Where are the best places to travel alone in Southeast Asia?
Visiting undiscovered locations, planning your day according to your requirements, and meeting individuals with similar objectives sounds ideal, doesn’t it?
Traveling, whether solo or among a group, guarantees experiences and memories that last for a lifetime. For a large number of people, traveling solo is a nightmare. However, they do not realize how rewarding it can get. You learn how to live with yourself in a new country, you gain the confidence to mingle with new people, and most importantly, your finances are all in your hand! Going for a solo trip is a MUST for everyone at least once in their lifetimes.
This brings us to the most pocket friendly, safe, and enjoyable solo travel places in Southeast Asia. Being rich in its culture and heritage, Southeast Asia is filled with people who are ready to share their experiences with you.
Read also: Traveling As An Introvert: How to Travel Alone If You Are An Introvert
List of Countries in Southeast Asia
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
While you prepare your next bucket list for solo traveling, here are a few places you do not wish to miss out on in Southeast Asia.
Best places to travel solo in Southeast Asia:
1. Flores, Indonesia
How could our first location on the list not be an Indonesian island? If you are a first-time traveler and are a little confused about traveling alone, Flores is the destination for you. Various solo-travelers follow the same itinerary in Flores; this makes it easier to find people you could spend time with. Swimming, trekking, diving, and being touristy, you can do it all here.
If you enjoy a little time secluded from the crowd, taking a dip at Kanawa Island will leave you stunned with the colorful reefs and array of marine life.
Visit the most famous spot in Flores, the Komodo Island – home to the fearsome Komodo Dragons. A tour guide will help you learn more about these large lizards while ensuring you do not get close enough to their poisonous saliva.
Do not forget to get a look at Kelimutu’s three-colored crater, which is nestled in the middle of the mountains. This red, blue, and green colored lake will ensure a picture-perfect moment to add to your album of Flores.
Read also: Amazing Places to Visit in Indonesia
2. Bali, Indonesia
Aside from Flores, Bali is also a great place to travel alone in Indonesia. While I have been to Jakarta, I am yet to visit Bali. Bali is a backpacker paradise. Some of the most popular spots in Bali are Ubud, Nusa Penida, and Kuta.
The most crowded area in Bali is Kuta which is where all the nightclubs and bars are located. Nusa Penida is considered to be a beach destination while Ubud is more of a nature destination. Ubud is filled with iconic attractions, temples, and rice paddy fields that you can explore. You can also try to enjoy a traditional Balinese dance show.
3. Koh Phangan, Thailand
In short, we have three adjectives to describe Koh Phangan: parties, beaches, and adventures.
Let us look at the first and the most famous aspect of Koh Phangan, its Full Moon Party. Rolling back to 1985, when the first full-moon beach party originated in Hat Rin. This all-nighter party, which was initially hosted by a group of friends to admire the full moon, has now turned into a monthly party attended by 10,000-30,000 people from around the world.
Second, Koh Phangan has beautiful beaches. From Mae Haat beach’s two-colored water shades to the calm and serene Chaloklum beach’s relaxing atmosphere. Relax at these beaches with their warm water and soft white sand beneath you.
Lastly, adventures. From snorkeling to hiking, there are multiple tours on Koh Phangan, which will ensure that you get the best of both worlds.
Read also: 10 Reasons To Travel To Thailand
4. Bangkok
I have traveled to Bangkok alone several times. You will meet tons of solo travelers that are just starting out their Southeast Asia adventure. Bangkok is rich in culture, cheap to go around, has delicious foods, and full of friendly people. That’s why they are also known as The Land of Smiles. You can also find various hotels and accommodations – from budget to mid-range to luxury. Bangkok is generally safe. But of course, don’t forget to use your common sense.
Read also: 5 Places to Visit in Bangkok
5. Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
In real terms, a getaway. When you wish to run away from all those work and personal life conflicts, this is where you should reach. With a minimal internet connection and less on-road connectivity, this will be your world away from the world.
Koh Rong is one of the fastest-growing Cambodia Islands. However, if you intend to go to Koh Rong to have an extremely luxurious holiday, it will be the wrong decision. While being apart from the rest of the world, having a raw vacation amid white beaches, colorful skies, and lapping transparent blue water is what Koh Rong has to offer you.
Read also: 7 Interesting Things to do in Cambodia
6. Hoi An, Vietnam
After being adventurous, attending parties, and admiring nature, it is time to witness Vietnam’s historically rich culture. Hoi An is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Due to this, this old town remains comparatively untouched and just like it once was.
Since cars have been banned in Hoi An, you will experience their culture while riding around the city in a cycle. Witness the rich paddy greens in Tra Que, Cam Tahn, and Cam Chau. While you’re at this, do not miss out on the sunset cruise on the Thu Bon river.
Read also: 7 Things to do in Vietnam for the Ultimate Experience
7. Luang Prabang, Laos
While Laos is known for its colonial architecture and terrains, Luang Prabang is a lively and beautiful small town. While you’re here, do not forget to witness the Buddhist culture during the alms giving ceremony. It is vital to learn about the culture and method of providing food during the ceremony, as it otherwise looks like an insult to the monks.
The three-tiered Kuang Si fall is an aesthetically pleasing waterfall plus a swimming spot for people. The lush green trees around you and the wooden huts at the waterfall entrance will have your body relaxed and calm like never before.
8. Siargao, Philippines
You are probably familiar with Palawan and Cebu in the Philippines. But let me introduce to you Siargao. Siargao is a tear-drop island located in the southern part of the Philippines. It is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Cloud 9 is one of the most well-known surfing spots and popular attractions. My brother used to come here just to surf!
Even if you are not into surfing (just like me), you can still come here for a much-needed getaway. Enjoy the white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, natural rock and cave pools, and neighboring islands.
9. Boracay, the Philippines
One of the most picturesque locations on the list is Boracay. With 13 beaches, and a 1km extended area of shopping, hotels, and restaurants, time will fly just as fast as the wind in Boracay. A must-visit location at Boracay is Ariels Point. It is the perfect spot to meet other travelers who might be just as adventurous as you. Cliff Diving, kayaking, snorkeling, you name a water adventure, and it will be done at Ariels Point.
The White beach and Bulabog beaches are other locations that you must not miss out on. The kite surfing at Bulabog and the restaurants, bars, and shopping amid the powder-soft white sand and crystal blue water at the White Beach are activities you must indulge into.
Read also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Include the Philippines in Your Travel Bucket List
10. Singapore
Last but not the least, one of the best places to travel alone in Southeast Asia is Singapore. I have mentioned in several posts that I have traveled to Singapore several times. I just love this city-state so much!
Have you been to Changi airport? Just the airport alone, it’s like you are in a whole new world!!! What attracted me the most is its cleanliness and being organized. It is also safe. While it could be a little bit spendy, for sure you will find something that is within your budget. Per GDP, Singapore is the richest economy country in Southeast Asia.
Read also: Fun Things To Do In Singapore With Kids
On a final note…
These are just some of the best places to travel alone in Southeast Asia. There are still other great cities we have not included like Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Palawan, Penang Island, Phnom Penh, and many more.
Just as we mentioned before, traveling solo will create a memory of a lifetime for you. With the number of things you learn and your experiences, you discover a different version of yourself. As the saying goes, the experience is always the best teacher.
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Author's Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the company in question before planning your trip.
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Travelling on your own can be so scary but with a guide like this it will definitely help. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing these amazing places with me. I cannot wait to travel again.
There are so may places in Southeast Asia I want to explore. I have been to all parts of Thailand alone and it was a blast and quite easy to explore. But I would love to check out Luang Prabang, Laos next or even any parts of Myanmar. I am not sure my wife really wants to explore these areas so I may have to travel alone in these parts of Southeast Asia.
I have visited only singapore and bali but not alone. Yes I have heard that they r safe… Remaining places I would love to visit alone..
i wiil keep these post for my future reference,,,i will vouch for boracay ,,,,spent 10th yr wedding anniversarry with my wife there…for both of us we spend $400 that includes all travel expenses from manila back and forth and 4 star hotel accomodation Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel..its really worth it and we enjoyed every minute of our stay
There are a lot of great places on this list. I have traveled to some of them alone and some of them with a friend or group of friends, and I for one can highly recommend.
great list! A lot of people don’t find it pleasing enough to travel alone yet i do think it’s a great experience and time to enjoy your inner self
So many places to visit around Southeast Asia, and you don’t have to be rich to have an amazing travel lifestyle. I am excited to travel around Asia again 🙂
Yes, I can approve this. I traveled Asia for a long time…
I love the idea of visiting places with rich ethnicity and culture, so I would definitely enjoy going to southeast Asia, I think Singapore is number 1 on my list
I’ve been to these places and I definitely agree that they are relatively safe to travel solo.
I have always wanted to go to Thailand since I was a teenager. One day hopefully I can make it.
I would love to visit south Asia someday. I am a beach person, and there are some beautiful beaches there. I’ll definitely check out Thailand and Indonesia!
We are planning a trip to Thailand when things settle down from Covid. I can’t wait.
Visit the Philippines next time, and explore the Pearl of the Orient. I love the list of places in this blog.
yeah!! I miss travelling freely, however my 2020 so boring at home due to the pandemic, once pandemic is stable am gonna continue enjoy travellign esp to Timor-Leste & Brunei as your list shared, these are the 2 countries that I have yet to be at 😀
cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Thanks for the list and it’s a great one, for me, my recommendation would be Bangkok for sure 🙂 you could relax on a spa vacation and delicious food are everywhere! – Knycx Journeying
I love solo travel and most of these places are on my bucket list but my best choice is Singapore 🙂
As a designated solo traveller, I’ve been to Southeast Asia a couple of times by myself. I find it’s the best region for solo travellers – especially female globetrotters.
Bali is such a beautiful place.
I am also an Asian.
India is also an incredible country to visit.
This was an educational read.
Despite being an Asian, I didn’t know much about the places you discussed.
Thanks for sharing.
Definitely gonna visit!!
I was thinking of planning a trip to southeast Asia so these tips and places will really come in handy – thanks for sharing!
Love this read! My sister’s dream is to go to Bali- now I want to go with her!
Certainly I would like to visit Asia one day in the future. Especially Thailand and Vietnam!
I’ve always wanted to visit Asia, and have still never had the opportunity to. It just has so much amazing history and culture and I can’t wait to visit one day. My cousin went to China, Malaysia and Thailand a few years ago and Thailand really stood out to me! Her photos looked incredible. It looks like the trip of a lifetime and I hope that I get to visit someday! Great post!
Asia has always been in my travel list and I can’t wait to visit it. For sure I’ll be in Bangkok and Bali. I’ve saved your post for the future. Can’t wait. – Paolo