Anuri

Hello,

I'm hoping some recent experiences can give me a more up to date and accurate depiction of female solo travel to Thailand and Bali, I've looked through a lot of threads and most are dated 2010-2011ish. I'm a 27 year old solo female traveler from Canada, and I am looking to travel to SEA for the first time in April for 18 days. I'm looking at both Thailand and Bali, and am wondering which one is currently safest for females by themselves? I want to be able to go to the beaches, temples, etc.

Thanks! Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

MmePerdu

Also an oftentimes solo traveler, I've made multiple trips to both countries and find them equally comfortable and safe. Go to the one that calls to you loudest, then go to the other later. Or, in 18 days you might like a taste of both. I suggest 2 locations in Thailand and 1 in Bali, easy to do in your 18 days.

One more consideration, which food do you like better. I like Indonesian food, I love Thai food.

Kathie

I agree that Bali and Thailand are equally safe and comfortable for a solo female traveler. So it is really up to your preferences.

I agree with MmePerdu, while I like Indonesian food, I love Thai cuisine. I find the way spirituality permeates everything in Bali to be lovely, but I love the Buddhist culture of Thailand even more. You really can't go wrong with either destination.

Personally, I'd choose one or the other and augment it with another place. So if you choose Thailand, you might include a side trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. If you choose Bali, consider a stop in central Java to visit Borobubor and Prambanam.

simpsonc510

April just happens to be the hottest month of the year in Thailand. And it gets really HOT. If that is a consideration, go to Bali and try to visit Thailand during the cooler months of Nov-Feb if possible (although it is peak season and most costly).

I have not been to Bali, but I have traveled to Thailand 36 times, with a number of those trips having been solo ones. I have no problem with safety in Thailand. I have visited beaches, temples, etc as a solo female and have never felt that it was unsafe for me.

inspiredexplorer

I've never been to Thailand, but have been to Bali solo, and I am female. I was in Bali in May (2012), which is a bit drier than April, but April usually is the start of the dry season there.

Bali is a really easy place for solo travel regardless of gender: people are extremely nice and no one hassles you much, it's absolutely on the tourist trail so there's established methods of getting around, it's pretty affordable, and has extremely interesting cultural sights. I split my stay between the main beach area (Kuta/Legian/Seminyak) and Ubud, with more time in Ubud. Ubud is amazing: you're in rice terrace country so it's great for wandering outdoors by bike or foot, Pura Taman Saraswati (temple) is right in the city, and there are so many things to do in and around the main city (rafting, cooking class, excursions to more of central Bali).

The beaches were just fine: Kuta is very cheap, where the surfing lessons are offered everywhere and you'll find hawkers along with everyone else on the beach. Seminyak and Legian are quieter. There are other beach areas that are more upscale/big resorts (Nusa Dua, Jimbaran areas), but beach wasn't a high priority for me and I enjoyed my time in Ubud far more. I did learn to surf though, and stood on the board as advertised, many many times!

Weather wise, April in Thailand is notoriously HOT, I think many regulars would agree it's not the optimal time if you want to spend any time at temples or in Bangkok/Chiang Mai.

Whichever place you decide to visit though, both are well established on the tourist trail and are very safe for solo female travelers. As anywhere, be mindful at night and when consuming alcohol. Have a wonderful first SEA solo trip!

rhkkmk

could you consider a different month---weather would be much nicer

marmot

I agree that you'd find either place safe and welcoming for a woman travelling alone. In both English is widely spoken and the tourist infrastructure is well developed.

I think it's important to note that while Thailand is a whole country with a wide geographic range, Bali is just a small compact island. In Thailand you could visit different locales -- beach, city, countryside -- but would most likely need to fly from place to place. In Bali, the beach and the inland areas are only a few hours drive from each other. With 18 days you could include other island like Lombok (by ferry) and/or Java (by plane).

April is a good month for Bali. Easter week can be heavily booked (as it is in most of Asia) but otherwise Bali is quiet at that time. You may get some rain, but it's mostly tapering off.

I'd give Thailand the edge for beaches -- the white sand, calm blue water variety. Bali's beaches are more lively -- some are big-wave, surfer beaches.

The cultural variety of the area around Ubud is deep and wide -- performing arts, arts and crafts, daily religious pageantry, temples, ceremonies -- plus spas and wellness venues and lot of outdoorsy activities, like hiking rafting. There are also many opportunities to learn something new -- Balinese cooking, yoga, batik, surfing.

This resort is designed especially for solo women:
http://www.blisssanctuaryforwomen.com/about/
I haven't seen the property, but it's well reviewed.

Also this one if you're interested in trying surfing.
http://surfgoddessretreats.com/home/...-retreat-women

LancasterLad

While both destinations are very safe, sh*t does happen from time to time, and you should always be aware of your immediate surroundings wherever you are. And be aware of local etiquette and sensibilities. Don't drink too much alcohol, and when outside of dedicated tourist areas don' have too much skin on parade.

All good travel guide books will have a small section aimed at Women Travellers, and dynamic internet forums with lots and lots of daily contributors [like Trip Advisor] are v.likel;y to up-to-date on anything out of the norm that has happened, and more-or-less as it's happened.

Get a good latest edition travel guide book. Don't use it as a Bible, but do use it as a good friend.

gilibali

Bali is safe destination for solo traveler both man and woman. make sure that your hotel where you stay walking distance to the beach. it's mean that's the crowd place where the tourist spend time mostly. The good thing is it's easy for you to navigate and planning what the next destination you would like to see, there's many tourist information that offer you so many tour packages, tourist activities and asking them what the best suggest, timing and price. try compare with other tourist information, then you get the best deal ever.

loj

Thanks for the question and all the tips I find them very useful.