Solo Trip: Can women travel alone in Asia?
updated the 14 July 2015 à 18:31Leave your partners for a bit and explore this part of the world all by yourselves. Take a look at which are some of the safest places to visit.
Asia is one place where most women think will be a problem to travel alone. On the contrary, those who have travelled found this region to be one of the most comfortable places to visit where some of the friendliest and most peaceful of locals usually welcome travellers with open arms.
Due to the growing number of budget airlines and improved mode of transportation and infrastructure, travelling has becoming more accessible and convenient. Asian countries also offer many options of safe hostels and backpackers dorms in popular destinations. However you should always be on your guard in any new destination where it’s not advisable to venture out alone at night even though a city ‘feels’ safe.
The safety levels and attitudes towards female travelers vary in different parts of Asia where some places are safer than others.
Southeast Asia
Many solo female travelers have contended that Southeast Asia is one of the safest and least threatening places to visit as a woman. There is little harassment, lots of international tourists and the cities are clean and safe.
Vietnam is ranked 12th on the global safety rank and even the crime rate is very low. Buddhist countries also place a great emphasis on respecting women. In Thailand, the locals believe in the equality of sexes and they are extremely warm and welcoming. The attitude towards female travelers is largely polite, courteous and helpful – you will be treated like a guest in most of Southeast Asia.
Be careful that as a foreigner you might be charged more than locals. Bargaining is all part of the culture, so be prepared to negotiate and use licensed modes of public transport to avoid getting ripped off.
Close to Southeast Asia is South Korea and Hong Kong which are extremely safe for solo female travellers. While South Korea stands at 54th rank in global safety, Hong Kong has an extremely low crime rate.
Central Asia
Most parts of Central Asia are safe for solo female travellers. Kazakhstan is one of the safest places for women to travel alone. The global safety ranks the country 79. The main issue in Southeast and Central Asia is street theft rather than sexual harassment. However as a solo female traveller you should still be wary of your personal safety especially after sunset or being alone with a stranger.
South Asia
Comparatively, South Asia is less safe than other parts of Asia. The main shock to female travellers is street harassment, known as eve-teasing that is accepted by the society at large. If you do feel uncomfortable, the advisable thing to do is ignore them, or to invent a husband (wearing a fake ring always works) if they continue to harass.
The idea of a single woman travelling alone is still uncommon in South Asia. This is why solo female travellers might feel like they stick out or are treated differently. But in general the locals are friendly and do not hesitate to strike up conversations with strangers.
In Sri Lanka especially, the influence of Buddhism means that the people are gentle and tolerant.
Roshni Kapur
Read more:
Solo Travel: What to note when travelling alone?
Lone Wanderer: Why travelling solo is good for you?
Solo Travel: Where to travel alone in Asia?
