Solo female travel · Southeast Asia

Hi everyone, I’m planning a solo trip for November. I’ve chosen Thailand because it’s my first solo trip and I wanted a country that’s easy and safe for a woman (though maybe you have other suggestions?), but also because of this time of year when the monsoon is hitting many Asian countries. A lot of people have confirmed that Thailand is a destination where everything is relatively easy for a first solo trip: getting around the country (buses and trains), great food, beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, decent safety, etc... This trip comes after a major burnout and professional exhaustion 😵‍💫. I quit my job this week and need to recharge and clear my head before diving back into the professional grind... I’m looking for peaceful landscapes away from mass tourism, combining mountains, countryside, and beaches. I need moments of free wandering, yoga, sightseeing, and maybe some woofing. I love authenticity, contemplation, and beautiful things in simplicity. Thanks for your route and accommodation ideas 😊! Armelle

I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam. I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago. I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia... Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything... I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....

Hi everyone, I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia. I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary. I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully. So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now. Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hi there, Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman. Thanks for your great tips!

Hi there! We’re leaving in early November for a month. Here’s our itinerary: Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to: Kampong Cham Kratie – 2 days Mondolkiri – 3 days Ratanakiri – 3 days Stung Treng – 1 day Siem Reap – 4 days Battambang – 1 day Kampong Chhnang – 3 days Kampot – 2 days Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS Phnom Penh – 2 days That’s it! 😊 We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears! Thanks

Hello everyone! I REALLY need some advice because I’m feeling lost with my choices for my next solo trip—I’d like to book within the month . Just so you know, my trip will be in September 2025 for about 17 days. My top pick is Vietnam; I’ve never been to Asia. I know the rainy season will be in full swing in September, but several reviews seemed to say it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, even though it might affect a few hours each day. PS: I was considering Cambodia, but apparently, the situation isn’t safe for a woman or a tourist right now. I’ve also heard a lot about New Zealand, but I don’t know anyone who’s been there—especially solo. The nature looks amazing, but does 100% nature get boring quickly when you’re alone? Are there meet-up spots or restaurants/cafés in all the must-see places? To give you some background, I’ve traveled solo before: Seville, Sweden (Stockholm and Lapland), and I spent 6 months exploring Marseille on my own. I love discovering places and cultures by myself. Fun fact: my favorite trip was South Africa—for the change of scenery, the people I met, the landscapes, and the nature—but I wasn’t solo there. Do you have any firsthand experience with these two destinations for a solo trip as a woman? Or do you have other ideas that fit a similar budget and are interesting for 15–17 days, with a real sense of adventure? And, of course, safe and not too stressful for a woman! (I’d also love to hear about any custom travel agencies you’ve had good experiences with—I really want to plan this trip as best as I can, but all the agencies I’ve found have mixed reviews.) Thank you so much for your help!! I’ll keep you posted on my choice and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!

Hi there! I’m heading to Thailand on February 22, 2025. After Chiang Mai, I’ve got a flight to Krabi, then 3 days in Koh Tao. Is it easy to get from Krabi to Koh Tao? On the island, I haven’t booked any activities—I figured I’d sort things out once I’m there. Anyone got tips for me?! Thanks a bunch, Laurence from Bayonne

Hello everyone, I’ve been reading your posts and I can feel my excitement growing... I’m 56, very sporty and sociable, and I’ve never traveled alone before—it’s been on my mind though. I also dream of Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar? I love discovering landscapes, but most of all, the people. Last year, I went trekking in Ladakh with two friends, and we did it on our own. It was an incredible visual experience—the Ladakh Valley is stunning—but staying with locals, in early July with very few tourists, was an unforgettable experience. On the other hand, I wouldn’t go to India alone. I didn’t like the way men treated women there. Though, I’ve only been once... Anyway, thanks in advance for giving me more reasons to take the plunge solo. Am I too old for this? Thanks a million! Laurence from Bayonne