On July 30, 2025, Scoot, the budget airline under Singapore Airlines, unveiled a revealing report on travel trends that spotlights a significant surge in solo travel among Thai tourists. Collaborating with global research firm YouGov, Scoot surveyed over 5,000 individuals across five Asia-Pacific countries—Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia—to explore the evolving behaviors, motivations, and attitudes of solo travelers.
What was once a niche choice has now blossomed into a mainstream lifestyle in Thailand, with more than 60% of the younger generation opting to travel alone. This shift is driven by a desire for self-discovery, freedom, and flexibility, with social media playing a pivotal role in inspiring these journeys.
According to the survey, 68% of Thai solo travelers have embarked on multiple solo trips within the past year, and notably, 35% have traveled alone more than three times in that same period. Millennials are at the forefront of this trend, comprising 38% of solo travelers in Thailand, closely mirroring the Asia-Pacific regional average of 40%. This demographic, raised amidst digital technology and individualism, seeks travel experiences that offer autonomy and personal meaning.
What draws Thai solo travelers to journey alone? The report highlights three main motivations: freedom and flexibility (46%), the liberty to explore new places at their own pace (43%), and the opportunity for genuine rest and self-reflection (39%). This last point aligns with the rising global emphasis on mental health and mindfulness, as solo travel becomes a form of personal therapy amid hectic modern lives.
Social media’s influence cannot be overstated. A quarter of Thai respondents credited influencers and content creators as their inspiration to try solo travel—the highest proportion in the surveyed region, surpassing the Asia-Pacific average of 19%. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have transformed solo travel from a daunting prospect into an exciting adventure, showcasing vibrant stories of freedom, fun, and discovery. Interestingly, while these platforms fuel wanderlust, many travelers also view solo trips as an opportunity for a digital detox, stepping away from screens to focus on their mental well-being.
Despite the allure of independence, Thai solo travelers are far from impulsive. Personal safety ranks as their top concern, cited by 48% of respondents. To mitigate risks, 55% conduct thorough research on destinations before traveling, and 45% meticulously plan their trips in advance. When it comes to trip preparation, the three pillars are accommodation selection (50%), budget management (46%), and safety considerations (45%). These travelers rely heavily on online reviews, hotel websites, and travel booking platforms to make informed choices, while social media remains a key source of inspiration for dining and activities during their journeys.
Financially, Thai solo travelers allocate their budgets evenly across accommodation, food, and airfare—each accounting for 38% of total expenses. Activities and local transportation follow closely, at 36% and 34%, respectively. Most travelers spend between $201 and $999 USD (approximately 6,528 to 32,458 Thai Baht) on their solo adventures, reflecting a balanced approach to quality and affordability.
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the most sought-after destinations for Thai solo travelers are Japan (32%), China (16%), Singapore (12%), South Korea (11%), Taiwan (11%), and Vietnam (10%). These choices underscore a preference for culturally rich and accessible locations within the Asia-Pacific region.
When selecting airlines, nearly two-thirds (63%) of Thai solo travelers opt for economy class, with over a quarter (28%) choosing budget carriers like Scoot. Ticket price remains the dominant factor influencing airline choice (31%), followed by convenient flight times and routes (22%) and the duration of flights (25%).
Agatha Yap, Scoot’s Director of Marketing, Communications, and Customer Relations, emphasized the broader implications of these findings: “This survey doesn’t suggest that people are abandoning group or family travel, but rather highlights that today’s travelers—especially solo adventurers—are seeking experiences that reflect their individuality and foster self-discovery.”
She added, “Scoot’s report offers valuable insights into the motivations and expectations of this growing traveler segment. With our extensive network across Asia-Pacific, including Thailand and neighboring countries, we’re proud to facilitate access to both popular and emerging destinations. We enable solo travelers and groups alike to explore the world with confidence and enjoyment like never before.”
The rise of solo travel in Thailand signals a transformative moment for the travel industry. It challenges providers to rethink products and services to cater to travelers who prioritize personal freedom, meaningful experiences, and safety. For Thai travelers, solo journeys are more than just vacations—they are pathways to self-exploration, mental rejuvenation, and embracing life on their own terms.