by Mel Pike, Author of “Doing Life Differently in Thailand”
Travelling solo can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience, and Phuket, Thailand, is the perfect destination to visit on your own. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or embarking on your very first solo adventure, Phuket offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that will ensure your experience is unforgettable. Here are my top ten tips that I hope might be of use to you while traveling solo in Phuket
1. Open Heart and Open Mind
Travelling with an open heart and an open mind will provide you with the most enriching experience – always. Thai people are inherently kind, generous, and humble. They genuinely want you to enjoy their beautiful country and all it has to offer. Take the opportunity to connect with them, even if it’s just to say hello. These connections will make your travels truly memorable.
Ready for a holiday read that will whisk you away to Phuket? "Doing Life Differently in Thailand"a book by Mel Pike
Join Mel as she trades the daily grind for five extraordinary months living life to the fullest on the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket! In her fifties, she dives headfirst into solo travel, indulges in the mouth-watering Thai food, immerses herself in the vibrant Thai culture and builds genuine connections with the locals, creating life long memories. This book captures what it truly means to embrace all that Phuket has to offer. It’s all about celebrating the joy of living boldly, having fun, and never looking back! Read Mel’s ’Tips for Solo Travelling Women in Phuket’ here
2. Respect the Culture
Respect is a crucial part of Thai culture and it’s embedded in Thai society. Dress modestly when visiting temples and away from the beach, avoid pointing your foot at someone or touching them on the head – it’s impolite. Thais wai instead of shaking hands and women should avoid touching a Thai monk. Learn some of the language. Awareness of these customs will make for an even more enjoyable time.
3. Find Joy in Simplicity
Embrace the simple pleasures of Phuket life. Enjoy a leisurely walk on one of the many stunning beaches at sunset, savour local street food, swim in the ocean at sunrise – the water is always warm. These simple joys can be wonderful.
4. Hello & Thank You
Thai people love it when you speak their language. Two words that will make them smile are “hello” (Sawadee Kha) and “thank you” (Korp Khun Kha). Using these words often will endear you to the locals and enhance your stay.
5. Spontaneous Possibilities
Embrace the unexpected and be open to spontaneous adventures. Allow yourself to go with the flow. Feel like coconut and mango ice cream at 10 pm – go out and find it. Take a taxi to a different beach each day, have a massage and pedicure at 9 pm, visit a beach club and enjoy the music and a cocktail. Go dancing at a nightclub or learn to Thai dance – dance like nobody is watching because they aren’t!
6. Intention and Purpose
Immerse yourself in the true local experience by travelling with intention and purpose. Stepping away from the main streets you’ll find where the locals live. Walking through these back streets will give you a glimpse of Thai life. Visit fresh food markets early in the morning to see how the locals shop and eat, you’ll see foods you’ve never seen before. Volunteer to care for elephants at ethical sanctuaries, or street dogs at shelters. Strike up a conversation with a Thai woman and ask them about their lives, their resilience will astound you.
7. Push your comfort zone limits
Phuket offers an abundance of new experiences. It can be as simple as trying a new food, attending a Thai cooking class, visiting a local village temple, parasailing at sunset, zip-lining through the trees, snorkelling for a day, learning to scuba dive or doing yoga on the beach – Phuket has it all.
8. Discover or Rediscover Yourself
Solo travel is a perfect opportunity for self-discovery or rediscovery. Using this time to reflect and recharge or simply enjoy your own company without responsibilities can be incredibly re-energising. Solitude doesn’t always equate to loneliness.
9. Safety: Trust Your Intuition
Tune-in to your intuition and trust your gut instincts as they will guide you. Phuket is generally safe for solo women, but like any unfamiliar city, be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, act on it. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed; locals are often more than willing to assist.
10. Smile and Soak Up Thai Hospitality
Thai people are renowned for their beautiful smiles and friendly nature. A smile goes a long way and will often be returned with genuine warmth. Enjoying the Thai hospitality is pure food for the soul.
Looking for a great holiday read?
Doing Life Differently in Thailand – one woman ditching the daily grind, living solo and making memories.
The Real Treasure Lies Within the Journey Itself
In her early fifties, Mel feels the overwhelming need to ditch the daily grind and seizes the chance to spend a few months in her happy place, Thailand. Amid the sun-soaked streets of Phuket’s Kata Beach, she discovers the joys of solo travel and new adventures. From Thai food to the ocean’s healing power and the vibrant Thai culture, Mel immerses herself fully and takes you with her every step of the way. Reflecting on love, loss, and time, she sees the necessity of simplifying her life.
This book celebrates courage, curiosity, friendships, and fun, inspiring readers to embrace life, build genuine connections, and create lasting memories. Mel reveals the amazing benefits of ‘doing life differently,’ and shows her admiration for the Thai people and her ongoing love for Thailand’s rich and enchanting culture.
Purchase the paperback and E-book here!
Read a preview: https://www.book2look.com/book/gxjlC44AI4
Website: http://www.doinglifedifferently.com.au/
Instagram: @doinglifedifferentlyinthailand
About Mel
Mel’s connection with Thailand began in her youth, spending 12 months there as a 17-year-old exchange student. Since then, Thailand has been a constant presence, from holidays and university studies to a brief professional stint at a major insurance company. The decision to write her first book came somewhat accidentally, after she spent five months living at Kata Beach in Phuket in 2023. Encouraged by those who followed her adventures via Instagram, she took the leap into the unfamiliar world of self-publishing. Mel lives in Hobart, Australia with her husband and Jasmine and Rosie their adorable Labradors.