My first solo night in Bangkok was my first real step into solo travel, and it happened at age 29, with 30 creeping up just a few months later.
If you never did the travel lifestyle in your gap year or early 20s, then starting out later can feel a little overwhelming. I thought I’d share my experience for anyone who is doing it a bit later and wondering what it might feel like.
You’ll be happy to know, it was easy! I landed in Bangkok, jumped in the local yellow and green cabs from the airport, had a friendly chat with the driver, then checked into a cheap hotel for the first night; if you need to beat the jet lag before throwing yourself into the deep end, there’s no shame in that. But I didn’t need it. The minute I arrived on the lively party area of Bangkok on Khao San Road, I was wide awake. The bright lights, the ridiculously loud music from every direction (and this is coming from a guy with shit hearing), the smell of delicious street food, and the sight of drunk tourists eating cooked tarantulas from street vendors was enough to keep anyone alert.
Not knowing what to do in a place where I knew no one, I figured I’d do what Brits do best and head to the bar. I’m usually a cider drinker back home, so if you’re one of those people too, you’ll have to get over it. You’ll get a very confused “WTF is that?” look from the local bar staff there. Chang Beer will be your new friend. And for £1.50 a bottle, probably your best friend.
So I found a random bar with a bunch of plastic chairs out front (dive bars over VIP ones any day), got a warm welcome from a lovely Thai lady, ordered a Chang, and people-watched while I figured out a plan.
Turns out, I wasn’t unique in that plan. An Irish guy sitting near me started a conversation, and before we knew it, we were drinking into the night, partying in a trashy nightclub until the early hours. I remember him meeting a local girl and disappearing into the night, and we never saw each other again (if that sounds ominous, I’m sure he’s fine, we just forgot to exchange info). I stumbled back to my hotel and passed out within seconds of hitting the pillow. Jet lag had finally won (or the bucket of rum, who knows!).
I didn’t know it then, but that happens a lot when you travel. You make friends for a day, then go your separate ways. At the same time, you also make friends for life. To this day, I’m still in contact with people from that first trip ten years ago.
Anyway, to the random Irish guy whose name I don’t remember, thanks for starting that conversation. It gave me a great first night in the country and showed me how easy it can be to meet people as a solo traveller.
Night one complete. I didn’t die. Good start. You’ll be fine too!
Night one. Not a temple in sight. My only photo. Don’t judge me too harshly.
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