I am looking to go away for the month of August. I have been thinking of either Bali or Thailand. I am a 23 year old girl and I will be travelling by myself, so safety is a bit of a concern. I am also wanting to go somewhere where it will be easy to meet other travellers to hang around with. Can anyone offer suggetions or important considerations that would make my decision easier?

Silversix66,
I have never been to Bali so can't comment. However, I have been to Thailand several times and loved it. Unfortunately I am a lot older than you but I never expericienced any safety concerns (I am vigilant no matter what country I am in, including my own) and found the Thai people and the varius tourists, who were from all over the world extremely helpful.
Pick your destination carefully as the moonsoon effects different coasts at different times of the year eg. in July & August the gulf of Siam & Ko Samui has less rainfall than Phuket. Chaiang Mai in the north would be wonderful for a 23 year old as you will meet lots of solo backpackers and go into the jungle on an elephant!! Thailand is great but I must not forget to mention Bangkok you will either love it, or hate it, personally I loved it and there are so many solo travellers around you will not be lonely.

I, too, am much older but loved travelling alone in Thailand, so much I am going back this year. My daughters are closer to you in age and have both felt very safe and unhassled in Thailand, far less unwanted attention than in Europe. One daughter who travelled extensively in Asia met a number of solo young female back-packers and sometimes they'd travel together for a week or two, then keep in touch by e-mail and maybe meet up again later when their paths crossed again, thus maintaining independence with a bit of sharing too.

Does anyone reading this thread know about Chiang Dao Nest? It looks delightful but wonder if it's good for solo travellors?

If you haven't already I would post your questions over on the SE Asia board too. Many most people read that than this branch.

stay in hostels! almost everyone will be your age, and most traveling alone! check out www.hostelz.com and definitely but a lovely planet guidebook! have fun!

Bali appears to be very safe for solo women. I have been there half a dozen times, and have met numerous solo women travellers, and none have felt at all intimidated, worried or bothered. The Balinese are very generous and gentle people.

I have traveled through parts of southeast asia and it is safe for a lone female traveler. there are a lot of lone travelers in the region.

if you could wing it, go to both.