Traveling Solo to Bangkok? 3 Ways to Meet People
It can be nice to travel with others, but there’s also a lot of value in traveling on your own, too. Plus, aside from all the personal growth and confidence that often come with traveling by yourself, you’ll also likely find that you simply get to see more of the world. You can’t put your dreams on hold while you wait for friends/family members/partners to finally decide that they’re ready to travel!
Some countries, of course, are better for solo travelers than others, especially those looking to connect with others while they’re on their trip. Towards the top of that list is Thailand, which has long been noted for being solo traveler-friendly.
Thailand is filled to the brim with great destinations for solo explorers, though some areas are a little easier than others. Bangkok, the capital, really can be an awesome place for individual travelers, though given the size, you’ll need to work a little more than you would in, say, Phuket.
With that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to put together some handy tips that should ensure you’re easily able to meet like-minded people.
Join an Activity
It won’t take you long to discover just how popular Bangkok is with fellow travelers. Keep your ears open, and you’ll hear plenty of English being spoken, as well as other languages. One way to meet with them is to check out the group activities that are held in the city. Meetup, Facebook groups, and Airbnb experiences are a great way to see what’s going on. Simply find an activity that interests you, sign up, and you’ll be set to have a few hours with fellow travelers.
Spend Time In Social-Ready Spaces
You don't necessarily need to join an organized event to meet with others. Bangkok is an inherently social city, making it more than possible to connect with others organically. This can happen anywhere, but you’ll find that it’s more likely if you’re spending time in a social-ready space. Take yourself to the popular SWD restaurant & bar or one of the lively rooftop lounges on Sukhumvit Soi 11, and it won’t be long before you’ve made a couple of new friends. It can also be recommended to stay in hostels; even if you normally prefer hotel rooms, the social aspect of Bangkok’s hostels — many of them have rooftop communal spaces — often makes them worth it.
Some bars also host language exchange evenings, which can be a great way to meet Bangkok locals.
Check Out the Apps
Short on time, or not planning to stay in a hostel? Then consider downloading an app that allows you to connect with other travelers. Couchsurfing is a good option, especially since it’ll show you fellow travelers who are available immediately. It’s a handy way to see the sights with company. Bumble BFFs (the friends feature) is also a good option — think of it like looking for a date, only you’ll be searching for a fellow traveler to become your exploring partner in crime.