Women Travelers - safe to travel alone in Phuket

Is it safe to travel alone in Phuket or any of the islands in Thailand?

Absolutely. It's as safe as any other holiday or semi urban destination. There is crime, but there is crime everywhere. If you are on holiday or business, just be aware like you would be in any city back home. Don't hire a motor bike as the traffic is erratic - some roads quiet, some busy, some speedsters & some big lorries. Some beaches have a big rip tide, so pay attention to the life guards.

I go there regularly alone & have never had any hassle.

That said, safety can have many sides - if you are male, you will be incessantly pestered by attractive ladies (more or less of a professional nature & desperate for 'any kind' of employment, poor things) & this can lead many men into situations that can become dangerous for so many reasons.

Compared to where?

Please ask any more specific questions if you think it would help clarify :cool:

Sorry, forgot to refer to your 'any of the islands' - I've never had any hassle as a lone traveller on any of the islands.

I haven't ever gone to a beach resort, so I wasn't sure. I have been to plenty of other places, but usually with other people. I am not so much afraid, as I like to be prepared for what to expect. Thanks for insights.

violence in Thailand has recently been in the news

I've travelled alone or with another single female in many places, Thailand (Bangkok and Ko Samui) included. I've never had an issue. Simply be aware of your surroundings and don't do anything stupid.

As for the recent violence in Bangkok mentioned by Jerseygirl - it was mostly limited to Bangkok and in select areas of the city during political demostrations. Just avoid political demostrations (smart not matter where in the world you are) and you'll be fine

violence in Thailand has recently been in the news

As Redhead said, this was limited to political demonstrations and protests in contained areas of Bangkok and Chang Mai. In both cases, there was adequate information available on the internet (and in particular on FlyerTalk) about what areas to avoid. This violence was not aimed at tourists although some international hotels were shut down near the protest sites.

I was in both Phuket and Bangkok (traveling alone) during the most severe outbursts in May and encountered zero problems. The biggest thing a solo woman needs to worry about is being pickpocketed, overcharged in a nightclub, or scammed by an unscrupulous taxi driver. And if you travel savvy and read up on things (like taxi policies in various cities - again, widely available here in FlyerTalk), you should have minimal chance of having problems if you don't court trouble.

I think I'd be more scared in Michigan than Phuket ;)

I've travelled solo around Thailand many times. Just stay away from Patong at nighttime - slime city.

Okay Jen, you must have been to Detroit, but I believe the rest of Michigan is fairly tame! And I am part Scottish as well-hoping to go there this spring.
Good advice from all-thanks for the tips. I am doing a volunteer program in Bangkok for 2 weeks prior to traveling solo, so I should be able to get good info that will help me navigate the tourist traps.