First long-haul solo trip (Thailand) - group tour or go it alone?

Hey All,

28M from the UK - first long-haul solo trip, thinking about Thailand (3 weeks) next week and stuck between going solo vs booking a group tour.

I’ve done a short solo trip before (Amsterdam for a few days) but nothing this big. Part of me is excited - new country, completely different environment, proper reset. Other part is a bit anxious about being alone that far from home for that long.

Main concerns:

• I like structure - not rigid, but I don’t want to land and feel like I’m wasting time not knowing what to do
• Mild social anxiety - I can talk to people, but I’m not someone who’ll instantly make friends in a hostel as I'm initially slow to get out of my comfort zone
• Worried about getting bored/lonely after a week or two
• I do want to meet people, just not in a forced or overwhelming way
• Not keen on shared dorms - I’d strongly prefer my own room if possible

I’ve been looking at group tours (like Intro Travel):

• 9–12 day tours seem manageable and structured
• 18 days feels like a lot + less freedom
• Idea would be: do a 9–12 day tour, then solo travel after

But they’re £1,000 plus, so I’m questioning whether it’s worth it vs just planning things myself.

Questions:

1. Is a group tour worth it for someone like me, or is it unnecessary?
2. Is Thailand actually easy enough to do solo without it being overwhelming?
3. Did anyone feel similar before their first long solo trip - and how did it turn out?
4. Is 3 weeks too long for a first solo trip?

Any honest input appreciated - especially from people who were unsure before going. Thanks!