Solo Female Travel: Top Asian Destinations to Explore

As someone from Asia, I might be a bit biased, but this diverse continent, rich in countries, cultures, and cuisines, offers some of the most amazing travel experiences. It beautifully blends modern amenities with traditional charm. Traveling solo provides the freedom to venture outside your comfort zone, discover new adventures, and forge lasting friendships. However, as a woman traveling alone, I always prioritize common sense wherever I go.

Throughout my leisurely travels across Asia, where I focus on culture, food, and a bit of nature, I’ve consistently felt safe and welcomed by the various communities I've encountered, for which I am truly grateful.

Here are six destinations in Asia that I believe are perfect for solo female travelers, along with two I plan to visit soon.

1. Luang Prabang, Laos

I feel fortunate to have visited Luang Prabang multiple times, allowing me to embrace the slow pace of life in this UNESCO World Heritage town and forge friendships that lead me to local BBQ gatherings. My recent extended stay for work transformed it into one of my most cherished solo travel experiences. Watching the sunset over the Mekong River—whether from a boat or a café by the water—is truly enchanting.

Luang Prabang is centered around tourism, with locals who are exceptionally friendly and sociable, making it easy to connect with others. I felt entirely safe wandering alone in the old town, even after dark. You can easily cycle, catch a tuk-tuk, or use Loca (Laos' ride-hailing app) to reach nearby villages.

Some of my favorite activities include swimming at the Kuang Si Falls and hiking up Mount Phou Si for stunning sunset views. I also participated in an interactive food tour with Lao chef Somsack Sengta at the morning market and took a ferry across the Mekong to Lao Pottery House to observe local artisans preserving their traditional craft.

If you have some extra days, take a bike ride across the Nam Khan River to Ban Xang Khong village, where you can watch skilled artisans creating handmade paper and weaving silk.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a well-loved destination in Thailand, distinctly quieter than the bustling streets of Bangkok. Nestled in the northern countryside, it's surrounded by lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and terraced rice fields. The city is a lively mix of ancient Buddhist temples, a thriving coffee culture, vibrant food markets, and friendly locals eager to assist you as you practice everyday Thai phrases.

After you've explored the ancient town, the heart of the city, sign up for a lively cooking class, which often starts with a market tour. You'll learn to prepare a delicious bowl of khao soi (a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle dish) while making new friends. Don't miss visiting the Bang Kang Wat artist village (a great place to stay), hiking the Monk’s Trail to Wat Phra Doi Suthep at sunrise, taking a day trip to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, and wandering through weekend markets like Jing Jai, where local artists sell ceramics, clothing, handmade notebooks, and stone jewelry.

3. Kerala, India

Many travelers hesitate to visit India. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it can be crowded, chaotic, and overwhelming, even for seasoned adventurers. However, the country is incredibly diverse from north to south and east to west. Visiting India can be an extraordinary experience if you know the right places to go. Some friends of mine began their solo adventures in Kerala in South India. After several trips to this tropical paradise, known for its friendly locals, delectable seafood, and spicy, coconut-infused dishes made from seasonal ingredients like jackfruit, along with its famous backwaters, it remains one of my favorite destinations.

The most enjoyable—and safest—way to experience Kerala is by staying in homestays with local families, which you can discover on Kerala Tourism. Be sure to do a quick online search and read reviews to ensure the place fits your needs. You'll be treated to unparalleled hospitality. I fondly recall my week in Aymanam, the village of Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy, where I boated through backwaters adorned with blooming pink lotuses and was treated to fried fish at every meal by my host grandma. Take your time exploring historic Fort Kochi, chasing monsoon-fed waterfalls in the lush interior, and enjoying sunsets in the beach town of Varkala. Remember to dress modestly to honor local customs.

4. Bhutan

During my journey in Bhutan, I encountered many other solo female travelers, and nearly all shared a common thread: Bhutan was their initial solo travel destination. Due to the country’s foreign tourist policy, hiring guides is necessary in most areas. Since all guides and drivers are vetted by the Bhutanese government, it makes exploring this enigmatic Himalayan Buddhist kingdom—filled with temples, fluttering prayer flags, and the scent of burning incense—safer and more enriching.

Nearly every visitor to Bhutan hikes to Paro Taktsang, known as the Tiger’s Nest, a revered site perched on a stunning cliff. However, don’t overlook the subtropical valleys like Punakha, where you can explore the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. In Phobjikha, a glacial valley that welcomes hundreds of black-necked cranes from Tibet each winter, you can visit the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery, renowned for its intricate wood carvings and Buddhist art.

For a truly local experience, consider staying at Kinley Choden’s Mendrelgang Homestay, where you can savor the Bhutanese passion for chili peppers. This essential vegetable features in nearly every dish in Bhutan, including the national favorite, ema datshi (chili and cheese).  

5. The Maldives

Many assume that the only way to experience the Maldives is by staying on a resort island or that it's solely for honeymooners. However, that's a misconception. While I enjoy indulgent vacations, my preferred way to explore the Maldives is by staying on a local island. During your solo adventure, consider splitting your time between a resort and a local guesthouse. 

The Maldives boasts 188 inhabited islands, many of which now offer guesthouses and boutique hotels that are more budget-friendly compared to the famous resorts. My personal favorite is Dhigurah, an incredibly beautiful island featuring a long sandbank in Alif Dhaal Atoll. It's a prime location for whale sharks throughout the year, making it perfect for marine exploration with local guides. Be sure to take a sunset fishing tour on a dhoni (a traditional wooden boat) and cycle around the island to witness local life, where fishermen bring in their daily catch. Local islands now have designated beaches with powdery sand where you can swim, but remember to dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders in public areas. 

6. Singapore

Singapore serves as a major connectivity hub in the region, often viewed merely as a stopover. However, I suggest spending a few days here to explore one of Asia's most advanced economies. Utilize the efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system for easy transportation; you can also walk or cycle since the city is safe, clean, and convenient. 

There’s a wealth of activities to enjoy, from indulging in hawker stall delicacies in Chinatown and exploring vibrant Hindu temples in Little India to shopping on the famous Orchard Road. Be sure to capture the stunning Peranakan terrace houses and visit Marina Bay Sands. Don't miss the chance to relax and watch the nighttime light show at Gardens by the Bay, where the Instagram-worthy greenhouses dazzle with vibrant colors. If you're on a budget, consider staying in hostels to save money. 

On my travel bucket list…

Taiwan

Since I stumbled upon a few TikTok videos showcasing Jiufen, a picturesque old town with winding narrow alleys filled with teahouses and shops, I’ve become enamored with Taiwan. While it may not be Asia's most renowned destination—possibly a bit underrated—it tops my bucket list for its amazing cuisine, beautiful cycling trails, vibrant night markets, and trendy spots like the Huashan 1914 Creative Park. There's plenty to explore beyond Taipei too, such as the breathtaking Taroko Gorge or Tainan with its historic temples and charming streets. With its efficient train network, Taiwan is ideal for my leisurely travels.

Uzbekistan

Recently, Uzbekistan has become a sought-after cultural destination, featuring stunning historical architecture, vibrant bazaars, and a flourishing arts and crafts scene that showcases ceramics, pottery, and ancient silk paper production. I've watched my writer friends travel across the country with remarkable ease, enjoying every moment. They've all shared how Uzbeks are incredibly hospitable, often inviting visitors to share a meal.

Culturally, there’s an abundance of experiences awaiting you, from the lively markets of Tashkent to the magnificent Registan Square in Samarkand, a hallmark of the Timurid Renaissance. Don’t miss the chance to savor plov, Uzbekistan’s beloved rice and meat dish. I'm eager to explore the historic Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Khiva, and to ride Tashkent’s metro, pausing at its stunning stations.