Top 10 Destinations for Solo Female Travel in Asia

May 17, 2023/Last Updated November 10, 2023

Reading Time: 8 minutes

If you’re a woman who loves exploring new places on your own, consider adding Asia to your travel list. This vast continent consists of so many beautiful countries, and it is undoubtedly a traveler’s paradise.

If you are not sure about which country is best to visit, I’m excited to share my top 10 locations for solo female travel in Asia.

But first, let me share the benefits and drawbacks of traveling alone and why you should choose Asia as your next destination.

Pros and Cons of Traveling Solo

Pros

You can meet and befriend new people
You will learn about new cultures
You can learn new languages faster because you are forced to talk to strangers
You can build your confidence
You can do anything you want on a trip without having to factor in others’ opinions, wishes, and schedules

Cons

You may feel lonely
You may miss out on shared experiences and memories
There may be safety issues in dangerous areas
The trip may be more expensive because there is no sharing of expenses

The advantages of traveling solo and going on such an adventure vastly outweigh the minor downsides. So, consider booking a solo trip to experience the many benefits of traveling on your own.

Why Choose Asia as Your Next Destination?

Asia is a popular travel destination for millions of tourists around the world. It is the world’s biggest continent, after all, and it offers endless options for travelers to explore all kinds of scenery, cultures, cuisines, lifestyles, and more.

You can take your pick from dozens of natural and manmade wonders for your sightseeing sessions, such as beaches, mountains, forests, waterfalls, skyscrapers, monuments, and so on. You can also try a plethora of flavors in every country—the continent is definitely a foodie heaven.

Traveling to most countries in Asia is also affordable, more so than in America and Europe. Flights, hotels, food, local transportation, and other costs like travel insurance are often decently priced, especially if you hunt for attractive deals and discounts.

These important benefits make a trip to Asia a smart choice for people who love to explore and experience new things.

Top 10 Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in Asia

Here are my top 10 destination recommendations for solo female travel in Asia:

1. South Korea

South Korea should be at the top of your Asian travel bucket list. Okay, I might be a bit biased as I’ve been living here since 2015 but there’s so much to see and do in Korea. You can enjoy lip-smacking street food and fine dining, a quirky mix of ancient and modern architecture, and pop culture at its finest. You can shop at markets and tour museums to experience the local culture in all its glory.

The country also ranks high on safety, making it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. You can easily get around with the well-connected and easy-to-navigate public transportation system.

Seoul and Busan are expansive cities with many interesting activities. The rest of the country is brimming with natural beauty. For example, Jeju Island offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horse riding, seaside views, and more.

If you’re interested in visiting South Korea, check out these popular blog posts:

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2. Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful country with lush landscapes, pristine beaches, wild parties, and mouthwatering cuisine. This backpacker’s paradise is a wonderful introduction to traveling in Asia. Its popularity with tourists also makes it a fantastic spot for meeting new people on solo trips.

The country has its fair share of reported tourist scams and frauds, but it is still safe for lone female travelers. I’ve been there three times by now – twice solo!

The local people are typically friendly and hospitable. No wonder that it is fondly called “the Land of Smiles.”

If you’re interested in visiting Thailand, check out these popular blog posts:

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3. Taiwan

Taiwan is an underrated travel destination that holds many surprises for visitors. It has beautiful vistas in the form of jagged mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and more. The rich culture, vibrant food scene, and high level of safety make it a hotspot among female travelers.

The country also has a seemingly endless number of street markets where you can shop to your heart’s content. If you don’t know the local languages (Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, Mandarin), stick to the big cities and avoid offbeat spots where locals don’t speak much English.

If you’re interested in visiting Taiwan, check out these popular blog posts:

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4. Vietnam

Until a few years ago, I would not have recommended Vietnam as a destination for solo female travelers, especially first-timers. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other big cities face heavy congestion, which can be a menace while navigating them.

Today, Vietnam is an enchanting and ever-evolving country that has made many changes to engage tourists, making it suitable for solo women. You can trek through rice terraces or experience the natural beauty of the many national parks.

Vietnam is also famous for its gastronomic scene and offers endless delectable delights for foodies, especially when it comes to street food. Its vibrant culture and blend of traditional and colonial architecture add to its popularity as an Asian tourist destination.

If you’re interested in visiting Vietnam, check out these popular blog posts:

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5. The Maldives

If you want to visit a picturesque island paradise, head to the Maldives. A few islands cater mainly to tourists, but you can easily find many others that stay true to local traditions. You can explore and connect with locals and tourists.

The Maldives is also affordable and safe, making it great for solo female travelers.

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6. Indonesia

Indonesia boasts stunning landscapes, tropical islands, immaculate beaches, and a hospitable culture that attracts tourists from around the world. Its idyllic spa treatments, aromatic coffee, and trendy smoothie bowls make it Insta-worthy and ideal for first-time solo female travelers.

Its social landscape and culture vary in different islands, so you can experience diverse cultures firsthand.

Note that a few places in Indonesia require women to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees. Study the specific norms in the part of the country that you’re visiting. This will help you avoid social faux pas and turning yourself into a target for crime.

Scams and catcalling are common in a few areas, especially big cities, so stay alert when you’re out and about.

If you’re interested in visiting Indonesia, check out these popular blog posts:

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7. Japan

The Global Peace Index ranks Japan as the world’s 10th most peaceful country, so it is perfect for solo female travelers. This island nation is also famous for its hospitality, so you can depend on the friendly locals to help you out.

Japan has beautiful landscapes, engaging tourist attractions, and a rich traditional culture that has been upheld for centuries. The food choices here are also vast and excellent, so you can experiment with new, delicious flavors.

Overall, I find Japan very similar to South Korea – safe & easy to travel ✅

If you’re interested in visiting Japan, check out these popular blog posts:

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8. Nepal

If you’re up for anything when traveling, visit Nepal. This country is ideal for adventurous solo female travelers—you can trek here and get your adrenaline rush. Mount Everest is the most extreme option, but there are more accessible peaks, such as the Annapurna Circuit, that you can tackle even without a guide.

I had a great time traveling in Nepal but don’t walk alone in Nepal at night, and always be alert. You may also consider covering your shoulders and knees during your stay to avoid unwanted attention.

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9. Bhutan

Called the land of dragons, Bhutan is known for being a happy and peaceful country with a bustling and caring culture. Its heartwarming hospitality and high safety attracts travelers from all over. Bhutan is still a rather mysterious travel destination, partly because the local government wants to keep it that way. They implement several laws to avoid mass tourism. This is great because you won’t have to worry about crowds of people while traveling Bhutan.

I explored Bhutan on a 7-day trip and it was an extremely memorable trip. The great thing about traveling in Bhutan is that you’re not really doing it solo – you have to go with a local guide and a driver.

Visit local attractions in Thimphu, the capital city, along with Punakha and Paro, to make the most of your time here.

If you’re interested in visiting Bhutan, check out these popular blog posts:

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10. Singapore

Singapore is a small, clean, and well-organized country that is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers. It’s on the relatively pricey side, but if you want to splurge on the finer things in life, this is the place to do it! You can also find deals to save money if you’re on a budget—you can still enjoy the best of the country.

The gorgeous modern architecture, vibe, and unparalleled safety draw millions of tourists, including solo women, from across the globe. You can explore its islands and beaches or trek through Pulau Ubin’s lush forests. You can also do a wide range of fun activities here, so it’s great for people with varied interests.

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Bonus Mention: Cambodia

Cambodia is my honorable mention on this list of top destinations for solo female travel in Asia for a variety of reasons. The biggest one being that there were moments during my travels in Cambodia that I did not feel 100% safe. Luckily, nothing bad happened to me but there were moments that could have gone wrong.

That being said, I would definitely recommend Cambodia as a travel destination, also for women traveling solo – if you are an “experienced” traveler and this isn’t your first rodeo. Scams in tourist hot spots seem to be the most common occurrence here and if you’re not aware of the situation, you might become a victim.

Cambodia is a beautiful country and I highly recommend visiting Siem Reap to see the beautiful Angkor Wat Temple Complex.

If you’re interested in visiting Cambodia, check out these popular blog posts:

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Conclusion

Traveling alone as a woman is challenging yet exhilarating. Just make sure to do your due diligence, plan your itinerary thoroughly, and follow basic safety tips when you visit a new country.

I hope you enjoyed reading my article on solo female travel in Asia. Check out more such blog posts on my website to learn more about your favorite Asian destinations.

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Linda

Linda has been living in Asia since 2012 and loves sharing her travel and life experiences on her website. She currently works remotely in Online Marketing and also teaches various English classes in South Korea.