Asia is the largest continent in the world. It is the home to approximately 1/3 of the world’s population. Covering such a large portion of the world with any sort of justice isn’t reasonable but this will serve as a great guide to 10 different Asian countries that you can visit, what to look out for, and a few activities that you can engage in. This is the Traveling Black Spinster’s guide to Solo Travel: Asia.
Warning: Some of these countries are known to be some of the safest destinations in the world for solo female travel. Other locations on this list are known to have social or political threats that all travelers should be aware of. This isn’t meant to stop someone from visiting a particular country, but not every country is meant for late night parties and wandering around the street at night. Picking up what I am putting down?
I’m going to cover safety threats FIRST and then give you a few ideas of things to do while in a particular country.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known to be one of the safest countries to travel to in the world. I actually have it listed on my post for safest travel destinations for solo female travelers. Hong Kong has a pretty low crime rate and you should be safe by following your typical safety precautions.
If you find yourself to be in any danger, their version of “911” is “999” and dialing that number should help you in getting emergency services. My only real warning is to watch out for counterfeit goods. Even if they are widely available, they are illegal to purchase and it can cause you to get in trouble.
Activities:
Did you know that Hong Kong has a Disney Land? Well they do, and it is a great place for a solo female traveler. The parks are well lit, there are crowds so you can yell for help, and overall should be a safe place to walk around on your own and have a fun day.
Hong Kong also has an abundance of festivals that they host throughout the year. Take some time to visit the tourist website (discoverhongkong.com) and use their search function to see what is going on during your trip. The festivals that are often available include food, art, theater, sports, and even a Bruce Lee festival that is running through 2020.
One of the biggest tourist draws is “The peak” where you can get one of a kind views of skyscrapers and the harbor. There is “Ladies Market” where you can find over a kilometer of markets that sell clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
If you want to take a ride on a cable car, you can of course take a little trip to Lantau Island. You can see the Big Buddha and other Buddha themed architecture. If you are looking for a world renowned wine and dine location then SoHo/ Lan Kwai Fong is the place for you. Put on your walking shoes and some pants with an elastic band and get to it.
Vietnam
Vietnam is another country that you will find to be very safe and conducive to solo female travelers. Not only is it easy to get around but it is relatively cheap to travel to and through. One of the biggest safety warnings for this country is that some areas, especially those near the boarders, may be deemed sensitive. You want to check with local authorities to see if tourist are even legally allowed to be in certain locations.
You should also know that not every building, hotel, shop, or restaurant may be abiding to the same kinds of safety standards that the United States has. There may not be emergency exits, safety equipment, or any type of fire code. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go, but you should be aware that you may be responsible for your own safety.
Even though the rate of crime in Vietnam is known to be high, violence towards foreigners is thought to be very rare. Tourists have reported death threats or threats of violence when they get into disputes with business owners. If you receive any such threats then you should make sure to report them to local authorities.
Now, the state department doesn’t recommend that travelers use the motorcycle taxis that the country is known for. The helmets that are offered often have little to no protection. There is also little to no regulation of them from the government and in some cases tourists have reported being robbed by their taxi driver.
Activities:
If you find yourself in Northern Vietnam then it is a great place for you to get some hiking in. There is a place called Sapa that is located a bit outside of Hanoi. It is home to Vietnams highest peak, Fan Si Pan. It was first established by the French in the early 1900’s. Trekking through the area has become one of the biggest tourist draws for the country.
Some other activities that you may enjoy are going down the Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon, watching the water puppet show in Hanoi, and the Quest Music Festival. I would also suggest visiting the sand dunes in Mui Ne. If you still have time after that then you can go snorkeling at Phu Quoc or Cham Island.
If you are a water kind of person then you can go to Ha Long Bay. It is my suggestion that you spend at least two days on the bay. This is mostly due to the fact that it could take several hours to get to and from the bay and you don’t want to spend your whole day traveling. You would miss some of the great sites the area has to offer. If you get the option to see the top of Cat Ba Island, do it. The views are hard to replicate.
Russia
If you are wondering why Russia would be on this list, I am sort of with you. I have to admit that Russia isn’t on the top of my travel bucket list but it does have a lot of culture and architecture to offer. If it is a place that you want to go then there are ways that you can get it done.
The state department has Russia as a level three safety risk which basically means that you should reconsider travel. I think that part of this is due to the political turmoil that is happening between the two countries but there are ways to stay safe and enjoy your stay in this historic country.
The biggest threat to foreigners is terrorism. Major cities in Russia have been the victims of both domestic and foreign terrorism in the past few decades. The State Department flat out says that tourists should not go to the North Caucasus Area. There have been several instances where tourists have been kidnapped and held for ransom. Let’s not play here, there are serious threats and this is not the country to take risks or talk to strangers. Stay sober, watch your back, and be aware of all your surroundings.
Activities:
Like many of the other countries that are located next to Eastern Europe many of the attractions in Russia are going to be religious or government based. You can try St. Basil’s cathedral, which has the traditional architecture that Russia is known for. There is also Peter’s Grand Palace which is a beautiful art museum.
Moscow has the Red Square and also the Moscow Metro. Russia has hosted the Olympics before and you can actually see one of the eternal flames in Volgograd. My last recommendation is the Limpopo Zoo. Who doesn’t love a good zoo?
India
India is a country that has a level two warning. There are several threats that a tourist could face. Petty crime is a possibility, especially on trains, buses and other forms of public transportation. Make sure that you are watching and securing all of your possessions. There have been reports of tourist being sexually assaulted, even raped, while in India. Personal safety should be at the forefront of every travelers mind.
Swimming in India, especially during monsoon season can be very dangerous. Many bodies of water have strong undertows and drownings have occurred. Tourists should also make sure that they are avoiding areas of instability, public transportation during late hours, and also opportunities to trek through the country unless the routes are identified by authorities.
Activities:
One of the most popular tours in India is the “Golden Triangle Cities.” This is a great stop for people who are on a short trip and would like to get a general perspective of Indian culture. It covers Dehli, Uttar Pradesh (Agra), and Rajasthan.
Agra, is the home of the Taj Mahal. Seeing this world wonder is not something that you want to miss. If pink is your favorite color then you may want to go and visit Jaipur which is known as the Pink City. Jaipur is the capital of the Rajasthan state.
There is a city called Udaipur which is also known as the Venice of India. There are several lakes, palaces, courtyards, and gardens with intricate architecture that can be seen.
My last suggestion for this post is to see Mumbai in western India. Mumbai is known as the fashion and creative capital of India. This is a city that is known for its diversity and fast pace. If you are looking for a place where you are less likely to stand out then this may be the place for you.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the safer countries to visit in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. Most of the crime that women need to be concerned about are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing and petty theft. Sexual violence is rare but more likely to occur at parties and bars.
Be aware of taxis or “tuk tuks” charging excessive fees. Make sure that the driver uses the meter or agrees to the travel fare beforehand. Thailand is also known for rental scams. Don’t use your passport as any sort of collateral. There have been reports of travelers having their passports held hostage until they pay high fees that may or may not actually exist.
Activities:
There are several stops in Thailand that are safe for solo female travelers.
Chiang Mai is one of the most significant cultural hubs in all of Thailand. There are hundreds of ancient temples and tourists sites that can keep you occupied for several days. The great thing about Southeast Asia is that it is incredibly friendly to people who are vegetarian or vegan and also conducive to our meat eating friends. The range of national and international restaurants makes Chiang Mai have some of the best food in the country.
Island hopping:
Thailand has several islands and you can spend an abundance of days and weeks hopping around and experiencing different examples of Thailand’s culture. For example, just 40 kilometers from the mainland is Koh Mak. It provides a secluded atmosphere with palm trees and fishing villages. Other islands can provide you with opportunities for diving, yoga, cliff jumping and even rock climbing. Try to rent a longtail boat for the ultimate island hoping experience.
Cambodia
Cambodia is an interesting country. Despite the fact that the country has a level one risk factor from the state department, the country actually has a high rate of crime. Military grade weapons and explosives are readily available regardless of government interventions. Armed robberies do happen and the victims are both foreign and domestic.
The most common types of crimes are pickpocketing and “snatch and grab.” The best advice that I can give is to make copies of important documents and take that with you when you are out for the day. Leave the original copies in your hotel safe or some other incredibly secure place.
Activities:
Cambodia can be a truly beautiful country, especially when it comes to the ancient cities. One of the best activities that you can take part in is either a sunrise or a sunset at Ankor Wat. While you might wake up early to be at the gates by 5 AM and find a good spot, it is totally worth it.
If you are a fan of Spongbob then you can go see Plankton in real life. Not the character but the actual organism that inspired it. In the sleepy town of Koh Rong you can sit by the beach and see all the little plankton glow in the night time. There are even opportunities to go snorkeling at night, which means that you can see the plankton up close and experience it from underwater.
Cambodia also gives you the opportunity to eat a tarantula. I don’t know why, but they do. In no way will I be doing this but Hey! Do you if you dare.
For those of you that are history buffs, you can visit the killing fields. The fields are filled with the skulls and bones of those that were killed by the Khmer Regime. They are responsible for one of the most horrific mass killings in the 20th century. The field now stand as a reminder of the past and a way to honor the victims.
Indonesia
Indonesia have a level two warning from the State Department. This is mostly due to the acts of terrorism and political demonstrations that sometimes happen in the larger cities. I don’t have any advice for avoiding terrorist activities since they happen out of nowhere but avoiding large groups or any political rally will help to avoid the political demonstrations.
Like many of the other southeastern countries, Indonesia is prone to petty theft, taxi scams, and credit card fraud. It should be the practice of any traveler to guard their personal property, avoid isolated areas at night, and be extra cautious if you are going to engage in alcohol or drug consumption. There have been cases of drink-spiking, so never leave your drink unattended.
Activities:
Bali: One of the biggest draws to Indonesia is Bali. Not only is it a draw for solo travelers and backpackers but it is also a draw for celebrities like Chrissy Teigan. One of the draws to Bali is the various beaches that you can go to. Not only are the beaches beautiful but they are a great free activity that can fill out your day. For a few Indonesian rupiahs you can also rent a beach chair and umbrella for a break from the sun. If it fits into your budget you may also try to rent a beach house through Airbnb or another housing site.
Bali is a great place for those that love architecture. Try to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. The floating temple is just off of Lake Beratan. It sits at 3600 feet above sea level so if you are going during the hotter parts of the summer then this little retreat might be a break from the heat. If you are looking for something more relaxing then you can also try a Balinese massage. Not only do these massages feel amazing but they are pretty affordable and you should be able to get something for less than $10 in US money.
If you have already been to Bali then you can give it a shot with the capitol city of Jakarta. I would not say that Jakarta is filled with tourist opportunities but it does how several malls and lots of places for shopping. This isn’t the best place for public transportation so don’t have any hopes of getting a subway. Instead opt for a taxi company like Blue Bird and budget lots of time because the traffic is legendary. It is a blessing that taxis are pretty cheap. They also have scooters to rent and uber.
Some other areas worth mentioning are Bandung which has plenty of green and fertile mountains. There is Yogyakarta which is great for natural wonders and is a must see region if you are a big fan of temples. Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful and untouched ocean paradises that the world has to offer. One of the reasons that it is so untouched is because it takes several modes of transportation to get there. If you want to find a great place to go diving and snorkeling then Raja Ampat is the place to go.
China
China is a country with a level two advisory from the state department. This means that you should exercise increased caution. According to the State Department, China is known for arbitrarily enforcing certain laws which can get a traveler into a bit of hot water. Just know that if you do engage in any behavior that gets you in trouble, the US had no legal authority in China and cannot give you embassy resources to defend your rights.
There are a few scams that a traveler needs to be aware of. If strangers offer to take you out to tea, it is best to decline the offer or be very clear about paying separately. It is known for scam artists to take tourists out to “tea” and to leave the tourist with a large bill.
If you take a taxi make sure that they use a meter and ask for the driver to remove your bags before you get out of the car. You don’t want to get out of the car and have the driver take off with your things. Make sure that you never transfer money to a person calling your hotel and claiming to be a police officer. Lastly make sure that you are looking out for counterfeit currency.
One note of caution is to make sure that if you are walking around that you watch out for motorcycles and bicycles. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in China. The country has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Motorcycle and bicycle accidents are common and can often be deadly. If you are walking around make sure that you proceed with caution.
Activities:
The activities you choose depends on where you are starting or ending you travels. A great place to start would be to float down the Li River. The Li River is located in the Guilin/ Yangshuo region. There are several options for getting up and down the river. You can try taking a river cruise, renting kayaks, or hiring small motorize rafts. The tour will typically takes about 4 to 5 hours.
If you are heading to Beijing, you can spend some time in the Forbidden City. With over 2.6 million square feet, you can spend several hours learning about this historic area. I personally love a good walk or hike, and would recommend that you go to Jingshan Park. You can climb up Jingshan Hill and be able to get the best views of Wanchun Pavillion.
Honorable mention: go and see the Giant Pandas at the giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu.
Uzbekistan
If you are wondering why I would pick a country like Uzbekistan, it is mostly because I really enjoy places that are off the beaten place and also countries that are growing their tourist infrastructure. I recently saw a post by Onika the Traveler about her time in the country and just knew it had to be added to my bucket list.
The main threat in Uzbekistan is terrorism but this is mostly due to its location and the broader region. Any traveler should expect to following the rules for any major U.S city while in the country. That means that you should stay in well-lit areas and around groups of people. Make sure you are keeping a low profile if possible and never flash large amounts of cash while in public. The U.S government says that women especially should avoid riding in taxis alone. If you choose to use a taxi then make sure that it is clearly marked and do so during the day.
Activities:
If nothing else, Uzbekistan offers drool worthy architecture. You can start off in Tashkut with its lively bazaar. You can find anything from spices to clothing to souvenirs and just overall be around people and bargain with goods. Tashkut is also one of the best places to get Plov which is Uzbekistan’s favorite national food.
Samarkand is one of the highlights of any trip to Uzbekistan. There are times that the city can be a bit touristy and crowded but it is definitely worth seeing. You can see the Registan which is a site to behold. It is made up of three madrasahs (schools) and best sampled in the light of dawn. This is when the shops are still shut down and there are few distractions from the architecture’s beauty.
One of the largest mosques in the world is in Samarkand. Bibi Khanym Mosque is undergoing restoration efforts and is getting back much of its shine. Even without the restoration it is a site to behold.
Nepal
Nepal has a relatively low rate of crime. It’s level two rating is based primarily on the political tension that sometimes occurs in the country. The main threat to a solo traveler is bag snatching. Violent crime is very infrequent but sexual assaults have been reported. There have also been cases where a person had their food or drinks spiked.
Activities:
Kathmanda Valley is a great place to start your Nepal adventures. It is said that there are as many temples as there are houses. Within its 220 square miles there are 7 different UNESCO world heritage sites. Since the only international airport in the country is in Kathmandu there is no reason why you shouldn’t take the time to explore the valley.
If you are a mountain person like I am then don’t miss the chance to see Pokhara. Pokhara is a lovely city with views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Don’t forget about the seven beautiful lakes and their famous waterfall: Davis Falls. This is a great place for swimming, boating, and fishing. If you are looking for a place to simply relax and enjoy nature then this can be the place for you.
Anoher places of note is Lumbini which is the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha. It is a place of historical and religious importance. You can also see Muktinath for an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhist.
Philippines
I’m not going to beat a dead horse with security warnings. The things that you must look out for in the Philippines include: food and drinks from strangers that try to befriend you, taxi scams, robbery/theft, credit card fraud, and political demonstrations. Be smart and be careful.
Activities:
The Philippines is quickly becoming a popular destination for Southeast Asian backpacking. Even if you aren’t into backpacking this is a country that has a little something to offer to everyone. If you are looking for a place where you can experience village life and friendly locals then you can try Tibiao.
It’s located on Antique Island and very close to Boracay Beach which is a popular tourist destination. Whether you are spending time at the beach, learning from the local villagers, or exploring the forest, you should rest assured that you can get a good meal and a friendly face.
If you are looking for a more tourist type of vibe then you can head off to Palawan. This is one of the most popular islands in the entire archipelago. You can try to take some time on the Subterranean River which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find caves that are carved into the limestone, underground waterways, and plenty of opportunities for boat tours.
Japan
Japan is known for being a very safe country and should be fairly easy for a solo female traveler to get around.
Activities:
Tokyo is one of the main attractions for any traveler that wants to go to Japan. If you are looking for a futuristic city with bright lights, then Tokyo is the place for you. You can try to take a walk in YoYogi park in Harajuku. Ginza is a great place for shopping and getting all of your souvenirs. My last suggestion is Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Another city that should appeal to the masses is Hakone. Not only can you catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji but you can go to the Hakone Open Air Museum. You can walk around the gardens and be able to see the sculpture park and the gallery. Hakone is also close to Gion which is the famous Geisha district
South Korea
The biggest threat in South Korea is mostly any threat that comes from North Korea. Outside of that the threats can be weather related. June – August is monsoon season so beware of heavy rains that the issues that come from flooding. You can always use the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program with the State Department to have alerts sent to you via email.
Activities:
One experience that you need to have in South Korea are the Jimjilbang or public bathhouse. For less than $20 US dollars you can often get two towels, a uniform, and lockers for your shoes and clothes. The bathhouse is separated by gender and before you can enter in the Jacuzzis you have to thoroughly wash yourself in the showers.
Just so you know, there will be naked people everywhere. If you aren’t a fan of naked people then this may not be the activity for you. You can also find sleeping mats and blankets. If you are looking for an alternative for a hotel then this may be a good way to save some money.
You can also hit up Seoul, South Korea where you can find the Seoul tower. If you are looking for a small hike then you can take a small one to the lifts that take you to the top of the tower. Once you get to the top of the tower you can find some food and enjoy a nice dinner.
Don’t forget about Haesindang Park which is also known as “Penis Park.” I am no longer surprised at the different countries that prominently display penises or sexual images around. I don’t know about you, but I think that a park filled with giant penises is a great place to take some pictures.
Turkey
Turkey is another country that has a level three travel warning based mostly on terrorist attacks and arbitrary detaining. I have been to Turkey in the past year and I didn’t experience any of this. Turkey is an international traveling hub and outside of the terrorist threats, I believe that it is a safe country to travel to.
Of course there are the basic threats from petty theft. Outside of that there have been reports of sexual assault at the Turkish baths. Just make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and avoid being isolated as much as possible. It is also suggested that you have some kind of identifying documents on you to avoid being detained.
Activities:
I think one of the greatest draws to turkey is its amazing architecture. There are several churches and mosques that you can enjoy including Kariye Museum, the Blue Mosque, and Suleymaniye Mosque. Once you finish your tour of the various religious sites you can spend some time at the Grand Bazaar.
United Arab Emerates
Any woman that is going to an Arab country should make sure that they are taking certain precautions to remain safe. There are not the countries to be wearing short shorts, low cut shirts, and clothing with offensive sayings. It could lead to harassment or being denied access to different restaurants or attractions.
This is not the time to take a feminist, “fight the power,” strong woman, kind of stance. It can affect your safety and in many ways is offensive to established cultural practices. If you can, I would also cover your hair with a scarf or hat but that is less important than the clothing that your choose.
Activities:
One of the better opportunities for getting around is the hop on/hop off bus tours. Not only are many of them air conditioned, which will give you a break from the heat, but you can take different routes and really get a good idea of the major tourist attractions. If you wanted to see the forts, palaces, the Dubai mall, and the tallest building in the world: Burj Khalifa, the bus tours should be a must.
Dubai is really a city that has it all. They have the sea, sand, sun, and shopping. Try to take advantage of the camel rides, sandboarding, land rover safaris, and water activities that are available.
Maldives
I was very surprised to see that the State department has set a level two security threat for the Maldives. Like many other Asian countries it appears that the Maldives are at a risk for terrorist activity. There have also been political protests in the past.
The crime at most of the resorts can be expected to be very low but you want to make sure that you are protecting your personal property. Take all the precautions that you can to lock up your items in the hotel safe. Also beware how you flaunt the money that you have. You don’t want to make yourself a target.
Activities:
The Maldives has over 2,000 islands. They aren’t all inhabited and some of them are man-made but there is plenty to explore. A point of note is that the Maldives are a 100% Muslim country. This is important because there may be certain activities or restaurants that are closed during times of Ramadan or prayer.
The Maldives are best for water activities. There are beaches, lagoons, and an extensive collection of reefs to explore. You can even find a glow in the dark beach in Baa Atoll. This is only during certain times of the year so do your research before booking your accommodations.
Honorable mentions: Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Iran, Pakistan, Mongolia
I know that people enjoy going out and having a good time but any solo traveler, especially a solo female traveler, has to be aware of their surroundings. Traveling alone, primarily at night, can be dangerous. Just like any major U.S city you have to take precautions. Stay in areas that are well-lit, try not to carry important documents that can be stolen, and make sure that any car service that you use is reputable and licensed.
I live in Asia, so I absolutely loved this article! Great job!