Are you looking to take a solo trip to Asia, but want to know the best places to travel solo in Asia? I have been traveling solo for a while now and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I have traveled solo through Europe, Central America, and Asia. Traveling solo is never quite as scary as you think it may be and you are truly never alone.
I have compiled a list on the best places to travel solo in Asia, so you can know some good spots to get you started.
These spots were picked as It is easy to meet fellow travelers.
Traveling solo you should try and be flexible on changing your destination path, as it is easy to tag along with new friends and go to places you weren’t planning on going.
Here is a list of the best destinations to travel solo in Asia.
Best Places To Travel Solo In Asia
1. Kyoto, Japan
Japan is a great spot for solo travelers. It is a unique country, like no other. Full of culture, delicious food, unique cities, and some of Asia’s best landmarks.
The locals are amazing, and some of the most polite people I have ever met traveling through Asia.
They love Western travelers and stop you on the street so they can practice their English. I was even asked a few times by strangers if they could be my pen pal.
It has so much to offer and Kyoto was by far my favorite city. Full of so much old-school culture that you don’t see in Tokyo.
Their pod-like hotels make a great spot for solo travelers as it is easy to meet fellow travelers while maintaining your own space.
Also, Japan should also be at the top of the list for any foodie. Not only do they have amazing fish and sushi, but their ramen is out of this world.
If you are looking for an exciting life-changing travel trip, Japan is a must-do, but before you jump on a plane to Japan be sure to check out the other hot spots for solo travelers.
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia a great, cheap spot for travelers to stop by in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is absolutely breathtaking.
To think that it was built back in the 12th century of 5 BC will blow your mind. Cambodia has so much to offer besides Angkor Wat and beautiful temples. It is a town full of ex-pats, delicious restaurants, and good nightlife.
Hit up Pub Street to meet fellow travelers. Enjoy the street markets or enjoy beers for under a $1.
Southeast Asia, is cheap, and Siem Reap is probably the cheapest. Stay in 5-star hotels for next to nothing, and enjoy the cheap spa life that South East Asia is so famous for.
For more ideas for what to do, here is the perfect itinerary for spending one day in Siem Reap.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand has so much to offer for solo female travelers besides just sitting on a beach. It is cheap, easy to meet people, full of good food, and has plenty of activities to enjoy.
If you are not a beach person but still want to check out Thailand, I highly recommend checking out what the north of this country has to offer.
Chiang Mai is full of fellow solo travelers, night markets, cheap street food, and good accommodation.
There are plenty of amazing temples to check out during the day, as well as other tourist activities to keep you busy.
Be sure to enjoy the busy night markets and stop for a $5 foot massage when you get tired of walking.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Here is the perfect 3-week Thailand itinerary.
4. Seul, South Korea
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea is a destination that harmoniously blends together technology with culture and traditions.
One of the safest cities in Asia and the world, Seoul should be on anyone’s solo traveling list.
While anyone should use common sense when traveling to any destination, I never felt threatened or in danger while wandering alone on the streets and parks of the city.
The only concern would be to have the right tools and apps, especially when you don’t speak and read Korean.
Petty thefts are not a thing in South Korea, and even in the most crowded places, you can see local people leaving their valuables unattended without any problems.
Moreover, you won’t have to carry cash since most places accept debit and credit cards, with some even going cashless.
Any Seoul itinerary should take you to the Palaces, shopping for skincare in Myeong-dong, hiking Namsan Mountain all the way to the Namsan Tower, or taking Instagram-worthy photos in one of the countless popular cafes in town.
5. Ubud, Bali
If you are in need of some spiritual healing, there is no place better to do it than Bali. Come enjoy the capital of healing in Ubud. Made famous by the book Eat, Pray, Love it will not disappoint you.
Get involved with the yoga scene, detox, see a Balinese healer, or meditate. Whatever you are searching for in life, you will find it in Ubud.
It is located inland on the island about a 1-hour drive to the beach, so if you were looking for some beach time in Bali, you won’t find it here.
But it pretty much has everything else you could want in life and carters to almost any special dietary needs you may have.
Looking for the best places to visit near Ubud
6. El Nido, Philippines
Still, looking for more of the best places to travel solo in Asia?
The Philippines is full of so many good islands and spots to see that it can be a little overwhelming, but there is a reason why El Nido was my favorite.
It is just amazingly beautiful. Crystal clear blue waters and stunning green cliff sides. Take a popular boat ride during the day to nearby Instagram-worthy locations.
If you have the time and enjoy camping I highly recommend taking the slow boat from El Nido to Coron. It is great to meet people and you get to camp on uninhabited islands.
But don’t worry, everything is planned and set up for you. Enjoy being cooked for by a campfire and sleep under the stars. It is worth it if you have the time
7. Okiwana, Japan
Have you been wanting to visit Japan, but keep dreaming of a tropical vacation for your solo trip to Asia? Well, why not visit the island of Okiwana and get the best of both worlds?
Experience the culture of Japan while soaking up the rays for the warm tropical sun. There are plenty of things to do in Okiwana to keep you busy, or to completely relax so you won’t get bored here.
The best part is it is a great spot to meet fellow travelers, so you will never feel alone.
8. Tonsai, Thailand
There is a reason why Thailand made this list 3 times. There is so much to see in this beautiful country, that it is almost impossible to pick a favorite spot.
Tonsai is a small, unheard-of beach town unless you are into rock climbing. The only way into this town is by boat, and there is only one small road in the town.
It is so small so making friends is easy as you continually see the same people during your stay.
If you are not into rock climbing, there is yoga and a lovely beach to camp out on with a book. The whole town is run on generators so everything shuts down pretty early in the evenings. Which is a great thing, unless you are looking for nightlife.
People are also out exploring during the days since many rooms don’t have A/C.
9. Canggu, Bali
If you are looking for spiritual healing but still need your beach time then Canggu is the right spot for you.
Offers up all the same spiritual healing and yoga that Ubud has, except it is on the beach. Great for beginner surf lessons, or enjoy the more advanced surf breaks nearby.
Bali has it all. There is a reason why it is so popular, and why it is everyone’s favorite.
The people in Bali are so nice and helpful, the food is amazing, and everything is affordable. Bali is full of amazing vegan restaurants, trendy hipster cafes, and almost any kind of food you can imagine.
Once you come to Bali, it is almost impossible to leave.
10. Koh Lanta, Thailand
If you like to enjoy your vacations on the beach and doing nothing else. Koh Lanta Island is the spot for you. It is a great quiet island with not much to do besides relax and enjoy good food.
Popular with solo travelers, it is easy to meet people. It is fairly small, only 27 Km long. It has decently paved roads which makes it easy for almost anyone to rent a scooter and check out the whole island.
Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle that Thailand and its beautiful beaches have to offer.
That is why it makes the list of best places to travel solo in Asia
Koh Lanta is just one of the many hidden gems in Thailand.
11. Hong Kong, China
If you are looking for some hustle and bustle for your solo female travel, Hong Kong is definitely one of the best places in Asia. It is a city full of life, deliciously cheap food, and so much to do that you will never get bored.
Hong Kong is full of great food culture. There is so much to eat and see here.
If you like moving around and staying busy on your vacation, Hong Kong is a good choice. You will not get bored while you are here.
12. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is Asia’s best-kept secret. It is incredibly beautiful and untouched. Stay right on the beach for next to nothing.
Enjoy walking the beach to your favorite restaurant and never have to worry about shoes on your vacation again.
This town is full of good surf. Whether you are wanting to learn, improve your surf game, or just going to enjoy the hot surfers. Sri Lanka has it all.
Take a quick hour’s trip away from the beach and see elephants in their natural habitat. Keep yourself busy or enjoy relaxing and doing nothing at all. Sri Lanka is worth the trip
13. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is a magical place in Myanmar that should be added to anyone’s bucket list of places, not just solo travelers.
It is full of over 2000 temples all within a short distance. All of them are unique and unlike the others.
They come in all different shapes and colors, and all serve a different purposes. Bagan is the perfect place to rent an e-bike and set out on a journey all your own, exploring all the different temples it has to offer.
Some are great for watching the sunset or rise, if you are lucky enough to come in the dry season, make sure to have some extra cash so you can take a hot air balloon ride.
Conclusions
Are you a solo traveler that has been to Asia? Do you have a recommendation for a different best place to travel in Asia that is not on this list? Say so in the comments below.
With so many places to see in Asia, it is hard to pick one spot for your vacation, but I hope this has helped you narrow it down.
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Lots of great travel ideas here! Kyoto and Bali are on my bucket list, which seems to increase every time I read a new post.
Yes! They are both amazing places and if you have enough time can be done on the same trip 🙂