Hajar Roslan
2015 is the year to travel solo, and what better place to begin this journey of discovery than in Asia. If you are looking for an explosion of history, nature, culture and tradition, there’ll be plenty of all that. Oh, and the food? It’s to die for. Travelling solo in Asia is guaranteed to be empowering, exciting and eye-opening. A bonus point: travellers will find that they do not need to break the bank – travelling around Asia can be very affordable.
If you have never travelled solo before and are keen to start on pastures closer to home, these are a few Asian destinations to begin with. If you have travelled solo before, add these countries to your list for more unforgettable adventures. These destinations are picked according to the locations’ desirability for solo travellers; factors taken into account include safety, infrastructure to meet other travellers (such as availability of hostels), and of course, the friendliness of the locals.
Thailand
Image Credits: -Abhimanyu
Image Credits: Darren Johnson
This travel hub of Southeast Asia is jam-packed with sightseeing options, serene beaches and fantastic shopping. Solo travellers will be able to enjoy a rich and diverse experience well within their budgets when travelling around Thailand. For the history buffs, the former capital of Thailand, Ayyuthaya, offers an abundance of ancient Buddhist temples and breathtaking ruins. Chiang Mai, on the other hand, is a charming destination with cultural and historical sights bordered with gorgeous mountains ranges.
For those dreaming of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the Andaman sea islands of Krabi or Phuket are fantastic destinations. Travellers can spend their days island-hopping, taking part in watersports or just indulging in cheap Thai massage. Thai food like the famous Phad Thai and Tom Yum can be found throughout Thailand, and makeshift stalls along the streets offer delicious food, snacks and delicacies.
Also Read: Thailand Fast Facts – Where To Go and Handy Travel Information
Safety: 4/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 3/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑
Cost: $$
Laos
Image Credits: Andrew Newdigate
Image Credits: Poswiecie
Across the Mekong River at the east of Thailand is Laos, a pristine destination not yet overrun by tourists. In Laos, many travellers make a beeline for the historic city of Luang Prabang. Here, one can witness the scene of monks wrapped in saffron robes threading through streets collecting alms against the backdrop of the rising sun.
The largest city of Laos, Vientiane, offers not only temples after temples but also cheap French food and a bustling riverside night market. To learn more about the history of Laos, travellers can head to Vieng Xai, where ‘bomb-shelter caves’ on karst outcrops give a glimpse into the second Indochina war. The adventurous will find Lao forests perfect for joining in community-based treks; a chance to meet locals and experience the “real” Laos in all its stunning natural glory.
Safety: 4/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 2/5 stars ⭑⭑
Cost: $$
Singapore
Image Credits: brongaeh
Image Credits: Erwin Soo
Don’t let her small size fool you. The city-state of Singapore is jam-packed with sightseeing opportunities, festivals and events, shopping malls, incredible food and cultural treats keep every traveller busy. Solo travellers will breathe a sigh of relief–the efficient public transport, clear signages, and the fact that (almost) everyone speak English makes travel so much easier. Travels can be accompanied with a peace of mind as well, as Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world.
The latest addition to Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands, is a sight to marvel at. Hop on the elevator and 57 floors up, you’ll find yourself in Sands Skypark and Singapore’s iconic infinity pool. Just behind this magnificent building is the 101-hectares Gardens By The Bay, perfect for a picturesque stroll. Travellers can frolic on the serene beaches on Sentosa Island in the day, and head down to Clarke Quay at night to join in the bump and grind of Singapore’s vibrant night scene.
No traveller should leave this multicultural city without a dose of its cultural areas, namely: Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam. Diversity in Singapore extends to food options as well, and travellers will find that this city lives up to its reputation as a “Food Paradise”.
Safety: 5/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 5/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Cost: $$$
Malaysia
Image Credits: Hadi Zaher
Image Credits: Exilism
Malaysia is an affordable destination with plenty to explore and discover. Travellers can begin their journey in Malaysia from the city of Kuala Lumpur to be greeted with skyscrapers and shopping malls. Escaping the urban jungle is easy, and travellers can take their pick of scenery: the rolling tea plantations of Cameron Highlands, the beaches of Langkawi, or the picturesque Perhentian Islands. All food-lovers must include Penang in the itinerary for it is known as the food capital of Malaysia. Numerous hawker centers line the streets of Georgetown, selling the most delicious dishes with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences.
East Malaysia, also known as Malaysian Borneo, promises travellers great adventures amidst natural landscapes filled with greenery and wildlife. The wooden kampong houses you can find here stand in huge contrast to high-rises in Kuala Lumpur. In the Malaysian Borneo, there are fantastic diving opportunities, rainforest trails and chances to meet endangered orangutans. it is also home to one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, a prime hiking destination.
Safety: 3/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 2/5 stars ⭑⭑
Cost: $$
Vietnam
Image Credits: Photo Tuto
Image Credits: Peter Halling Hilborg
Budget-friendly, safe and plenty of things to see and do. What more can you ask for? Vietnam is a country laden with natural beauty as well as towns and villages offering a cultural smorgasbord.
The booming capital city of Hanoi has an Old Quarter where you can find merchants and artisans peddling their trade and also a beautiful lake at its heart to seek tranquility. Adventurous trekkers who hike through the mountains of Sapa in north-western Vietnam can drop by tribal villages along the way. For more visual dramatics, one can explore the winding cave systems at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, or cruise by the limestone islands surrounded by the cerulean ocean at Halong Bay.
Also Read: Travel Guide To Exploring Vietnam’s Central Coast
Safety: 4/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 2/5 stars ⭑⭑
Cost: $$
Japan
Image Credits: Max Chu
Image Credits: Jim Storer
The “Land Of The Rising Sun” is home to cultures immensely rich and nature so diverse, it is one destination that travellers often find themselves reluctant to leave.
The capital city Tokyo boasts a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, visible in various aspects of city life. Among many other activities, travellers can browse historical and techno museums, catch a sumo match, sample sushi from the world’s largest Tsukiji Fish Market, or visit friendly felines in cat cafés. The shopaholics will get lost amidst ribbons and lace in Shibuya 109, a departmental store known to be the mecca of all things fashion. At night, while the famous Tokyo Tower is wrapped in warm lights, the young and insatiable roam around Shibuya and Ikebukuro, enjoying the buzzing nightlife scene.
After exploring the capital city of Tokyo, immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural offerings in the serene and low-profile Kyoto, where kimonos are still in trend. Kyoto is home to a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, speaking volume of its opulent cultural heritage. In Kyoto, travellers can drop by a traditional ryokan (Japanese style-inns) or have tea in one of the many quaint teahouses along the street. The luckiest of them might even witness a passing geisha! Kyoto embodies Japanese tradition and stepping into temples like the Golden Pavillion or Kiyomizu-Dera will blast you back in time.
Solo travellers can look to stay in hostels for a chance to meet other like-minded travellers. Those on a tight budget can also volunteer work in exchange for free or cheaper accommodation, a common practice for some hostels in Tokyo. Move around with a Japan Rail Pass, an economical way to travel and don’t forget to plan your routes ahead of time.
Also Read: How Much Do You Really Need For Japan
Safety: 5/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 5/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Cost: $$$
Taiwan
Image Credits: 國慶 陳
Image Credits: Wei Zheng Wang
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is set on the Tamsui River at the northern tip of the country. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, make a beeline for one of the buzzing night markets like Raohe or Shi Lin. There will be hundreds of little cart vendors where you can sample delicious street food or get your shopping fix. After a dose of the city filled with food, bars, sightseeing, shopping and more food, find some peace amidst lush greenery in Beitou Hot Springs and Thermal Valley.
Taiwan is a country that is laden with natural beauty – towering mountains, undulating hills, mud volcanoes and plunging waterfalls. Other than exploring the usual tourist attractions of Kenting, Sun Moon Lake and Alishan, Taiwan is really the country where you want to get off the beaten track to find hidden gems.
If you’re between 18 to 30 years old, request for a Youth Card at a Visitor Information Centre to enjoy discounts on stores and admission tickets. Getting a Taipei Pass is also recommended – it gives travellers unlimited rides on trains and city buses. Taiwan definitely earned their place on this list and once you’re done, it might even be one of your favorite countries in Asia!
Safety: 4/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑
Infrastructure/Transport: 5/5 stars ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Cost: $$$
These countries are bound to have you embracing solo travel with open arms, and it may even compel another visit. Take your pick and be prepared to fall in love with all that is Asia.
Which country is your favourite solo travel destination?
