Sawasdee kha, Thailand! It’s been a long while!

My ambitious dream of traveling solo in Thailand came true the moment our plane touched down at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I hadn’t been able to leave the country since 2020—this goal had been long overdue. But now, here I was, all set to explore the Land of Smiles on my own. I felt a whirlwind of emotions: happiness, excitement, nervousness, and, above all, a deep sense of accomplishment. I was finally doing it—thrilled to take on Bangkok, just me and my adventurous spirit.

It may not have been my first time traveling solo, but it still felt incredibly refreshing—like hitting a personal reset button.

As soon as I spotted the signage written in Thai characters, it hit me: I was truly in a foreign country. Thailand’s travel requirements were surprisingly relaxed. At immigration, the officer simply asked for my passport and boarding pass—no vaccination certificate needed. It was quick and hassle-free.

After clearing immigration, I grabbed a local SIM card, hopped onto the Airport Rail Link, and even met a fellow solo Filipino traveler along the way. The adventure was already unfolding, one small moment at a time.

A Serendipitous Encounter with a Fellow Solo Female Traveler

Jane and I met at the airport and traveled together from Suvarnabhumi Station via the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station—the last stop on the line. As the train glided through the cityscape, we shared stories about where we’d been. It was so refreshing to meet a stranger who shared the same travel spirit. Sometimes, the best conversations come from the most unexpected encounters.

From Phaya Thai, we hopped onto the BTS Sukhumvit (Green) Line. I purchased a Rabbit Card—a reloadable top-up card for the BTS—for 200 baht, which made commuting much more convenient. We soon boarded the train and headed toward our respective destinations. Jane got off at Ratchathewi Station, while I continued to Siam Station, where I interchanged to the BTS Silom (Dark Green) Line and made my way to Sala Daeng Station.

Meeting a fellow solo female traveler—and a fellow Filipino—hit differently. There was something unexpectedly comforting about crossing paths with someone who not only shared my passport but also my passion for travel.

Jane listened with genuine curiosity to my seemingly never-ending travel stories, and I found myself doing the same. It felt like the universe conspired to give me a travel buddy, even just for a short train ride. That fleeting connection reminded me how the road has a beautiful way of bringing kindred spirits together.

After exiting at BTS Sala Daeng Station, I found myself unsure of which direction to take. Yep—I was lost. I did the research but still got lost. Somehow I still managed to get turned around. There were helpful strangers around (thank goodness!), but I realized I also needed to trust Google Maps a little more. Luckily, it didn’t take too long before I figured out the exact route and was back on track. A little detour never hurts, right?

Silom Space Hostel is ideal for shoestring backpackers and solo travelers. It has a common area, kitchen, and shared bathrooms. It is clean and organized and is accessible to the MRT and BTS as well as to restaurants, local eateries, and malls. It is a three-minute walk from BTS Sala Daeng station and MRT Silom Station. 

The check-in at Silom Space Hostel starts at 2 PM, but the lady receptionist allowed me to check in earlier with no extra fee. She directed me to my assigned room. I also paid 1,050 baht for my accommodation fee. I booked a bunk bed in a 4-bed female dormitory. 

After leaving my luggage, I drank coffee and ate at the hostel. It is my second already at Silom Space, so I am familiar with the place. This hostel has free instant coffee, tea, noodles, and biscuits. 

Roaming Around Bangkok

1. Tried the Chao Phraya Tourist unlimited boat ride. 
Despite having a bad feeling (I had no proper sleep the whole flight despite trying my best) and dealing with this very humid weather, I gave this tour a go.

I took the BTS (Silom/Dark Green Line) from Sala Daeng Station to Saphan Taksin Station. Sathorn Pier is just a few walks away from BTS Saphan Taksin.

I visited the famous tourist spots in Bangkok using the unlimited Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (hop-on hop-off sightseeing boat ride). I booked my ticket via Klook (Php194.00) just a few minutes before I went to the pier. After I presented my voucher, I went inside the waiting area. My first stop was supposedly at Taj Maharaj, but I dropped by Tha Chang Station.

2. Stopped by Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). 
I paid the 100-baht entrance fee and then roamed inside. The intricate designs and structures of the temple were so fascinating and simply stunning. When my friends and I first visited Bangkok in 2019, we never went inside these temples. I want to do it now.

3. Ate French fries (59 baht) at the Wat Arun Coffee stall outside the temple. I never ate something decent after my dinner last night.

4. Explored Wat Pho (known for its Reclining Buddha). 
I took the ferry crossing from Wat Arun to Tha Tien Pier and paid the 5-baht fee. The entrance fee at Wat Pho for the Reclining Buddha was 200 baht. The golden Buddha inside was so stunning. I never regret that I visited this temple. The pagodas inside the temple were so beautiful!

5. Be a photographer for strangers.
I met a couple here (I never knew their nationality). They asked me if I could take a photo of them, and in exchange, they offered to take my solo picture too.

6. Back to Silom to recharge.
I tried to hold back my headache, but it seems that I need to take a rest now. I went to Silom Space by taking the BTS Silom/Dark Green Line from Saphan Taksin Station to Sala Daeng Station. 

I freshened up and then slept. There are small eateries beside the street near the hostel. I ordered a pork noodle for dinner there. There were plastic tables and chairs arranged. After eating, I went to the hostel and called it a night.

*** I went to Bangkok, Thailand, dated August 27-30, 2022. It was my first solo trip in the pandemic era.***