Hey all...
I'm really having a hard time deciding between going to Bangkok or Tokyo. I'm a 35 y.o. solo female traveller (first time alone).
Of course Bangkok is probably cheaper, but putting that aside which one is safer/better for a woman travelling alone.

You would probably do better with this if you posted the question in the Asia forum.

I've seen a lot of solo female travelers here in Bangkok. Overall, Bangkok is safe, esp when you choose to stay in a good place in a good area.

Feel free to ask more if you find yourself on the way here.

Personally, I thnk Tokyo is more intersting, convenient, and safer than Bangkok. May be I know too much about Bangkok.

Jane

I went to Bangkok last August for 3 days by myself. Thanksfully I had a couple I could call and take me to dinner. I hated Bangkok-it was hotter than hell, dirty, so crowded (and I live in NYC so I can put up with a lot), and overall I just wanted to get out of there so fast. I've never been to Tokyo but I have been to Hong Kong which was a million times better than Bangkok. It's amazing how many people can fit into such a small space. It was stifling. Go to Tokyo!!!!

Thanks for replies. I am going to Tokyo in June for 2 weeks!

I've been to Japan four times, and travelled there solo twice. I can't say the same for Bangkok, so my opinion may be quite biased... but I love Japan, and am confident in saying it is one of the safest countries I have ever visited. A truly different world. I would highly recommend you go there if you've never been... it's not to be missed. The people are honest and eager to help --> and you can travel right across Japan by train... hope this helps, happy travels!

I think I am going to enjoy this trip very much, however my family thinks I'm certifiable for going alone without the creature comforts of the English language.

Anyway on to my favorite 2 subjects food and clothing.

I have loads of questions, are the nicer restaurants in Tokyo conducive to solo eating? I only ask b/c some of the guidebooks/web reviews all list prices dinner for 2 and not per person. I also heard that most menus are written in hiragana,kanji, katakana..none of which I understand..although I am learning to speak some phrases. What to do when you really have no way to communicate other than charades? Should I just stick to places with pictures on the menu? I don't want to wind up buying 1000 dollars worth of sushi.


I heard June will be hot and humid..can I wear shorts or a miniskirt..not on the order of daisy dukes or microminis?

I have never been to Tokyo but I experience in Bangkok was wonderful. Shopping - supurb
Temples/Palaces - Magnificient
Kwai Bridge - Must see

But overall, as a single traveller, I met so many wonderful people from so many different cultures.

Don't discount Bangkok!!

Hi. I'm the author of Solo Traveler, a new book from Fodor's, and I'm hosting the solo forum.
I've been on my own to both Bangkok and Tokyo, and guess what. Both are busy and crowded and interesting. And safe---if you blend in as much as possible and stay alert. Read up on the history and customs of each place, and you'll probably find a preference. Each of us has our own interests. And when you're soloing, you can choose with that in mind. Have fun!
Lea

For your first trip alone, I would definitely recommend Tokyo. Although I've enjoyed my trips to Bangkok, and had no safety problems, I have to agree that Tokyo appears a lot cleaner. Both cities are used to tourists and many signs and menus are bilingual.

For casual eating in Tokyo, try the basements of major department stores. They offer amazing variety and quality, and lots of samples. This is also a terrific place to buy food souvenirs. Many first-class restaurants are in hotels, where you may be more comfortable, but any first-class restaurant should be used to expatriates and tourists dining there solo or not. I've had great Indian, Chinese, and Italian, etc. food in Tokyo, and I love the French pastries.

If you're going to Japan for two weeks, you should definitely get out of Tokyo. Hakone is a resort with onsen (hot springs) a great outdoor/indoor museum, and trails. You can get there by train easily. Kyoto, the old capital, is farther, but you can take the shinkansen (bullet train) and visit some of Japan's most beautiful and famous temples. Kamakura is also famous for its temples and is closer. For something different, try Koyasan, where you can stay with Buddhist monks.

In Tokyo, dress is generally more conservative than the U.S., but if you go to Harajuku, where the trendy kids hang out, you may not agree. If you wear shorts and miniskirts, or even if you don't, be careful on crowded trains as there are creeps in Tokyo as anywhere. Chances are you'll only have good experiences, though. People generally do want to help, and they like to practice their English.

Have a great trip!

Gems

Great advice Gems! You solo travelers are really good travel writers, too.
I had a rather weird solo experience years ago in Tokyo. I was alone and lost and trying to take a subway to my hotel. Lots of people spoke English, but their accents made them hard to understand, and most could not understand me. I wound up going around the entire subway circuit twice, till a lady rescued me. I felt like a sardine, as it was rush hour. But no biggie. It's an experience I enjoy telling. The worst experiences become the best stories. And from then on, I carried a brochure from my hotel, with all info written in Japanese.
Lea

Another good bet is STA.com (Student Travel Agency) which links young travelers to budget airfares, packages, tours anc accomodations.
Lea

Lea,

Thanks for your response and I'm sorry about your circuitous trip around Tokyo. I just enjoyed reading your Travelwire interview and am looking forward to reading your new book.

Skyhopper,

Most signs/maps in the stations are in Japanese and English, but verbal communications can sometimes be difficult as the English classes in school usually don't emphasize speech.

Gems

Thanks everybody.. I am going to Tokyo and am very excited. I think it's a good start for a first trip solo. Now if I could just learn how to eat with chopsticks I think I'll be alright .

Hi Skyhopper,
You will really enjoy Tokyo. I'm a 40 yo female and traveled to both Tokyo and Bangkok solo last year. They were vastly different cities and experiences. Both beautiful, but I definitely felt safer in Tokyo. I relied solely on public transportation and it was very easy getting around. Try to get to Kyoto if you have time.

Yes I will definitely visit Kyoto. I've set aside 3 days and hope to stay in a ryokan. I've been looking at some of the site and am I getting the translation wrong or does it cost more as a single to stay at these places?

You will really feel alone in Tokyo since people are ultra reserved. I love Tokyo but it can be a bit stuffy. I think in Bangkok you won't last one day alone. You'll make friends immediately.

It's been a while but I did wind up going to Tokyo and Kyoto and I really did have a good time! I went to fancy restaurants and budget ones. And I think it is true that when you're alone it gives people more gumption to come up and talk to you. The only place I felt alone and out of place was a bar that was frequented by fellow westerners of all places.

For me personally it was a huge esteem booster. It was my first truly solo trip and I survived quite well. Now that I'm emboldened I think I'm going to try Africa next.

I have been to Bangkok once in 99, great place and severals time to Tokyo, including this year. I do prefer Tokyo but i like both places and like anywhere you would have to be careful regardless of gender. Stick to the mixed race mainstream bars if your female and on your own. Japanese men like western ladies and most are gentlemen but you may find the attention overwhelming. Perhaps stick to the euro theme bars around the city for your first visit, During the day Tokyo is extremely safe.

I too am planning to travel alone, 40 year old female. My situation is somewhat different. I lived in Bangkok as a child for 2 1/2 years, and have always wanted to go back. My mother discourages this as it will be so different, but I am drawn to it, can't seem to get Bangkok out of my head. I looked into the Davis Hotel, is this a good area for a single female traveler? Any suggestions, or helpful websites would be very welcome.