PATTAYA, Thailand – As international travel rebounds and women across the world increasingly embrace solo adventures, safety remains a crucial consideration. A recent survey by Everly Life Insurance has revealed the top safest countries for solo female travelers, evaluating nations based on critical metrics such as homicide rates, nighttime safety, public attitudes toward violence against women, and legal protections.
The results place Thailand at a respectable 8th place, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing appeal to solo female travelers. The recognition follows a notable surge in tourism, bolstered in part by pop culture visibility — such as the upcoming third season of HBO’s hit series White Lotus, which is set in Thailand.
Top-Ranked Safe Havens for Women Traveling Alone
The top three safest countries are all located in Europe:
Spain – Scoring an impressive 89 for overall safety, Spain leads the pack thanks to its strong public safety policies and comprehensive gender protection laws.
Austria – Known for its efficient infrastructure and welcoming social atmosphere.
Italy – Blends rich culture with generally safe public spaces and reliable law enforcement.
“Spain places a high priority on women’s safety with robust legal protections and a serious approach to public safety,” said Meredith Bell, a life insurance expert at Everly Life Insurance. She added, “What sets the top countries apart is not just a strong legal system but a genuine cultural respect for women’s freedom in public spaces.”
Rounding out the top 10 is:
- Poland
5. United Kingdom
6. France
7. Germany
8. Thailand
9. Japan
10. Croatia
Why Thailand Makes the List
Thailand’s inclusion in the top 10 reflects a combination of tourism-friendly infrastructure, cultural hospitality, and relatively low rates of violent crime against foreigners. While solo travelers are always encouraged to exercise awareness — especially in nightlife areas or remote regions — Thailand’s cities and tourist hubs are generally considered safe when common precautions are taken.
Women visiting Thailand often cite the ease of navigating popular spots like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, along with the friendliness of locals and availability of reliable transportation and accommodation options.
Where Safety Falls Short
Surprisingly, the United States ranks only 19th, trailing behind countries such as India, Vietnam, Turkey, and China — primarily due to higher crime and homicide rates. Meanwhile, Syria is rated the least safe country for solo female travelers, followed by Gabon, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and Uganda, where violence and instability remain high concerns.
What Solo Female Travelers Should Consider
The study emphasizes several key factors that contribute to a safe experience:
-Reliable public transport and street lighting
-Active police presence and surveillance
-Cultural attitudes toward women’s independence
-Clear and enforced legal protections
Thailand scores solidly across these metrics, but like any destination, it’s important for travelers to remain alert, especially at night, and to avoid isolated areas or unlicensed services.
