thepinkginpassportAfter six weeks of backpacking across Asia — constantly packing up, moving on, and catching buses — I finally landed in Phuket, where I spent an entire week in one place. And it was exactly what I needed.
Phuket is perfect if you want to experience the best of Thailand without the hassle of island-hopping every couple of days. It’s also well-connected, with direct international flights to Phuket from countries like the UK, which means you can skip the long layovers and domestic transfers.
In this solo female travel guide to Phuket, I’ll cover:
- Where to stay (especially as a solo traveler)
- The best things to do in Phuket
- Nightlife safety tips
- Must-have experiences and day trips
Where to Stay in Phuket as a Solo Female Traveler
I stayed in a female-only dorm at Lub D Patong, and honestly — it’s the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed in. Yes, it’s a little pricier than your average backpacker hostel, but the comfort, cleanliness, and vibe were absolutely worth it.
I booked it through Booking.com (pro tip: many accommodations there offer free cancellation in case your travel plans change — which they often do while backpacking!).
Why I Chose Patong:
Although Patong Beach is the most touristy and hectic area of Phuket, it was perfect for me as a solo female traveler. I liked being near the nightlife — it meant I didn’t have to travel far alone at night and I always felt safe because there were people around. That said, if you’re traveling with friends or family, you might prefer staying somewhere quieter like Kata Beach or Kamala.
Facilities at Lub D Patong:
- Female-only dorms
- Shared bathrooms (super clean!)
- Social areas to meet other travelers
- Easy access to the beach and Bangla Road nightlife
Nightlife in Phuket: What to Expect on Bangla Road
If you’re staying in Patong, you can’t miss Bangla Road — the infamous heart of Phuket’s nightlife.
It’s wild. Sensory overload. Packed with bars, clubs, neon lights, fire shows, weed shops (legal in Thailand), and yes — ping pong shows. You’ll even see families with kids walking around in the early evening, but honestly, it’s not for under 18s.
Would I recommend it?
Let’s just say… I ended up there every single night that week. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re open-minded and want to party, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Top Things to Do in Phuket for Solo Travellers
Phi Phi Islands
Made famous from the Leo Di Caprio movie The Beach these islands are popular for a reason. I recommend getting a sunrise tour so that you can beat the crowds.
Visit an elephant sanctuary.
Ethical elegant sanctuaries are now available in Phuket. I went to one run by Chang Mai’s Elephant Sanctuary (Green Elephant Sanctuary is also a popular ethical one to visit) and it was one of the best experiences I have ever done. Although the sheer size of these animals should alarm you, they are so gentle and friendly you’ll be feeding them sugar cane straight to their mouths and having a cuddle before you know it. In the half day tour you get to prepare their food, feed them, give them a mud spa treatment and wash them. Although it cost £20 (quite expensive in Thailand) I paid the extra to get the photographs and video the professional photographer had taken.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Learn how to cook and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine. I really enjoyed the cooking class, from visiting a local market to get the ingredients to cooking and eating what we’d made. The longer I travel the more I realise that I prefer doing experiences rather than passively getting on a tour bus to look at something and take pictures.
Go the the Water Park
Splash around at a waterpark. If you’ve made a group of friends at your hostel or are travelling with a group the Andamanda waterpark is a fun day out if you get bored too easy laying on a beach.
Take a Muay Thai Class
Try some Muay Thai yourself at a boxing class. As well as local gyms you can book a class at local hotels for beginners. I really enjoyed this class but be warned it’s quite intense and your muscles will ache the next day!
Watch the Simon Cabaret Show
Simon Cabaret is a fantastic show. See iconic Thai Lady Boys perform extravagant routines and enjoy a cocktail or two in the glamorous reception beforehand.
Take a Day Trip to Coral Island (Banana Beach)
Parasailing at Banana Beach on Coral Island. If you’re into water sports, this day trip is quite expensive but a great opportunity to do more activities at a beach far less crowded than Patong.
Visit the Similan Islands – A Hidden Gem
Similian Islands was the highlight of my week in Phuket. You can’t stay on the islands themselves and book your day trip tickets early as there are limited amount of people allowed in the National Park each day. It’s a long day with quite a bit of travelling but worth it. Most beautiful sand and blue water you’ll ever see and snorkelling was incredible- even got to swim with a sea turtle! If you’re a keen scuba diver the scuba diving is meant to be incredible but you’ll need to book a separate trip/stay on a Liveboard.
Chill Out with a Sunset on Patong Beach
Enjoy the sunset on Patong beach each night. With crazy nightlife and so many activities to do in the day it’s nice to relax and enjoy the beautiful sky and beach right on your (hotel’s) doorstep.
💡 Bonus Travel Tips:
- Download Grab for safe, cheap transport.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — you’ll need it!
- Always check that your elephant sanctuary is ethically certified.
- Stay hydrated — it’s hot year-round.
✈️ Final Thoughts: Why Phuket is Great for Solo Female Travelers
✅ Safe and easy to get around (public buses, taxis, and Grab)
✅ Plenty of activities for every type of traveler
✅ Hostels like Lub D make it easy to meet people
✅ You can stay in one spot and still do everything — no constant packing/unpacking
✅ Direct international flights to Phuket save time
Whether you’re traveling alone for the first time or just need a place to slow down and recharge, Phuket has the right mix of adventure, relaxation, and nightlife to keep you smiling all week long.
