They say no man is an island, but there are times when we just want to be alone and be by ourselves. After all, who doesn’t love a self-care date, right? Post-COVID, these one-day self-care dates have extended to weekends and eventually turned into solo vacations. It might be because we’ve gotten used to the isolation the pandemic brought or maybe we’ve just realised that there’s something great about having fun and exploring by yourself.
Sometimes all you need is some me time.
No matter the reason, solo flights (literally) are the trend these days, especially for young adults in their early to late twenties. So if you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning a trip alone and looking for a new place to travel to that’s both beautiful and safe. Don’t worry, ‘cause we’ve got you covered! Here are five countries in Asia that are ideal for independent girls like you. Plus, we’re listing some of the apps you should download before travelling to these places.
Solo Traveller-Friendly Countries In Asia
1. South Korea
Whether you’re into hallyu or simply want to explore a new place, South Korea is a great country to visit by yourself. It’s safe for ladies even at night and their public transportation is efficient, so you won’t have to worry much about going home late. What’s more, the people are generally friendly and are almost always willing to help especially if you’re a tourist. But of course, as women, we should still be careful of our surroundings — it doesn’t hurt to be cautious!
Download this app: Google Maps doesn’t work as well in South Korea, so we recommend that you download Naver Maps for directions.
2. Taiwan
If you’re into good food and trying out traditional delicacies, Taiwan is a must-visit destination. It offers a gastronomic adventure for tourists with its plethora of food options — from night markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. Of course, you shouldn’t forget to have a sip or two of milk tea in the country where it originated! Their public transportation runs until the late hours of the night so you can still catch a bus even after a long day at the market.
Download this app: The metro in Taiwan can be quite confusing for first-timers, so it’s best to download the Taiwan Railway app so you know which station to ride or go down at, and when the trains are scheduled to arrive.
3. Thailand
The perfect mix of old and new. Thailand is doing great at catching up with the times while at the same time preserving its centuries-old culture and traditions. So if you’re someone who loves to learn about other cultures and even be able to participate in traditions, this is the destination for you. Take a bite of their delicious food, have a look at their impressive temples and immerse yourself in Thai culture while you’re there. Thais are helpful and would willingly guide you to your next destination.
Download this app: To have a guide on what to do and where to go while in Thailand, you can download the Amazing Thailand app powered by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
4. Philippines
Beautiful sceneries await in the Philippines. If you’re one of those who love climbing mountains, swimming in the sea and exploring what nature has to offer, the islands and provinces in the Philippines should be on your travel bucket list. Aside from nature, the country is also home to some of the most helpful and welcoming people — Filipinos will accommodate you as much as they can just so you can have a great time.
Download this app: Want to experience commuting while on your vacation in Manila? Download the Sakay.ph app to know which public transportation you can use to get to your destination.
5. Japan
Rounding up the list is the Land of the Rising Sun. Because of its four seasons, Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to experiences and nature. You can marvel at Mt. Fuji during the winter, be in awe of the cherry blossoms in spring, try cool delicacies in the summer and explore nature during the fall. What’s great about the Japanese is that they’re naturally approachable and are glad to guide you when you’re lost.
Download this app: Know what activities are best to do each season with the Japan2Go! app. It also allows you to find tourist spots near you and offer the quickest way to get there.
Which countries are you planning to visit in 2024?
(Cover photos from: @tourismthailand, @visitseoul_official)
Planning to visit Taiwan soon? Here’s a list of must-dos while you’re there!
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
