brokedown Palace), I let her crash in my room. I figured I would want someone to do the same for me… plus I had already made sure that all my valuables were with me.
Thankfully, I had made plans to see the tourist attractions of Bangkok with John Park that day and so I was distracted by my sudden “paranoid Mother” moment as we took a hilarious journey through the city.
I returned to my room just the way I had left it, but Jennifer was never to be seen again (if you are reading this, I hope you made it home safely!).
I spent the following few days with John Park, meeting fellow travelers, starting a dance party in a disgustingly American, but enormously fun bar on Khaosan Rd., avoiding scams (and getting caught by one, ha!) and pushing away men who reminded me too much of a member my own Posse at Middlebury College.
Despite my fun, there are a few things that all travelers to Bangkok should be aware of:
1. Always ask Taxi drivers to turn on their meters before going anywhere. They tend to rip you off otherwise.
2. Avoid using tuk tuks in Bangkok. They are horrible drivers and they charge a lot more money. If you must, look at tip #1.
3. When visiting temples, the Grand Palace, etc don’t be fouled by people who tell you it’s a holiday and the temples are closed. They are trying to get you to go somewhere else so that they can make a commission.
4. Don’t wear flashy jewelery and clothes. You won’t get robbed (most likely), but someone will assume that you are wealthy and try to exploit that.
5. Avoid telling everyone you meet that you are traveling alone. Be smart, use your instincts.
6. Plan some of your itinerary ahead of time so that you don’t get sidetracked and end up in an uncomfortable situation. However do leave some room for unexpected encounters.
7. Find someone (or multiple people) that you trust and stick with them.
All that being said, flying solo in Bangkok as a woman turned out to be a blast.
Morgane Veronique Richardson, Writer/Editor
