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South East Asia Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ south east asia tours for singles / solo travelers with 14,337 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

10 Days in Vietnam From South to North

It was a very memorable adventure. The guides were all terrific - knowledgeable and personable. The excursions were fun and historical. We paid for a group tour, but in the end received almost a private tour except for one excursion. The only drawback was the accommodations in Hanoi - it was less than stellar. I wish they had offered an upgrade choice upfront and we would have taken it.

Southeast Asia Encompassed

He was absolutely exceptional ! Best guide I have ever had !

10 Days Beauty of Indochina

We thoroughly enjoyed our 10 day Indo China tour and have written a review for trip Advisor which has been posted. Once again thank you for a wonderful experience, we will be back to do another tour with you as your guides and drivers are The Best !!!!

• Christmas & New Year

Thailand and Laos Adventure

Excellent tour with Dream. She had the of the group involved and enjoying outings as a group, couple or individuals. Great sights and good mix of activities.

Glimpse Of Indochina In 16 Days (Vietnam,Cambodia,Thailand,Laos)

We just got home from our getaway to SE Asia and could not be HAPPIER! I'll admit that initially I was a bit skeptical about booking this trip through an online company site, but my concerns were quickly erased. Everything about this adventure was so well thought out and so well organized. Thank you so much to Long Pham with Realistic Asia. His constant communication via WhatsApp was so helpful. Realistic Asia is the local tour company that assisted us throughout every step of our adventure. Long was so attentive to every need. His constant contact was so appreciated. Contact that began well before we left. His guidance and question answering were all so helpful. We never had to worry about a thing. All ground transportation needs were provided, and the vehicles were beautiful. He also arranged for our flights from the different countries while we were there. *We booked our own flight from and back to US because we had miles to use. As we transferred from SE Asian countries throughout our trip Long would contact us the day prior to tell us the name and phone number of the tour guide meeting us at the airport or picking us up at the hotel/s. All of the locations in the itinerary were terrific - and if we wanted to edit/add to the itinerary we were able to do so in advance of the trip. There was even a day that a flight was delayed significantly. Due to that delay, we would have gotten in to our hotel too late for an early am tour. Long rearranged things for us for the next day to accommodate a change of schedule. The guides at each location were exceptional! So knowledgeable, friendly, and spoke English beautifully. I feel like we even made new friends with a few of them. Each of our hotels were awesome places to stay. Long was able to determine which kind of hotels met our needs best by asking about our needs, preferences, budget, etc....*Note: we did choose to upgrade to 4-star hotels and additionally to a 5-star resort in Phuket for our last hotel. (We added on three days in Phuket to our itinerary.) It really was a tailor-made getaway, and we are so happy that we trusted Tour Radar and Realistic Asia by booking this marvelous vacation with them. We will tell all of our friends to check you out and will looking forward to utilizing your services again in the future.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Bangkok to Singapore

This trip had just about everything: Temples, natural beauty, animals, food, etc. Nice balance of relaxation and excitement. This was one of the best tours ever in terms of included activities and food. Wonderful guide too! (Alif)

• Sightseeing

Amazing Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam 18 days

This is Lillian, Robert’s wife, who also went on the tour. The guides were exceptional in Bangkok and Siem Reap. They should be used every time. The tours were interesting and educational. The vehicles were clean and with a lot of space. We definitely visited the best of what these countries have to offer. My only suggestion would be to include Danang with the Ba Na Hills cable car ride to see The Golden Bridge. We did that on our own before going to our second night in Hoi An. It is worth seeing plus the dragon bridge at night in Danang. We stayed at the Vanda Hotel in Danang and walked to the Dragon Bridge which was around the corner. I want to thank you for providing a wonderful and beautiful tour. Bravo Indochina tours did a great job. Lillian Loewen

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Philippines One Life Adventures - 10 Days

Such an amazing tour and would highly recommend!! The Philippines overall is such a beautiful place and this tour really immerses you at the centre of it. What I really loved about this tour is that it provided you with a balance of being able to relax, party, participate in fun activities (ex. kayaking, climbing a coconut tree) and also to learn about the culture, the people and their daily living. Other than meeting the incredible people I met on this trip, some of the highlights would be being on the boat island hopping and snorkelling, spending the night at the private island and being able to give back to the community by visiting a local school. A huge thank you to Jet, our tour guide who made this tour such an incredible experience!

Spirits Of Vietnam - Cambodia - Thailand In 16 Days

Great experience from beginning to end.

Vietnam and Cambodia - 12 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi

Danny and his team a Legend were exception. Mr Hiy in Hoi Am, Tin Tin in Ho Chi Min and the Paul in Siam Reap such lovely and knowledgeable guides. The schedule is action packed, and hot, hot, hot. The only criticism is the flights were very late or very early made it very tiring. Would highly recommend

Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi

It was one if the Best Tours with a variety of Experiences ! The Itinerary was well planned, Hotels & Trasport were First Class and Guide/s were Knowledgeable. Great Trip 👍

Cambodia Adventure

This trip was not what I expected - it was SO much MORE!! I was nervous travelling to a non-english speaking country, as a female, with a teenage daughter in tow, but it has become one of the BEST experiences of my entire life!! The trip was well organised and planned, our tour leader Mony was amazing - he shared his culture and knowledge with us, and was approachable. We met amazing people and created great friendships, while we experienced the true culture and people of Cambodia. There is a lot of travel, but the transport was safe and comfortable, and even with the long hours of travel there were plenty of stops and opportunities to experience and interact with locals, and still time to explore/do activities when we reached our destinations. Use the travel time to get to know the other members of your group better, or watch the world go by - there is plenty to look at! The hotels/guesthouses were mostly what we expected for the price we paid, but some were better! Can't wait for our next trip!!

Cambodia - Vietnam 10 Days 9 Nights - Hanoi / Halong Bay / Siem Reap /Angkor Wat/ Ho Chi Minh/ Mekong Delta

Incredible tour package… don’t hesitate, just reserve it. You won’t regret it. Highly recommend multi-day tours full inclusive package. Great at all

Southeast Asia Discovery 19 Days

The entire experience was amazing!!

Discover Vietnam and Cambodia Thailand in 12 Days

What people love about south east asia solo tours.

Was a great experience! Thank you

had a great trip. our guide was oustanding. we've been on several g trips,this itinerary and daily schedule kept us busy and always interested. would reccomend this trip for anyone interested in this part of the world.

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25 Best Places For Solo Travel In Asia

By Jessie Festa. This article on traveling Asia alone contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for the best places for solo travel in Asia ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Planning a solo trip to Asia can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, as there are so many great destinations to choose from.

To help narrow down your search, I reached out to some of my favorite travel bloggers to get their top picks for where to enjoy solo female travel in Asia. I’ve also my personal favorite solo travel destination in Asia in spot #1.

Whether you’re looking to visit historic temples, relax on beautiful beaches, summit impressive mountains, or immerse yourself in local culture in a safe place, you can find it in the Asia solo travel guide below.

From India to Southeast Asia to Indonesia and beyond, discover some of the best places to travel alone in Asia.

⏳Short on time? Here are some quick tips for traveling solo in Asia: ☔ Safety: Whether you’re traveling alone in Asia or elsewhere, it’s smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🏨  Accommodation: This map  can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Asian cities you’re visiting solo. It’s currently set to the Kuta in Bali, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Asia. 💸 Save Money: Klook Pass , which helps you save big while getting access to numerous activities with one pass 🎉 Experiences: Klook (very popular in Asia), GetYourGuide , and Viator 🥘 Culinary Experiences: EatWith (cooking classes, food tours & dining in local homes) 🏥  Travel Insurance:   SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (robust) 📞  Staying Connected:  Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Explore The Best Places For Solo Travel In Asia With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we discuss some of the best Asian cities for solo travel , here is an invite to grab a seat in my  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to dive into the solo travel guide .

Without further adieu, let’s go over some of the top places to visit when traveling to Asia alone .

Keep in mind that this list of the safest Asian countries for solo female travelers is in no way exhaustive.

Feel free to share your own recommendations for solo travel in Asia as where as your tips for how to travel solo successfully in the comments below!

1. Thimphu, Bhutan

If you’re looking for safe places to travel alone in Asia , Bhutan should be at the top of your list. In general, the country experiences very little crime, and even petty theft and pickpocketing are uncommon — though, of course, you should always keep general solo travel safety tips in mind.

Along with stunning Himalayan scenery, your trip to Bhutan will likely include lots of temple visits, cultural experiences, and some of the world’s best hiking .

Most visitors to Bhutan begin their journey in Thimphu, the country’s capital. There are many interesting things to do in Thimphu , from visiting one of the world’s largest Buddhas at Buddha Point to seeing the national animal (the takin) at Motithang Takin Preserve to taking a spiritual walk at the National Memorial Chorten.

Of course, as Bhutan is a very remote destination, you’ll also want to add other stops to your itinerary. A few of my favorite experiences during my solo trip to Bhutan included:

• hiking to Bhutan’s breathtaking Tiger’s Nest in Paro
• hiking around Jakar , the “Switzerland of Bhutan”
• seeing rare black-necked cranes in the Phobjikha Valley
• visiting the Lobesa District of Punakha , a village that worships penises as well as an interesting Buddhist Master known as the Divine Madman

While Bhutan should be at the top of any list sharing unforgettable and safe Asian countries to travel alone, the one downside is the price; you’ll need to pay a daily Bhutan visa fee , which can be expensive when traveling solo.

That being said, if you can swing the cost, you’ll be rewarded with an experience unlike any other in one of the best places for solo travel in Asia.

-Jessie Festa of Jessie on a Journey

Thimphu Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Thimphu tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Thimphu hotels .

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Is solo travel fun ? It certainly can be, especially if you visit this popular destination. Situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a beloved destination for travelers and Thai food connoisseurs alike and one of the best places to solo travel in Asia.

The city is surrounded by an ancient wall and a moat that encloses a lively old town full of cute cafes and fun bars — including a live jazz venue.

For solo travelers, this is an ideal city to visit because of the number of fun adventures that are available — such as visiting an elephant sanctuary like Elephant Nature Park and hiking to one of the seven hill tribe villages of Northern Thailand (and possibly doing a homestay!).

Another fun trip is to take a songthaew (red truck taxi) and head up the mountain to visit the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple that overlooks the entire city. If you enjoy hiking, you can also reach the temple via the Monk’s Trail.

With Chiang Mai being such a big hub for travelers and backpackers, the city is loaded with hostels that not only serve as an inexpensive place to sleep but also a fun spot to socialize.

Chiang Mai is also the jumping-off point for people heading to party in Pai and others that are planning to ride scooters around the scenic Mai Hong Song Loop. You might even consider joining one of these groups.

This all being said, the top reason for solo travelers to visit Chiang Mai is the food. Northern Thai cuisine is unlike anything you will try in the rest of Thailand and this region is the culinary center of the country.

The best food in the city can be tried at small shophouse restaurants around the old town and at the amazing street food markets that are set up each night near the north and south gates. Delicious!

Chiang Mai is truly an incredible destination for solo travel in Southeast Asia.

– Gabriel from Chef Travel Guide

Chiang Mai Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Chiang Mai tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Chiang Mai hotels .

3. Vientiane, Laos

Travelling Asia alone is a unique experience, and the capital of Laos, Vientiane, is one of the best solo travel destinations in Asia boasting exciting architecture, culture, history, safety, and affordable living. 

The city is captivating with its cultural and colonial buildings, museums, and pagodas.

There are plenty of things to do in Vientiane, too, whether you are a city explorer, history lover, or outdoorsy person. 

The first stop on anyone’s Vientiane itinerary should be Pha That Luang — a 148-foot-high stupa covered in gold that is the most sacred monument in the country, with two adjacent temples.

Patuxai Victory Monument, also known as the Victory Monument, is a replica of the French Arc de Triomphe, representing the colonial history of Lao. Its ceilings and walls are adorned with gorgeous paintings of goddesses, gods, and other critical cultural elements. And those who enjoy panoramic views can even walk to the top for some sweeping views of the city. 

History lovers can visit the Lao National Museum to learn more about the city’s history from prehistoric to present.

And not far from the city lies quite an interesting and impressive Buddha Park with fascinating giant Hindu and Buddhist mythological statues. 

Like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, night markets are a fun way to spend evenings in Vientiane by wandering the stalls of various vendors and trying local street food. 

Finally, another reason Vientiane is great for solo travelers is that it’s relatively small for a capital city, with the main tourist action happening in the central part consisting of three primary roads parallel to the Mekong River. All the accommodation options are located within these areas too. 

-Baia from Red Fedora Diary

Vientiane Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Vientiane tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Vientiane hotels .

4. Bajawa, Indonesia 

Bajawa is a cute off-the-beaten-path town in the middle of Flores Island in Indonesia. It’s a great destination if you are an experienced solo traveler who’s up for adventure and is not afraid to stray away from the tourist trail.

What makes Bajawa extraordinary is that it’s one of only six matriarchal societies in the world!

In Bajawa, women rule and are head of the clan. This means that when a couple gets married the man moves in with the woman and his life will be devoted to her and her family. If he makes a mistake, like cheating, he will be kicked out instantly, and all the possessions they have together will go to the woman and her family. 

There are some truly amazing things to do in and around Bajawa. If you’re visiting Bajawa in the low season, chances are you will have these places all to yourself. It’s the perfect place to experience that feeling of total freedom — one of the many benefits of traveling alone — if that’s what you’re after on your solo trip to Asia. 

Bajawa is all about traditional culture and natural beauty. Places to visit in and around Bajawa are the traditional villages of Bena and Luba if you want to experience local Ngada culture, Ogi Waterfall if you are a fan of waterfalls, and the Inerie Volcano that dominates Bajawa’s skyline.

For a good view of the Inerie Volcano itself, go to Wolobobo Hill — where you can enjoy a coffee after catching the sunrise from a viewing platform. If you’re an avid hiker, summiting Mount Inerie will take about six to seven hours round-trip.

Tired after hiking the volcano? Make your way to the Malanage Hot Springs and soak in the pleasant waters at the confluence of a hot and cold river in the middle of the forest. 

The best way to get around Bajawa is by motorbike. If you don’t dare to drive yourself, it’s also possible to hire an ojek (motorcycle taxi) or arrange a day trip with a car and a driver.

A great place to stay in Bajawa is Cinnamon House and for the best food in town head to Lucas Restaurant .

-Annelies from Travelers&Dreamers

Bajawa Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Bajawa tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Bajawa hotels .

5. Kolkata, India

Kolkata — India’s “City of Joy” — is a beautiful destination and one of the best places for solo travel in Asia.

Home to historic neighborhoods, bustling bazaars, remarkable architecture, and plenty of flea markets, it is a city full of culture everywhere you go. It is also one of the safest places in India to visit on your own .

Start your trip with an early morning visit to the Victoria Memorial Hall and spend some time wandering in the expansive gardens surrounding it. Victoria Memorial Hall is actually inside of Maidan, a giant greenspace with picnic spots, hiking trails, sports fields, racetracks, historic landmarks, and more.

The greenspace is also home to the massive St. Paul’s Cathedral, known for its stunning Gothic architecture. Nearby, you can grab lunch along buzzing Park Street.

Once you’re done exploring, hail yourself an iconic yellow taxi and head to North Kolkata for vibrant markets and colorful houses. Neighborhoods such as College Street, Shobhabazar, Shyambazar, and Kumortuli are where you will find colonial-era buildings and decades-old shops. You can take a stroll at your convenience or book a guided walking heritage tour.

The city of Kolkata is also popular for its culinary offerings. From tangy puchkas to stuffed kathi rolls , make sure to go on a food tour to taste the city’s numerous street food offerings.

If you are in the mood for a sit-down meal, you can also book an authentic Bengali thali dinner with a local, which includes a variety of different dishes served in small bowls on a platter. Yum!

-Charu from TravelwithCG

Kolkata Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Kolkata tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Kolkata hotels .

6. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand 

Thailand is full of fun cities and beautiful islands, but one of the best places to go for solo travelers is Ko Phi Phi. The Phi Phi Islands are located off of Phuket and Krabi in the Andaman Sea and are an easy ferry ride over.

The main island, Phi Phi Don, is known for its long-tail boats and beaches that are perfect for a solo beach vacation . Because of the island’s size, there aren’t roads or cars here. Instead, you have walking streets throughout the town with lots of open-air bars and restaurants.

If you’re looking for safe places to travel alone in Asia, you’ll be happy to know this small island fits the bill. Plus, it’s really easy to meet people since everyone is usually congregating on the beach or wandering the shopping streets.  

Another bonus:

There’s always something going on and you’ll quickly find that Ko Phi Phi has a ton of other travelers doing the same thing you are — traveling alone. 

Staying at a hostel is the easiest way to meet people and most of them have organized boat tours (or booze cruises) where you are likely to meet other solo travelers. I actually met my husband at one of the hostel bars on the beach when I was traveling solo. Talk about a travel love story !

If hostels aren’t your thing, you can still hang out at the hostel bars or head to the beach for the nightly neon parties where lots of people gather to watch the fire shows and performers on the sand. And during the day, there are pool parties at different hotels.

In short, the destination features a social atmosphere with lots of opportunities to meet other people and take in the beauty of the island and the surrounding beaches. And, in my opinion, it’s one of the best places to travel solo in Asia .

-Ashley from Jetset Jansen

Ko Phi Phi Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Phi Phi Islands tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Ko Phi Phi hotels .

7. Siem Reap, Cambodia

The jumping-off point for the legendary Angkor Archaeological Park , Siem Reap is a bucket list destination for travelers of all types. Safe, budget-friendly, and with no shortage of opportunities to get social, it’s one of the best places for solo travel in Asia.

Before hitting the temples, sign up for an Introduction to Buddhism tour with social enterprise Ayana Journeys, where you’ll learn all about Cambodia’s main religion by speaking one-on-one to monks and receiving a traditional blessing.

If you’re keen to link up with other travelers, there are plenty of day trips to the temples that don’t charge a single supplement. If you prefer to go solo, you can easily hire a tuk-tuk and guide for the day. 

Whether you opt for sunrise at Angkor Wat or sunset at Phnom Bakheng — or both — don’t miss visiting the rose-tinted Banteay Srey , which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Spectacular as it is, there is so much more to Cambodia’s second-largest city beyond Angkor. Siem Reap also offers a huge range of interesting cultural experiences, vibrant local markets, and one of Southeast Asia’s best restaurant scenes.

In between tuk-tuking around the temples and lounging by the pool at your villa, participate in an Apsara dance masterclass, take a cooking workshop, or watch the silk weavers at work at Artisans Angkor.

Go shopping on trendy Hap Guan Street and hop between the many excellent cafes and restaurants, including social enterprise cafe Sister Srey , which contributes to demining efforts in Cambodia and employs young women from the local community.

Another must-do is a treatment at Bodia Spa, where traditional Khmer botanicals and herbs are used for all-natural treatments.

The solo travel adventure doesn’t stop there:

Beyond Siem Reap, there are dozens of hidden gems in Cambodia to discover — including the temples at Banteay Chhmar , three hours north-west of the city, where an innovative community tourism project runs guided tours and family homestays.

-Emily from Wander-Lush

Siem Reap Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Siem Reap tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Siem Reap hotels .

8. Mount Fuji, Japan

An easily recognized icon of Japan, considered one of the safe Asian countries for solo female travellers, is Mount Fuji, the country’s most sacred mountain. Visible from as far as 300 kilometers (186 miles) away on clear days, lucky visitors will take in a view of her usual cloudy backdrop swirling with mystery and intrigue.

Additionally, this beautiful volcano is surrounded by numerous tourist towns and cities. In fact, it’s only a two-hour bus ride from Tokyo, making it an easily accessible solo travel destination.

Visitors will be spoiled for choice when selecting which areas to enjoy the best views of Mount Fuji, as there are so many!

Perhaps one of the most scenic (and popular) experiences is seeing the mountain’s reflection on the expansive Lake Kawaguchiko. Walk the surrounding paths under the cherry blossoms during spring, or frame a shot of Fuji amongst the fiery hues of autumn leaves.

Discover ancient pilgrimage paths at the beloved Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, one of the starting points where worshippers once began their long climb to Fuji’s summit.

Later on, catch a bus to Oshino Hakkai’s 8 Sacred Ponds, which feature pure and clear water that’s been filtered through underground volcanic rock for over 80 years.

Nearby Gotemba is a foodie’s paradise as well as a haven for shopaholics with the Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan’s largest shopping mall. Prefer to skip the shops? Enjoy a relaxing soak in the outlet center’s  onsen  (hot spring bath) instead.

Finally, there is never a dull moment spending time in the Hakone-Izu National Park. Take a combination of train, cable car, ropeway, boat, and bus around this scenic area. Even if Mount Fuji is hiding behind the clouds, the Picasso Museum, Open Air Museum, and beautiful gardens will make up for it.

Mount Fuji is truly one of the best places in Asia for female solo travel !

-Alyse from The Invisible Tourist

Mount Fuji Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Mount Fuji tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Mount Fuji hotels .

9. Siargao Island, Philippines

Nestled on the easternmost edge of the Philippines is one of the best places to travel solo in Asia , Siargao Island.

This small surfing oasis has been compared to what Bali was back in the 80s and many solo travelers flock here to surf one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, enjoy unspoiled island views, and relish in the island lifestyle. 

Exploring Siargao goes a little like this: wake up, surf, eat, party, sleep, repeat — while mixing in island hopping tours and visiting beautiful locations around the destination.

Base yourself in General Luna as it’s one of the most popular places to stay on the island and is close to all the hotspots.

While in Siargao, you can’t pass up the opportunity to learn how to surf at one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. Consider lessons at Cloud 9, Jacking Horse, and my personal favorite, Pacifico Beach!

The coolest thing about the nightlife in Siargao is that each bar takes turns hosting parties each night of the week. So if you want to know where the party of the night is, ask around and they’ll give you the location of the pre-party and then where the actual party is that starts around 11pm.

If you’re in town on a Friday, head to the “Jungle” for one of the most unforgettable parties of your life.

Among all of that, you’ll want to explore some of the best things to do on the island. Book any of the popular tours like the island hopping tour to Guyam, Naked, and Daku Islands as well as day trips to Sugba Lagoon, Corregidor Island, and Sohoton Cove.

Other adventurous things to do include:

• cliff jumping at the Magpupungko Rock Pools
• swimming the crystal waters of Alegria Beach
• caving at the Tayangban Cave Pools
• driving to the “Top of the Road” to look out over thousands of coconut palms
• watch the sunset from Cloud 9 Pier

Siargao Island is an amazing place to visit for solo travelers who want to make lifelong friends, meet adventurous locals, and photograph cherished memories.

-Aaren from What Do You Sea

Siargao Island Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Siargao Island tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Siargao Island hotels .

10. Ubud, Indonesia

The town of Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali in Indonesia and is the best place for solo travel in Asia. Bali solo travel in general is an incredible experience, and Ubud in particular is famous for its ancient landmarks, traditional arts, and green rice terraces.

Solo travelers will have lots of great things to do in Ubud and the surrounding area, which includes nearby places — such as the stunning (and very Instagrammable) Tegalalang Rice Terrace . Because of this, you’ll want to create a 3 day Ubud itinerary at minimum.

Around Ubud, you can find traditional markets, temples, palaces, spas, cafes, wood carving shops, and of course, the famous Ubud Monkey Forest , where you can see semi-wild monkeys in their natural environment (just don’t bring any food or jewelry).

There are also easy hikes around Ubud like the Campuhan Ridge Walk, and a bunch of nice waterfalls can be visited on short day trips with a car or motorbike. Two top Ubud waterfalls to see are Tibumana and Kanto Lampo — both of which are easy to reach within a short drive from town.

If you’re looking for a challenge, Mount Agung trekking is an option, and companies will typically pick you up from Ubud.

Bali is a very safe island in general, and the same is true of Ubud. Another huge benefit of traveling here is that it’s very affordable; meals can be as cheap as $3 USD, and private hotel rooms can be as low as $10 USD.

Obviously, this all depends on your solo travel budget , and there are plenty of high-end luxury hotels and fancy restaurants in Ubud too if you can afford it.

In short, whether you enjoy exploring on a budget or experiencing the finer things in life, those looking to travel Asia solo will be very comfortable in Ubud!

-David & Intan from  The World Travel Guy

Ubud Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Ubud tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Ubud hotels .

11. Seoul, South Korea

A great destination for solo travelers is Seoul, the capital of South Korea and a mega city with a diverse range of historic and modern experiences. 

Central Seoul is densely packed with things to do and is easy to get around via subway trains with good English signage. 

There are many centrally-located and budget-friendly accommodation options located close to subway stations too, which makes it easy for solo travelers to get around via public transportation. A few of my personal favorite areas include Myeongdong, Itaewon, and Gangnum.

Must-do experiences for solo travelers include visiting the historic palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, wearing a traditional hanbok (the Korean national dress), and taking a food tour to savor local culture. 

If you have become a fan of K-pop then check out the clubs in the lively Gangnam district.

Love Korean TV shows like Squid Game ? There are local tours that take you to see filming locations.

And if you’re looking to do a day trip, I recommend visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to the north of Seoul when it is open. Or, for a more rural experience, head to the beautiful Nami Island to explore nature and culture.

-Anne from the  South Korea Travel Planning blog

Seoul Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Seoul tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Seoul hotels .

12. Pattaya, Thailand

The lively city of Pattaya is one of the best places to travel alone in Asia , and a popular option within Thailand for those traveling solo.

Getting to Pattaya is easy thanks to an array of private and public options to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok — which is less than two hours from Pattaya by car.

Pattaya is known for its legendary nightlife. To get a taste of it, head to Walking Street — a mile-long street lined with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.

Another highlight is watching Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, a dazzling dance and music performance by some of the country’s most talented Thai-national transgender & transvestites. The glamour and the energy on display here are unmatched.

Along with entertainment, Pattaya offers solo travelers many opportunities to explore culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

Located by the ocean, Sanctuary of Truth is a unique temple dedicated to human values. The structure consists entirely of wood, a testament to architectural vision and skill.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a perennial favorite of nature lovers. Spread over a massive 495 acres (200 hectares), Nong Nooch features many smaller themed landscaped parks within its bounds, from orchid gardens to French-style plots. Plus, the garden hosts cultural events regularly.

The Pattaya Floating Market is a perfect way to get up close to local culture. Float on a boat as you look for bargain deals on traditional Thai wares, wooden gift items, and hand-woven clothing.

As for accommodation, the city showcases hostels to suit every budget as well as hotels at reasonable rates. This only helps to cement Pattaya’s place as one of the best places to travel solo in Southeast Asia .

-Vidyut from Triplyzer.com

Pattaya Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Pattaya tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Pattaya hotels .

13. Puducherry, India

Also known as Puducherry, the town of Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement until 1959 and in 1962 became a Union Territory of India.

Often touted as a gem of Southern India , Pondicherry is one of the country’s top travel destinations for tourists and backpackers — including those traveling solo to Asia.

Love adventure travel ? Here you can enjoy active experiences like mangrove kayaking and scuba diving. In fact, Pondicherry has 22 unique dive sites. One of the fascinating things about diving in Pondicherry is that there are many artificial reefs, which have helped to restore local beaches.

The town also has a surf school where travelers can learn how to ride a wave. There are plenty of beaches where the waves are smaller and calmer if you’re a beginner, too.

Now don’t worry if you’d prefer a relaxed solo trip, as Pondicherry is home to many beaches. This includes Paradise Beach and Eden Beach — the latter of which is the first local beach to get the coveted Blue Flag tag given to environmentally-conscious and clean beaches.

Both of these beaches are also perfect for witnessing breathtaking sunsets or walking along the beach, as is the coastal walk between the Kargil War Memorial and Old Port and Pier.

White Town, the district where the French formerly lived, is a great place to walk around and enjoy colonial-era villas, leafy streets, and delicious restaurants and cafes — like the highly-rated Coromandel Café , which has a breezy and elegant atmosphere.

For solo travelers who enjoy trying local cuisine, there are many food joints that serve idlis (rice cakes) and dosas (like pancakes).

Since Pondicherry is a popular spot for solo travelers, you’ll find many comfortable, safe, and centrally-located hotels and hostels catering to this group.

-Raksha from Solo Passport

Pondicherry Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Pondicherry tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Pondicherry hotels .

14. Tokyo, Japan

Japan may just be the best Asian country for solo travel. And with delicious food, a plethora of things to do, and a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the world, Tokyo specifically is one of the best destinations in Asia for solo travel. 

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and largest city and is an amalgam of ancient and modern culture. The city’s architecture is a delightful mix of traditional buildings and contemporary skyscrapers, and the city retains its history while also embracing modern innovation.

Tokyo is the perfect city for solo travelers for many reasons.

First of all, Tokyo is one of the safest places in Asia to travel alone, making it perfect for solo explorers, especially females.

Japanese society also tends to be introverted — meaning it’s super common to see locals dining, visiting bars, and exploring alone.

Solo travelers visiting Japan do not have to worry about judgemental looks when eating alone. In fact, many restaurants are tailored for solo diners.

Additionally, Tokyo is full of affordable business hotels with small rooms that are perfect for solo travelers, especially those who prefer privacy over shared hostel dorms.

When visiting Tokyo, you won’t have to worry about running out of things to do. The city is home to countless shrines and temples, and you shouldn’t visit the city without seeing at least one or two. Sensō-ji is one of the most famous temples, and Meiji Jingu Shrine is a tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Make sure to see the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing at Shibuya Crossing. Pro tip: check out the Starbucks overlooking the crossing or the Mag Park Rooftop for a bird’s-eye view.

For panoramic views of the city, head to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The observation deck is free and open for tourists to visit.

Hungry? Tokyo has some of the most delicious food in the world. Whether you’re at a street food stall or a Michelin-starred restaurant, it would be difficult to find a bad meal in the city.

My recommendation:

For amazing ramen, head to Tokyo Ramen Street in Tokyo Station. There, you’ll find eight different ramen shops, each serving up different varieties of the dish.

-Sydney from A World In Reach

Tokyo Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Tokyo tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Tokyo hotels .

15. Jaipur, India

Admire Jaipur’s culture, liveliness, and stunning pink architecture as you meander through the colorful capital of the Indian province of Rajasthan.

Known as The Pink City, Jaipur got its color to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria in 1876, as pink symbolizes hospitality.

That welcome can still be felt today as you taste the local street food, encounter friendly locals, and sightsee wondrous city architecture.

Part of the Golden Triangle circuit, Jaipur is one of India’s most popular destinations. And if you’re looking for the best places for solo travel in Asia, it should definitely be on your list, as its developed tourism industry makes sightseeing and transportation easy to navigate — even for first-time visitors.

As for any busy city, aside from common sense dangers and being alert to your personal belongings to avoid pickpockets , Jaipur is very safe for solo travelers.

Jaipur’s top sightseeing hotspots incorporate history and architecture. Just outside the city center, the scenic Amer Fort is the number one tourist attraction showcasing the palace’s history as the former capital of Rajasthan.

While there, don’t miss the Panna Meena Ka Kund Stepwell, a picturesque stair formation reminiscent of the Impossible Staircase illusion.

Another must-visit, Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is structured in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. At nightfall, the light reflections that mirror the palace against the stillness of the lake turn the scene into a site of extreme beauty.

If you’re looking for other impressive fortresses, find panoramic city views at Nahargarh Fort and large cannons at Jaigarh Fort.

No trip to Jaipur would be complete without visiting the Hawa Mahal , situated in the heart of the city center. Inspired to appear like the god Krishna’s crown, this five-story pink sandstone palace features 953 intricately designed windows.

End your tour at the Bapu, Nehru, or Johri Bazaars to taste local Indian cuisines and shop for textiles, leather, and jewelry. As a parting memento, bargain for specialty Jaipur souvenirs of gemstones, lac bangles, and many other handicrafts. 

-Catherine from Nomadicated

Jaipur Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Jaipur tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Jaipur hotels .

16. Beijing, China

The Chinese capital Beijing is one of the most beautiful cities in China and the perfect destination for solo travel in Asia.

With its mix of old traditional neighborhoods, called hutongs , and modern districts with skyscrapers, trendy shops, bars, and restaurants, the city offers the ideal mix of history and modernity.

Beijing is a fantastic place for solo travelers because you’ll be able to easily talk to locals — even if you only know a few words of Mandarin Chinese. It is a very safe place to travel alone in Asia and the risk of getting robbed or attacked is lower than in other places in the world.

You will also find great accommodation for every budget here.

The major sights of Beijing are Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City , the Temple of Heaven, and the new Summer Palace. From Coal Hill in Jingshan Park — located behind the north exit of the Forbidden City — you will have a fantastic view over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Furthermore, you should visit the Tibetan Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Gong, where you can immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhism. From there, you can walk to the nearby Temple of Confucius on Guozijian Street, which is worth a walk.

I also highly recommend taking a stroll through one of Beijing’s hutongs. Three of the most famous are Nanlougu Hutong, Mao’er Hutong, and Liulichang Street. You can combine a walk with a visit to Shichahai and its three lakes, the Drum and the Bell Tower, and the Beihai Park. Art lovers will get their money’s worth in the 798 Art District in the northeast of the city.

In Beijing, you will find a huge selection of dishes from a wide variety of Chinese cuisines.

Originally a street food from Sichuan, you should definitely try out malatang, a kind of spicy individually-made hot pot. You put your favorite ingredients in a bowl and pass it to the counter, where a chef prepares a delicious soup or meal for you.

Meat eaters will enjoy a real Beijing roast duck, the city’s most famous dish.

By the way, if you want to learn how to cook Chinese dishes yourself you should attend a cooking class .

No stay in Beijing would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. Well-known restored sections are Badaling and Mutianyu. If you want to explore an unrestored wild part of the Wall you should take a hike on the Gubeikou, the Jiankou Big West, or the Longquanyu section of the Great Wall with a local hiking agency.

-Vanessa from The Travelling Colognian

Beijing Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Beijing tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Beijing hotels .

17. Taipei, Taiwan

Solo travel in Taiwan is an unforgettable experience, and the country’s capital city of Taipei is the perfect introduction to traveling alone in Asia. It’s extremely safe, English is widely spoken, and you get to experience Asian culture without feeling too overwhelmed.

Taipei has an extensive transportation system, which makes it extremely easy for solo travelers to navigate. The main tourist attractions in Taipei are spread out, so you’ll be relying on public transportation. 

There are plenty of things to do in Taipei, so you should plan to spend at least five days in the city. The top sights you should visit include the National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Elephant Mountain, and Taipei 101 . 

If you have the time, you should also take a day trip to visit Jiufen, a seaside mountain area east of Taipei. It gets extremely busy in the afternoon so try to get there as early as possible. 

No trip to Taipei would be complete without visiting the night markets. Taipei is known for its incredible food, and night markets are the best way to try all the delicious options. 

Raohe Night Market is the most popular in Taipei. It opens at 5pm, and you should arrive close to that time to avoid the long lines. The two items you can’t leave without trying are the pepper buns and ice cream burrito. 

Overall, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia to travel alone, and Taipei won’t disappoint you!

-Erica from  Travels with Erica

Taipei Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Taipei tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Taipei hotels .

18. Sarawak, Malaysia

There are many great places to enjoy a solo trip to Malaysia , though the capital city of Sarawak in Borneo, Kuching offers a truly unique experience.

While the origin of the city’s name is uncertain, many locals refer to Kuching as the “Cat City” as the word Kuching is similar to the Malay word for cat. 

Kuching is the home of many Indigenous people in Sarawak, including the Ibans, Dayaks, and Orang Ulu. There are many opportunities to better understand these cultures, for instance, through museums (like Kampung Budaya Sarawak and the Sarawak Museum ) and immersive tours and experiences (like staying at an Iban Longhouse).

Kuching is really the perfect place for solo travelers to connect with local people and learn more about the city’s history and culture. The city center is also relatively easy to explore, so many main spots to visit in the city are only within walking distance from one and the other. 

Stroll around the Kuching Waterfront with the view of Astana and Fort Margherita, along with the majestic Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building that you can enjoy for free.

You can also find many cat statues throughout the city where you can take a selfie or two. Stop by the Cat Museum to enjoy the cat city to the fullest. 

Love wildlife? Kuching is the main gateway if you’re planning to see orangutans in their natural habitat in Borneo. Semenggoh Nature Reserve is only an hour away from Kuching city center, and you can also enjoy trekking and seeing the wildlife at Bako National Park. 

-Marya from The Beau Traveler

Sarawak Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Sarawak tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Sarawak hotels .

19. Rishikesh, India

Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh is a place widely visited by tourists from all over the globe.

The city got popular when the famous English rock band The Beatles visited the city in the 60s to learn transcendental meditation. Yoga guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji inspired them.

Today, Rishikesh offers yoga, meditation, adventure sports, religious temples, magnificent mountains, cultural diversity, and tranquil ashrams.

Every year, thousands of solo travelers visit the sacred city. Even as a solo female traveler, traveling alone in Rishikesh is relatively safe and secure.

You need to keep a few things in mind, like not consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food near holy places and ghats (which are steps leading down to the water). These things are banned in Rishikesh to maintain the divinity of the city.

Being an important tourist destination in India, tourism contributes to a significant part of the city’s income. The people here are generous, helpful, and kind.

Things solo travelers can do in Rishikesh include yoga and meditation, which are offered at the many local centers like Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram.

The city is also heaven for adventure lovers, featuring river rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, camping, and trekking. You can book a package with any tour operator located in the Tapovan and Jonk areas.

If you’re in Rishikesh, don’t forget to attend the evening Ganga Aarti — a worshipping of the holy Ganges River — at Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Triveni Ghat.

Rishikesh is also well known for its 5000-year-old tradition of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. There are various therapy centers in the city, like Braham Yoga & Natural Healing and Hemadri Ayurveda Center. The therapy includes an oil massage, scrubbing, and polishing of the body.

Pro tip: Rishikesh is also a great solo trip from Delhi , as you can reach it in about six hours via a direct bus.

-Abhishek from  Misfit Wanderers

Rishikesh Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Rishikesh tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Rishikesh hotels .

20. Osaka, Japan 

Japan is possibly the best country to travel alone in Asia, with Osaka being one of the best cities for solo travel.

Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan and is the hub connecting the Kansai Region with the outside world. Kansai has its own unique culture, cuisine, and tradition that makes it different from Tokyo and the rest of the country.  

Highlights in Osaka include the Osaka Castle, Universal Studio Japan, Dotombori, Umeda shopping area, and Shitenno-Ji Buddhist temple.

Osaka is a great place for solo travelers because, first of all, it’s easy to get around. The entire city is connected by metro and Japan Railways (JR), and a solo traveler can easily visit a number of attractions using public transportation. 

In fact, a JR Kansai Pass offers free or discounted entry and cut-the-line privileges to over 100 attractions: museums, cultural experiences, observation decks, and more.

Additionally, Osaka is surrounded by numerous important historic cities, including Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. It is impossible for a solo traveler to run out of travel ideas.

Osaka is also known for its friendly locals, exciting nightlife, and safety. In fact, solo travelers will have no problem walking and enjoying the city at night. Plus, there is always an opportunity to get to know a new friend along the way!

Finally, you can’t miss the food in Osaka , a facet of local culture that makes it abundantly clear why the city is one of the best places to travel in Asia solo.

For a delicious yet educational experience, book a local food tour — which also allows you to taste a variety of local dishes like okonomiyaki (a type of savory pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), fugu fish, and more!  

-Kenny from Knycx Journeying

Osaka Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Osaka tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Osaka hotels .

21. Hội An, Vietnam

Looking for the best solo travel destinations in Asia ? Hội An should definitely be on your radar!

Hội An, formerly known as Fai-Fo, is a coastal city south of Da Nang home to roughly 120,000 people. The Ancient Town became a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1985 and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to being a well-preserved trading port with both Indigenous and foreign influences. 

Many backpackers rave about buying handmade clothing here. In fact, one of the travelers I met in Thailand got a beautiful dress made and the shop even mailed it home to her in Belgium!

As a female traveler, I felt entirely safe in Hội An. I spent a few nights partying and never once felt uncomfortable or under threat, even on my walks back to the hostel with another female traveler.

Personally, I loved spending my time wandering solo through the narrow colorful streets of the Old Town. And the beach is only a 15-minute bike ride away.

Some of the other top things to do in Hội An as a solo traveler include exploring the markets (and picking up some incredible bargains), taking a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, hiring a bicycle to explore the countryside, and tasting the street food. 

Another recommendation: join a free tour run by university students where you visit a local carpentry village!

Other things you can do include booking a basket boat tour, taking a trip to My Son Sanctuary , visiting the Museum of Folk Culture, and checking out historical houses like Tan Ky and Duc An. 

Any of these activities are great for solo travelers, and if you feel more comfortable being on a tour, there are lots of options for that, too.

-Lana from Wallflower in Wanderland

Hội An Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Hội An tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Hội An hotels .

22. Singapore

Singapore is one of the coolest city-states in the world and is an excellent destination for solo female travelers in Asia.

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, it’s since become a cosmopolitan melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Arab cultures.

Today, Singapore is known as being a safe country to travel alone in Asia — as well as for its cleanliness, and efficiency.

It’s also incredibly easy to get around, even if you don’t speak the language. Almost everyone speaks English as it’s the language of the downtown businesses.

The variety of ethnicities living within this small city-state makes it feel like a tour of Asia within a week-long trip. You can easily go over to Little India for an afternoon before heading to a Malaysian hawker stall for dinner — all within an hour from the downtown core!

Solo travelers will love how easy it is to get around Singapore. Public transportation is cheap, clean, and efficient. You can also walk everywhere within the city center — though note it’ll be a sweaty walk as Singapore gets hot and humid.

There are plenty of things to do as a solo traveler in Singapore. Some of the best tourist activities include the Gardens by the Bay and walking amongst the Cloud Forest . Every night you can enjoy a free light show at the Marina Bay Sands.

You can also take the train to Sentosa for a beautiful beach day, complete with an amusement park for fun in the sun.

Shopping is plentiful in Singapore, but unless you’re a US size 0 and have lots of money to spend, you should avoid the popular malls downtown. Instead, head to the different communities outside of the downtown core for markets where you can find cheaper goods.

Trying local food is also a must-do in Singapore; not just for sustenance, but also for enjoyment.

You’ll love getting to try a Michelin-star meal at a hawker stall for under $5 USD. Try the variety of different dishes at a hawker market. And don’t forget to try the famous Singaporean chili crab!

One of the coolest experiences is the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo . You can see the nocturnal animals in full glory on this activity. It’s also cool because you’re sheltered from the intense Singaporean heat.

In Singapore, prepare to wear light, airy clothes or you’ll be a pile of sweat within five minutes. Most people use the malls to navigate the city, as the air conditioning prevents them from melting on longer walks.

-Nina from  Ottawa Things To Do

Singapore Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Singapore tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Singapore hotels .

23. Bagan, Myanmar

One of the most unexpected and best Asian destinations for solo travelers is Bagan, Myanmar. While it may not be the first country to come to mind when you’re planning to backpack Asia alone , it’s one that will surprise you when you’re there!

Ancient Bagan is known for its incredible landscapes and is home to over 2000 pagodas and temples.

Situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Bagan can be reached from the city of Mandalay via river, plane, or road.

Bagan is a good way for solo travelers to experience coming off the well-traveled Southeast Asia backpacking route while also staying on a well-known path that guarantees you to meet other travelers.

There are plenty of backpacker hostels — the most famous being Ostello Bello — which all put on group trips during the day and fun activities in the evening!

Most of Bagan can be accessed with an e-bike or scooter, but if you want to meet other travelers, staying in New Bagan is perfect for lively hostels, restaurants, and shops. Most accommodations will organize sunrise viewings from the Shwesandaw Pagoda (which is rumored to house a hair of Buddha!), hot air balloon rides, and e-scooter hires for an easy way to get around.

One of the best solo travel activities in Bagan is a sunrise hot air balloon ride, which floats you over the mystical land of temples and dusty sky. This can easily be done alone or with new friends and is a memory that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for something where your feet stay firmly on the ground, you can take a traditional cooking class in Bagan. It’s the perfect way to meet other like-minded travelers as you’ll cook Burmese curries and traditional snacks in small groups.

If you book with the Pennywort cooking group , you’ll shop for your own ingredients in the morning, then walk to a local’s house in the afternoon to cook. It’s a day well spent eating good food and learning more about Myanmar’s history and culture from a local!

-Jennie from Jennie Wanders

Bagan Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Bagan tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Bagan hotels .

24. Gangtok, India

Located in Northeast India, Gangtok is the capital of the state of Sikkim, which is blessed by the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.

Gangtok is considered one of the cleanest cities in India. The name Gangtok refers to its hilltop location, which has an elevation of about 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) above sea level. 

Gangtok is a perfect city for solo travelers who love culture and nature. It offers a majestic view of the Himalayas and is home to diverse ethnicities such as the Bhutias, Gorkhas, Lepchas, and Kiratis — all of whom are known for their warm hospitality. 

There are also many things to do in Gangtok for solo travelers. First and foremost, you can take a walk down Mahatma Gandhi Marg (MG Marg), a pedestrian street in downtown Gangtok known for its markets, cleanliness, cafes, and upscale vibe.

To enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Gangtok Ropeway cable car is a must. Additionally, the Lingdum Monastery pairs Tibetan Buddhism with a view of the misty hills.

Another monastery worth a visit is Rumtek Monastery, which sits at an altitude of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) and is the largest monastery in Sikkim.

To learn more about Tibetan Culture, you can also visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology near the Gangtok Ropeway.

Conclude your solo trip to Gangtok by going to the Tashi Viewpoint and Ganesh Tok Viewpoint. Both are known for their stunning scenery of the city backed by Mount Kanchenjunga.

-Joydeep from The Gypsy Chiring

Sikkim Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Sikkim tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Sikkim hotels .

25. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is a bustling metropolis that always has something going on. Full of landmarks and constantly packed with tourists, this modern city is the perfect place for solo travelers to explore on their own or find new friends for exciting adventures. Being such an international city as well as a major flight hub, there is no shortage of interesting people to meet in Kuala Lumpur and the best place to do that is at a bar. Luckily, Kuala Lumpur has plenty.

The first place you should head if you are looking for nightlife is Changkat Bukit Bintang, the Times Square of KL.

Alternatively, Bangsar is the area where most expats hang out. Or head to Bridge Bar for an iconic experience: dining on the bridge between the buildings of the G Tower Hotel, 28 floors high! 

When you get hungry, head to Jalan Alor, the main food street in Kuala Lumpur where you will find hundreds of different vendors offering tasty cuisine.

Now, if you prefer to simply enjoy time to yourself while solo traveling, wander your way through the Old Market Square or Little India — both of which are full of shops and restaurants — and go hunting for street art around Jalan Alor at your own pace.

Regardless of whether you prefer to get out there and socialize or enjoy a quiet solo retreat, you cannot leave Kuala Lumpur without visiting some of the biggest attractions, including the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers (once the tallest building in the world). Catch the light show behind the towers each night for an impressive colorful light display.

And don’t miss exploring the underground world of the Batu Caves , a great place to experience real Hindu culture. The caves themselves are impressive, too, and you’ll be greeted by monkeys when entering.

-Yulia from Miss Tourist

Kuala Lumpur Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Kuala Lumpur tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Kuala Lumpur hotels .

Travel Insurance For Solo Travel In Asia

When traveling solo in Asia—or anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing . If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads . For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

What best places for solo travel in Asia would you add to this list?

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This article is a fantastic resource for solo travelers looking to explore Asia. It provides a diverse range of destinations, from the serene beauty of Thimphu, Bhutan, to the vibrant streets of Kolkata, India. The recommendations offer a mix of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and delicious cuisine. It’s great to see the emphasis on safety and the inclusion of helpful travel resources. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this guide has something for every solo traveler. Happy exploring!

Why none of your articles or posts ever include South Korea, Hong Kong nor Taiwan? Especially South Korea which has tons of attractions and things to do solo or in groups.

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Wanderlust Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Asia

Are you a fearless wanderer, itching to explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Asia on your own terms? Look no further! Our ultimate guide to solo travel in Asia will equip you with all the tips, tricks, and must-see destinations to make your wanderlust dreams a reality. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure , self-discovery, and memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into the exciting world of solo travel in Asia together!

Table of Contents

Introduction to Solo Traveling in Asia

Traveling is an enriching experience that allows us to explore new cultures, try delicious food, and create unforgettable memories. And while traveling with friends or loved ones has its own charm, there’s something uniquely liberating about solo travel. It gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and truly immerse yourself in a new destination.

And when it comes to solo travel destinations , Asia is definitely high on the list. With its vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that Asia attracts millions of travelers every year.

First things first – safety. One of the biggest concerns for solo travelers is safety . And while there are certainly some precautions you should take when traveling alone anywhere in the world, rest assured that most parts of Asia are relatively safe for travelers. Of course, it’s always good to do your research beforehand and take necessary precautions like not walking alone at night and being aware of your surroundings.

Next up – choosing a destination. Asia is incredibly diverse and offers countless options for solo travelers. Are you looking for bustling cities? Head to Tokyo or Hong Kong . Want to relax on picturesque beaches ? Thailand or Bali might be more your style. Interested in immersing yourself in ancient cultures? Consider visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar.

Another important factor to keep in mind when planning your trip is the time of year you’ll be visiting a particular destination. The weather can greatly impact your experience and budget as well – so be sure to check out peak seasons and monsoon periods before booking your flights.

One thing to note about traveling in Asia is that English may not be widely spoken outside popular tourist areas or major cities. But don’t let that discourage you – there are plenty of resources and translation apps available to help you navigate your way through the language barrier.

The best part about solo traveling in Asia is the cost. It’s no secret that many countries in Asia offer budget-friendly options for travelers, making it a perfect destination for those on a tight budget.

So whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or embarking on your first solo trip , Asia has something to offer for everyone. From stunning landscapes to bustling cities, rich cultural experiences, and delicious food – get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with self-discovery and adventure.

Benefits of Solo Traveling

Solo traveling has become increasingly popular among adventurers and wanderers alike. It offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. In this section, we will delve into the various benefits of solo traveling in Asia.

Freedom and Independence

One of the biggest advantages of solo traveling is the freedom and independence it offers. You are free to make your own decisions, choose your own itinerary, and explore at your own pace without having to compromise with anyone else’s preferences or schedules. This allows you to have a more authentic and meaningful experience as you can fully immerse yourself in a new culture without any distractions.

Flexibility

Traveling alone also provides flexibility when it comes to planning your trip. You can change your plans last minute without having to worry about disappointing someone else or coordinating with another person’s travel plans. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of unexpected opportunities that may arise during your journey.

Self-Discovery

Solo traveling is an excellent way to learn more about yourself as an individual. As you navigate unfamiliar places on your own, you gain valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. This can help build confidence and resilience while also pushing you out of your comfort zone.

Processing Time

Traveling alone also gives you time for introspection and reflection which is often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. It allows for time away from the chaos of everyday routine giving us the space we need for self-care, contemplation, and mental recharge.

Cultural Immersion

Solo travelers tend to be more open-minded when it comes to immersing themselves in different cultures compared to those who travel in groups or pairs with people from similar backgrounds. Interaction with locals becomes easier as well since they feel less intimidated by one person rather than a group.

Opportunities for Building Connections

While solo traveling may seem like a solitary experience at first glance, it actually provides great opportunities for making new connections. Whether it be with fellow travelers, locals, or even yourself, solo travel can lead to a deeper understanding of different people and cultures.

Gain New Skills

Traveling alone requires you to take care of everything on your own – from managing finances to navigating through unfamiliar places. This can help hone essential life skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability that are often overlooked in our daily lives.

Solo traveling offers numerous benefits that go beyond just exploring new destinations. It allows for personal growth, cultural immersion, and the freedom to truly create your own adventure. So why not take the leap and embark on an unforgettable journey through Asia on your own? The rewards will undoubtedly outweigh any challenges that may come along the way!

Popular Destinations for Solo Travelers in Asia

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular amongst adventurous individuals looking to explore new cultures and push their boundaries. And when it comes to solo travel, Asia is often at the top of the list for its diverse landscapes, rich history, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals. If you’re a solo traveler looking to embark on an unforgettable journey in Asia, here are some of the most popular destinations that should be at the top of your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Known for its bustling city life and unique cultural experiences, Tokyo is a must-visit destination for any solo traveler in Asia . From exploring the vibrant street markets to taking part in traditional tea ceremonies or indulging in some of the best sushi in the world, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Plus, with a safe and efficient public transportation system, navigating Tokyo as a solo traveler couldn’t be easier.

For those looking for a more modern experience, head over to Shibuya Crossing. Known as one of the busiest intersections in the world, this area is a hub of shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Don’t miss out on witnessing this iconic crossing at night when it’s all lit up!

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long been a favorite among backpackers and digital nomads alike and it’s not hard to see why. This Indonesian paradise offers stunning beaches, lush green landscapes dotted with rice paddies, and an array of spiritual experiences such as yoga retreats and meditation classes. It’s also a great place for budget travelers as accommodation options range from affordable hostels to luxury resorts.

A must-try experience in Bali is visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terrace near Ubud. Marvel at the expansive terraced fields while taking a leisurely walk or sitting back with a cup of Balinese coffee at one of the many cafes overlooking the scenic view.

To truly immerse yourself in Balinese culture, attend a traditional dance performance at Pura Dalem Ubud Temple or catch an evening fire dance show at Uluwatu Temple. These performances showcase ancient stories through intricate costumes, music and choreography.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about solo travel in Asia but it definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. With its blend of modernity and tradition, this dynamic city has something for every type of traveler. From shopping at futuristic malls to exploring ancient palaces or trying out mouth-watering Korean BBQ dishes on your own – Seoul will keep you entertained throughout your trip.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

While Bangkok may seem like the obvious choice for solo travelers venturing into Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a more laid-back and authentic experience away from bustling crowds. Here, you can explore centuries-old temples, hike through lush forests, and even take part in traditional Thai cooking classes. Chiang Mai is also known for its friendly locals and vibrant expat community, making it a great place for solo travelers to meet like-minded people.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a charming ancient town that offers a peaceful break from the chaos of other popular destinations in Southeast Asia. With its quaint streets lined with colorful lanterns, delicious street food vendors and endless opportunities for shopping at local markets – Hoi An has something for everyone. It’s also a great base to explore nearby attractions such as My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains.

Asia truly offers an endless array of options for solo travelers looking to embark on an unforgettable journey. Each destination mentioned above has its own unique charm and experiences waiting to be discovered – so pack your bags and get ready to fulfill your wanderlust in this diverse continent.

Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles,” is a popular destination for solo travelers in Asia. With its stunning beaches, bustling cities, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, it’s no surprise that Thailand attracts millions of visitors each year.

One of the highlights of solo travel in Thailand is undoubtedly the food. From street vendors selling affordable and flavorful dishes to high-end restaurants serving traditional Thai cuisine with a modern twist, there’s something for every palate. Be sure to try some popular dishes like pad thai, som tam (green papaya salad), and tom yum soup during your stay.

For those looking for an idyllic beach getaway, Thailand has plenty of options. The island of Phuket boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Koh Samui is another popular choice with its lush greenery and laid-back atmosphere making it ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

But don’t limit yourself to just beaches – Thailand also has vibrant cities waiting to be explored. Bangkok offers a mix of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers along with bustling markets where you can haggle for souvenirs or try some delicious street food. Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is another must-visit city known for its temples, night markets, and opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking through picturesque mountains.

Solo travelers looking for adventure will not be disappointed in Thailand either! The country has many opportunities for activities such as elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with these gentle giants, jungle trekking, and water sports like kayaking or white-water rafting.

Safety is always a top concern for solo travelers, and Thailand is generally considered a safe destination. However, it’s always best to exercise caution and common sense while traveling alone – avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be aware of your surroundings.

Thailand offers a perfect balance of culture, adventure, relaxation, and affordability for solo travelers. With friendly locals, delicious food, stunning scenery, and endless opportunities for exploration, it’s no wonder why so many people fall in love with this captivating country during their travels.

Japan is a country that is on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. Its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology make it a fascinating destination for solo travelers. From bustling cities to serene temples, Japan has something for every type of traveler.

Tokyo, the capital city, is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Japan . The neon lights and futuristic skyscrapers will make you feel like you have stepped into a sci-fi movie. But amid all the chaos, there are also tranquil gardens and shrines that offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets.

Another unique aspect of Japanese culture is their love for food. From sushi to ramen to street food, Japan’s cuisine is known worldwide and trying local dishes is an essential part of any trip here. Solo travelers can easily enjoy these culinary delights by joining food tours or dining at izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs) where they can interact with locals.

But Japan isn’t just about big cities; it also offers breathtaking natural landscapes. For outdoor enthusiasts, head to Hokkaido for hiking through national parks or skiing in winter months. Alternatively, visit Okinawa for its picturesque beaches perfect for snorkeling or diving.

One concern many solo travelers have when visiting foreign countries is language barriers. However, English signage and tourism information are widely available in major cities in Japan making it easier to navigate as compared to other Asian countries.

Safety is another important factor when traveling alone and fortunately Japan ranks high on safety indexes making it ideal for solo travel especially for women. Of course, it is always important to exercise caution and use common sense, but Japan’s low crime rates provide a sense of comfort for solo travelers.

Japan has so much to offer for those traveling alone. It is a country where ancient traditions meet modern technology, making it an ideal destination for any type of traveler. With its unique culture, delicious food, and safe environment, it’s no wonder that Japan is often at the top of travelers’ wanderlust lists.

Indonesia, also known as the “Emerald of the Equator”, is a country in Southeast Asia comprising of over 17,000 islands. It is the world’s largest archipelago and is home to a diverse culture and vibrant landscapes that attract millions of tourists every year. From bustling cities to serene beaches, Indonesia offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers.

One of the most popular destinations in Indonesia is Bali, which has become synonymous with tropical paradise. Its stunning beaches, lush green rice terraces, and rich cultural traditions make it a must-visit for any traveler. However, there are many other hidden gems waiting to be discovered in this vast country.

As a solo traveler in Indonesia, one thing you will notice is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Indonesians are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature towards visitors. With English being widely spoken in tourist areas, communicating with locals won’t be an issue.

Safety may be a concern when traveling alone but rest assured that Indonesia ranks among one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Just like any other destination, it’s always important to take necessary precautions such as not carrying too much cash or valuable belongings when exploring unfamiliar places.

When it comes to accommodation options in Indonesia, there is no shortage of choices catering to every budget range. Hostels are plentiful and offer affordable options for solo travelers looking to meet other like-minded individuals. For those willing to splurge a little more on luxury accommodations, there are numerous resorts and villas scattered across different islands,

Indonesian cuisine is another aspect that solo travelers should not miss. With influences from Chinese, Indian, and European cultures, Indonesian food is a delightful mix of flavors and spices. From street food vendors to high-end restaurants, there is no shortage of delicious local dishes to try.

Indonesia offers an endless array of experiences for solo travelers. Its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and warm hospitality make it a top destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure. So grab your backpack and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of this incredible country.

Vietnam, a country rich in history and culture, is a popular destination for solo travelers looking to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia. From bustling cities to serene countryside, Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences that will make any solo trip an unforgettable adventure.

The first stop on any solo travel itinerary in Vietnam would undoubtedly be Hanoi, the capital city. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with street vendors selling delicious local food and shops offering traditional handicrafts. Take a stroll through Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple for some moments of peace amidst the chaos of the city. The famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the former leader’s embalmed body rests, is also a must-visit for history buffs.

Another highlight of Vietnam is the ancient city of Hoi An. This charming town boasts unique architecture influenced by Chinese, Japanese and French cultures. Wander through its lantern-lit streets, sample some traditional dishes at local restaurants or relax on nearby beaches such as Cua Dai or An Bang.

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without visiting Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), another bustling metropolis teeming with energy. Here you can visit iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Basilica or Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War era before indulging in some retail therapy at Ben Thanh Market.

If you’re looking to escape city life and immerse yourself in nature, head south towards Mekong Delta region which is home to picturesque rice paddies, floating markets and peaceful villages. Take a boat ride along the Mekong River or spend a night with a local family to truly experience the warm hospitality and simplicity of Vietnamese rural life.

From its vibrant culture to breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam has something for every solo traveler. With easy transport links between cities, affordable accommodations and friendly locals, traveling through this beautiful country is made effortless. So pack your bags, book your flights and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Vietnam!

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. However, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to explore the wonders of Asia on your own. There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options for solo travelers that can help you save money without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Another budget-friendly option is staying in guesthouses or homestays. These are often family-run accommodations that offer a more intimate cultural experience. You’ll get a chance to interact with locals and learn about their way of life, all while saving money on accommodation. Plus, many guesthouses offer shared kitchen facilities which allow you to prepare your own meals and cut down on food expenses.

For those seeking even lower-priced options, there are dormitory-style rooms in some guesthouses or even monasteries where travelers can stay for free or at very low rates. However, keep in mind that these may not always have the most comfortable amenities and may require adhering to certain rules or practices.

Couchsurfing is another popular choice among budget-savvy solo travelers. This involves staying with locals who offer up their couches (or sometimes spare bedrooms) for free. It’s not only a cost-effective option but also allows you to connect with locals who can provide insider tips on the best places to visit in their city.

For longer stays or if you prefer having your own space, renting an apartment through sites like Airbnb or Booking.com can be a great option as well. With this option, you’ll have access to a kitchen, allowing you to save money on dining out. You can also choose to stay in quieter neighborhoods outside of popular tourist areas, which can often lead to better deals.

Don’t overlook the possibility of house-sitting or pet-sitting for locals who are going away on vacation. This option not only provides a free place to stay but also allows you to experience life as a local and immerse yourself in the culture.

No matter what your budget may be, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options available for solo travelers in Asia. By being flexible and open-minded, you can find comfortable and budget-friendly places to stay while experiencing all that this beautiful continent has to offer.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs to Know Before You Go

When traveling to any new country, it is important to understand and respect the local culture and customs. This is especially true when visiting Asia, a continent with diverse cultural traditions and social norms. Whether you are embarking on your first solo trip or an experienced traveler, it is always beneficial to learn about the cultural etiquette and customs of your destination before arriving. This not only shows respect towards the host country, but it can also enhance your overall travel experience.

In addition, wearing appropriate attire according to local standards is vital. While some Southeast Asian countries may be more relaxed in terms of dress code for tourists, others may have stricter cultural expectations. It’s advisable for both men and women to dress modestly by covering shoulders and legs when entering religious sites or rural areas.

When it comes to communication, learning a few key phrases in the local language can make all the difference in building connections with locals during your solo travels. Some countries may have different social cues for body language than what you are used to as well. For instance, direct eye contact may be viewed as impolite in certain East Asian cultures while maintaining distance between oneself and others during conversation shows respect.

Moreover, being mindful of dining etiquette will help you navigate any mealtime situations gracefully without making social faux pas. Countries like Japan follow strict table manners such as eating quietly with chopsticks or never passing food from one pair of chopsticks directly into another (as this symbolizes funeral rituals). Meanwhile, many Islamic countries observe dietary restrictions during certain times of the year, such as Ramadan, so it’s essential to be respectful and accommodating towards these customs.

It is always a good idea to research and understand the local customs and beliefs around social interactions and gestures. For example, in some cultures, touching or even pointing with your feet is considered rude, while in others offering gifts with both hands shows respect.

By being aware of cultural etiquette and customs before your solo trip to Asia, you can ensure a smoother and more meaningful experience. Remembering these tips will not only help you avoid misunderstandings but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and show appreciation for their way of life.

Traveling alone can seem daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the region. However, I hope this guide has shown you that solo travel in Asia is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. From budget-friendly tips to cultural insights, there is much to discover and experience on your own. So pack your bags, use these tips and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in beautiful Asia! Whether it’s immersing yourself in new cultures or discovering your inner strength and independence, solo travel will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on you. Embrace wanderlust and embark on your solo journey today!

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Group Solo Travel in Southeast Asia

Travel solo as part of a group tour to Southeast Asia

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WHY TRAVEL SOLO TO SOUTHEAST ASIA?

Group solo travel in Southeast Asia offers fabled adventures for the Western solo traveller; a destination often considered a rite of passage for many first-time backpackers. But you’ll find there’s far more here than meets the eye.

Bangkok is officially the most visited city in Southeast Asia, but there’s plenty to be experienced away from Khao San Road: lesser-known islands, secluded temples and vibrant markets are all within reach.

Over in Hanoi, you’ll find a city of cobbled, historical streets; where traditional Vietnamese , Chinese and French influences come together to create an enchanting atmosphere. Luang Prabang in Laos is equally charming; one of the most sacred places in the country. This is where many young monks are spiritually trained, amidst the many ancient temples adorned with mosaics.

Further south, Indonesia comprises over 17,000 islands, many of them home to the world’s most famous volcanoes, including Krakatoa and Mount Batur (which you’ll climb on our Bali trip). And The Philippines ? A truly unique blend of beach-hopping paradise, vibrant city streets and adventures like no other.

Southeast Asia facts

From cuisine to wildlife, here are a few things you should know about your group solo trip to Southeast Asia

Demographic

Southeast Asia boasts a population of around 665 million people, encompassing Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. The most populated country is Indonesia with 274 million inhabitants, and the least are the Andaman Islands.

Southeast Asia is a predominantly Buddhist region, with the exception of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei (which are Islamic) and the Philippines (which is Christian). The region’s cultures are otherwise strongly influenced by Theravada Buddhism and animist beliefs.

You’re likely to be familiar with Southeast Asian cuisine, such is the scope of its appeal around the world: pad thai and tom yum from Thailand, pho noodle soup and banh mi from Vietnam, laksa and chicken satay from Malaysia are just a few beloved dishes.

Southeast Asia has a tropical climate, alternating between monsoon season and dry season. Most of the region is comprised of islands – Indonesia and the Philippines being the largest archipelagos – and covered in lush, dense jungle and picturesque coastlines.

Borneo has some of the world’s most abundant rainforests; one of the only places where you’ll find tigers, orangutans, elephants and rhinos living alongside one another. You’ll find native elephants, monkeys and tigers from China down to Indonesia.

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Vibrant Vietnam

Coming soon, dates: 20 november - 04 december 2024, fully escorted, duration: 15 days.

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Anything seems possible in Vietnam.  A country full of amazing contrasts from mega-cities to hill tribe villages in this country so vibrant and engaging.  Discover friendly people, history both old and new,  and wonderful taste sensations on this 15 day tour.

• Mekong Delta
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Cooking Class
• Imperial Citadel
• 2 Night Halong Bay Cruise

For more information, or to secure your place, call us today at 1300 044 444

15 DAYS Fully Escorted

Departing Brisbane 20 November 2024

COMING SOON!

• Return Economy Class Airfares including Taxes* –  business class upgrades available on request
• Domestic Economy Class flights within Vietnam
• Private single rooms in quality accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary – 12 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners
• Sightseeing tours and transfers by private vehicle
• Tour Host – Departs from Brisbane
• English speaking Tour Leader
• Tipping (Guides & Drivers)
• Complimentary Photo Book
• Any meals other than mentioned above
• Items of a personal nature i.e. laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc
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*Please note: Airport Transfers are only available with the group flights. 

Depart Brisbane  – Arrive Saigon  (via Singapore)   (D) This morning meet with your Tour Host at Brisbane International Airport for our flight to Singapore and ongoing to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Welcome to Vietnam .  This country is full of contrasts. From huge modern cities to hill-tribe villages anything seems possible in this fascinating country.  When we arrive at Tan Son Nhat international airport, our local Tour Leader will be waiting and transfer us to our hotel for a light dinner before settling in for the night

Accommodation:   Muong Thanh Saigon Center similar (3 nights) 

Cu Chi Tunnels   (B-L) This morning after breakfast we visit Cu Chi Tunnels .  Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating trip out of the city. On the way back to Saigon, we will have a green immersion at a unique organic farm located in Cu Chi region. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and taste healthy food – homemade of course. Located in the middle of the farm, enjoy fresh ingredients from the garden and products freshly bought at the nearby local market. We will see how oyster mushrooms are grown and then served delicately on your plate. We stay on here at the vegetable farm for lunch. Once back in the city, we will visit the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda . With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed fall of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Later, we will have a stop at Reunification Palace . Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam. The final stop today is Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and a spot of souvenir hunting. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Mekong Delta  (B-L) Setting off from Ho Chi Minh City today we are taken to the charming delta town of Cai Be , famous for its rustic floating communities. In Cai Be, travelling by boat, we float past a mass of rickety river vessels where water-bound locals spend much of their time between fishing and selling their wares on land. Though the floating market here is not nearly as busy as day’s past, you might still spot locals tossing watermelons or pineapples between their boats! Along the way we will visit cottage workshops, making pop rice and coconut candy, and stop at an old house to admire its beautiful architecture and well-preserved interiors. Continuing on we then visit a family who weave intricate hyacinth products . Later, we take a rowing sampan to enjoy the charming Mekong scenery through a maze of narrow canals before enjoying a late lunch in a local house. For a special twist, watch a demonstration of how to make a favorite Vietnamese specialty – banh xeo, or a Vietnamese savory pancake before sitting down for a delicious lunch with local delicacies. Your tour ends with a gentle ride aboard the boat back to Cai Be and your onward drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening will be at leisure.

Saigon – Danang – Hoi An  (B-D)  This morning, after breakfast and check out, we will be transferred to Ho Chi Minh Airport for the short flight to Da Nang . Once we arrive in Da Nang we’ll be met by our local tour leader who will assist to our coach and the transfer to our hotel in Hoi An.  Upon arrival at our hotel, we will check in and have time to refresh before meeting for dinner.

Accommodation:   Silkotel Hoi An Hotel or similar (3 nights) 

Hoi An  (B-L) This morning we learn the story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops that have elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour also includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda , dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, we pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall , to see the Jinshang Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House , a 200-year-old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An.  After a Vietnamese lunch, we’ll take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. We end the afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water. Returning to the hotel we have this evening at leisure.

Hoi An    (B-L)  This morning, we will visit My Son Holy Land to discover the old Cham towers and shrines built 2000 years ago. Take the chance to wander through crumbling towers and listen to the culture and history of might the Champa Kingdom once upon a time. We will be back to Hoi An in time for lunch and then the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the alleyways and wonderful shops in Hoi An. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Hoi An – Hue  (B-D) This morning, after breakfast, we leave Hoi An and travel via the scenic Hai Van pass , (about 3.5 hours) to Hue. Once we arrive in the capital of Mandarins, have lunch ( at your own expense ) and freshen up before we visit the Imperial Citadel. Built between 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure is still very much the heart of modern-day Hue and despite a chequered history, the fortress remains superbly intact. There will be time for exploration before moving on to Long An Palace . Later we take a boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda . Consisting of seven stories, the pagoda is the tallest religious building in Vietnam.  Tonight dinner will be at a local restaurant with typical food from Hue.

Accommodation:   Moonlight Hotel Hue or similar (1 night) 

Hue – Hanoi    (B-D) This morning, we will be transferred to Hue airport for our flight to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi we will be met by our local tour leader who will assist us to our coach. We’ll drop our luggage at the hotel and then have lunch ( at your expense ). This afternoon, we travel through Hoan Kiem Lake , also known as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city’s many fascinating museums. We will enjoy an orientation of Hanoi, with its tree-lined streets resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the exquisite, recently restored Opera House. Then, have explore the Museum of Ethnology , which give an overview of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Here we learn about the fascinating cultural diversity of this ancient land. Today we will also visit the Temple of Literature , a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam’s first university. We finish our first day in the capital with dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Thang Long Opera Hotel or similar (3 nights) 

Hanoi Cooking Class with Host Family   (B-L) This morning, we go to nearby central Hanoi, to meet a lovely host and chef. Madam Quyen and her family will receive us in their familial property in a neighbourhood totally away from touristic spots. Madam Queyen will meet us and take us to the Thanh Tri Market. With the chef, we visit the local market which is only operated in the morning. She will give an introduction about the local life, the food and daily life of locals. She will then will instruct us on how to choose the freshest food of the day and assist us to pick some more food before starting a short walk of 2 km to the local family home. Note: – for passengers who do not want to walk, there will be the option to be dropped at the host house directly and await the groups arrival. Mid-morning we arrive and are given an introduction to the house, its architecture and tradition and get a brief overview of what to expect during our private cooking class. We will enjoy the lunch we have prepared and of course, some delicious fruits and tea will be served for dessert.  Say goodbye to the host family in early afternoon and then we will be driven back to the hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.

Hanoi   (B) After breakfast, we discover the old district in an old fashion way. Taking a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we venture through a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Finally, we will go to a secret eco-friendly coffee shop for a demonstration of the preparation of an iconic drink: Vietnamese egg coffee (with a twist). The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.

Hanoi – Halong Bay  (B-L-D) You might like to wake up early this morning and join an exciting scene of hundreds of locals as they do their morning exercises of Tai Chi Quan , jogging, martial arts, classical dance and so on, on the lake’s edge. After breakfast, we check out and travel to Halong to board the vessel which will be our home for the next two nights.   Lunch will be served as we sail out through Lan Ha Bay .  During the afternoon we’ll stop and explore the Dark and Bright Cave , travelling by sampan. Back on board enjoy happy hour as the sun sets, then a cooking demonstration before dinner is served.  You might like to try your luck squid fishing over the back of the boat this evening!

  Accommodation:   La Regina Legend Cruise (2 nights) 

Halong Bay  (B-L-D) You might like to start the day with some Tai Chi on the sundeck early this morning before breakfast is served. Today enjoy the views of the bay as we cruise around. You might like to cycle to Viet Hai Village (5 km) a small rustic village in the midst of the jungle, surrounded by the high mountain ranges of Cat Ba National Park. For those who are not keen on cycling, travel by electric car can be arranged. Alternatively, grab your camera and a deck chair and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch onboard, we will stop in Tai Quéo Cave area for kayaking if you wish and on Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) Beaches.  Enjoy another happy hour and our final dinner together.

Day 13 & 14

Halong Bay – Hanoi – Brisbane (via Singapore)  (B) Tai Chi anyone?  Or early light breakfast? This morning our vessel makes a stop at Tra Bau area which is quite magnificent for kayaking, swimming. We’ll then check out of our cabins and enjoy brunch as we sail back into the pier. Our coach will be waiting for us and then will transfer us to Hanoi Airport and our flights home.

For more information, or to secure your place, call us today at 1300 044 444 

Terms & Conditions                                                                                        

The following Solo Connections Terms and Conditions (‘booking conditions’) form the basis of your contract with Solo Connections and apply to all group journeys contained within this brochure and additional Solo Connections departures added at later dates, departing between 1 July, 2023 and 30 June, 2024. These conditions form the basis of your contract with Denise Marie Falsay trading as Solo Connections (ABN 92 582 582 996) (‘us’, ‘we’, or ‘our’). Please read them carefully as they set out your and our respective rights and obligations. These may also include additional terms and conditions applicable to a special offer or promotion. You confirm that you have read, understand and accept these booking conditions when you make a booking of a travel product offered by us (‘booking’) and pay the deposit for such booking.

These booking conditions may be amended occasionally. Should we amend the booking conditions, we will display the amended version on our Website or in our Travel Brochure, we can also provide the amended version of the booking conditions to you upon request. You will be bound by the current version of the booking conditions at the time you make your Booking. The Tour Brochure and these booking conditions are valid for tour departure dates specified in the (‘Tour Departure Dates’) during the validity period specified in the Tour Brochure unless otherwise indicated in your itinerary for the Booking.

Booking and Payment                                                                                      A deposit for each booking is required within 7 days of making a booking. For all bookings made we will require a signed booking form and deposit to be sent to us within 7 days of making your booking. If we do not receive this, we will automatically cancel your Booking without further notice.  All International bookings will require a non-refundable deposit of $750.00 to $3,500.00 per person, varying due to tour inclusions, plus an additional $500 deposit should you upgrade to Business Class flights. All Australian, including Norfolk Island, bookings will require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person.

The balance will be due 120 days prior to Tour Departure Date or as otherwise stated on your invoice. You will required to make your final payment prior to this to ensure that payment is received by us no later than 120 days prior to the Tour Departure Date or as otherwise stated on your invoice.

For bookings confirmed within 120 days prior to departure, full payment of the total amount and a signed booking form will be required immediately. We will consider payment has been received by us only when we receive payment from you. If full payment is not received by the due date, Solo Connections reserves the right to cancel all reservations and apply the normal cancellation fees. For some special offers, we may require an additional payment before the balance of the tour price is due. We will notify you of any such requirements during the booking process. Except as required by law  booking deposits are not refundable and are not transferable  to other tours or bookings unless under special circumstances deemed by us.                                                                                                

Prices, inclusions and fees All tour prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (based on a minimum of 15 passengers). Unless otherwise specified in the Brochure, or your itinerary, your tour price includes all international and internal flights (if applicable), taxes to a value determined by us, airport transfers, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, admissions, cruise travel, port charges as determined by the Cruise operator, the services of a Tour Host, Tour Director (if applicable) & Cruise Director (if applicable) as per your itinerary.

Unless detailed in your itinerary as an inclusion, your tour price does not include additional airfares, airline taxes, additional optional excursions, accommodation upgrades, meals not specified in your Itinerary, drinks, laundry, passport fees, visas, vaccinations, medical assistance, government taxes and charges (excluding GST),  or any items or expenses of a personal nature. Unless specified in your itinerary as an inclusion, overnight accommodation required to meet your tour and/or any transfers and flight connections are not included in the tour price and will be at your expense.

We reserve the right not to honour any published prices that we determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic, or clerical error. If you make a booking based on erroneous pricing, we will offer you the option of cancelling your reservation and receiving a refund of any monies paid by you or confirming the booking by the difference between the erroneous price and the correct price being paid.

Unfortunately, due to the advance payments that we make on your behalf to our suppliers it is necessary for us to enforce our cancellation policies.  Any changes to your booking must be put in writing to us, we reserve the right to accept or reject any amendments.  If we accept, you must pay a change fee of $250 per person in addition to additional costs resulting from the change.

You may cancel your booking by sending us written notice of the cancellation. If you cancel a booking you will be liable to pay the scheduled cancellation fee. A name change or a change to the Tour Departure Date is considered a cancellation of the original Booking. If you cancel your tour for any reason prior to your departure date (including by changing your Tour Departure Date or a name change), you will be liable for the following cancellation fees:

Cancellation Notice prior to Tour Commencement                 Cancellation Charges (per person)                                                                             

Up to final payment due date on booking advice                           Loss of Deposit

From payment due date on booking advice                                    100 %of tour price

You may also be liable to pay cancellation fees to airlines and other third parties.

We may vary your tour price at any time before you have paid in full to the extent necessary to meet any increase in the tour costs for reasons outside our control, including airfares, fuel, government  taxes and charges, exchange rate fluctuations or other tour related costs. We will not vary the tour price after we have received the total tour cost from you, regardless of any increases in the costs incurred by us. We will notify you of any such variation.

You are responsible for and must pay for all costs and expenses incurred by you as a result of any change made by you to your Itinerary after your Tour Departure Date. This includes changes due to illness or other personal reasons.

Cancellation, delays and changes to your itinerary by us Your Booking is conditional on us receiving a minimum number of tour passenger bookings to operate the tour and ensure an enjoyable group atmosphere. Where sufficient numbers cannot be achieved, we may cancel or delay a Tour Departure Date. We will endeavour to make any decision to cancel or delay a tour, and to notify you of that decision, at least 60 days prior to the scheduled Tour Departure Date.

Should we cancel a tour, due to not meeting minimum numbers, before departure:

• We will use reasonable endeavours to offer you the closest available tour departure.

If the proposed alternative tour is:

(i) cheaper than your original tour price, we will refund the difference to you; or

(ii) more expensive than your original tour price, you must pay the difference to us;

• if you accept the alternative tour, your Itinerary will be amended accordingly and we will give you an updated itinerary;
• if you do not accept the proposed alternative tour within 7 days of being notified by us, we will refund to you all monies paid directly to us and will have no further liability to you; and
• We are not liable for any third party costs you may incur, which we have not booked on your behalf, for example airfares or other arrangements booked independently.

Solo Connections reserves the right to vary, withdraw or cancel any tours by written notice in the event they cannot be supplied or the itinerary is changed, delayed, cancelled, or disrupted in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof or other authorities, or by acts of God, strikes, severe weather, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, pandemics, failure of equipment or machinery, theft, malevolent acts or any other cause(s) beyond our control (each a  Force Majeure Event ).

Due to the nature of travel and circumstances outside of our control, it may not always be possible for us to adhere strictly to your itinerary and we may need to make alterations, before or after the commencement of the tour. Should this arise, we will use reasonable endeavours to:

(a) give you reasonable notice of any alterations, but there may be circumstances beyond our control in which alterations will be required with little, or no, advance notice; and

(b) provide or arrange an appropriate substitute sightseeing, transport and accommodation as required.

We will do everything within our power to provide you with a substitution of equal quality, but some services and facilities may not be available for all alternative arrangements.

Any changes to your itinerary will be notified to you:

(a) if prior to your tour departure date, by phone, email or to your travel agent (if applicable); or

(b) if during your tour, personally by your tour host or tour director.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree that we are not liable to you for, and you release us from, any costs, claims, losses, damage or expense arising from either directly or indirectly in connection with any alteration to your itinerary or substitution carried out with the above specified information, including without limitation any:

(a)  claim for distress, disappointment or loss of enjoyment arising from the alteration;

(b) additional personal expenses incurred by you, including for food, beverages and personal items; or

(c) costs associated with any other travel arrangements affected by the changes, including any costs and expenses incurred by you for cancelling or changing those other arrangements or arising from a failure to meet a connection.

Your obligations whilst on Tour If we, the Tour Host, the Tour Director or any of our service providers consider in our or their absolute discretion that you are affecting your own health, safety or enjoyment, or that of other passengers, including refusing to comply with instructions, we may immediately have you removed from the tour and terminate our contract. If deemed appropriate you will be given the opportunity to conform and rectify your behaviour before being removed from the tour. You will be required to make your own arrangements to return home at your own expense and we will not be liable to you for any additional costs, losses or damage you may incur or suffer.

For all international tours You must have a valid passport with an expiry date of at least six (6) months after the day of your arrival back into Australia.

You must ensure that you obtain prior to the Tour Departure Date all required entry visas for all countries to be visited during the tour. Failure to obtain correct documentation may affect your right of entry to certain countries during the tour. If you do not have the necessary documentation and are unable to participate, we will not refund any portion of your tour costs, any additional costs for you to join the tour later or any out of pocket expenses that you have incurred.

Should you be unhappy with something that does or does not happen on Your Tour, You should first raise Your concern with the Tour Host or the Tour/Cruise Director as soon as reasonably practicable as it may be possible for them to take steps to resolve Your concern with minimal delay. You must first use all reasonable endeavours to negotiate with Us in good faith to settle the dispute before commencing proceedings in any court or tribunal.

General Risks & limits on Solo Connections responsibility Solo Connections, our employees, officers, tour managers and tour guides does not operate or own any entity that provides goods or services for your Booking. Solo Connections is solely responsible for purchasing all accommodations, meals, transportation, ground handling and other services from our independent suppliers. All such entities and persons are independent contractors. Your legal rights in connection with the provision of the travel goods or services for your Booking are against the specific travel provider and, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part, are not against us. This includes without limitation where any travel service provider is unable to provide the goods or services that you have purchased as part of your Booking. In such case, your rights are against that provider and not against us.

You acknowledge and agree that there are general risks associated with travelling, which are beyond our control and without limitation we are not liable to you (or any third party) for any losses, costs or damages you may incur as a result of these risks. Such risks include:

(a)Tour variations, cancellations or interruptions caused by circumstances outside of our control, forces of nature, force majeure events

(b) injury, illness, accidents, acts of terrorism, criminal acts, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, disruption, delay or damage to personal property in relation to any good or services.

(c) additional personal expenses incurred by you, including for food, beverages and personal items; or

(d) costs associated with any other travel arrangements affected by the changes, including any costs and expenses incurred by you for cancelling or changing those other arrangements or arising from a failure to meet a connection, government changes to visa requirements.

You acknowledge and agree that where any part of the fully inclusive Tour or any other goods or services that are not directly provided by us, but provided by a Service Provider or contractor, in the event of any dispute or claim including for loss, damage, breach of contract or negligence arising from the conduct of the Service Provider or contractor, you must pursue your claim directly against the relevant Service Provider or contractor.

Liability Limitations Nothing in these booking conditions exclude, restricts or modifies the application of any provision of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), including the Australian Consumer Law as amended, consolidated, supplemented or replaced.  Our liability for breach of a guarantee, condition or warranty implied by such a provision, where it is unlawful to do so. All exclusions and limitations of our liability under these booking conditions must be read subject to this clause. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we exclude all implied terms, conditions, guarantees, representations and warranties. You acknowledge and agree that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Solo Connections nor any of its officers, employees or agents has no liability for any act, error or omission of for any loss, cost, damage, expense or liability occasioned by a third party (including any contractors or third party travel and tour operators) arising out of this Agreement, or for any indirect or consequential loss including loss of profits, loss of revenue, loss of data or loss of opportunity. To the extent that we cannot lawfully exclude our liability, we limit our liability to you to the amount of the tour price you have actually paid to us.

To the full extent permitted by the law, you acknowledge and agree we are not liable to you in contract, under any circumstances, (including but not limited to loss of deposit or full tour price and loss of enjoyment), opportunity, profit, savings, revenue or interest or any other consequential or indirect, incidental, special or punitive loss, damage or expenses. Delay or failure by us or a Service Provider to perform our obligations under the Contract, resulting from or as a consequence of a Force Majeure Event. Where the law implies any guarantee or condition which cannot be excluded, our liability to you for breach of such an implied guarantee, condition or warranty is limited, to one or more of the following:

(a)     in the case of goods: the cost of repair of the goods, replacement or supply of equivalent goods; or

(b)     in the case of services: supplying the services again or payment of the cost of supplying the services again.

It is compulsory that all passengers travelling overseas with Solo Connections have travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your Tour including cover for loss of luggage, medical expenses, costs and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays or other disruptions. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are covered adequately and are aware of the inclusions of your insurance policy.

Liability Disclaimer Solo Connections reserves the right to vary, withdraw or cancel any tours by written notice in the event they cannot be supplied or the itinerary is changed, delayed, cancelled, or disrupted in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof or other authorities, or by acts of God, strikes, severe weather, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, pandemics, failure of equipment or machinery, theft, malevolent acts or any other cause(s) beyond our control (each a  Force Majeure Event ).

To the maximum extent permitted by law, except where caused or contributed to by negligence on our part, Solo Connections is not and does not accept any responsibility or liability in contract, tort or otherwise for any injury, illness, death, cost, loss, damage (including but not limited to loss or damage to persons, baggage and property), delay, diversion, substitution of equipment, variation, postponement, liabilities, expense or inconvenience arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with:

• the acts, errors, omissions, default or negligence of third party suppliers or other third parties including government authorities, airlines, coach, rail or cruise operators, land carriers, hoteliers or any other suppliers, nor for any consequences thereof, including but not limited to changes to or lack of availability of transport, services, accommodation or facilities; or
• a Force Majeure Event.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Solo Connections is not and does not accept responsibility or liability for any acts, errors, omissions, default or negligence of any person, not its direct employee or under its control, including any government or governmental authority, officer or employee, and also including any employees, officers or agents of any third party supplier such as airlines, coach, rail, cruise or ferry operators, shipping companies, or any other transport providers, hoteliers or other accommodation providers, land carriers, tour operators, tour guides, tour directors, travel agents, or the providers of any other meals, facilities, goods and travel products or services on your holiday and/or tour or in relation to it and over whom Solo Connections has no control. Solo Connections is not and does not accept responsibility for any criminal conduct by any third parties.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Solo Connections is not and does not accept responsibility or liability for any requirements, terms or conditions of any third party supplier or other third parties who provide some travel products or services in the course of your holiday and/or tour. All bookings made by Solo Connections with third party suppliers or other travel product or service providers on your behalf are subject to the requirements, terms and conditions of those persons which may not be expressly the subject of our contractual agreement, particularly in relation to the applicable laws, policies and requirements of any government, governmental authority or employee including visa, entry, exit or transit requirements.

If, during your travel, you occupy a transport seat fitted with a safety belt, Solo Connections is not and does not accept liability for injury, illness, death or other loss, damage or claim arising from any incident or accident where the safety belt is not being worn correctly at the time of any incident or accident.

Solo Connections is not and does not accept any liability or responsibility for your acts, omissions, defaults, conduct, state of health, condition or circumstances, or failure to comply with the terms, conditions and requirements of any third party suppliers or other third party travel products or suppliers, or country or governmental authorities, or any of their officials, servants or agents.

If you decide that you do not wish to visit a country or part of a country you had intended to visit because of any law, condition or requirements of third party suppliers or any country or governmental authority, official, servant or agent, or because of circumstances beyond our control (and including any Force Majeure Event), you are responsible for any costs, expenses, charges, fees, losses or damage incurred as a consequence and any cancellation or amendment fees.

In relation to any responsibility or liability which cannot be excluded by law or despite the limitations above, if Solo Connections is found liable for any loss, damage, cost, liability or expense which arises out of or in any way is connected with any of the occurrences described above, then to the maximum extent permitted by law, the liability of Solo Connections will in no event exceed, in the aggregate, the greater of:

• the amounts you paid to Solo Connections in connection with the travel products or services; or

Data Protection & Privacy In order to make your booking, we will require certain personal information from you. We handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy which is available on our website at https://soloconnections.com.au/privacy-policy/. By agreeing to these booking conditions, you agree to the terms of the Privacy Policy.

Important notices about Your Tour             

Tour Participation                                                                                            

Special needs : We welcome you if you have a disability or other special needs, provided you are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all the assistance you require. Please note that although we will use reasonable endeavours to provide you with all the activities on your Itinerary, depending on your disability, you may not be able to participate in every activity and the Tour Host or Tour Director will have the right to refuse your participation if they believe your health and safety or the health and safety of other passengers may be impacted by your participation. You must advise us, of any disability, medical condition or dietary requirement at the time of Booking. We may decline your booking if we believe that we cannot adequately provide for all your special needs or that there is a risk to your health, safety and enjoyment or to any other guests.

General Health and Fitness: A reasonable level of fitness and health is required to participate on Solo Connections Tours. It is your responsibility to advise of any pre-existing medical conditions or health and mobility related concerns that may affect the normal conduct of a holiday package and the enjoyment of other passengers.  As at 10 May 2021 all passengers, regardless of age, will be required to complete a self-declaration form. This form will be provided to you once your booking is confirmed and you will need to mail the original form or scan and email to  [email protected]  . Should your health condition change after completing this form and prior to departure, you are obligated to advise Solo Connections of such changes. Failure to do so, could result in you being refused the right to join the tour and any costs relating to you being able to return home would be at your own expense and no refund of tour costs will be provided. Medical forms may be life-saving and must be fully completed. Solo Connections will adhere to Australian Queensland (QLD) Health Records and Privacy Act guidelines. Medical records are kept post trip for 12 months for medical or legal reference if required.

Please note  that non-declaration of a medical condition may jeopardise not only your trip but also everyone else’s. Solo Connections reserves the right to make the final judgement on whether you are deemed a participant fit to join the tour, and or participate in any organized activities.  If Solo Connections deems it necessary, you will be required to provide a letter from your GP stating you are fit to travel.

Cruises Cruise Cabins: Your Tour Price is based on the Cabin category indicated in the Tour Brochure. Upgrades are subject to availability and will be at an additional cost.

Docking Position: During port stops, ships may dock side-by-side, obstructing views and requiring you to pass through other ships to embark and disembark.

Ship Facilities: It is important to note that:

(i) not all cruise ships have elevators, and ships that are equipped with elevators may not have elevator access to all decks, possible upgrades may be required;

(ii) wheelchair passengers should be aware that cabin doors, rest rooms and corridors may not be wide enough to provide access for standard wheelchairs;

(iii) requests for disabled rooms must be made at the time of Booking and are subject to availability;

(iv) for safety reasons, passengers in wheelchairs cannot be carried on boarding ramps whilst the ship is tied up or at anchor, or on to motor coaches; and

(v) wheelchairs and walkers can be carried in the luggage compartment of motor coaches subject to space limitations.

Internet Service Internet availability and quality may vary from country to country and can also be affected by technical issues, weather or unfavourable terrains and other factors outside our control. We do not guarantee the availability, price or quality of internet connections.

Photography Our tours offer some of the most spectacular and beautiful photographic scenery in the world. However, we cannot guarantee that every scene or highlighted featured in a Tour Brochure or Itinerary will be available on each Tour. No refund will be available for any resulting missed scene or photographic “opportunity”.                 

Smoking Smoking is limited to designated smoking areas within hotels for the comfort of other guests. Smoking is not permitted on coaches or such other places as nominated by us from time to time. Although we will endeavour to ensure there are opportunities for you to smoke during the Tour, we cannot guarantee such opportunities will be available.

Medical Services We are not, and our Service Providers are not, liable regarding the provision of any medical care you may require or choose to accept during the Tour. We cannot guarantee to provide a personal escort for medical visits should the need arise.

Travel sickness If you suffer from travel sickness, you should arrange medication or other alternatives to treat symptoms, as we cannot make allowances for this.

Additional Important Information                                                                                 

Air Travel and baggage Airfares booked as part of your tour will be through the most appropriate route although may not be a direct flight. Depending on departure date and time of booking the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline. If the required booking class is unavailable air surcharges may apply. The flight quote including air taxes and surcharges will be confirmed once all air sectors are booked and confirmed. Taxes are defined as all airline and government taxes and surcharges. Taxes are subject to change and will be advised at the time of flight reservation. Please contact Solo Connections for applicable rules and regulations relating to your air travel.

Luggage Tour participants are entitled to one suitcase per person. Your suitcase must not exceed 76 x 53 x 28cms (30’’ x 21’’x 11’’) and must not weigh more than 20kg (42lbs) unless otherwise specified. It is your responsibility to ensure your luggage complies with applicable airline luggage restrictions and you acknowledge that we, contracted carriers or Service Providers may elect not to carry overweight items, and that you will be responsible for any excess baggage charges.

Sightseeing on Tour Visits to some religious sites may require a level, deemed by that country, of appropriate clothing being worn. You should consult Solo Connections reservations office or your Travel Agent in regards to your tour requirements.

Passenger Requirements You must advise us in writing of any and all special requests and dietary requirements at the time of booking. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your dietary requests but cannot guarantee that such requests can be met.

Young Passengers: (i) Passengers under the age of 18 years (as at the Tour Departure Date) will not be accepted.

Images All images in Tour Brochures represent typical scenes and descriptive detail for each tour, however it is possible that the particular subject matter may not be seen or experienced on Your Tour. Also, some pictures may have been digitally enhanced. Accommodation We may substitute hotel accommodation of a similar standard in the place of the advertised hotel due to hotel availability issues. Any changes will be notified once confirmed with the hotel. Although we have taken reasonable steps to secure the most suitable hotel accommodation in the areas of the Tour, we are not liable to you for the quality, size or fitness of hotel rooms.

General These booking conditions are governed by and are to be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Queensland and Australia.  Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunal of Queensland and Courts entitled to hear appeals from those Courts and Tribunals.

If any clause or part of any clause is in any way unenforceable, invalid or illegal, it is to be read down so as to be enforceable, valid and legal.  If this is not possible, the clause (or where possible, the offending part) is to be severed from this agreement without affecting the enforceability, validity or legality of the remaining clauses (or parts of those clauses) which will continue in full force and effect.

A right created by this agreement cannot be waived except in writing signed by the party entitled to that right.  Delay by a party in exercising a right does not constitute a waiver of that right, nor will a waiver (either wholly or in part) by a party of a right operate as a subsequent waiver of the same right or of any other right of that party.

Contact Details Should you need to contact us, our office details are as follows: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 1300 044 444 Postal: PO Box 119, Aspley, QLD, 4034, Australia

Our office is open from 9am to 5pm AEST Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays in Queensland).

We may need to contact you before the Tour Departure Date, including for example, if there is a change to your flight itinerary. It is therefore very important that you keep Your Contact Details up to date with Solo Connections or your Travel Agent and notify us or them immediately of any changes.

Cheryl W – Had the most amazing time in Vietnam. Everything went brilliantly. John is so cool calm and collected as well as sooooo patient.  The tour more than met my expectations and everything went smoothly. A lot more than I had expected. Will be telling all at my travel meeting at the village and will talk it up. February 2020

John C – Had a wonderful time. Highlights were the War Museum, Boat dinner and the people in the group, they were fantastic and everyone got along well. February 2020

Wendy C – I liked the pace of this holiday. The food was exceptional including the dishes we made ourselves! The diversity of the experiences was excellent and my particular favourite was the coconut processing workshop on the Ham Luong River in the Mekong Delta. The cruise in Halong Bay was exceptional. All three of our tour guides were very knowledgeable, but I particularly enjoyed the guide we had in Hanoi and Halong Bay. John was professional, courteous, helpful and gained in confidence as the tour went on. He managed our diverse personalities with humour! Lastly, I’m always impressed with how you go the extra mile.Thanks for a great holiday. February 2020

Shelia P – Tour was brilliant. Everything was good. Group blended well. February 2020

Marcia S –   Wonderful trip.  Fabulous group and everyone got on well.  John was brilliant and guides were fantastic. Every place had it’s pluses and minuses but overall everything was great. Nothing we had to worry about – every thing was well organised. February 2020

Betty P –   Loved it!  Everyone was wonderful and very supportive. Particularly loved Hoi An. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the group were a great bunch of people. February 2020

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Solo travel

Solo travel in asia: the best places to go & tips.

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This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

After many years of travelling alone as a woman , I’m here to help you discover the best places in Asia to travel solo.  When I first began my solo travel journey, I felt confused by the many lists of ‘best solo female travel destinations in Asia’ that already existed. It seemed like they were written by people who had travelled to those countries with partners – which is a very different experience from solo travel – or were big companies who hadn’t visited the countries they listed at all!

Read next: 30 best places for solo travel – world edition!

I’ve also seen very experienced solo travellers recommend difficult countries for solo female travel in Asia (perhaps forgetting what it’s like to be a first-timer) for example, countries or islands that require tours to get around or have few budget hostel options.  Because, frankly, you can go most places in Asia solo (well, if you can get the correct visa). But there are a few destinations that are definitely easier for solo travellers in Asia than others. I’ve been travelling solo for almost 10 years from easy solo mini breaks in Europe like Portugal and Croatia to harder places like Mexico , Cuba , India and South Africa . Every destination on this list below has been visited solo by myself, with a couple of added suggestions from my friend Cassie, who’s been solo travelling in Asia for 5 years.

What makes a good solo travel destination in Asia? 

Before I began travelling alone in Asia, Japan kept hitting the top spot of ‘places to solo travel in Asia’ again and again. However, after I visited Japan I realised that – although it was super safe, it was also lonely, expensive and had a tricky language barrier. Safety is only one element of solo female travel in Asia. What about ease of meeting people? You shouldn’t have to be an extrovert to make friends while solo travelling! 

Affordability is also a very important aspect when considering the pros and cons of travelling alone . If a country is significantly more expensive to get around on your own – or depends on luck over whether you meet other travellers to split costs with – then it’s probably not the best place for solo travellers.

That’s why I’ve created this list to reflect what truly matters to solo travellers in Asia: ease of getting around, affordability (specifically for solo travellers), meeting people, and solo travel-friendly attractions. Along with solo female travel safety of course, because it IS important. It’s just not the only element.

Read next: 101 solo travel tips

Best places in Asia to travel solo

You probably won’t be surprised to learn many countries in Southeast Asia are easy destinations for solo travellers. Don’t knock them!  Even these more commonly visited countries have their own unique day trips and authentic experiences to discover if you do prefer to avoid the crowds and do your own thing.

Read next: travel tips for Southeast Asia based on 2 years experience!

Solo travel rating: easy For solo travel in Southeast Asia, it doesn’t get much better than Thailand. It’s safe, affordable and incredibly easy to meet other travellers. No matter what sort of activities you enjoy, you’re bound to find endless things to do in Thailand – from temple hopping and paradise islands to bustling cities and amazing street food.

Read next: guide to travelling solo in Thailand as a woman

Best places to travel solo in Thailand:

• Chiang Mai – explore the temples in the Old Town and eat your way around the picturesque cafes and delicious street food . Don’t miss side trips to Chiang Rai and Pai also in Northern Thailand.
• Bangkok – look beyond the throngs of backpackers on Khao San Road and you’ll find an absorbing city with brilliant galleries, temples, museums and even peaceful parks if you need to escape the crowds.
• Thai islands – My personal favourite is laid-back Koh Lanta, but you could head to Koh Phangan for partying, go diving in Koh Tao, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui. 

Safety: Aside from petty theft and pickpocketing, there isn’t much crime in Thailand. It’s also an LGBT-friendly destination. Meeting other travellers: Making travel friends when backpacking alone in Asia doesn’t get easier than in Thailand! Cost: Very budget-friendly. 

Solo travel rating: easy Vietnam is one of those countries where there’s always have more to see! While the long, thin shape of Vietnam makes it convenient to choose a backpacking route, there are endless mountains, beaches and cities to visit in all corners of the country. Vietnamese food is excellent, the experiences are endless, and you’ll find plenty of other backpackers taking the same route as you.  Best places to travel solo in Vietnam:

• Sapa – for trekking and staying with local communities in the foothills of the mountains. 
• Hoi An – for laid-back days sipping coffee in charming cafes and marvelling at the stunning heritage buildings as you wind your way through beautiful alleyways.
• Hue – to explore the Imperial Palace, dazzling temples and ancient tombs.
• Hanoi – my favourite city in Asia is chaotic and charming in equal parts with out-of-this-world street food !
• Ha Long Bay – it might be touristy, but it’s breathtaking enough to warrant the crowds!

Safety: you can’t get much safer when it comes to solo female travel in Asia. There’s almost no violent crime and the one thing to worry about is having your belongings pinched, especially on the streets of Hoi An after the bars close. Meeting other travellers: Easy.  Cost: One of the cheapest countries in the world!

Read more: Solo travel in Vietnam: everything to know!

TIP: If you’re solo travelling in Southeast Asia, it’s easy to visit multiple countries by cross-country bus or train (and the odd flight) all of which are affordable. Use 12GoAsia to book transport. In addition to the countries on this list, Cambodia and Laos are budget-friendly places for travelling alone in Asia where it’s easy to meet other backpackers. Read my complete Southeast Asia itinerary .

The Philippines

Solo travel rating: easy

With breathtaking beaches and the friendliest locals I’ve ever encountered, it’s safe to say solo backpacking in the Philippines is an experience I’ll never forget. 

The islands are so varied that there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re looking to party, relax, or explore.  Best islands in the Philippines for solo travellers:

• El Nido (Palawan) – if you’re looking for paradise with a busy backpacker scene, El Nido is a popular spot, although experienced travellers will likely find it TOO busy and hectic. Take an excursion to Port Barton (also Palawan) if you want to avoid some of the crowds.
• Surigao – for excellent surf, brilliant beaches and a more laid-back vibe.
• Siquijor – this is one of my personal favourites and less touristic than Palawan, with plenty of stunning coastlines and inland waterfalls to visit. 

Safety: Manila feels sketchy and unsafe (in fact, I’d recommend skipping it entirely) but most islands popular on the tourist track are very safe. Meeting other travellers: Very easy, especially if you’re staying in hostels or going on island-hopping group tours. Cost: Generally budget-friendly, but if you choose to visit multiple islands then factor in the cost of multiple flights. 

Solo travel rating: easy For solo travel in Asia, Malaysia is a winner with its varied experiences and convenient travel routes. From glamorous big cities and charming historic towns to luscious jungle scenery and mesmerising beaches, you really can do it all in Malaysia. Best places to travel solo in Malaysia:

• Penang – a colourful and diverse island where you’ll find some of Asia’s most impressive street art , world-famous street food and the coolest cafes in the capital, Georgetown. 
• Melaka or Ipoh – take a day or overnight trip to one of these smaller cities for an authentic insight into Malaysia’s history and culture.
• Cameron Highlands or Taman Negara – choose between drinking tea in the picturesque misty mountains or hiking and wildlife spotting in the jungle. Add at least one of these to your Malaysia itinerary !
• Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s flashy capital is more Westernised than other capitals so it’s an easy spot to spend a couple of days exploring the museums and temples via its world-class public transport. If you’re travelling solo in Southeast Asia and need a break, you’ll get your home comforts here.

Safety: Crime rarely affects travellers. Malaysia is not particularly progressive towards women and LGBT people although this seldom affects tourists. Meeting other travellers: Easy, especially in backpacker hubs like KL and Penang. It’s one of my favourite places to travel alone in Southeast Asia! Cost: Very budget-friendly. Hostels, budget hotels, public transport and food are all affordable for solo travellers.

Read next: Malaysia solo travel – is it safe?

Bali, Indonesia

Solo travel rating: medium 

With a vibrant social scene for anyone drawn to lazy beach days and busy nightlife, Bali is one of the best places for solo female travel in Asia. Party, explore beautiful scenery and eat amazing food !

However, if you’re more of an adventurous traveller craving culture, you may be disappointed by how touristic Bali is these days. You CAN break off the tourist track but it’s harder than in some countries. Also, if you don’t drive a scooter, you’ll find that Bali is one of the most inconvenient places for solo travellers in Southeast Asia to get around. Due to a lack of public transport, the costs start adding up if you require booking a taxi or private car to get anywhere even vaguely remote. Best places to travel solo during a Bali itinerary :

• Canggu and Seminyak – great food, surf and cafes. Just watch your cash if you’re a foodie – the Canggu restaurant scene is delectable (and often ‘Instagramable’) but also pricey. 
• Uluwatu – for visiting some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches and getting stalked by monkeys at Uluwatu Temple. 
• Nusa Islands – take a day or overnight trip to see Bali’s most extraordinary coastal scenery and exceptional snorkelling
• Ubud – if you ride a scooter, Ubud is great for visiting waterfalls and rice fields . If not, Ubud is an ideal destination for yogis and meditation retreats, and you’ll find some wonderful cafes and warungs many serving vegan food.

Safety: Generally very safe for solo female travel in Asia.  Meeting other travellers: Easy for the average backpacker, especially if you’re looking to explore the bars or – on the opposite end of the spectrum – yoga retreats. However, some travellers report Bali as surprisingly lonely if they’re not into partying or yoga culture. Cost: Very cheap to stay in hostels and eat at local warungs. Costs add up quickly if you either want to treat yourself to brunches and floating breakfasts or travel outside of tourist towns (especially if you don’t drive a scooter).

Read next: complete guide to solo travel in Bali

Java, Indonesia

Solo travel rating: medium

Depending on where you visit in Java, the solo travel rating shoots up from easy to advanced. While key cities like Yogyakarta are very tourist-friendly, I was often the only foreign traveller on board the local buses when journeying across the country.

If you’re looking for an adventure, East Java’s volcanic landscapes are out of this world. In fact, I’d rate it as my favourite solo backpacking experience to date, although it’s trickier than most countries in Southeast Asia for solo female travellers. Best places to travel solo in Java, Indonesia:

• Yogyakarta – walk around the charming old city before taking a day trip to Borobudur at sunrise (the world’s largest Buddhist temple).
• Malang – see the multicoloured villages and take a day trip to see the mighty Tumpak Sewu Waterfall 
• Bromo and Ijen Volcanoes – if you’re daunted by the local transport, it’s possible to visit these phenomenal natural attractions on a day tour . Trek up for sunrise for an unforgettable experience!

I also loved visiting Karimunjawa Island , but it was a headache to get to so it’s not what I would consider the best destination for travelling alone in Asia unless you’re up for an adventure! 

Safety: Generally very safe, aside from petty crime.  Meeting other travellers: Easy in Yogyakarta but fewer backpackers visit Java. However, I found the Javanese locals to be among the friendliest people in the world.  Cost: Very cheap! The local buses in Java were even cheaper than those in Vietnam but it will be pricer if you take private transport and tours.

Solo travel rating: medium If you’re looking for an exciting and cultural solo travel destination in Asia, you should definitely consider South Korea. The inner city and cross-country transport is generally brilliant, so it’s convenient for a city break to Seoul or a longer vacation, for example a 2 week trip to South Korea . I only gave Korea a medium solo travel rating because it’s a bit less affordable for solo travellers than other countries in Asia (although I do have plenty of tips to keep your Korea travel budget down). A few activities – like going for a Korean BBQ – aren’t usually accessible for solo travellers. Otherwise, it’s one of the best places for women to travel solo in Asia! Best places to travel solo in South Korea :

• Seoul – the world-class museums, stunning temples, thriving nightlife, excellent street food and beautiful hikes should be added to your Seoul itinerary !
• Busan – there are lots of cultural experiences to enjoy in South Korea’s second-biggest city, but it’s best for day trips and outdoor activities like hiking or relaxing on city beaches. 
• Jeonju – visit this historical small city for an insight into a more traditional South Korea. 

Safety: One of the safest countries for solo female travel in Asia. Meeting other travellers: Easy to meet people travelling solo in hostels in Seoul or by joining tours in Busan or Jeonju.  Cost: Expensive compared to Southeast Asia, but cheap if you’re used to travelling in the USA or Western Europe. 

Read next: my South Korea travel tips

If this list was only based on safety and ease of using public transport, Taiwan would definitely get an easy rating. However, I found it harder to meet people in Taiwan, so my experience was lonelier than when travelling alone in other Asian countries. If you don’t mind some me-time, Taiwan has some fantastic cities and many stunning natural attractions to visit, and a Taiwan itinerary will likely to a highlight of your Asia travels! Best places to travel solo in Taiwan :

• Taipei and Kaohsiung – both are fun and modern cities with endless indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy – not to mention the brilliant Korean food !
• Taroko – superb hiking and perfect if you want some reflective me-time in the great outdoors
• Kenting National Park – breathtaking and untouched beaches!

Safety: 10/10. Taiwan is a safe place for women travellers and LGBT+ travellers. It was the first country in Asia to recognise same-sex marriage and you can find ‘gay hostels’ and tours in the capital, Taipei.  Meeting other travellers: Quite difficult. Although people were friendly, I didn’t meet many English-speaking travellers in hostels and spent a lot of time alone.  Cost: Accommodation isn’t very budget-friendly, but activities, transport and food are affordable. Follow my Taiwan budget trip guide for more details.

Japan (outside the main tourist attractions)

Solo travel rating: medium I wouldn’t overly recommend Japan for solo female travel in Asia. However, if you’re looking for a specific sort of solo travel experience (such as hiking or foodie travel) and know what to expect, Japan might be the place for you. If you’re only concerned about safety, then Japan would top this list. But, honestly, Japan is the hardest country I’ve visited alone in terms of meeting people. Kyoto is the only place I’ve had stares for eating alone. Once I skipped the big cities – and made peace with the fact I wasn’t going to make friends on this journey – I had some very reflective and memorable experiences. Best places to travel solo in Japan :

• Hiroshima – if you’re prepared to experience some big emotions, travelling alone in this peaceful city is a very reflective way to look back on the atrocities that happened here. A day trip to Miyajima is also easy for solo travellers.
• Kyushu – see the best of Japan’s volcanic scenery with a trip around Beppu’s multicoloured hot pools and the active volcanoes at Aso and Kagoshima. 
• Hiking – if you’re an experienced hiker looking to undertake your first solo trek, Japan is a great option. The scenery is spectacular and solo hiking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail was a fulfilling and very cathartic experience. 

Safety: One of the safest places to travel in Asia – and the world! Meeting other travellers: …but one of the hardest countries to meet other travellers. Cost: Japan is not an especially affordable place for solo travel in Asia, especially if you have a long list of things you want to do. Hostel and food costs are reasonable but experiences and ‘touristy’ restaurants add up quickly. Reduce costs when travelling in Japan by eating at local restaurants and opting for free activities like hiking and exploring Japan’s breathtaking landscapes.

Solo travel rating: advanced

India can be a fascinating country to explore, but it’s definitely more suited to experienced travellers rather than those embarking on first-time solo travel in Asia.

The best place for solo travel in India (in my opinion) is Rishikesh. However, once you’ve got comfortable with travelling alone in India, you’ll find plenty to do elsewhere too.  Due to the attitudes towards women in India and many stares from men, it’s a harder place for solo female travellers in Asia than male travellers. But isn’t that the case everywhere! Best places for solo female travel in India :

• Rishikesh – known for yoga retreats and meditation experiences, this stunning northern city has been a popular backpacker hub for decades and has excellent hostels and food to show for it. 
• Pushkar – a sleepy Rajasthani town with a peaceful holy lake and lots of vibrant hostels – perfect if you’re in need of some downtime. 
• Pondicherry – this attractive ex-French town on the southeast coast has lovely cafes, colourful buildings and chilled vibes. Take a fascinating day trip to Auroville , an alternative society in the Indian countryside.
• Goa – beach towns like Palolem, Agonda and Arambol are fantastic for yoga and beach chills with many cafes offering modern vegan fare and delicious South Indian delicacies like Goan fish curry. The only downside is there’s little transport between towns so taxi bills for one tend to rack up.

Safety: have your wits about you, research common scams, be assertive, and don’t walk alone at night. Meeting other travellers: easy in hostels. I really valued having this community around me during solo India travel, especially when I was sick. Cost: Literally the cheapest place ever!

Tips for solo female travel in Asia

• Plan your Asia route well so you don’t spend extra time and money going back on yourself. For solo travel in Southeast Asia, I’d suggest going from Northern Thailand to Laos by slow boat, from southern Laos to Cambodia via Four Thousand Islands, from Phnom Penh (Cambodia) to Saigon (Vietnam) by bus or boat, and then up Vietnam to fly out of Hanoi.
• Stay connected with an Airalo e-SIM covering 200+ regions. Either get a SIM for the specific Asian country you’re visiting or their Asialink SIM covering 18 countries. Download it before you arrive to get connected immediately.
• Use 12GoAsia to compare prices and durations of buses, boats, trains and flights, and use the website to buy your tickets.
• Use local taxi apps like Grab and GoJek to get around cities cheaply
• Download Maps.me for offline maps
• Avoid burning seasons (Northern Thailand is a no-go from Feb-April) and be aware of local holidays like Tet in Vietnam when everything is shut.
• Don’t be shy of street food! It’s the best.
• Pack period products if necessary because you can usually only buy pads in Asia.
• Use GetYourGuide and Viator for food experiences, bar crawls and day trips to places difficult to reach by public transport.
• Read more Asia travel tips here.

Travel insurance for travelling solo in Asia

Despite Southeast Asia and East Asia being safe destinations in Asia for solo travel, you should never travel without insurance. It’s just not worth it! I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. When I claimed, they paid out within 2 days! Get a free quote today . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Thanks for reading!

Solo Europe travel guides:

• Where to solo travel in Europe for women
• Solo travel in Lisbon
• Solo female travel in Portugal
• Solo female travel in Albania
• The best destinations in Italy for solo female travel
• Solo travel in Croatia
• Is Romania safe for solo travel?

Solo Americas guides:

• Visiting New York city solo
• Is solo female travel in Guatemala safe?
• Solo female travel in Mexico
• Is Mexico City safe for solo travellers?
• Is it safe to travel alone in Cuba?

For more solo travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

SOLO TRAVEL ASIA RESOURCES Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. For Asia buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. To stay connected, buy an e-SIM with Airalo and connect as soon as you land. Browse packages for different Asian countries or get their Asialink SIM for 18 countries. I use Booking.com for hotels, homestays and apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they have a huge range of affordable tours. Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

6 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Asia: The BEST Places To Go & Tips! ”

funny that your goal is to meet people while you travel alone.

best to be comfortable alone when traveling alone, and meeting new people should just be a bonus and not a priority.

Well the beauty of solo travel is that you can do whatever you like

One of the most sensible blogs on solo travelling aspects and factors to consider while planning a trip solo. Thank you for your insights and suggestions.

You’re welcome!

I am about to do my first solo trip. I live in Thailand and I want to explore the rest of it while I can. What is your advice ? I am someone who has always been scared to do things alone so I am unsettled but I know it will be fun! How do I meet people along the way as well ? I think that is what I am nervous about!

Hi Kim, all I can say is go for it! I have a blog post about meeting people while travelling solo so take a look at that 🙂 have fun!

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22 top tips for solo travel in Southeast Asia

Updated On 3rd February, 2024

Solo travel in Southeast Asia is nowhere near as daunting as it sounds.

So many people do it and there are so many companies, hostels and tours that accommodate solo travellers, giving you a platform to meet other like-minded travellers en route. Solo travelling Southeast Asia, in my opinion, is one of the best destinations to do it in. It’s filled with so much colour, culture and adventure… you just need to dedicate a little extra time for planning so that you feel confident.

There are some great tips in my  top tips for travelling solo as a female in this post.

However, I get it. The idea can still be daunting, especially if it’s your first solo adventure. In this post, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jess (@jessicacoopertit) and we have put together our top tips for solo travel in Southeast Asia, based on our own experiences…

Here are 22 top tips for solo travel in Southeast Asia…

PLANNING TIPS

1. spend enough time in each country..

It may sound silly, but it’s very easy to want to travel in as many countries as you possibly can, even if you only have a short amount of time in Southeast Asia. Quality over quantity. It’s better to really explore fewer places over longer amounts of time than it is to squeeze all of SE Asia into one itinerary!

2. Check visa and vaccination requirements.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you may need a visa to travel in certain parts of Southeast Asia;  check your local government website.

Each country also has their own rules on which vaccinations you need. Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are all strongly recommended before travelling to Southeast Asia. Other vaccinations recommended for Southeast Asia include hepatitis B, diphtheria, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and malaria (a course of medication, rather than a jab).  Check with your local doctor to see which vaccinations you need before your trip.

3. Get travel insurance.

No one wants the worst to happen, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re travelling.  Get your travel insurance here.

Check out  this post for tips visas, vaccinations and insurance for Southeast Asia.

4. Pack light and well.

Don’t pack too much as you don’t want to lug it round. Getting laundry done is really cheap in Southeast Asia so you won’t need as many clothes as you think! Having said that, make sure you have all the essentials. You’ll only spend unnecessary money on stuff you accidentally forgot!

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

HOSTEL TIPS

5. choose a dorm that suits your vibe..

Single sex or mixed, large or small – one isn’t better than the other. It just depends on your personal preferences!

If you want peace and quiet, maybe opt for a small, single sex dorm. Single sex dorms are also great for a bit of extra privacy; a room of girls aren’t going to bat an eyelid at a bra!

If you want maximum encounters and party vibes, try a large, mixed dorm. Mixed dorm rooms allow you to socialise with every single type of person.

Make sure to book in advance if you have a real preference!

6. The best places to make friends are in the dorms and in the communal areas.

The dorm room itself is a small environment where you can easily start with the general ‘travelling questions’:  Where are you from? Where have you been? Where are you heading next?  Once you’ve started a conversation, it often leads to heading out to explore/eat/drink together, and that’s how many travelling friendships start out!

Additionally, most hostels will throw themed evenings or happy hours (Hanoi Backpackers had something going on every night), which encourage everyone into the bar area to mix and socialise. After a drink or two making friends is a piece of cake. The kitchen/dining area is also a great place to chat and meet people over dinner. Chances are people will be off out for the evening after eating, so dinnertime is prime time to bag yourself an invite!

Check out  this post for tips on making friends during solo travel.

7. To choose a good hostel, do research before your trip and get recommendations from other travellers as you go.

When choosing a hostel, I check TripAdvisor, Hostel World, Hostelbookers and travel blogs to compare the top recommendations. There are usually a few that will keep popping up and then its just ip-dip-do! You can still head to other hostels to the bars if you find yours is quiet.

Additionally, other travellers will recommend hostels along the way, which makes choosing really easy.

Here’s my full  guide to choosing the perfect hostel.

TRANSPORT TIPS

8. organise your own airport transfer..

It’s not as easy as you might think to group up with other travellers and share a taxi to the airport. People usually already have plans in place or are so preoccupied with figuring out how to get somewhere that they do not stop to look around for fellow travellers. But there are often shuttle buses from the airport that either drop you off at your hostel/hotel or at least into the centre of town if you want a cheaper option than a taxi. Saying that, transport in Asia is super cheap, so whilst you may have to jump in a taxi alone, it’s not going to set you back much.

9. It’s easy to travel around SE Asia independently.

There are ‘tourist shops’ by the dozen on every street, selling everything you, as a traveller, will need. From bus tickets, train tickets, tours and day trips to boat parties and hostels, the agents will give you clear instructions on where to be and when. Everyone is always super helpful and accommodating, and they’re willing to help with directions or advice. For tours or transport, you’ll usually get picked up from your hostel (the driver will do the rounds) or you meet at the shop you booked in. South East Asia survives on tourism so they will cater to your needs.

For  top tips for travelling solo as a female, check out this post.

10. Public transport is the cheapest way to get around.

Another tip for solo travel in Southeast Asia is to maximise the cheap public transport for domestic travel. Buses and train tickets are readily available for travelling around Asia and won’t cost you extra as you are only purchasing your own ticket either way. Obviously it’s nicer to hop in a cool (on time) taxi, so if that’s you’re preferred mode of transport, it’s time to buddy up!

GROUP TOUR TIPS

I haven’t done any group organised tours in SE Asia, so Jess is going to take these ones…!

11. There are several good group tour options in Southeast Asia.

Intro Travel  and  TruTravels  are both great group tours that run in several countries across the world. The size of the tour depends on how many people book; it could be anywhere from 3 to 20!

12. The tour is what you make it.

It doesn’t have to be party, party, party if you don’t want it to be! Granted, there are a lot of boozy based activities (booze cruises, bar crawls and some how a constant supply of beer) but if you don’t want to do anything, they will not make you.

Additionally, with the accommodation, it was great, but not always super lively. It’s down to you to decide if you want to keep the chill vibe or ramp up the party vibes with your new found friends!

13. The group tour leaders can parent you a little bit. It’s frustrating, but all for your own safety.

You have to remember that they are there for your safety and well being. For example, if you want to wander off to a different bar on a night out then you would need to let them know because if something would happen to you then they would lose their job. But, they are all in their 20s and share the interest of travel and are basically there to make sure that you have an awesome time! Group tours don’t restrict your freedom; these tours are more like travelling with a super organised buddy. They’re also great for future tips and advice as they have usually travelled a lot themselves, and they might become some of your lifelong friends!

14. Group tours are worth the money if you don’t want to plan or you’re worried about going completely solo.

To have a 2-week break, where someone else is there to think about all of the difficult things (where you’re going, how you’re getting there, where you’re staying) and the only decision you have to make is what you’re going to eat, it is definitely worth the money. Yes, you could probably do it cheaper by yourself, but the benefit of having someone else think for you, allowing you to 100% relax, is priceless. Also, if you are perhaps nervous about making friends but want to meet people, tours are a great way to kick start your trip and build your confidence.

15. You can go completely solo and have just as much fun.

Sometimes throwing yourself into the deep end and working it all out yourself is the best way to learn and evolve as a person. It totally depends on what you want to gain from your trip!

Still undecided about  group travel vs solo travel? Check out this comparison guide!

TOP TIPS FOR DURING YOUR SOLO ADVENTURE

16. be aware of pickpocketers..

Not something unique to SE Asia, but something to be aware of. Keep an eye on your valuables in busy areas!

17. Street food is really cheap and good for saving money.

Do as the locals do and eat the street food! You’ll spend a lot of money if you try to eat a western diet in Southeast Asia.

18. Don’t drink the tap water.

With the exception of Singapore, you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Southeast Asia. Take a reusable water bottle, as most places will have a system for refilling your bottle.  Shop my refillable water bottle here.

Check out more  sustainable travel swaps you can make for your next adventure here.

19. Bargain and negotiate for a good deal.

One of my top tips for solo travel in Southeast Asia is to haggle. Prices are less fixed here than they are in the UK or the west. Put your bargaining powers to good use and see if you can get yourself a better deal!

20. Travel ethically and responsibly.

If we want to keep travelling around beautiful parts of the world, we have a responsibility to look after it. Top tips for ethical travel include…

• Leave no trace – clean up all your rubbish.
• Avoid animal exploitation (rides, shows, etc.).
• Avoid human exploitation (trips to ‘watch the locals’ in a village, etc.)
• Be aware of voluntourism and check that the money you put into volunteering goes to the locals, not a big western organisation.

For more advice on making good choices when you’re travelling, check out  this post on responsible tourism.

21. Get a local SIM Card.

Not only will you save a lot of money on data roaming, but you’ll be able to keep in touch with home easily. This is good for your safety, as well as curing any homesickness before it becomes a big problem!

For more tips on  staying safe when solo travelling, check out this post.

HOMESICKNESS TIPS

22. you are likely to get homesick at some point on your trip. recognise and acknowledge the feeling, and try to work through it to enjoy the rest of your trip..

To avoid homesickness, my top tips are…

• Talk to everyone. People that you would never expect may become lifelong friends!
• Only spend time alone when you need alone time. Alone time can be a blessing, but if you can feel homesickness creeping in then try and surround yourself with positive people as a distraction.
• Stay in touch with home. They’re there to chat to you and support you, but remember they miss you too and they just want to see you enjoy yourself!
• If it really gets too much, remember you can change your plans and go back home.

For more top tips on  working through homesickness, check out this post.

The hardest things about solo travel are…

• Organising everything: it’s a lot of pressure!
• Experiencing things alone if you haven’t made new friends.
• Feeling homesick.

The best things about solo travel are…

• The freedom to be selfish and do whatever you want during your trip at your own pace and in your own time.
• Discovering yourself and how strong you can be.

Read all the  lessons I’ve learned from solo travel and how it changed me here.

Have you been to Southeast Asia?

What are your top tips for solo travel in Southeast Asia? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Female solo travel: the best places to visit in Asia

Sep 10, 2019 • 7 min read

Sofia Levin with a durian vendor in Singapore © Sofia Levin

The best thing about travelling solo is the freedom it affords the individual. In my case, that manifests as exploring at what others consider a challenging pace and focusing on food. But as a young woman travelling alone, it’s extra important to keep your wits about you regardless of what country you’re in.

Thankfully a little common sense goes a long way, and in all my travels I often feel safest in Asia. Here are six destinations in Asia that I think are best for solo female travellers, as well as two at the top of my bucket list.

Measuring less than 50 kilometres from east to west and around 27 kilometres north to south, nothing in Singapore is too far away. It’s easy to catch the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) subway or download rideshare app Grab, where most rides are below S$10 within the city centre. Singapore is spotless and extremely safe, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Walking around after dark is no problem at all.

People often just pass through, but there’s plenty to do from exploring the architectural greenhouses of Gardens by the Bay and sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel , to snapping a selfie at the top of Marina Bay Sands ’ Insta-famed infinity pool, visiting pretty Peranakan terrace houses and shopping on Orchard Road .

I found dining solo to be a wonderful experience, especially at hawker centres . Stall owners were always incredibly friendly and a local would always sidle up beside me and provide a rundown of local dishes and sights. Be sure to carry cash for hawker food and note that littering, chewing gum, spitting and smoking are illegal and come with hefty fines.

You might also like: 48 hours in Singapore: making the most of Southeast Asia’s ultimate travel hub

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is extremely tourist-friendly and one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations. Located on the central coast, it’s a wonderful mix of ancient and more recent history with ornate temples, French colonial buildings and wooden shop-houses sitting side-by-side along its canals. The main town is completely safe and nearby beaches can be reached via bicycle or a very affordable taxi ride.

Some favourite things to do besides exploring the ancient town on foot include walking along the river in the evening, getting clothes tailored (bring your favourite pieces to copy or have some references ready to go), taking a cooking class and indulging in massages.

Be sure to dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples, and always ask before taking photos of people. While in Hoi An, I experienced the most informative food tour I’ve ever been on with the Original Taste of Hoi An – I highly recommend you do the same.

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Hoi An

Flores, Indonesia 

I spent a couple of weeks travelling solo through Flores on assignment and it was one of my favourite solo travel experiences to date. The island is incredibly diverse, yet most people stick to the far western point of Labuan Bajo , the base for exploring Komodo National Park . I implore you to go further and discover this more untouched part of Indonesia .

The locals are welcoming and if you’re in the position to be accompanied by a guide during your travels, you’ll end up leaving the island with a group of new friends – the guides all seem to know each other and bond over reggae tunes. Highlights include visiting Kelimutu's volcanic crater lakes at sunrise; swimming in caves, hot springs and waterfalls; visiting traditional villages and hiking up majestic mountains. If you haven’t experienced open water diving, follow my lead and do a three-day course in Labuan Bajo before exploring the rest of the island and its underwater worlds. I didn’t realise that diving would give me a whole new perspective on travel.

You might also like: By land and sea: outdoor adventures in Indonesia

Tokyo, Japan

Is Tokyo the best city in the world for foodies? Possibly. But the greatest part about dining solo here is that it’s commonplace. Whether ordering ramen from a vending machine, trusting a sushi master at one of just eight seats during an omakase dining experience (where the chef selects your dishes) or finding a seat at a bar, you’re never the only one eating or drinking alone – which paradoxically always leads to company.

For a wonderful – albeit boozy – experience, spend an evening bar hopping in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai , rows of tiny bars that line narrow alleyways and only fit a handful of people each. You’re guaranteed to meet both fellow travellers and locals and will no doubt wake up the next day with a few extra Facebook friends. For a different edible experience, seek out Uobei , an affordable sushi restaurant where you order via a touch screen and sushi shoots across from the kitchen on a conveyor belt.

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tokyo

Istanbul, Turkey

Having been to Istanbul twice, I’m still surprised when people ask me if it’s safe. With a huge population of more than 15 million people, of course you need to use common sense in crowds, but you could spend a week in the city – which is easy to traverse both on public transport, in taxis and using Uber – and still discover something new around every corner.

Although Istanbul lies mostly in Asia, a small part of the city, separated by the Bosphorus, is technically in Europe. You should line up with the crowds to see the stunning mosques and basilicas, like Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque , and to ascend to the top of Galata Tower for the view, but Istanbul is also a fantastic city to explore at your own pace. Take your time wandering the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar , haggling at your own pace and stopping for tea with shopkeepers when offered; take a moment to smoke shisha at 300-year-old school-turned-cafe, Çorlulu Ali Paşa Nargile ; or treat yourself to a hammam – either with the locals or at a high-end spa. Dress appropriately when visiting places of worship and shop around and haggle in markets.

Understandably, people are wary about travelling to Sri Lanka at the moment, but I’m of the opinion that now is the best time to support the country. Tourism is down, which means crowds are as well, but the people are no less friendly and the scenery no less awe-inducing. You could spend a few days in Colombo , but for a more peaceful environment, head for the hills. Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s tea country with verdant, rolling hills and fresh air, but I preferred the smaller, laid-back town of Ella .

To get there, take one of the world’s most beautiful train rides from Nuwara Eliya and stay at a local guesthouse. You might wake up to a misty morning with views through Ella Gap then decide to take it easy on a porch, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, take a short hike up Little Adam's Peak or a longer one up Ella Rock, swim in a waterfall, take a cooking class or visit a tea factory. If you’re travelling alone for some peace and quiet, this tiny hill town is a better choice than the beaches down south.

You might also like: Why I won’t give up on Sri Lanka and you shouldn’t either

On my bucket list…

South Korea

Seoul is at the top of my travel bucket list. Here you can rent a ‘romantic hero’ to show you around – a handsome male local that acts as a tour guide. Getting touchy-feely isn’t part of the deal, but you can expect doors to be opened for you and Instagram snaps to be volunteered.

In terms of the food, eclectic mix of new and old, pop culture, beauty and fashion industries, markets and museums, I can’t wait to dive in head first – with or without a hero.

You might also like: 30 free things to do in Seoul

Philippines 

My mother-in-law is from the Philippines , which makes me guilty of continuously pushing back trips to the country because I figure I’ll get there eventually. I’m convinced Filipino people are some of the friendliest and most hospitable in the world, and while there are some lesser-visited spots that should be avoided unless with a local, many of the islands are perfect for exploring on one’s own. I want to try to conquer my tendency to over-plan my travels by letting  a trip here unfold instead of pre-booking every stay and experience. Wish me luck!

You might also like: The Philippines for beginners: 7 first-timer fails to avoid on your trip

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South Korea trips

Tickle your taste buds with Seoul’s endless street treats. Feel the sand between your toes on the beaches of Busan. Close your eyes and groove to infectious K-Pop bops. Immerse yourself in the history of ancient Buddhist temples. In other words, a group trip to South Korea is the best kind of sensory overload.

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We plan it all. And then some.

Our group trips to South Korea come with everything included. That’s accommodations, daily breakfasts, activities, and an expert Tour Director who always knows where to find the best kimchi.

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Multilingual Tour Director & local guides

Sightseeing activities and excursions

Entrance tickets to top attractions

Metro passes in major cities

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First Time In Southeast Asia? Group Tour VS Solo Travel For Beginners

Unsure about what is the best way to travel for your first time in Southeast Asia? Find out the main differences between doing a group tour vs solo travel to figure out which is best for you, this ultimate guide has you covered!

Southeast Asia is a great place to explore, whether you are a beginner traveler or this is your first time, it will be a memorable experience. Though, deciding if you want to travel Southeast Asia on a group tour or solo is an important and big decision to make.

Group tours allow you to easily make friends and the majority of planning is done for you before you have even jumped onto a plane. Though, solo travel gives you a lot more freedom to do exactly what you want, when you want. Each option has its benefits as well as limitations which we will discuss so you can decide whether group tour or solo travel is best for first timers in Southeast Asia.

I am someone who has extensively traveled around Southeast Asia. My first visit was as a solo traveler in 2017 and then more recently returning to do a similar route on a group tour with Stray Asia . I have experienced both the difficult and the best parts this corner of the world has to offer.

First Time In South East Asia: Group Tour or Solo Travel?

• Planning and Organizing
• Transportation And Getting Around
• Knowledge and Saftey
• Freedom To Explore
• Border Crossings
• Making Friends

What Is The Best Decision For You?

Planning and Organizing Your Holiday: Group Tour VS Solo Travel

No matter whether you decide to travel Southeast Asia by a group tour or solo travel you will have some amount of planning to do. There is no easy way of getting around this one and for some people (like me) planning is one of the best parts!

On A Group Tour

For those people who don’t like planning or simply just don’t have the time for it, perhaps a group tour would be the best option for you. On a group tour, your itinerary will be pre-planned so you can make sure you are checking out the best destinations a country has to offer. The only things you will need to worry about typically are return flights, visas and travel insurance.

I traveled with Stray Asia on my group tour in Southeast Asia. They offer both freestyle tours (includes transportation, guide, accommodation and activities) as well as freestyle passes (includes transportation, guide and some activities). I did the Mekong freestyle pass and barely needed to plan anything extra throughout our travels. Before beginning the tour we booked our flights to Thailand , organized travel insurance and checked the entry requirements for arriving in Thailand. Once we figured how to get from the airport to our accommodation on Khao San Road it was easy traveling with Stray by our sides.

As A Solo Traveler

I cannot even begin to tell you how much pre-planning I did for my solo Southeast Asia trip. It may have been a little over the top, but I did say I like planning. Apart from the typical flights, travel insurance and visas, there was so much more to organize! Bus tickets, best areas to stay in, how long to stay there, what to do, the list goes on. I spent months working on my itinerary, going into very precise detail. I had 6 months of my life pre-planned on a Word document.

Obviously, you don’t have to and probably shouldn’t plan as in-depth as I did. It is fairly easy to get around Southeast Asia by yourself and unlike many other parts of the world, if you make a mistake with planning it is not going to cost much to book a different option. This is perfect for those extroverted people, not afraid to go with the flow into the unknown (this obviously is not me). Nonetheless, you need to make sure you know the entry requirements into the country (do you need a visa?), a flight booked and travel insurance in case something goes wrong.

Transportation And Getting Around: Group Tour VS Solo Travel

Southeast Asia is large and you will, without a doubt need to take some sort of transportation to get around. Though, whether this means getting around a town, traveling between one city from another or even having to cross borders into a whole new country is dependent on the itinerary.

One major standout bonus for me with group tours is all preorganized transport. I had nothing but positive experiences with the transportation I took on the Mekong Pass with Stray Asia. The whole trip consisted of tuk-tuks, minivans, buses, trains, many boats and even a bamboo train . The drivers were always professional, following the laws and not speeding, something which is often a rarity in Southeast Asia.

We never had any problems with canceled journeys or faulty vehicles, always arriving at our destination with minimal hassles. Lastly, a major bonus is that Stray Asia provides transport right to the door of the recommended accommodation This is often right in the middle of the city, meaning after a long day of traveling, we did not have to go far to a comfortable bed.

Also with Stray Asia we had many awesome rest stops during our travel days. From temples, local wildlife, cave visits and viewpoints, we were able to experience what most would only see as a blur through their window.

Personally, for me, transportation is one of the worst parts of solo travel around Southeast Asia. If something is going to go wrong it likely will have to do with your transportation to another city. Nonetheless, the majority seems to work itself out after a lot of stress. Cockroach infestations, scamming taxi drivers, buses not showing up or broken air conditioning on the minivan (with no opening windows), this is just some of what I have experienced. It could be considered an initiation into the backpacker life, though it is in no way enjoyable.

One of the biggest hassles of transportation in Southeast Asia for a solo traveler is the end of your journey. Unfortunately, 90% of the time you will be dropped off at a bus station/pier/random corner 5 kilometers outside of the main city center. Though don’t worry, there will be tuk-tuk drivers waiting to charge you triple for the small drive and knowing you have no other option you will cave to their demands.

Luckily I have always made it to my final destination at the end of the day. Transportation can be booked through hostels/hotels while you are staying there, through local travel agencies or even online at 12.Go Asia .

Knowledge And Safety: Group Tour VS Solo Travel

To stop your parents from tossing and turning during the night, it is important that you are fully prepared for the travels you have planned. Luckily, nowadays information is at the tips of our fingers with a quick Google search, just make sure you get a local SIM card to keep connected.

The major bonus for being on a group tour is that you will have a travel guide. They are able to speak the language, know how to keep you safe, will advise about scams to watch out for and are extremely knowledgeable about each destination you visit. This ultimately helps you generally have such a carefree and stress-free time as you can enjoy living in the moment.

Our guides on Stray Asia always gave us the option of buying a SIM card when we arrived in a new country which was extremely helpful. Language barriers in Southeast Asia do exist, especially if you are getting off the beaten track as we did on the Mekong Pass. Oftentimes at restaurants, none of the staff would speak English so our travel guide quickly became a waiter. They also provided knowledge that we wouldn’t have otherwise had about a country, sharing with us their personal experiences and stories.

As a solo traveler on the road, you quickly learn to use common sense. Though, this may be a result of getting yourself into a bad situation. I won’t go into details, but yes I have been there and luckily was only scammed $100.00. Though it could have been a lot worse. As an introverted person, I might come off as quiet. Though since that incident I have shouted at my fair share of people trying to scam me. Something that before traveling I would have never done. Traveling solo allowed be to develop a backbone, be a confident woman and trust my instincts.

Make sure you research a destination before arriving, ask at your hostel whether it is safe at night and learn your surrounds in the daytime before venturing around during dark. The one thing I always do before I travel somewhere is Googling “scams in X” this way I know what to watch out for and how to stay safe. Picking up a few words in the local language will also help you throughout the travels and break down the common backpacker stereotypes.

Freedom To Explore: Group Tour VS Solo Travel

Why travel to a place if you are not going to have time to explore it? There are so many incredible places in Southeast Asia you could spend a year here and still not see it all. Though, no matter how long you are traveling for, you will want to get the best out of each destination you visit.

Freedom to explore can sometimes be a bit limited when you are on a group tour in Southeast Asia. Though, this definitely depends on the tour itself. You will want to have to look at different options to see where exactly you want to go, which cities you want to visit, do you want more beaches or nature and what countries are ‘must do’. Also, some people might not be too worried about freedom and instead would prefer a fixed itinerary as they only have limited time to explore.

On my recent tour with Stray Asia, in my opinion, there was a great mixture of freedom and scheduling. Using the Mekong Pass I was able to hop on and hop off the tour at any points along the route. The pass is also valid for a year, ideal for short term and long term travelers . The accommodation was at our discretion as well, in which I would stay at a mixture of the Stray preferred accommodation and my own choices. We hopped off 5 times over the trip in destinations where we wanted to explore the surrounding area or simply wanted to relax. For me, it was an ideal mixture of doing my own thing and a fixed itinerary. There is a wide variety of Stray Asia passes so finding one which will be suitable for you has never been easier.

Surprisingly on my recent trip with Stray Asia, in Laos , we actually got completely off the beaten track which would have been difficult getting to as a solo traveler. Kong Lor Cave was one of these places and it ended up being one of the best things I have ever done.

As a solo traveler in Southeast Asia, you have all the freedom in the world. If you want to travel to the Thai islands you can, or head north to Chiang Mai . That decision is totally up to you. Transportation can easily be booked last minute and unless it is a public holiday there are usually plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

Honestly, the only things that limits your freedom as a solo traveler in Southeast Asia is the maximum length of stay associated with entry into particular countries. On my first trip to South East Asia, I happily spent 5 months traveling around Myanmar, Thailand , Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Border Crossings: Group Tour VS Solo Travel

Border crossings are never fun and can often be a stressful situation. Do you have the right paperwork, money for visas, passport sized photos, the list goes on! There has also not been one border I have crossed in Southeast Asia where it does not take all day to get to my final destination, some even taking multiple days such as between Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang .

One of my favorite things about traveling on a group tour in Southeast Asia is the ease which comes with border crossings. Traveling between two countries is never easy, though being apart of a group tour makes everything easier. With a knowledgeable guide nearby, you will know how to correctly fill out the entry/departure cards, the process and how much exactly to pay to avoid getting scammed.

With Stray Asia, we did two individual border crossings, from Thailand to Laos and from Laos to Cambodia. Our guide Pow had crossed these borders many times and knew the correct procedures. This led to an overall simple and quick experience. He also made sure we paid the correct visa fee to the border officials. Lastly, if anyone in our group had lost their departure cards he was able to get replacements for a few dollars.

Border crossings as a solo traveler in Southeast Asia are never easy. Though, there are things you can do which will make the process less stressful. It is essential that you research the border in advance. Again, knowledge is power, and learning about the possible scams, the processes involved and other travelers experience will allow you to understand what to do and what to expect.

Personally, I have done 3 overland border crossings in Southeast Asia and numerous border crossings where I have arrived at the airport. The airport option is great for travelers in Southeast Asia that are not trying to stick to a budget as depending on your passport, you might be able to get a 30-day visa on arrival. The immigration process is much easier and more professional at airports compared to overland border crossings.

If you are on a budget while solo traveling Southeast Asia, then the overland border crossings might be the best option for you. My main recommendation is to book with a reputable bus company to cross the border with. A personal favorite of mine, which I have done numerous border crossings with, is a bus company called the Giant Ibis. Each bus will have a border attendant onboard which will assist with obtaining visas and answer any questions.

Making Friends: Group Tour VS Solo Travel

Having someone to share all the incredible moments with makes the experience so much better. That is why finding friends when traveling is important and it is amazing all the different types of people you can connect with while traveling. In the end, you will have friends located all around the world.

A group tour is a great way to make friends in Southeast Asia as these are people you will be hanging out with the majority of the day. Everyone is in a similar position and even though there may be a mixture of solo travelers, couples and friends, they are here to learn about a country and explore.

On my group tour with Stray Asia, I had a hop off style pass. This is ideal if you are not vibing with a particular group as you can just hop off, and then hop on the next bus which passes through. Stray honestly had such a wide variety of travelers we were always surprised with the diversity of groups. We even meet some great people and changed our plans so we didn’t end up hopping off and instead spending a little longer on the tour with them. The choice is completely up to you!

As a solo traveler, it can be extremely easy to make friends in Southeast Asia as there will be many other people like you. It is a popular spot for many solo backpackers. Hostels are often your best bet for making friends and many these days offer private rooms as well as dorm rooms. If you are looking for a social hostel check out Hostel World reviews. They have a tab dedicated to ‘sociability’ of each accommodation and reviewer will often mention this aspect as well.

As you can see there are a lot of different variables for you to consider when evaluating whether solo travel or a group tour is best for your first time in Southeast Asia. Though, honestly, if you are looking at something between the two options, from my personal experience, I can recommend Stray Asia’s freestyle passes.

The hop on hop off style tours allow you to be flexible, stay in your own accommodation and do your own thing, but with the content of knowing you have safe transportation and a knowledgeable guide to help get you between destinations. It had been years since I had done a group style tour. Though, after my recent experience with Stray Asia, I would certainly look into doing it again in future destinations I visit.

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Want more South East Asia Inspiration? Check out…. HOW TO TRAVEL FROM CHIANG MAI TO LUANG PRABANG BEST HOSTELS ON KHAO SAN ROAD ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE WITH ELEPHANT NATURE PARK IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND A NIGHT AT THE CHIANG MAI SUNDAY MARKETS, THAILAND KHAO SAN ROAD TO SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT TRANSPORT GUIDE TRAVEL FROM KHAO SAN ROAD TO DON MUEANG AIRPORT

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Backpackers Wanderlust was a guest on the Mekong Pass with Stray Asia, however, as always, all opinions are my own.

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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13 BEST Places to Travel Alone in Southeast Asia

By: Author Julie Julien

Posted on Last updated: January 25, 2024

Julie Julien from the travel blog Julie Around the Globe is guest author with her article on the best places to travel alone in Southeast Asia. My first solo trip was a backpacking trip for seven months to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. But Julie has traveled on her own since 2016 and visited many more countries in Southeast Asia. This is one of my favorite regions of the world, for the people, the food, and the beaches – which also makes for some of the best solo travel destinations. My backpacking trip to Southeast Asia is still one of my best solo travel experiences ever. Read Julie’s picks for best places to travel solo in Southeast Asia.

Traveling alone can be tough at times, but don’t let the fear of being lonely stop you from doing so. Southeast Asia is the perfect destination to start backpacking on your own.

There, you’ll get tons of opportunities to make new friends or find a travel buddy. Here is a list of the best places to visit when you’re solo traveling in Southeast Asia.

Best Places To Travel Alone In Southeast Asia

1. hanoi – vietnam.

Apart from being home to one of the best cuisines in the world (and the famous egg coffee), Hanoi is a perfect example of organized chaos. If you want to settle your nerves for life, try driving a scooter there.

Hanoi is a great base to explore Northern Vietnam, from there you can quickly get to the Halong Bay, Sapa and Ha Giang.

It’s also the perfect place to chill for a few days, they are tons of backpackers, cafés, restaurants, and bars. If you want to take a cooking class, Hanoi one of the best places in Vietnam to do so.

There are also a lot of cultural activities going on for locals as well as for foreigners.

Tips: Hostels in Hanoi sometimes have bedbugs. The staff usually respond quickly to fix the problem, but checking the last few reviews before booking can be a wise decision.

In Hanoi, besides great food, is a great base for exploring Northern Vietnam

2. HO CHI MINH – Vietnam

Some travelers swear by Hanoi other by Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon. The food is just as good, and everything is cheaper.

It’s also a great place to meet people, it’s full of hostels, and the CouchSurfing community is really active. There are also tons of events for expats and travelers where you can get the chance to meet more people.

And you can visit the city’s numerous museums or take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, the Cao Dai temple or the Cu Chi tunnels.

You may also like: 52 Solo Travel Quotes to Inspire Traveling Alone

Ho Chi Minh City – also known as Saigon – is where you can do a Mekong Delta boat tour

3. LUANG PRABANG – Laos

You might feel a bit alone at times if you’re solo traveling in Laos, but Luang Prabang is a great place to meet people. It’s a must-go for people visiting Laos, and the city is mostly kept alive by tourism.

There are a lot of hostels as well as middle-range accommodations and a few luxury hotels. The town is pretty small, so you can easily meet people.

Don’t miss the alms giving ceremony (inform yourself on how to behave before going to one) where people offer food to the monks, it takes place every morning.

There are also several incredibly beautiful waterfalls in the area and a cave temple worth visiting.

Luang Prabang is the religious capital of Laos – in the city, you’ll find dozens of temples and monasteries, some built centuries ago.

Luang Prabang in Laos is a small town where you can easily meet other people while traveling

4. KOH RONG ISLAND – Cambodia

Careful here, if you go to Koh Rong you might never want to leave. It’s not yet crowded by tourists, but it’s more and more on backpackers’ radar.

It’s definitively a place to relax.

Here in Koh Rong island, no roads, internet access is scarce, and electricity doesn’t run 24/7. The shore is gorgeous with more than 40 kilometers (24 miles) of sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

There all kinds of accommodation options and several bars and restaurants. If you like partying, every month there’s a full moon party on a secluded beach only reachable by boat.

Koh Rong Island in Cambodia is waiting for you with 24 miles (40 km) of white sand beaches

5. KOH PHI PHI – Thailand

Koh Phi Phi is a great place if you like partying and going to the beach. The island is super small, and everything is concentrated in the same area.

In Koh Phi Phi, you can party all night long on the beach, gazing at the stars, if you don’t like the song then just walk a few meters to the next bar.

You can also join a party boat (or a regular one) and go island hopping for a day. Near Koh Phi Phi, you’ll find Maya Bay, also known as the beach from the famous movie “The Beach.”

The bay area has been closed off to allow its restoration as tourism has had a terrible effect on the environment here. You can now only see the beach from a distance.

It’s supposed to re-open, but there’s no set date and the number of people allowed on the island will be limited. Thankfully, the area is still full of breathtaking beaches you can actually visit.

Learn more about Solo Travel to Thailand

Koh Phi Phi in Thailand is known for partying – but also do some island hopping to explore

6. KOH PHANGAN – Thailand

What would be a visit to Thailand without going to a world-renowned full moon party?

The full moon party at Koh Phangan is one of the biggest open-air parties in the world, it’s a must-live experience if you like partying.

If you cannot make it to the full moon, they also have half moon and dark moon parties.

Koh Phangan is not all about partying, the landscape is beautiful, the island is mostly undeveloped and full of lush vegetation.

The beaches on Koh Phangan are pristine, with crystal clear water and white sand, perfect for snorkeling.

Koh Phangan is the island in Thailand with the famous Full Moon Parties and great snorkeling

7. BALI – Indonesia

Bali is a backpackers and expats mecca, if there’s a place in Asia that has been entirely built for foreigners it’s Bali.

Among the most popular spots are Nusa Penida, Ubud, and Kuta. You’ll find Bali is one of the best places to travel alone in Asia.

Kuta is by far the most crowded area of Bali, that’s where you’ll find all the night clubs and bars, the beach there has nothing exceptional so unless you want to party head for Ubud or Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida is more of a beach destination, while Ubud more of a nature and spiritual destination. In Ubud, you can find a hostel surrounded by rice paddy fields, see a traditional Balinese dance show and rent a scooter to visit the nearby Hindu temples.

Tip:  Remember that Indonesia is a deeply religious country, even if the vibe in Bali is more relaxed, don’t walk around in swimsuits unless you’re on the beach and cover yourself when you’re outside of touristy areas.

Visiting temples is one of the things to do while in BALI Indonesia – one of the best places to travel alone

8. FLORES – Indonesia

What is great about Flores is that if you decide to explore the island, there’s only one itinerary possible, so you’re bound to meet people who are heading the same way as you. You can easily find a travel buddy for a couple of days.

In Flores you can do some diving and see the famous Komodo Dragons, a short boat trip from Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island.

You can also spend a few days in Bajawa and visit several Ngada traditional villages, and don’t miss the beautiful Kelimutu volcano and its three colored lakes.

In Indonesia be sure to plan a visit to see these volcanic crater lakes at Kelimutu on the island of Flores

9. SIQUIJOR – Philippines

Siquijor is a great island if you’re looking for a place to relax. It’s quiet, yet you won’t get bored. And it’s filled with hostels and bars playing live music most of the nights. Plus it’s also a great place to learn more about the Philippines’ faith healers.

In Siquijor you can go diving to nearby Apo Island, enjoy the beach and go waterfalls hopping.

Many travelers come to Siquijor, yet it’s far from being crowded with tourists. Most people stay in San Juan, that’s where you’ll find all the hostels, bars and restaurants.

There are also a couple of nicer hotels if you want to treat yourself. From San Juan, you can easily rent a scooter and explore the island.

Tips: most of the boats arrive in Larena or Siquijor (the town), it’s a bit far from San Juan and a private tricycle is expensive if you’re alone. If you arrive before 5 pm, you’ll find shared tricycles in both cities, at the market. You’ll have to change tricycle in Siquijor if you arrive in Larena.

In the Philippines enjoy pristine tropical settings like this one in Siquijor – one of the best places to travel in Asia

10. BORACAY – Philippines

Boracay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines , it’s also where you’ll find the most fellow travelers. It’s a great place to enjoy the beach and buzzing nightlife. Boracay is full of party hostels, bars, and nightclubs.

It was recently closed off to tourism (in April 2018) due to environmental issues and has been through several changes before it reopened in late 2018.

To develop a more sustainable type of tourism, numbers of visitors have been limited, and drinking on the beach has been banned, among other rules since the reopening of Boracay.

Boracay Philippines boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines

11. SIARGAO – Philippines

Siargao, also known as the surf capital of the Philippines, is one of the country’s tourism hot spots. As almost every island in the Philippines, beaches are gorgeous, and locals are friendly and welcoming.

Most people come to Siargao to surf, but there are tons of other activities you can do such as diving, snorkeling, partying, or simply going to the beach.

It has a really laid back vibe, it’s not over-developed and crowded like Boracay, but still, most backpackers coming to the Philippines include a stop to Siargao on their itinerary.

Stunning Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines

12. GEORGETOWN PENANG – Malaysia

Georgetown, on Penang Island Malaysia , is a great place to meet people. There are a lot of expats there, and the city has an important cultural scene, with regular events and festivals. The town is famous for its street art, but a lot of other things are going on.

The Couchsurfing community is really strong there, they organize a lot of meetups and events for backpackers.

The nightlife is great, there are no big night clubs but a lot of bars with live music, pool tables, happy hours and such. Georgetown is also full of cute little cafes with great internet connections.

If you like trekking, you can also visit the Penang National Park and its beautiful Monkey Beach.

Welcoming white sand beaches of Penang Malaysia – one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia

13. SINGAPORE

Even though Singapore is a huge city, it’s a breath of fresh air when you’ve been traveling through SEA for a while. It’s clean, there are sidewalks, and public transportation is well organized.

Singapore is a cosmopolitan country, a blend of hundreds of different cultures. It has a lot to offer, and whether you like museums, nature, architecture, history, culture, gastronomy or partying, you’ll find something you like.

Most hostels are in Chinatown or Little India. Both are great neighborhoods to meet other backpackers and explore the city.

Hostels organize a lot of activities. You should try joining a walking or cycling tour of the town, it’s an excellent way to socialize.

Tip: if you’re coming by bus from Malaysia, there’s a scam going on where the bus driver won’t wait for you at the border, and you’ll be forced to buy another ticket to get to the center. To avoid this, make sure you keep your bus ticket and don’t take the last bus of the day, this way you can get on the next bus from the same company.

Singapore is a beautiful and modern city country in Southeast Asia

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How about you? Do you have a favorite place in Southeast Asia where it’s easy to meet people while traveling solo ? Leave your comment below.

You may also enjoy reading Solo Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Japan and Melaka Malaysia Itinerary

Not sure you are ready to travel solo? Read these posts for encouragement and advice.

• 10 Inspirational Travel Quotes About Everyday Life
• How to Plan a Solo Trip – BEST Planning Tips for Solo Travelers
• Best Solo Travel Tips For Both Men and Women Travelers

About the author : Julie Julien has been traveling full time since 2016 and is always on the lookout for great destinations and travel hacks. She shares her best travel experiences on her blog Julie Around the Globe and aims to inspire others to travel more and to places less known. Follow Julie on Instagram .

The 10 Best Places in Southeast Asia for Solo Travelers

06/20/2018 by Kristin Addis 57 Comments

Solo traveling can seem daunting for first time or even experienced solo travelers. There’s always the question, will I meet people?

Luckily solo traveling in Southeast Asia in general is usually easy. It’s a great place to get started on the solo travel journey due to the cheapness of traveling there , the ease with which one can get around, and the friendly locals and fellow solo travelers.

All that said, some places are more ideal than others. After spending a cumulative 3 years now traveling in the region, I’ve done a fair amount of recon and base my recommendations on the ease of meeting others, the wealth of activities, and the feeling of safety and comfort. With those factors in mind, these are the most friendly places in Southeast Asia for solo travelers:

Table of Contents

1) Kuta Lombok, Indonesia

Kuta Lombok is nothing like its loud, seedy neighbor, Kuta, Bali. This laid back surfer town is super chill, and it’s the perfect jumping off point for some incredible beaches. Though still pretty quiet and laid back compared to Bali, which I find hectic, Kuta is the most popular hangout on Lombok which makes it great for solo travelers.

Meet people by taking a surf class, head to Mana Yoga for a yoga class, join a waterfall tour, or just hang out in one of the many cafes. For more on Kuta, check out my full guide here for the best beaches, hotels, and restaurants.

Book your stay on Kuta, Lombok here!

2) Siargao, Philippines

Like Kuta, Siargao is a surfer town and whenever a place attracts people for a sport or shared interest, it tends to bring in a lot of solo travelers. Even if you’re not into surfing, there are plenty of activities in Siargao from Sugba Lagoon, to the rock pools and the joy of just getting on a motorbike and going for a ride.

I met other solo travelers on day trips and we hung out thereafter, exploring different parts of the island and enjoying the endless coconut groves. Read more about the best things to do in Siargao here .

Book your stay on Siargao Island here!

3) Phong Nha Ke Bang, Vietnam

This town is so small, there’s really only a few places to stay, and most visitors congregate in the evenings at Easy Tiger Hostel regardless of where they lay their heads. A group was easily formed the night I arrived to motorbike around the park the following day. We departed the next morning flying like a V in a gaggle eight strong.

What also really stood out to me was how many friendly waves, smiles, and peace signs we got from the locals as we drove by. It’s so nice to feel so welcomed somewhere you’ve never been before.

Book your stay in Phong Nha here!

4) Pai, Thailand

One thing that makes me love Pai so much is how many interesting, spiritual, and fun-loving people I meet there. Jack Kerouac might call them Dharma Bums.

It’s hard not to love a place where local kids are jumping into the waterfalls right after you, where Thai Captain Jack Sparrow hangs out under a bridge, and the local beauty is still wild yet accessible. There’s  reason why I have been back twice in the past two years – it’s just a nice place to be.

Pai hotels and hostels .

First Name:

5) Gili Air, Indonesia

I’ve been to the Gilis off the coast of Lombok three times now and each time I have a blast. Gili Trawangan is the most popular and has a well-deserved reputation as a party island, but its neighbor Gili Air gives you a bit more room to breathe. It has a more chilled out vibe while still being social. This small island also has gorgeous beaches and vibrant under-water life. Though more of a tourist island that doesn’t offer much local interaction, it’s a nice stop to relax and have some fun between trekking in Java or climbing Rinjani in Lombok .

The beaches are clean, it’s not as couple-oriented as other beach destinations, and whether your pleasure be learning to free dive or dancing all night, you can find both there.

Find Gili Air accommodation here!

6) Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand’s northern capital is fantastic for many reasons: Great food, gorgeous temples, it’s super cheap, and it attracts lots of travelers. Every time I visit Chiang Mai, I easily meet a cool group of people to explore with.

It’s also the perfect jumping off point for lots of activities in Thailand’s north, many of which are off the beaten path. I suggest starting in Chiang Mai, building up a crew, and going on adventures together around the north. This list is a great place to start.

Book your stay in Chiang Mai here! There are also a lot of great options on Airbnb .

7) Lonely Beach, Koh Chang, Thailand

Lonely Beach isn’t as lonely as it once was, but the “last cheap Thai island”, easily accessible from Bangkok, is a great place for solo travelers . People tend to stay in Koh Chang longer term as it’s a laid back and enjoyable atmosphere with white sand beaches in some areas. Locals are still all smiles, reminiscent of the nation’s nickname. It generally feels like a friendly place with open people.

In low season, usually only one of the bars is busy, meaning just about everyone you might have seen around or met previously is likely to be there. For those who want a Thai island experience without the crowds or cost, give Koh Chang a try.

Find Lonely Beach  accommodation here!

8) Siem Reap, Cambodia

Pretty much everyone traveling through Cambodia makes Angkor Wat a major part of their itinerary. Thanks to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, it’s a bustling town with expats, tourists, and locals. I stayed at a particularly social hostel there and made friends quickly, and only on my first week of indefinite travels.

What I noticed about Cambodia was the travelers I met there were mostly on long journeys, moving through the country slowly. They tended to have interesting stories and I loved running into people I knew from Siem Reap over and over again as I traveled through the country. This city will always hold a special place in my heart thanks to all the positive memories.

Here are my recommended Siem Reap hotels and my favorite hostel

9) Tioman Island, Malaysia

Places known for diving and snorkeling tend to be great for solo travelers. Divers will travel just about anywhere, even alone, to try a new spot. I always find the number of friendly people one could meet in a place popular for diving is just a little bit higher. Tioman is one of those islands, with its crystal clear water and colorful shallow reefs.

For more of the best places to visit in Malaysia, check out the Malaysia Itinerary .

10) Luang Prabang, Laos

It’s incredibly easy to meet people in Luang Prabang, Laos. Even if you have your own private bungalow, which is common, the bars and restaurants are a prime place for meeting others.

It’s one of few places in Laos where you can stay out past 11 if you head to the bowling alley, and it’s got a wealth of cool things to do like taking a sunset cruise down the Mekong River, or heading to the aquamarine blue waterfalls just outside of town. The mix of French and Laotian cultures lends itself to interesting architecture and food, too.

Book your stay in Luang Prabang here!

Those are my favorite places for solo travelers and, after traveling solo for a month or longer in each country in Southeast Asia (except for Myanmar but it is on my list), these are the ones I enjoyed the most.

Each year, a new place pops up in Southeast Asia that’s all the rage, so I also suggest talking to other travelers when you’re on the road, and to leave a bit of room for serendipity in your itinerary so that you can take their suggestions.

After all, Southeast Asia is full of exciting new adventures, and the best way to experience them is on your own.

The Southeast Asia Budget

The ultimate southeast asia itinerary, what to pack for backpacking in southeast asia, about kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Megan | Traveling Nine to Fiver says

05/25/2015 at 1:06 pm

Love this. I am so excited to be heading to Southeast Asia later this year. I am leaning towards Bali and Lombok. Some great wanderlust, thanks for sharing.

05/27/2015 at 12:23 pm

Great list- gotta second Koh Chang. Went to avoid the crowds and ended up really liking the few people we met.

Have heard wonderful things about Otres Beach too. Next time!

Elizabeth says

05/30/2015 at 9:14 am

Thank you. This is very inspiring. I am constantly waiting for others to want to go to the places I want to go. And I have recently come to the realization that life is to short to wait. I want to see all parts of the world, even if it means traveling solo. I’m glad to see that others do travel solo and safely. Now, time to decide where I want to embark on my first journey by myself. Thank you again!! 🙂

Kristin says

05/30/2015 at 9:37 am

Yes Elizabeth!! I came to the same realization a few years ago and I’m so glad that I didn’t wait. Solo traveling is really amazing for so many reasons – namely because it’s entirely your own experience, unaffected by anyone else, and that is beautiful.

Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out says

05/31/2015 at 9:40 am

I definitely agree with Phong Nha Ke Bang, Vietnam! The owner of the farmstay where we stayed definitely encouraged a ‘summer camp’ kind of feel between the guests and we had the best time there traveling around with a pack of our new best friends 🙂

06/03/2015 at 7:03 am

Glad you found it helpful! Are you going to SE Asia sometime soon?

Muditha says

07/01/2017 at 8:13 pm

Hi come to Sri Lanka

Becka Russel says

07/30/2015 at 8:18 am

You are so brave and adventurous! I don’t know any girl who is solo traveling the world! This is so inspiring! 🙂 Thank you for the post! Me and my boyfriend are planning to make a nice long trip through Asia and we want to visit as many beautiful places as possible! We have a friend who moved to Thailand last year so we are definitely going there!

07/30/2015 at 9:22 am

You’ll meet more like me when you’re traveling! Sounds like an awesome trip and Thailand is a great place to start.

Jamuna says

11/23/2015 at 6:52 pm

Totally agree with Elizabeth & Kristin. Going to embark on my first solo soon.:)

Karianne says

08/08/2015 at 1:21 am

Oh, how I miss South East Asia. Such a wonderful part of the world!

Even traveling as a couple, we easily made friends along the way. The Gili Islands (we went to the slightly quieter Gili Meno, but heard the parties from Gili T!!) are absolutely beautiful and a great place to chill out and meet people. We never made it to Pai, but it’s definitely somewhere we want to visit on our next trip to Thailand – we’ve heard lots of great things about it!

08/10/2015 at 5:18 am

I had some fun on Gili T! I would love to check the others out as well, just might want a significant other in tow.

Phoebe says

09/18/2015 at 8:03 am

Great great stuff around here. Such a gem of a blog, as much as I believe Asia is going to be. Only ever been to India but me and my boyfriend are now planning Japan + SE Asia starting in the New Year! Bought a one way ticket and that’s it! So daunting but yet exciting! We are leaving our jobs as well (part of the reason why it’s daunting). What sort of general advice would you give us Kristin?

09/19/2015 at 5:01 am

Hello Kristin,

I really enjoyed your blog post, I live and grew up in Singapore and I haven’t been to any part of SE Asia yet. But seeing so much beautiful photos from travelers it has really interest me to travel – solo. I haven’t try this before and not sure how safe it will be to travel solo; I have heard a lot of negativity comments about solo travel (especially given that Singapore is relatively different from our neighbors). After reading your post, it really made me want to go now! It is rare to see solo female traveler, I have been trying to find information on that before shooting off end of this year. Thank you for sharing your experience. I will definitely get your book! 🙂

09/19/2015 at 10:38 am

Hi Qian, I felt quite safe in Southeast Asia. There are actually tons of solo travelers. I was surprised to meet so many! Once you get out there and start traveling, you quickly figure out how to haggle, how to detect scams, how to stay safe. Southeast Asia is a great place to start. It’s pretty safe, cheap, and easy to get around. Have fun!

Adrean says

10/01/2015 at 6:15 pm

Thanks for the sharing. Might try out some of the recomended places like Tonsai and Don Det next year. First shot for travelling alone and i’m looking forward for the great journey ahead.

10/12/2015 at 6:31 am

You’re going to have an awesome time. Let us know how it goes for you!

Hayley says

10/26/2015 at 8:38 am

Hi Kristin!

This is a great list thanks for sharing, I’m heading off on my travels in Jan 16 and SE Asia is the first leg of my journey and also the one I’m most nervous about. I have been toying with the idea of booking some kind of tour to start me off, would you recommend this? I have been told my others its a bad idea as its to rigid but I’m worried about getting started on my own! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

10/26/2015 at 9:33 am

Hi Hayley, I think a tour in Southeast Asia is a bad call too. It’s so unnecessary and SO much more expensive than doing it independently. SEA has tons of tourist infrastructure, it’s pretty safe for the most part, really cheap, and probably the easiest place I’ve ever traveled alone. There are lots of other travelers to meet and I think you’ll find that once you get there there’s no reason to be nervous. Just my two cents 🙂

hayley says

10/27/2015 at 4:32 am

Thanks Kristin, I think I will have to follow everyones advice then and not book a tour! Would you be able to give me some pointers in what to book in advance? Any tips on how to plan travel between destinations? I have booked my first hostel in bangkok so far and that is it! In your experience do you end up travelling around with people that you meet along the way?

Thanks so much! Hayley

10/27/2015 at 8:57 am

I didn’t even book my first hostel in advance, actually. You can just do things the day of and be completely spontaneous and it doesn’t cost any extra. The only times you’ll want to book ahead are holidays. I met people very easily. Staying in hostels is the easiest way to do so. I was almost never actually alone 🙂

07/26/2016 at 12:32 am

So after reading your reply I went with your advice and just booked one flight and one hostel in Bangkok and winged the rest of my trip! I was in SE Asia for just over 6 months in the end and I’m so so glad I did it that way. Your blog was not only an inspiration for me but it gave me the confidence that I could do this! And wow it’s been such a ride and I wouldn’t change it for the world! My adventure isn’t over yet either! I have decided to pitch up in Sydney and try Aussie life for a while! Heading up the east coast for three weeks later in the month…..I’ve got that travel bug now! I think I can officially kiss goodbye to fixed abodes! THANK YOU! XXX

07/26/2016 at 2:59 am

That’s amazing! So glad that it worked out for you and that you had a great time. It made my day to read this! It’s the reason why I write this blog 🙂 Thanks so much for coming back to update me and let me know that I gave you good advice <3

11/29/2015 at 7:48 pm

Ring me up when you’re in Singapore, I would be glad to bring you around!

I’m hoping to start my first solo trip next year as well. 😀

12/10/2015 at 6:32 am

Arianwen says

10/31/2015 at 9:25 am

I’ve been to, or am going to, most of these. I loved Pai and Don Det. Those are two of my all-time favourite places! I have to say, though, that Otres Beach was far too quiet for me. I wasn’t even travelling alone at that point and I felt like there was nothing to do. If I’d been by myself I doubt I’d have had a conversation with anyone the whole time, but perhaps it’s just because it was low season. Koh Rong is a better bet at that time of year.

11/01/2015 at 6:32 am

Back when I went Koh Rong was so small and quiet. I’ve heard now they actually have full moon parties (?!). Otres was great for me because of who was there. I made a lot of friends and I love swimming. I can just spend all day swimming so I’m not bored there 🙂

Cherry says

11/10/2015 at 11:53 am

Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing this one. I must salute to you for traveling solo all over different places. I wanna visit Bali because it is a great place to experience. And I want to try Don Det after Bali, I am curios what’s in there. For sure, it will be another awesome journey for me. Again, congrats for traveling solo and having that confidence on yours.

Natalie says

12/28/2015 at 7:55 pm

SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS!! I’m moving to South Korea in February but plotting all my nearby ventures 🙂 Loving all of your articles…..Cheers to solo travel!

12/31/2015 at 4:19 am

Have a great time during your travels around the surrounding countries! I spend a month + in every country in Southeast Asia and two in China, so I hope the posts you find on here help you!

12/30/2015 at 10:10 am

Hi Kristin,

I have just found and read your blog post about South East Asia which sounds and looks amazing. I am planning on starting my 3 months of travels in March/April time and would like to visit Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. But this being the first time I have ever done anything like this I am struggling of knowing where and how to start the planning and organising of my trip. Is there any websites or advice you could possibly give on how to plan and organise? Another question, on your first trip alone, did you find it quite ‘normal’ getting into the swing of the travelling lifestyle?

Thank you so much in advance,

12/31/2015 at 4:15 am

Hi Izzy. This website can help you! I have country pages for each of those countries. Just go back to the home page and click on the map or destinations. Here’s Thailand: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/thailand-guide/

I don’t usually book or specifically plan too much ahead of time. You can do a lot once you arrive and it allows you to be flexible. I tend to research as I go. Hope that helps!

01/30/2016 at 7:05 am

Hi Kristin. Before, i had a plan to solo travel. But i still fear of something will happen if i go alone. I worry for the people i’ll meet, for accommodation, for vehicle to move, … It makes me postpone my plan from last year up to now. But actually, when i read your blog, it gives me courage to do. It make me think that i must travel to experience this world. It is also my dream that i should do when i am young…. Thanks for giving me an inspiration to follow my dream…

02/01/2016 at 4:09 am

That’s beautiful, Ahn! I think everyone is scared before they travel alone for the first time. I still get scared every time I go somewhere alone, but I’m almost always glad that I did it. Have a great time!

Silvia says

01/30/2016 at 9:32 pm

Hi Kristin-

So any advise for a 56 year-old woman who is thinking of traveling in Asia solo? i have traveled quite a bit, some solo when I was younger. My concern is that all travelers will be young people who will not have much in common with me! the other… and this may sound silly to you, but the comfort level of the beds. Did I say I am 56? and I have some slipped discs etc that come with… the dreaded aging process. Gosh I don’t want to have back pain while traveling!!

02/01/2016 at 4:04 am

Hey Silvia, I think if you pay a bit more for accommodation you can have much better beds. A little more cash goes a long way in Southeast Asia. I’d also suggest looking into meetup groups and interest groups while you travel and you might find others who are a similar age to you out there traveling solo too! I have a bunch of suggestions in my solo travels book, which is meant for all ages, if you’re interested: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/solo-female-travel-guidebooks/

Sanchit Kulkarni says

02/03/2016 at 2:22 am

I love packing my bags and exploring new travel destinations! Thanks for sharing this amazing post that lists the 10 best places in Southeast Asia that I can explore solo. The brief description and a photograph of each of the places is mesmerizing. Great post!

Travelsito says

02/11/2016 at 11:40 pm

Beautiful places!

Charlotte says

02/21/2016 at 3:01 am

Keep having the time of your life. X

Jessica Ryan says

07/18/2016 at 5:05 am

You are having the time of your life! I am amazed by the courage that you have to travel alone in so distant but beautiful places. Keep walking girl!

07/18/2016 at 5:35 am

Aw thanks so much. There’s actually a post going up in like 25 minutes on the site about fear and courage and solo travel. I bet you’d dig it!

Monika says

09/05/2016 at 11:57 pm

Fantastic experience after reading your outstanding blog. Traveling the famous place is my dream. I just want to fulfill my dream but every day I discover new and awesome. Now I am confused which one will be my next destination.

Kaung Sett says

09/20/2016 at 7:53 pm

What about Myanmar?

09/21/2016 at 5:58 am

I haven’t been so I can’t comment but I’ve heard good things!

Jennifer says

10/15/2016 at 8:11 am

Hi Kristin, I’m reading your book right now, and it all sounds amazing. I am 55 and single. I’ve been wanting to travel to Southeast Asia, but I can’t find anyone who can go with me. I am looking for places to go where there are people my age, having backpack/adventure type travel. I love your stories of the places you have seen, I just fear that everyone will be so much younger. Help. I’m desperate to travel!!! Thank you, Jennifer

10/16/2016 at 1:26 am

I met a 70 year old woman on Gili Air in Indonesia over the summer and she was having an amazing time traveling there solo. I invited her to have breakfast with me one morning, so don’t worry that people will be younger. If you’re a kind and approachable person you’ll meet others.

11/16/2016 at 5:10 am

Hi Kristin, Thanks a lot for sharing these solo travel destinations. I love traveling myself too and currently live in Kenya (I am Dutch). Anyhow, I have found another great destination for a solo female traveler in Asia; Taiwan! Have you been there?

Warm wishes, Sanne”

11/16/2016 at 12:29 pm

I lived there for 8 months when I was 21. It was actually my first solo destination ever. Loved it so much.

10/24/2017 at 5:49 am

Hi Kristin, I just came across your blog. I’m looking to do a solo trip early 2018 and am still torn about where to go: SE Asia or South America is where I’ve narrowed it down to. Granted to-each-their-own, but any opinions on one over the other?

10/24/2017 at 6:42 am

Gosh they’re both so different. I think SEA is really nice and easy, and cheaper, but both are honestly fantastic. Sorry that probably didn’t help. I did write more on why I like SEA for beginner travelers here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/best-countries-for-beginner-travelers/

Richard steas says

11/14/2018 at 9:14 am

We went to Tioman island for three days and ended spending fifteen days on the island . It’s a stunner to say the least . Inexpensive, nature its got it all .

11/14/2018 at 12:42 pm

I love when that happens!

Andy Fahey says

10/08/2019 at 8:40 pm

Koh Chang is cheap but was pretty empty when I was there. I got bored after two days.

10/09/2019 at 10:23 am

It’s definitely pretty laid back. I’m guessing high season is better.

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