Every now and then we need to do solo traveling to reconnect with our inner self, be it to find peace, train our self-reliability, to find a hidden answer of life’s questions, or for the simplest reason: just because we love to do it. As independent women ourselves, sadly we cannot just pack and go, since some considerations must be taken into account for female solo travellers. Cut your time off searching for the safest destinations nearby, we bring you a list of safest Asian destinations for female solo travellers and some simple but essential safety tips we sometimes overlook.
South Korea
While you may expect we would list other advanced Asian countries, let us surprise you this time! South Korea is one of the countries in the world that has the lowest crime rates. Although it is a non-English-speaking country, South Korean youths are mostly able to speak English. In a case where you cannot find anyone who speak English, note that they are naturally helpful and willing to go the extra miles to help you explore the country. All those delicious South Korean foods are also easy to navigate, making those who travel on their own can easily familiarise with the food places. Another point to mark is, in Deajon, Busan, and Seoul, the subway system uses the announcements in English too, not to mention the helpful signs we can meet along the way.
Japan
The best notable reason to visit Japan on your own is, female solo travellers seem to be a normal sight in this country. As we all know, Japanese people are very respectful and helpful, they would not stare at you when you do things alone, so that you can mind your own business while strolling around its beautiful places without uncomfortable feelings. Trying to find a safe accommodation for you to stay? Good news, there are plenty of comfy female-only accommodations to choose from. Do not forget to plan your trip to Japan when cherry blossoms are everywhere to leave you wonderstruck!
Cambodia
Okay, okay, you cannot wait any longer to have us listed a more adventurous destination, can you? Your wish is our command, let’s plan your journey to Cambodia! Foreign travellers are respected in Cambodia and the harassment record here is low that female travellers can enjoy the country peacefully. If you are a first timer, Siem Reap is the perfect spot for you to get to know a thing or two about history and ancient life, with its very calm atmosphere. Opt for other places after Siem Reap? We might say, a number of travellers outside Siem Reap is lower, but this is not a thing that can stop you, because the friendliness of local Cambodians will ease your journey. Just wear your best smile on your face and you are good to go!
Myanmar
Not many people are familiar with Myanmar and consciously put it on their travel list. We can understand, because actually Myanmar has just opened up its tourism a few years ago and it is the perfect time for travellers to reveal its hidden charm. Another reason to visit Myanmar is, it is a safe place to visit where most travellers never fail to praise its safety as the penalties for stealing its foreigners is very strong; plus, you can feel the whole zen experience with one of the warmest people in the world. Due to its tranquility, solo female travellers can gain a more personal adventure. Put Kawal as part of your hiking destination list in the country as you can get a more well-rounded perspective meeting the friendly locals in the hill.
Singapore
Needless to say, Singapore has the right combo in terms of safety and cleanliness. In some food street vendors, they provide travellers with rating to show the cleanliness and service levels. However, the only backward is you cannot switch on your adventurous mode because most of famous attractions in this country are mostly man-made. Nevertheless, if you are that kind of female travellers who prefer shopping trip and into semi-to-luxurious journey, then this country is definitely your go-to place. The cityscapes and skyscrapers view are to die for.
Bhutan
Want to have higher level of zen atmosphere than Myanmar has to offer? Opt for Bhutan for you next solo trip. A landlocked country of Bhutan is very safe for female solo travellers, even though it is widely advised that you need at least a guide to accompany the journey. Avoid visiting this country during the-mid year due to annoying monsoon, while October until December is the perfect period for you to enjoy its mountainous and mysterious view. If you are into a travel experience like no other, Bhutan is the country whose locals still guard their traditions, thus you will come back home with a whole new perspective.
Thailand
Do we need more explanation on this? We have written you gazillion times about Thailand, be it in terms of its travel hacks and advices, eco-friendly accommodations in its capital city of Bangkok, and how to pair and combine your Thailand trip with other Southeast Asian destinations. Why did we do so? Because Thailand is just so special! First of all, in Thailand, female solo travellers are just a common sight in the country and is safe for female solo travellers, even though we get to admit that female travellers will get more attention than men; but this shall not hinder you from planning your next solo trip to the country. Furthermore, it is easy to get instant companions as you stick to trusted backpacker hostels.
Quick Tips for Female Solo Travellers
- Plan your trip in details wisely; including an estimated budget list, anticipated places to visit, the distance between your accommodation to those places, and your detailed itinerary.
- Be confidence. Troubles, crimes, and harassment largely are everywhere in the world even in the safest-rated place. If you walk with confidence, you will consciously pay more attention to your surround.
- Learn a little bit of the local language; such as simple greeting terms, how to bargain, and how to say thank you.
- Keep your closest people updated anytime about where you would go and what you are doing. In case unpleasant and unwanted things happen to you, it will easily be tracked.
- Always find a place where plenty of people gather, especially in the night time. Even only a little doubt ever disturbs you, stop continuing what you are planning.
- Arrive in the destination at daytime will also easy you in finding needed helps, just in case.
- Be mindful with your belonging. When you walk in a crowded place, hold your belongings tight, do not show your valuable values, and keep your bag simple.