Solo Traveller Experience Thailand. Part 1 Bangkok to Ayutthaya.

Introduction

Southeast Asia has always fascinated me with its variety and the deep, layered history and culture that have shaped the region. When I set off on my solo travel I was excited to not just see new places  as a tourist but to truly experience them.

Getting There

Skyscanner are a reliable site for a range of flights from across the world heading into Bangkok. For our top tips on booking cheap flights read our article on how to book the cheapest flight possible.

On Arrival in Thailand

Over my first week, I orientated around Central Thailand, navigating bustling cities, quiet villages and ancient ruins.  Coming off the back of university studies and 7 months of bar work, I prioritised budget friendly but comfortable hostels, and discovered local eateries serving brilliant food at a fraction of the price of tourist traps. I was always eager to venture off the beaten path to sites that felt somewhat separate from the mass tourism that Southeast Asia is experiencing today and though it is hard to get a completely authentic cultural experience, avoiding these tourist traps certainly helped elevate my first impressions of South East Asia.

Bangkok

Bangkok was my gateway. After a long flight, I arrived in the thick humidity of Thailand’s capital, my first 3 nights were booked at Bed Station, a lively party hostel near Khao San Road. For solo travellers looking to meet people, I’d definitely recommend it.  There are different daily events as well as a bar and pool making it a great social hub at a cheap price relative to a lot of places in the Capital. I quickly learned though that Bangkok isn’t the easiest place to travel on a budget. Affordable accommodation is limited compared to other parts of Southeast Asia, and cheap street food spots are often tucked away from the main tourist zones.

Don’t let this picture of Bangkok define the overall vibe of the city. If easy thrills and ping pong shows aren’t for you I definitely recommend venturing beyond the backpacker hotspots, weaving through quieter streets along the Chao Phraya River. Exploring beyond the main strips led me to places like Wat Saket and Wat Suthat, where tradition and spirituality still held sway. Wat Saket offers panoramic views of the city and an amazing spectacle of the golden spire glowing in the afternoon sun with monks paying  regular visits and performing Buddhist chants at the top. Wat Suthat and other temples such as Wat Suthat, stand as a reminder of Bangkok’s deep cultural roots—ones that often go unnoticed beneath the surface of its tourism boom.

Bangkok Food Scene

For those looking for affordable, quality food and a further break from the crowds (which is needed in Bangkok) I’d recommend heading up Samsen Road crossing the bridge into the North Area of the Phra Nakhon District. This area is packed with trendy budget guesthouses and family-run Thai street food stands with seating.

Kanchanaburi

After Bangkok, I caught a train to Kanchanaburi. Tickets can only be bought from Thornburi Station where the train departs from so I recommend getting there early! The journey is slow but scenic, passing green fields, small towns, and colourful wooden stations, making for a relaxed  introduction to Kanchanaburi. I stayed at No. 9 Hostel for two nights, a refreshing change after the party scene in Bangkok. It was cheap, centrally located, and within walking distance of everything needed.

One of the highlights of the town is the Death Railway Museum, which I strongly recommend visiting. It provides an indepth look at the history of Kanchanaburi and the Death Railway, built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers during World War II under brutal conditions. This railway, commissioned by the Japanese to connect Thailand and Burma, came at the cost of thousands of lives, earning it the name “Death Railway”. The museum isn’t costly at all and is very detailed and informative with English translations provided for all the exhibits.

For exploring, renting a moped is a great idea. This makes it easy to reach the Bridge on the River Kwai, a historic site where the train still runs over the original structure. Riding further out, Erawan National Park is about an hour’s drive away and well worth the trip. The park’s seven tiered waterfalls are stunning, with natural pools where you can swim, though you’ll need to rent a life jacket. The higher you climb, the more secluded and beautiful the waterfalls become, with wild monkeys at the top and a chance of spotting other wildlife.

For food, the Kanchanaburi Night Market is the best option. It has a wide range of delicious and affordable food stalls, from grilled meats and fresh seafood to Thai sweets and also crocodile if you’re feeling adventurous! There are also plenty of cheap clothing stands, making it a great place to  shop.

Ayutthaya

After two nights, I took a coach to Ayutthaya, where we stayed at Early Bird Hostel. It was a budget friendly choice with a relaxed outdoor area and breakfast included. The best way to explore Ayutthaya is by bicycle, which you can rent directly from the hostel at a lower price than other rental shops. Once the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with breathtaking temple ruins. Highlights include Wat Chaiwatthanaramand Wat Phra Si Sanphet, both showcasing the grandeur of Ayutthaya’s past.

While the temples are impressive, the city itself is somewhat underwhelming, so one night was really enough for me. Trains run frequently between Ayutthaya and Bangkok, offering a cheap and reliable way back to the capital.

Ayutthaya does have an interesting past. Previously the capital of Thailand then known as Siam, Ayutthaya was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world reaching its peak in the 17th Century. It was a major trading hub, with ships from Europe, Japan, China, and Persia docking at its ports. In 1767 it was sacked by the Burmese Army and the capital transferred to Bangkok.

Conclusion

Central Thailand offered a rich blend of history, culture, and adventure. From Bangkok’s vibrant chaos to Kanchanaburi’s sombre past and  Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, each stop revealed a different side of the region. Budget Travel wasn’t always easy, but exploring beyond the tourist hotspots made it incredibly rewarding. Part 2 of Jay’s trip will be published very soon.

Thrifty Gist

Thailand is a well trodden path for budget travellers. Jay has shown that solo travel can be rewarding, and does not need you cost you the earth. Our top tips are:

1. Some hostels and hotels are going to be really busy so consider booking ahead
2. To get the full cultural experience get off the party trail
3. Best time to travel
   • Best for comfort and festivals – November to February (Cool season)
   • Best for deals – May to October (rainy season)
   • Best for cultural experience – April

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