Best places to travel alone in Southeast Asia

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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