Is Asia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Asiain general, has both very safe and considerably less safe areas. Countries like Japan, Singapore, South Korea tend to be incredibly safe for solo female travelers due to their strict laws and low crime rates. On the other hand, there are regions where extra precautions are necessary due to cultural differences, stricter societies or higher crime rates. It's crucial to research both the cultural customs and latest travel advisories of your specific destinations before embarking on your journey.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 6 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Moderate

Safety in Asia at night can vary greatly depending on the region and city. While certain areas are generally safe with well-lit streets, busy night markets, and continuous police presence, others may be more secluded, with poorly lit streets, which can increase potential risks. As a solo female traveler, it is always crucial to research your specific location's neighborhood and follow local safety advice. Remain alert, aware of your surroundings, and avoid getting isolated especially during late hours.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Asia tends to be reliable and somewhat comfortable to travel in for solo female travelers. In most cities and populated areas, the system is organized, efficient, and regular in service. Buses, trains, subways, and ferries are mostly safe, well maintained, and surveyed through CCTV cameras. However, it is still advisable to stay cautious, especially during late hours or in less crowded areas. Some problems could arise from cultural misunderstandings or language barriers, but overall, traveling through public transport should not pose a significant problem.

Street harassment: Moderate

The level of street harassment in Asia often varies by country and can fluctuate between regions within those countries. Some areas are quite respectful and you'll rarely experience any form of harassment at all, while in others you might encounter mild to moderate cases of stares or unwelcome comments. Additionally, cultural norms and societal attitudes towards women differ widely across this large and diverse continent. However, the majority of these experiences are non-threatening and easily avoided by maintaining awareness of your surroundings, avoiding less crowded places at night, and dressing modestly in respect of local customs.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Asia is vast and its crime rate varies from country to country. Petty crimes like pickpocketing or purse-snatching are not uncommon especially in crowded tourist areas. However, most parts of Asia are generally safe if you are cautious and follow travel advisories and local laws. It's advisable to keep your belongings secured and be aware of your surroundings. Use common sense when at markets, crowded places or while using public transport.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water safety varies quite considerably across Asia. While it may be fine in some more developed areas, most regions, particularly rural ones, tend not to have safe tap water for consumption. It's recommended to use bottled or purified water to avoid any potential harm from poor water quality. Even in cities, avoid drinking tap water unless it's been treated or confirmed safe. This doesn't just go for drinking, but also for brushing your teeth or washing fruits and vegetables. Remember, food safety should always be a top priority when traveling.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

2.6/5

Solo travel experience

I spent 4.5 months solo travelling SE Asia and visited Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bali and loved them all. I’d definitely recommend Cambodia. Especially the Koh Rong islands - they’re geographically close to the popular Thai islands but way less spoiled and incredible for stretches of white beaches and crystal blue ocean!

Posted: November 19, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I just came back from 2.5 months in SEA (Thailand -> Cambodia -> Vietnam -> Bali -> Thailand) which is pretty much what you’re doing. Can say for starters it was absolutely amazing and I felt super safe the whole time (18 yo solo female) although I spent a lot of the time on organized tour groups which made the whole experience a lot easier.

Posted: November 12, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved Vietnam (faves were Mekong Delta, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay (you can stay on islands)) and Sumatra (check out Lake Maninjau and the orangutan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang). Don't book too far ahead and this way you can stay longer in places you love and vice versa.

Posted: November 11, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

South east Asia is perfect place to backpack solo. Everyone is so friendly in hostels and up for meeting new people. I would recommend staying sometimes in party hostels as people who stay there are generally very friendly and open to meeting people and having fun! I travelled for 3 months and these were my highlights: - Bali (Canggu and Ubud), Gili Trawangan (island off of Bali), - Thailand (Chang Mai, Pai, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan) - Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Koh Rong) - Vietnam (Ha Long Bay, Hoi An)

Posted: August 31, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I’ve been traveling all over SE Asia for 6+ months! My itinerary: Thailand > Cambodia > Vietnam > Laos. Have met tons of solo travelers who have been backpacking across SE Asia and they’re loving every minute of it. Very doable, affordable for any budget, and truly one of the most magical places on the planet.

Posted: July 7, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved Thailand and Vietnam. I did Thailand on my own. Did Phuket ,phi phi and koh sok. Also did a tour of Vietnam from south to north over 2 weeks. Found both those countries easy to travel in. They are very tourist oriented.

Posted: June 22, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Asia

Prasun

Prasun

Speaking

About Me

Dance lover, communication professional, lawyer graduate, handicrafts and jewellery designer, mom, multipotentialite, beautiful, sexy, confident, badass, amateur boxer, no nonsense strong independent woman!!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇺 Mauritius, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore

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Mal

Mal

Speaking

About Me

Im a travel lover. Also, a foodie. Been to 63 provinces in Vietnam and 10 countries. Hope i can be of your help!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇲🇲 Myanmar [Burma], 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇮🇳 India, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇱🇦 Laos

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Haura

Haura

Speaking

About Me

A supermom of 5 little ones who is independent, ambitious, and always up for adventure. With a passion for travel and exploring new cultures, I visited over 20 countries, immersing myself in the local way of life. When I am not jet-setting around the world, I can be found hiking in the great outdoors, taking in the breathtaking views of mountains and quaint villages. My love for jazz and classical music is evident, as I can often be found humming along to my favorite tunes. Despite the chaos and challenges of raising a big family, I remains determined and unstoppable, always pushing myself to be the best version of me. Get ready to be inspired by this dynamic and adventurous mom who is taking the world by storm.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇳 India, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg

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Stay with locals in Asia

Mal

Mal

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Im a travel lover. Also, a foodie. Been to 63 provinces in Vietnam and 10 countries. Hope i can be of your help!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇲🇲 Myanmar [Burma], 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇮🇳 India, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇱🇦 Laos

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Pooja

Pooja

Speaking

You can stay for:

7 days

About me

I love to meet new friends and travel with them.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇳 India, 🇳🇵 Nepal

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Meriç

Meriç

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi, My name is Meriç and I'm interested in swimming, skiing, books, culture, dancing, education, food & cuisine, fashion, live music, running, shopping, cycling, health and nature

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

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Upcoming visitors to Asia

Kübra

Kübra

Speaking

About Me

Hello, my name is Kübra. I'm a backpacker and hitchhiker who travels the world. I love traveling. I've visited 30 countries before. I love seeing new places. I love spending time with the locals in the places I explore and learning about their culture. Rather than a tourist, I become like a local living there, which I believe is the best way to experience the country and city I'm in. ☺️ by the way if you're curious about me My Instagram; yarigezgin

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇽🇰 Kosovo, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇲🇰 North Macedonia, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇦🇹 Austria

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Amani

Amani

Speaking

About Me

Hi, I'm From Egypt. I'm living a life ruled by respect, kindness, and love. Hard worker however I have my own social life and activities. like trying new things, like adventures that help me feel alive. I believe in humanity.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

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Safety in Asia