Southeast Asia Itinerary for Solo Female Travelers
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Southeast Asia Itinerary:
This Southeast Asia itinerary is for solo female travelers who have golden temples, elephants, and zip-lining through jungles on the list. This guide will focus on Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore and what to do while you’re there and how much to budget for these amazing countries. Enjoy!
What To Spend
Daily Budget:
30 USD/ 40 AUD/ 40 CAD/ 25 EUR/ 20 GBP
TO
45 USD/ 60 AUD/ 60 CAD/ 40 EUR/ 30 GBP
*Assuming you’re on a backpacker’s budget. Making use of public transportation, staying in hostels or other budget accommodations and eating out about once a day.
What To Pack
I made the Southeast Asia Solo Female Packing List with this very question in mind. This packing list is region specific to help you navigate monsoon season, the best outfits for temple visits, and living in hostels.
Day 1: Bangkok
Take it easy on your first day. Wander around and get used to the sights, smells, and sounds of Bangkok. Visit Lumpini Park, check out Jim Thompson’s house, drop by the markets and give haggling a try.
Day 2: Bangkok
Today it’s time to temple hop! The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha await you along with little green men and buildings of gold. While you’re going around checking out the many temples of Bangkok, make sure to put Wat Pho Temple (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) on the list. It’s one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and home to the largest Buddha in Thailand.
For more information on what to do and how to get around the bustling city of Bangkok, read the Bangkok Solo Travel Guide next.
Day 3: Travel To Chiang Mai
Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai last only an hour and 15 mins and are very affordable with airlines like Air Asia. If you want to go for an even smaller price tag then taking a bus or train to Chiang Mai is also an option. The trains offer great scenery but it can take up to 15 hours to get you where you want to go. While the bus can take up to 12 hours.
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Spend your first full day in Bangkok up a mountain. Hire a red truck and head up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the beautiful mountain temple that Chiang Mai is known for.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to many elephants and lots of travelers are looking for ways to see these magnificent creatures up close and interact with them in safe and ethical ways. The Elephant Nature Parks offers you the opportunity to do so and I highly suggest spending one of your days in Chiang Mai on a full-day tour through the park.
The Chiang Mai Solo Travel Guide has info on Chiang Mai and how to get around and what to do while you’re there, check it out next.
Day 6: Travel To Phuket
Phuket is just a pit stop on this itinerary but it doesn’t have to be if you decide you want to spend more time there. I decided to fly to Phuket, get a good night’s sleep and then head out to Koh Phi Phi first thing in the morning. A flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket is two hours long.
Day 7: Travel To Koh Phi Phi
The ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is another two-hour journey but it’s an easy one as long as you get to the dock with time to spare and book a seat in advance, especially during the high season.
Day 8: Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is known to be a bit of a party spot and if that’s what you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. But if you’d rather join a boat tour, cruise around, snorkel in lagoons, visit the famous Maya Bay and snap a few shots with some wily monkeys then Koh Phi Phi is perfect for that as well.
For more information on what to do in Koh Phi Phi then check out this Koh Phi Phi Solo Travel Guide. Enjoy!
Day 9: Travel To Kuala Lumpur
To get to Kuala Lumpur from Koh Phi Phi, I suggest taking the ferry back to Phuket and flying out of there to Malaysia. Flights from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur are only 1 hr and a half long and with budget airlines like Air Asia at your disposal, you don’t have to worry about spending too much.
Day 10: Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Twin Towers are probably at the top of your must-see list and I can’t blame you. Spend the morning taking pictures and maybe even touring the towers then head out of the city to visit the Batu Caves.
Day 11: Day Trip To Kuala Selangor
Your last day is the perfect chance to take a day trip and visit Kuala Selangor and the Firefly Park. Depending on who you book with, you will visit a bunch of cool sights and venues along the way until you end up at the Firefly Park when the sun sets. You’ll get to experience the amazing sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees like Christmas.
The Kuala Lumpur Solo Female Travel Guide has more information on this cool city and how to get around in it. Check that post out next.
Day 12: Travel To Singapore
A flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore lasts a little over an hour. When you arrive, find your hotel or hostel, get settled in and chow down on breakfast, lunch or dinner. Relax before starting your Singapore adventure.
Day 13: Singapore
I’ve got two words for you: Universal Studios. There is certainly a lot to see and do in Singapore but with my one day, I decided to visit Univeral Studios Singapore and see how it compared to the Orlando theme parks I have been visiting my whole life. Spend the day feeling like a kid again. Go shopping. Stuff your face. Do whatever strikes your fancy.
The Singapore Solo Travel Guide has more travel tips and information so check it out next to you help you plan your time there.
Day 14: Rest…
And get ready for your next adventure. Whether that is packing to go home or maybe you have more of Southeast Asia you need to see. Whatever is next for you, I hope you enjoyed your two weeks in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia Travel Safety Tips
Read Solo Travel Safety Tips and Solo Travel Safety Items for how to protect yourself and your things while you’re on your solo adventure through Southeast Asia. I hope my Southeast Asia Itinerary helps you make the most of your time in this beautiful country and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Happy Travels!