Whether you’re a longterm lone wolf or planning your very first solo travel trip, Asia is the perfect place to go it alone. Solo travelers in Asia are well looked after – the transport between countries is brilliant, most cities are cosmopolitan and safe (especially for women) and there’s accommodation for all budgets.
Plus, with so much culture and events on in the main cities and even smaller regions, it’s easy to meet people along the way. These are the best places to travel alone in Asia…
The best places in Asia for solo travelers
How do these rankings work?
1. Tokyo, Japan
Visiting Tokyo is like visiting the future – flashing neon lights, incredible technology – yet there’s still a rich sense of culture and history. From modern art installations to ancient temples, Tokyo is a dream city for solo travelers in Asia.
2. Bali, Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Bali has long been a huge draw on the travel route, for everybody from surfers and backpackers through to honeymooners and solo travelers.
It’s the paradise island that has something for everybody. There’s terraced rice fields, pristine beaches, world-class surf spots and historical temples. Add in a buzzing food and drink scene and it’s easy to see why Bali is one of the best islands in Asia.
3. Singapore
Singapore is a small island city-state off southern Malaysia which punches way above its weight on a global level. It’s also a centre of tourism and a serious hub for travel in Asia.
What makes it one of the best places for solo travel in Asia is the sheer range of things to do, see and eat. It’s an easy city to navigate with a cosmopolitan vibe and a thriving expat community.
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is one of the most well-known and most-visited cities in Asia. With so many things to do and see, it’s not hard to see why. The vast transit system allows visitors to get to different places and areas rather easily.
There’s an intriguing mix of modern features and high-tech with ancient temples and street markets. The perfect blend of old and new.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi – the hectic, crazy and often confusing capital city of Vietnam – is a popular city for many travellers across the world. From street food markets to cultural museums and scenic freshwater lakes, Hanoi has something for all tastes. It’s a wonderful base from which to explore the North of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also enjoying the comforts of a modern vibrant city.
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Known as a popular city on the backpacking route, Siem Reap is also the link to the world wonder, Angkor Wat temple. While it does boast one of the world’s treasures, there are also lots of other temples and great things to check out here.
You’ll easily bump into other solo travelers here, so it’s a great spot to make some friends on a night out.
7. Chiang Mai, Thailand
This mountain city in northern Thailand is a calm, laid back place. You’ll find hill tribe villages, elephant sanctuaries and busy markets. Chiang Mai is a popular place for digital nomads and has an impressive coffee scene.
There’s also beautiful scenery and waterfalls to explore, all in a super safe atmosphere.