Hello, I was heading to Australia beginning of February but unfortunately I may have to change my plans due to the forest fires. I am thinking Thailand, I am travelling by myself for the first time. Any advice of places to go, places to stay and things to see? I will be going there for 3 weeks. Thank you

Where are you thinking to visit in Australia? Not everywhere is fire. Brisbane & places in Queensland are nice, no fire. Sydney isn't but some day there might be smoke . I am currently in Australia

Nary I agree-and they will be needing the tourism revenue to help rebuild

I'm a Canadian living in Australia! Sydney is affected by smoke almost every day. Some mornings are okay, but sometimes the smoke blows in, and vice versa. One of my friends living in Melbourne says that they are now affected as well.
South Australia has some fires going as well. Definitely check the news and plan accordingly if you do change your mind back to Australia.
Some helpful websites and FB pages that I use are:
FB: Rural Fire Service NSW, Live Traffic NSW
Victoria: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond
I fully agree, Donna. However, the fires are still raging and very unpredictable, so I would wait a bit longer until at least summer is officially over on 1 March. Last thing emergency services needs is more people to look out for.

Nary I am flying into Melbourne. I am going to Byron bay and Sydney so far. I would like to see the reef? Would cairns be a good idea?
Thank you

Public transit in Sydney is very good if you don't plan to hire a car. I stayed at Darling Harbor once, close to Chinatown. Recently, I stayed closer to The Rocks area. Hotels, depending on your budget. I prefer walking distance so I chose those two locations.

Check out a Facebook page Solo woman travellers loads of great ideas and tips for travelling alone

Jessica thank you

I took the wonderful overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai . In a second class sleeper car. There’s a car just for women. https://www.chiangmaitraveller.com/bangkok-chiang-mai.../

Cora agree. Is a wonderful ride & lots to see & do in Chang Mai.

Northern Thailand can also be very Smokey in Feb, March, April. We went in April 2016 and Chiangmai and Pai were totally socked in. Coastal areas/islands were not bad.

Cora thank you I will be going with the original plan to Australia , I appreciate the information

I’ve been told that it’s fine to go to the main cities in Australia and that tourism money is needed and appreciated

Yup! It's fine. I don't suggest visiting Melbourne. I have a friend there, sent me a actual photo, very smoky

Koh Chang

Isn t one of the fires closing in on Sydney?

Graham like at least 100km away from Sydney. If you go to blue mountain then it's very smoky. Sydney is fine, a little smoke some day.

If you like the water go get padi certified for scuba diving in Koh Tao, it’s a 3-4 day course for about $400 and is amazing! Check out Chiand Mai up north!

I live in Perth Western Australia, there’s no fires here and it’s a beautiful city with plenty to do and great weather. You could also visit Margaret River (great wine growing ).

Sandra thank you

Depending on where you are going it should be fine. Some places may be affected by smoke the Gold Coast should be fine, WA as stated above is huge and many places to see. Sydney city will be fine, blue mountains I would avoid if the fires haven’t gone by then (I grew up about an hour from the blue mountains. I’m an Aussie living in Canada.

They got some rain today in some areas

Mariah

Shania could you hear me stress googling flights from Australia to Bangkok through the wall?
Reply to Shania
Kari
Thank you for all your recommendations, I have decided to continue with my plans and go to Australia

Any recommendations for Australia ? So far I am going to Melbourne, Byron bay and Sydney

Avoid Phuket