Best places to solo travel in Asia as a woman (2025)

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Solo traveling Asia for six months changed my life in the best way possible and I’m the biggest advocate for every woman getting the chance to experience it. Asia is a great continent for solo female travel, whether it’s your first time or you’re seasoned at traveling alone. It’s safe, social, easy to get around, and has an incredibly diverse range of things to do. From amazing beaches and thriving wildlife to ancient temples and towering mountains, Asia is a continent that truly has it all. However, not all places in Asia are made equal when it comes to solo traveling. This guide to solo travel in Asia will take you through the best 10 places to travel alone as a woman. I’ve taken safety, accessibility, ease of meeting people, overall experience, and more into account, all based on my own personal experience.

Solo Travel in Asia: FAQs

Is solo travel in Asia safe?

Asia is a huge and diverse continent, so safety varies depending on where you go. And just like any country, the countries in Asia have certain areas that are safer than others. However, overall Asia is a safe and secure continent for solo female travelers. You must ALWAYS take standard safety precautions, such as never telling strangers you’re alone, letting others know when you’re going somewhere alone, and being aware of your surroundings. However, you could be in the safest place in the world and I would still advise you to do that! Asia is a great region for exploring on your own, as long as you do your research and always take standard safety precautions.

You’ll notice that I’ve given each place in this guide a safety score no lower than 4/5. Part of what makes somewhere great for solo travelers is the safety, so it wouldn’t belong on this list if it was lower than that. 4/5 doesn’t mean it isn’t safe – it just means paying a little extra attention to your belongings and surroundings.

How can I make friends while solo traveling in Asia?

Solo traveling in Asia is the complete opposite of lonely if you put yourself out there! The easiest way to make friends while solo traveling in Asia is to stay in hostels. And not just any hostel, but those that are known to be social. Hostels typically fall into three categories: not social, social, or party. To make friends, look into the reviews online or ask around as you travel to find social or party hostels, depending on the vibe you want. Both social and party hostels will organize events for people to mingle, but the social hostels will be more chill such as game nights and family dinners instead of parties. Putting yourself out there is the name of the game, so don’t be afraid to attend events and talk to the other travelers in your room.

I book all my hostels on HostelWorld for the best prices and real reviews from other travelers like me.

If you want to solo travel in Asia but the thought of having to make new friends all the time sounds exhausting, a group trip might be right for you. A group trip is a multi-day organized tour that takes care of your entire itinerary, including top attractions, transportation, and accommodation. Many companies, such as Intro Travel, G Adventures, Tru Travels, and Contiki, have trips targeted at young, social travelers. It relieves the burden of having to plan every aspect of your own adventure while staying with the same group of people. This is a great way to solo travel in Asia but have company and the logistics taken care of along the way.

What if I don’t want to stay in hostels?

If you’re hesitant about staying in hostels, you’re not alone. Before my solo backpacking trip, I was skeptical of constantly sharing space with strangers. However, it’s isolating (and expensive) to only stay in hostels as a solo female traveler. I forced myself to try out hostels, and by the end of my trip, I had completely come around to them.

There are plenty of things you can do to make your hostel experience more enjoyable. Make sure to thoroughly check reviews so you’re always staying in a hostel that’s your vibe and up to cleanliness and comfort standards. And if you don’t want to share a room with other people, no problem! Many hostels offer private rooms so you can benefit from the social environment of the hostel while having your own space. What I chose to do was to stay in shared rooms in hostels until my social battery ran out, and then I got myself a cheap hotel for a few nights. I found that I quickly recharged and was ready to go back to hostels in no time. I also found that I preferred small, female-only dorm rooms, which I recommend if you want to give dorm rooms a try but are skeptical.

10 Best Places to Solo Travel in Asia

10. Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the most underrated countries in Asia, and I can’t believe more people don’t have it on their radar. Taipei is the bustling capital with lots to do, and it’s also a great place to base yourself for exploring the small island. Within just a few hours of Taipei, you can visit beautiful national parks and cultural landmarks. I spent one week in Taipei, alternating day trips with exploring the city, and was stunned by how well-rounded the country is. Nature, city, culture, history – Taipei has it all, either within city limits or just a couple of hours away. It’s modern and safe, making it easy and comfortable to explore as a solo traveler. However, there isn’t a big backpacking scene, so it isn’t the most social place. If you’re comfortable exploring on your own, then you won’t regret visiting Taipei.

BEST HOSTEL: Star Hostel Taipei Main Station

READ MORE:

• 7 day Taiwan itinerary & travel guide
• 5 best day trips from Taipei
• Women’s Taiwan packing list: A stylish and practical guide

9. Seoul, South Korea

I might be a little biased because I lived in Seoul for three years, but it’s my favorite city in the world. It’s very safe, the people are kind, the food is good, and it’s the perfect blend of modernity and tradition. From the neon lights of Hongdae to the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace, there will never be a dull moment exploring Seoul alone. It’s a great place to explore as a solo traveler, however, it’s best if you’re comfortable being alone. Like Taipei, there isn’t a big solo travel scene. So while it’s very easy and safe to navigate alone, it might take more effort to meet other people. There aren’t many hostels and most of them don’t run social events. If you like to keep to yourself or are okay exploring alone, then Seoul is an amazing and safe place to explore as a solo traveler.

Heads up: many KBBQ restaurants are designed for multiple people and won’t allow you to dine alone (or they’ll charge you for at least two people). However, almost every other type of restaurant in Seoul is completely fine with solo diners.

BEST HOSTEL: Jin’s Paradise

READ MORE:

• South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
• Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea: A local’s guide
• 2-week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local

8. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world, only beaten by Seoul! It’s a city unlike anywhere else, with ancient temples, delicious food, neon-lit districts, and shopping galore. Nowhere else in the world do modernity and history coexist in such a perfect blend. There’s so much to do for any interest, and it’s extremely safe and accessible for solo travelers. However, like Taipei and Seoul, it doesn’t have the biggest backpacking or solo traveling scene. I recommend being okay with traveling on your own before coming to Tokyo. There are plenty of hostels but they typically are not very social, so you’ll have to put in more effort to meet people. If you don’t mind exploring on your own, then Tokyo is a safe and rewarding place to do so.

BEST HOSTEL: CITAN Hostel

READ MORE:

• Solo Travel in Japan: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• Tokyo Itinerary: 3-5 days for first-time visitors
• 2 week Japan itinerary and travel guide

7. Mirissa, Sri Lanka

This chill beach town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is a great place to solo travel. With a stunning, long stretch of beach lined by palm trees, this is one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka. Since the country is still an up-and-coming destination, the beaches are much quieter and less developed than the beaches in nearby Thailand or Indonesia. However, it isn’t so undiscovered that there isn’t a good infrastructure for solo traveling. There’s a big backpacking and solo travel culture, with lots of hostels, social events, and things to do alone. From surfing at nearby Weligama Beach to attending a yoga retreat in neighboring Ahangama, Mirissa is a great base for tons of relaxing and restorative solo activities. However, I doubt you’ll be alone long, as there’s plenty of opportunities to make friends if you want to.

My biggest complaint about solo traveling in Sri Lanka is that public transportation isn’t as accessible or widespread as in other Asian countries. This is a great destination if you’ve solo traveled before and don’t mind paying for private transfers or spending extra time and effort figuring out the buses and trains.

BEST HOSTEL: Hangover Hostels Mirissa

READ MORE:

• Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 weeks of nature, wildlife, culture, & beaches

6. Vang Vieng, Laos

Another underrated country in Asia, Laos is a land of stunning natural landscapes, rich history and culture, and laid-back vibes. Too many backpackers in Southeast Asia leave it off of their itinerary, but it has its own unique charm and attractions unlike Southeast Asia’s other destinations. Vang Vieng is a great place in Laos to go on a solo adventure, with its bright blue lagoons, scenic viewpoints, and thrilling activities. Whether you take the cheapest hot air balloon ride in the world, relax in tubes on a blue lagoon, or climb to stunning viewpoints, Vang Vieng makes it easy to see why Laos is becoming more popular.

As a solo traveler, it’s a social place with many hostels where you can meet other people and explore together. And with the new addition of the Laos-China Railway (LCR), it’s never been easier to travel to Vang Vieng. Laos is growing in popularity and developing more every year, so now is a great time to explore the country while it’s chill, authentic, and not so touristy.

BEST HOSTEL: Vang Vieng Chill House

READ MORE:

• Laos Itinerary: 1 week in Southeast Asia’s hidden gem
• BEST things to do in Luang Prabang

5. Siargao, Philippines

Siargao is a small island in the Philippines that I often dream about visiting again. It left such an impression on me when I visited as a solo traveler that I’ve always wanted to go back for more. Not only was it my favorite place I visited on my solo trip to the Philippines, but it stands out as one of my favorite destinations in Asia. And I’m not the only one; I constantly met backpackers in Southeast Asia who couldn’t recommend Siargao more. It’s hard to describe why so many travelers fall in love with Siargao, but imagine a chill surf island with the best vibes, social events, yoga studios, cafes, beaches, and more. I loved the solo travel community I met in Siargao, which included many backpackers, digital nomads, and women. Whether you want to chill, surf, make friends, island hop, or party, there’s a reason for you to visit Siargao. This island is the definition of “passed the vibe check”.

BEST HOSTEL: Happiness Hostel

READ MORE:

• Solo female travel in the Philippines: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• 3 week Philippines itinerary
• Buhay Isla review: 3-day boat expedition in the Philippines

4. Koh Rong, Cambodia

Cambodia might not come to your mind when you think of white sand and turquoise clear waters, but it should! While most travelers go to neighboring Thailand for their beach vacation, Koh Rong in Cambodia cannot be missed. A tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand, it’s a fantastic place to go for both beach and backpacker vibes. Almost every tourist on the island is a backpacker, most of which are solo travelers. It’s the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, chill vibes, and socializing.

There are great hostel options, many of which hold regular social events. Make sure to time your stay for a Saturday so you can go to Nestival, a huge beach party. It starts every Saturday at 3pm with free beer and team sports games, and then the party picks up around 9pm. Basically every single backpacker will be there, and it’s lots of fun.

BEST HOSTEL: The Lost Boys

READ MORE:

• Cambodia Itinerary: 2 weeks for first-timers

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Northern Thailand is magical, and there’s no better place to experience it as a solo traveler than Chiang Mai. The Old City is full of beautiful temples and delicious restaurants, while the outskirts offer more local experiences and nature galore. From visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary and exploring temples in the jungle to taking a cooking class and shopping at the night market, nowhere shows off the diversity of Thailand as well as Chiang Mai does. There’s a huge population of backpackers, digital nomads, and solo travelers, meaning you won’t have any problems finding great hostels and meeting people. From Chiang Mai, you can also travel to the hippie backpacker hub of Pai, which is also great for solo travelers. The beaches of southern Thailand are great, but don’t miss the mountains and culture of the north!

BEST HOSTEL: Hostel Lullaby

READ MORE:

• Thailand Itinerary: The perfect 2+ weeks for first-timers
• Solo female travel in Thailand: Safety, tips, & what to expect

2. Bali, Indonesia

I’m going to preface this by saying that Bali is not one of my favorite places in Asia. While it has some stunning sights, most places are too crowded and touristy for me. However, Bali undoubtedly deserves a top spot on this list. If you’ve never solo traveled before, I can’t think of a better place to start than Bali. While mass tourism has taken a toll on the island, it also means that it’s very easy and accessible. From getting around and sightseeing to staying at hostels and meeting new people, nowhere is as easy as Bali. And don’t get me wrong, there are still some areas worth visiting. I personally love Uluwatu, Munduk, Nusa Lembongan, and Gili Trawangan. Not only were the sights stunning and unique (and less crowded than other areas such as Canggu and Ubud), but I stayed in amazing hostels, met tons of friends from all over the world, and had an easy and safe time getting around.

BEST HOSTELS: Puri Garden, The Farm Hostel, Tipsea Turtle

READ MORE:

• Bali Itinerary: 2 weeks of adventure, relaxation, and nature
• Indonesia Itinerary: 1 month in Bali, Lombok, & Komodo
• 8 things to do in Uluwatu: Travel guide to Bali’s beach paradise
• Munduk, Bali: A complete guide to the island’s hidden gem
• Nusa Lembongan, Bali: Top things to do & itinerary
• Gili Trawangan: Complete travel guide & the best things to do

1. Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

When I think about my most memorable travel experience in Asia, the Ha Giang Loop is the first thing that comes to mind. Located in the far north of Vietnam, this iconic motorbike route takes you through winding mountain roads, deep valleys, and remote ethnic villages, with breathtaking landscapes at every turn. If you’re not comfortable driving a motorbike, don’t worry! This experience is accessible to everyone, with the choice to hire a local driver.

Most travelers opt to do it with an organized group and a local driver over 3-4 days, which I can’t recommend more for solo travelers. Not only was the Ha Giang Loop stunningly beautiful, but it was tons of fun bonding with the drivers and other travelers in my group. Doing the trip over multiple days allows you to get to know everyone else in a way that little else does. Together, you’ll experience viewpoints, local villages, meals, and nights drinking “happy water” and doing karaoke. And unless you book a private room, chances are you’ll sleep in a dorm room with them as well. I can’t think of a better way to solo travel in Asia than to experience its most beautiful motorbike route with a new group of friends from all over the world. The Ha Giang Loop was undoubtedly my favorite experience solo traveling in Asia, and I’m sure it will be one of yours, too.

BEST HOSTEL: Mama’s Homestay

READ MORE:

• Ha Giang Loop: Backpacker’s guide to Vietnam’s epic road trip
• Vietnam Itinerary: 3-4 weeks for backpackers and solo travelers

Solo traveling Asia is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. With countries that are diverse, safe, welcoming, and full of other travelers to meet, there’s no better continent to adventure alone. Whether it’s your first or hundredth solo trip, you’ll find these top places to solo travel in Asia as unforgettable destinations full of new friends, stunning sights, delicious food, and self discovery.

Keep reading:

• 7 day Taiwan itinerary & travel guide
• South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
• 2-week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
• Solo Travel in Japan: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• Tokyo Itinerary: 3-5 days for first-time visitors
• 2 week Japan itinerary and travel guide
• Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 weeks of nature, wildlife, culture, & beaches
• Laos Itinerary: 1 week in Southeast Asia’s hidden gem
• Solo female travel in the Philippines: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• 3 week Philippines itinerary
• Cambodia Itinerary: 2 weeks for first-timers
• Thailand Itinerary: The perfect 2+ weeks for first-timers
• Solo female travel in Thailand: Safety, tips, & what to expect
• Bali Itinerary: 2 weeks of adventure, relaxation, and nature
• Indonesia Itinerary: 1 month in Bali, Lombok, & Komodo
• Ha Giang Loop: Backpacker’s guide to Vietnam’s epic road trip
• Vietnam Itinerary: 3-4 weeks for backpackers and solo travelers
• The hard truth about solo travel in Australia