Travelling really is one of the greatest things in life — To be able to explore and witness all the interesting places beyond what you see in your daily environment. To be able to have the exciting experience of unique culture and cuisine from the foreign land. To be able to enjoy life in a new place, to be liberated and left the past stressful life events behind, to find yourself with a brand new hope for the future.
Even more, a lot of people who travel to healfrom their trauma, often resort to destinations in Southeast Asia. Of all the popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand often is placed on the higher-ups. Basically, the country has something for everyone: the backpackers, the solo travellers, the island-hoppers, the budget travellers, the foodies and the culture travellers. And, Bangkok, being the capital of Thailand, always is filled with enthusiasm of travellers.
Speaking of travellers, we cannot just abandon the fact that nearly two-thirds of travellers, in general, are women. So, for all the travelling ladies who want to show their support and appreciation for other women on their journey… This is the feminist city guide for Bangkok, Thailand.
What To Do:
Support the local and expat female comedians at the Bangkok Hilarious Comedy Club, and go see Lady Laughs, a monthly open mic stand-up comedy show. For just 250 baht ($8), you can enjoy sets from the city’s best female comics. Pros, regulars, and first-timers are all welcome to take to the stage, so you can even try your hand at it yourself if you like.
Connect with UN Women at their regional office in Bangkok, where they host regular events highlighting women’s issues. Open to the public, women can attend events to discuss women’s rights and important matters. Their most recent event was a night of talks from Thai women about domestic and sexual violence.
What To Eat:
Source: hangar-7.com/Chef Bee Satongun
Want to enjoy a meal from the Asia’s best female chef and get a taste of Thai-style fine dining? Look no further than Paste, a Michelin-star restaurant led by Chef Bee Satongun, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2018.
Source: yaybangkok
Sipping a cup of coffee or have a great brunch at a local cafe, you can go to Oh La La Café. Run by a woman named Oh and her small team of mostly-female staff, this cute little cafe serves waffles, sandwiches, cakes, and lots of other homemade delights.
Source: Tripadvisor
Or, munching down a mean burger at Bad Burger BKK, a woman-founded burger joint that’s definitely worth visiting! Chef Poupée left a career in fine dining to start a tiny burger stand at a street market. She quickly drew a cult following and went on to set up her own restaurant, Bad Burger BKK. During LGBT Pride Month, she flies the flag by serving them in rainbow buns.
Where To Stay:
For the solo female travellers who want to stay at a budget accommodation, Mad Monkey Hostel is highly recommended. There, the ladies can stay in a female-only dorm room with six other women. Located right next to the backpacker centre of Khao San Road, staying at the Mad Monkey Hostel costs only 450 baht ($14) per night.
Source: Tripadvisor/AriyasomVilla
On the other hand, Ariyasom Villa is for those who want to stay at a quiet retreat in the heart of Bangkok. This boutique luxury hotel is set in a traditional teak house with a lush green garden, right next to the river. Guests can enjoy dining at the hotels’ Na Aroon vegetarian restaurant and relax with treatments at the Som Sen spa.