10 Must-Visit Asian Destinations For Solo Traveler

Everyone needs to escape the daily grind once in a while and the best way to do that is to go on holiday! For some, this means going it alone. In fact, solo travel can offer much and more. You get to be selfish and do what you want. You get to meet new faces and travel where you might not otherwise go to. If you’re one of those adventurous souls willing to experience new things and love to immerse yourself in whatever you do, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll show you some of the best Asian destinations for solo travel and recommend fun activities to keep you busy. We’ll also introduce you to the top holiday homes so your stay is comfortable and safe. Without further ado, here’s our list of 10-holiday spots that will help redefine your solo sojourn!

1) Indonesia

Volcanic islands, glorious coastlines, terraced rice fields, dragons and more – Indonesia is as exotic as it can get! Witnessing all these joys with loved ones is great but experiencing it alone is even better! You get to explore nooks and corners that showcase authentic Indonesian culture and lifestyle without interruption and can completely lose yourself in the moment. What makes it even better is that there are so many terrific accommodations that cater to solo travellers ranging from expensive to affordable.

Best Experiences for Solo Travellers

• Explore the beaches: Indonesia is known for its stunning beaches. You won’t be able to cover them all but you definitely can’t miss Canggu Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Jemeluk Beach and Tanjung Aan Beach.
• Check out famous Balinese art: Balinese art traces its origins to the ancient Hindu Majapahit Kingdom in Java. The art style, which later spread to East Bali, remains one of the most popular in the country. Ubud Art Market is the place to explore carvings and batik motifs.
• Try water sports: You can’t leave without engaging in fun water sports! Surfing, scuba diving, flyboarding and kitesurfing are just some of the activities to try.

What to Explore

• Water temples: The capital of Bali is famed for its old water temples. Tanah Lot and its magnificent sunset views, Uluwatu and the dramatic Kecak dance performed nearby, and Tirta Empul and its purification baths are must-visits.
• Majestic volcanic mountains: Indonesia boasts a striking landscape with spectacular volcanoes that can be hiked. Top among them are Mount Bromo, Mount Batur, Mount Kerinci and Mount Rinjani.

Where to Stay

This one-bedroom apartment in Seminyak is a great choice for solo travelers. It’s part of a complex of six duplexes. It features a bedroom, kitchen, a mini bar, a cozy living room and a shared pool. It’s conveniently located close to stores, restaurants, nightlife and the Oberoi area.
Although small, the apartment has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Facilities include a cell phone with a local number, Wi-Fi and parking in case you decide to rent a vehicle. Massage treatments, boat trips to Gili Islands and airport transfers can be arranged.

2) South Korea

If you’re planning to visit South Korea, be prepared for one adventure after another! The country is a wonderful blend of old and new, rural landscapes and sprawling urban spaces. Exploring each aspect will take far more than one visit. From sampling famous dishes like kimchi and bibimbap to hiking the countryside and marvelling at futuristic buildings – South Korea guarantees you never get bored!

Best Experiences for Solo Travelers

• Visit Namiseom: The tiny island of Namiseom is home to a world of wonders that showcase the culture of South Korea and its natural beauty. Walk along Metasequoia Lane and explore Nami Island Handicraft Studio.
• Go on a Food Tour: Korean BBQ is almost legendary and you absolutely need to try as much as you can. Gamja-tang, bossam and a full set meal consisting of mains and sides are a few others.
• Visit the DMZ: The heavily guarded border between South and North Korea is a must-visit. Check out the Blue Room where forces from both countries stand face-to-face.

What to Explore

• Hike Seoraksan National Park: Seoraksan National Park is home to mountains, diverse animal and plant life and Buddhist temples. Go on a hike to appreciate these sights.
• Shop at Myeong-dong: Find brand name fashion items, electronics and more at Myeong-dong, one of Seoul’s main shopping districts.
• Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza: The massive multicultural complex of Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul. Check out the design lab, museum and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Where to Stay

This adorable studio apartment is perfect for solo travellers. It’s a duplex type apartment and has a loft for additional guests. It’s small and compact yet fitted with a range of modern amenities. There’s a kitchen with a fridge, stove and utensils as well as a washing machine for laundry.
It’s centrally located and most attractions are just minutes away. However, it’s also quiet enough that you can relax and enjoy a restful sleep.

3) Singapore

Singapore is a city lover’s paradise. It’s where massive shopping centers, upscale restaurants and trendy nightclubs galore. But it’s slowly becoming a sought-after destination for nature lovers too. With an aim to turn it greener, you’ll find serene walking trails and parks that provide an escape from the buzz of urbanization. You don’t have to head out far to experience them either. Places like Gardens by the Bay take you close to nature right in the city.

Best Experiences for Solo Travellers

• Visit Universal Studios: Get up close to your favorite movie characters and watch exciting live entertainment at Universal Studios Singapore. The theme park also has thrilling rides and shops that sell merchandise.
• Explore Marina Bay: Marina Bay is home to soaring skyscrapers, hotels and tourist spots. Check out attractions like Merlion and Singapore Flyer.
• Visit the ArtScience Museum: Also located in Marina Bay, the ArtScience Museum is a glorious example of contemporary architecture. The lotus-shaped building features more than 20 gallery spaces and a multimedia room.

What to Explore

• Gardens by the Bay: One of Marina Bay’s biggest attractions is Gardens by the Bay. These towering man-made trees are covered in over 150000 plants. Visit at night to see it beautifully illuminated.
• Orchard Road: No visit to Singapore is complete without a little shopping! Malls, specialty stores, art galleries, restaurants and hangout spots galore at Orchard Road. You can spend the entire day here exploring everything on offer.
• Nature Trails: Singapore may be a concrete jungle but there’s a surprising number of parks and nature reserves. Hike the trails of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Fort Canning Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park.

Where to Stay

Set in a quiet neighborhood, this home features a bedroom with a balcony and a common bathroom. There are direct buses to the city center while a shopping mall and restaurants are located within walking distance. A food court a couple of minutes’ away makes up for the lack of a kitchen.

4) Vietnam

Vietnam is a solo traveller’s delight because it boasts numerous places that you can travel to alone and not feel out of place. Its stunning natural beauty beckons nature lovers to explore its sandy beaches and verdant mountains. Alongside these tranquil treasures are bustling cities featuring upscale restaurants and shopping centres. Indeed, arriving at cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, it’s easy to imagine that Vietnam has lost its old charm. Yet, ornate Buddhist temples and traditional villages remind you that that’s far from the truth. This is a country that beautifully marries the past and the present.

Best Experiences for Solo Travellers

• Explore Ha Long Bay: One of the most popular destinations, Ha Long Bay boasts a majesty that will linger with you for years to come. Towering rain-forested limestone pillars rise from the Gulf of Tonkin and call you to them.
• Visit Hoi An Ancient Town: Take a trip back in time at Hoi An Ancient Town. The beautifully preserved port gives you a glimpse of its 15th to 19th century past.
• Visit War Remnants Museum: The War Remnants Museum is a sober reminder of the Vietnam War. US armored vehicles, weaponry and photographs are on display.

What to Explore

• Cu Chi Tunnels: Experience what life was like for Viet Cong-era soldiers at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Make your way through the narrow passages, fire an M16 and sample meals that the soldiers had to eat.
• The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne: See another side of Vietnam at the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne. The red and white dunes are shaped into striking picture-perfect formations.
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to the largest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for every solo traveler. Underground rivers, flora and fauna, rice paddy fields – it’s a veritable Eden!

Where to Stay

This adorable wooden house has everything you could want in a homely holiday home. The open plan space features two beds, a small dining area and a kitchen. It also has an outdoor seating area where you can relax with a drink.

5) China

Few places exhibit such a startling difference between the old and new as China. Sprawling cities abuzz with energy, buildings showcasing contemporary architecture and palaces of bygone dynasties. The change can be confusing yet exhilarating and you can’t help but yearn for more. Icons like the Forbidden City and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park hark back to the past when life was slower and the landscape unchanged. On the other hand, cities like Shanghai with its art deco buildings and Guangzhou with its fabulous opera house are testament to the great changes taking place. Prepare yourself for a world of wondrous sights and sounds as you holiday here.

Best Experiences for Solo Travellers

• Visit Tiananmen Square: This is one of the most important squares in China and demands a visit. Make your way to Tiananmen Tower, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the Great Hall of the People.
• Marvel at the Terracotta Army: See what the army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, was like at the Terracotta Army Museum. It’s believed that the terracotta figures number around 8,000.
• Tour The Bund: The gorgeous waterfront area of The Bund in Shanghai will introduce you to a slew of architectural styles. Buildings feature Renaissance and Baroque architecture among others.

What to Explore

• Forbidden City: China’s best known site was the home of royalty from the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. Today, it’s home to the Palace Museum that exhibits a collection of artifacts dating back to that period.
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The park was one of the inspirations for the Avatar film and a visit here will show you why. Magnificent pillar-like formations soar into the sky reminiscent of the Hallelujah Mountains. Don’t miss a walk along the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.
• Old Town of Lijiang: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved area that showcases the cultures of ethnic minorities. Keep an eye out for the intricately carved window panels that depict animals and people.

Where to Stay

This studio features a modest size bathroom, a kitchen and a washing machine. Although small, it has a patio with bamboo plants where you can sit and relax. It’s close to bars, restaurants and shopping centers.

6) Japan

Vibrant and colorful, Japan has it all from ultra-modern technology that will fascinate you to mega towers and all-night bars. Step away from the modern and you’ll see a culture steeped in traditions. Temples and Shinto shrines, ryokans and geisha dances are just a few examples of what you can explore while here. Discover a world that will blow your senses away and leave an imprint you won’t be able to shake off!

Best Experiences for Solo Travelers

• Climb Mount Fuji: Japan’s highest mountain and also its most beloved deserves more than a mere viewing. You need to climb it to really appreciate it. Join a guided tour along with other eager hikers.
• Witness Ootaku culture: See the love for manga and anime taken to a whole new level at Akihabara. Streets are filled with related icons and imagery while specialty stores sell cosplay costumes.
• Feast on ramen: Ramen may be Chinese but Japan turned it into one of the most popular foods in and outside the country. You can find restaurants serving this delicious dish at almost every corner.

What to Explore

• Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park: Watch Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park. You can see them all-year round.
• See kabuki: The classical Japanese dance-drama form is a must-see when in Japan. The elaborate makeup, costumes and dramatic performances are unforgettable.
• Go temple-hopping: Japan has a long list of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The best way to see them is to go temple-hopping. You can start with Kamo Shrine, Shiogama Jinja and Usa Jingu along with temples like Senso-ji, Kan’ei-ji, Nanzen-ji and Hozen-ji.

Where to Stay

This one-bedroom holiday home is ideal for solo travelers heading to Osaka. Shops, restaurants and entertainment are located nearby while Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are about an hour’s train ride away.
The holiday home is compact and makes great use of space with a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a tub and a washing machine. Like most accommodation in Japan, it’s small but fitted with every amenity you need.

7) Philippines

Known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty where over 7,000 islands show off spectacular beaches and rocky outcrops, the Philippines is where you want to be if the outdoors are close to your heart. It boasts an incredible array of wildlife on land and in water and you can spend days and only scratch the surface. As you move towards the cities, malls, entertainment and modern culture are revealed. Manila with its frenetic pace and Cagayan de Oro with its highly urbanized structure are testament to the contemporary side of the country. Whichever your lifestyle is, you can experience it in full in the Philippines.

Best Experiences for Solo Travelers

• Explore the beaches and islands: The Philippines has some of the best beaches and islands you’ve ever seen. Pristine shores and turquoise waters peppered with emerald green islands await. El Nido in Palawan, Boracay, Panglao Island and Coron Island are a few you must visit.
• See the Hanging Coffins of Sagada: Bizarre to most outsiders who see them, the Hanging Coffins of Sagada are a result of the burial rites of the Igorot tribe. The tradition continues to be followed today although on a smaller scale.
• See rock formations: The Philippines has numerous rock formations that should not be missed. The Nakabuang Arch, Biri Rock Formation and Kapurpurawan Rock Formations are some of the more popular ones.

What to Explore

• Banaue Rice Terraces: Often termed the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Banaue Rice Terraces are believed to be over 2,000 years old and continue to be used to this day. Visit these expansive terraces and the tribes who live at the foothills.
• Fort Santiago: Fort Santiago is an important historical site in Manila. Constructed by a Spanish conquistador, it was also used to imprison the national hero, Jose Rizal. His memorabilia can be seen at the Rizal Shrine.
• Volcanoes: Almost two dozen active volcanoes are found in the Philippines and the best way to explore them is to climb them. You’ll have to join a guided trek to stay safe and avoid getting lost.

Where to Stay

This pretty one-bedroom condo will more than meet your needs with a fully equipped kitchen, shared pool and gym. It’s located in the 38-storey One Central Park building in Quezon City, Manila. Parking space is available at a charge if you decide to hire a vehicle.

8) Sri Lanka

The lush island of Sri Lanka offers solo travelers everything they could want and more. The natural landscape is its biggest attraction as it ranges from dense rain forests to beaches and almost everything in between. Ancient temples are another major attraction and some of them date back many hundreds of years. Meanwhile, the cities have an undercurrent of energy but aren’t as sprawling and chaotic as others. The capital of Colombo still retains its colonial architecture and it stands out from the numerous modern buildings that now dot the cityscape.

Best Experiences for Solo Travellers

• Visit Sigiriya: 1600 years old and 600 feet high, Sigiriya is a rock fortress and one of Sri Lanka’s most important sites. You can see the ruins of a palace, artwork and a network of canals and alleys.
• Hike Horton Plains National Park: Horton Plains National Park is not just a gorgeous slice of nature; the plateau comes to a dramatic end at World’s End and plunges hundreds of meters down. Hike the trail to appreciate its beauty.
• Walk through Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Stepping into the Royal Botanical Gardens is like stepping into Eden. It’s a burst of color and life with orchids, a mammoth fig tree and palm trees taking center stage.

What to Explore

• Experience the coastline: Sri Lanka’s beaches showcase the country’s stunning coastline and you need to visit as many as possible. Make sure to include Unawatuna, Mirissa and Weligama in your itinerary.
• Go whale-watching: See whales breach in all their majesty at Mirissa. You can stay in Galle or Mirissa and catch the tour in the morning.
• Visit Ravana Falls and Ravana Caves: Ravana Falls is a wonderful example of the beauty of nature. Go during the rainy season to see it in all its glory. While here, don’t miss a visit to Ravana Cave where King Ravana is said to have hidden Princess Sita.

Where to Stay

This luxurious and elegant queen suite will make your Sri Lanka holiday even more memorable. Its private terrace overlooks the pretty garden and pool for the perfect morning view. The property has a large dining space, a hall and a lounge.

9) Thailand

Probably THE hottest destination in Southeast Asia, Thailand has something for everyone including solo travelers. Friendly locals and tourists eager to explore and make new connections ensure you don’t feel alone. The country is dotted with magnificent temples, national parks and amazing beaches. A vibrant nightlife and one of the best street food scenes make it a holiday destination you’ll return to again and again.

Best Experiences for Solo Travelers

• See the Grand palace: Bangkok’s most famous landmark is the first place you should visit. The complex is made up of many buildings and courtyards and is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• Visit Wat Arun: Set along the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn is one of the most beautiful temples. Visit early in the morning for quiet reflection or at night to see it illuminated.
• Check out Khaosan Road: Khaosan Road is a vibrant street that comes alive at night. Tables and chairs are set out, drinks flow and music blares to create a happening party scene.

What to Explore

• The numerous islands: Thailand boasts numerous island groups some of which are uninhabited. Island-hopping is one of the best ways to explore them as each offers something different.
• The amazing street food: Thailand’s street food is legendary, affordable and mouth-watering. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner options so you don’t have to spend big bucks on dining. Try pad see eiw, moo ping and pad thai (of course!).
• Lumpini Park: A welcome oasis in the middle of Bangkok, Lumpini Park provides an escape from the chaos of the city. Head here to explore the native flora and look out for monitor lizards!

Where to Stay

If you’re in Phuket, you can stay at this two-bedroom holiday home that’s within walking distance of Patong Beach. It’s close to restaurants and shops including Jungceylon Shopping Mall. It features a kitchen-cum-dining room, a living room and a balcony with views of hills. It also has a shared pool and gym.

10) Malaysia

Cosmopolitan and pulsing with life, Malaysia is where you go to to experience some of the richest cultures. A mix of European, Malay, Chinese and Indian influences have created a melting pot of cuisines, languages and religions so that you feel as though you’re in several different places at once. The country’s natural landscape is another reason to visit this diverse region. Rainforests and beaches welcome you to explore hidden treasures so whether you’re hiking or snorkeling, you’ll discover fascinating worlds filled with adventure.

Best Experiences for Solo Travellers

• Visit the Petronas Towers: These towering structures were once the tallest in the world and although they no longer claim the title, they will take your breath away! They’re one of the most recognizable landmarks of Kuala Lumpur.
• Check out Batu Caves: The century-old temple is set in a limestone hill that has three major caves and several minor ones. Idols, shrines and paintings are some of the things to see as well as a huge Murugan statue.
• Walk the Langkawi Sky Bridge: Feel your adrenaline race as you walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge. The suspended bridge hangs 100 meters high and curves its way to the end.

What to Explore

• Mount Kinabalu: Malaysia’s highest mountain is a challenge to climb but if you love a good hike, this is where you need to head to.
• Kuala Lumpur Tower: Get a panoramic view of the city from Kuala Lumpur Tower. It also houses a revolving restaurant.
• Gunung Mulu National Park: This huge protected rainforest features some of the most dramatic sights you’ll ever see from striking limestone formations to the biggest cave chamber in the world.

Where to Stay

This fuss-free apartment is a terrific choice for solo travelers. It features a kitchen for light cooking, a shared pool and a gym. It’s located right in the city center of Kuala Lumpur so that most conveniences are within walking distance. Bukit Bintang is just minutes away too.