In the past 7 to 8 years, Southeast Asia has become a beacon destination for solo travel. Initially lead by the lush shores of Thailand, now neighboring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and Indonesia are all major destinations in the region.
And who wouldn’t be lured by outstanding beaches, verdant jungles, fascinating wildlife, delicious food and affordable prices?
Southeast Asia is THE place to travel solo. Whether you’re venturing on a loop from Thailand to Laos to Vietnam to Cambodia or staying in social hostels, you’ll always meet fellow travelers to share your experiences with.
Here are 9 of the best places in Southeast Asia ideal for solo travel:
1. Bangkok
The gateway to Southeast Asia really needs no introduction. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a perfect way to meet fellow travelers, many of which are starting out on their Southeast Asia adventure.
With long-standing and top-rated hostels like Nappark Hostel being at the forefront of social hostels, it’s almost impossible not to meet fellow solo travelers.
Bangkok is usually a place to explore for a few days and then head north to Chiang Mai or south to the southern Thai islands. That’s pretty much the itinerary for most solo travelers starting out in BK.
Khao San Road is famous for travelers and although it isn’t what Thailand is about in general, it still has a reputation of a must visit.
2. Bali
The Bali boom is still blazing with record numbers visiting. Bali has turned into an eco-paradise that feels separate from the rest of Indonesia.
From rice terraces to surfing to historical temples to monkeys, Bali is certainly one to open all the senses. Kuta has often been the go-to place for traveler’s years ago, but with Seminyak and Lombok now popular destinations for solo travelers. You won’t walk many places without seeing someone on the road just like your solo self.
3. Hanoi
Hanoi is no stranger to busy streets and even though many of them are scattered with non-stop motorbikes, there’s still a vibrant scene here for solo travelers. Head to the Old Quarter for outdoor seating, backstreets and 50c beer.
If there’s any hostel group in Vietnam that is the best at bringing people together, it’s non-other than Vietnam Backpacker Hostels. There are two in Hanoi to choose from. The Original, smaller and more personable or Downtown, eccentric and exciting. Either way, you’ll definitely meet fellow solo wanderers for life here.
4. Koh Tao
Known for being the best in Southeast for beginner scuba divers, Koh Tao in recent years has built up a good-vibe community. Although there has been some terribly unfortunate incidents in Koh Tao that have made the tabloids go over-board on the headlines, Koh Tao is still a great place to meet fellow Southeast Asia solo travelers.
Learn how to scuba dive, relax by the beach and congregate with fellow travelers is what it’s all about here.
5. Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is the home of the Full Moon Party so without question this is ideal for solo travelers. What started out as a small hippie-trance event has now turned into tens of thousands of travelers partying on the beach each month, to celebrate the full moon.
Haad Rin is where the extreme action takes place and where everyone heads to for the Full Moon Party but in Baan Thai, 20 minutes out is a place where you can find balance. One of the original hostel companies, Dancing Elephant, has made the switch to Baan Thai, now Dancing Elephant Beach Club. It’s here where you can enjoy the beauty of Koh Phangan and take your pick when to catapult yourself into the party.
6. Boracay
Back after a six-month shutdown due to environmental concerns, Boracay is back at the Philippines‘ prime tourist location. The buzz is back on this tiny island with its white sand and turquoise waters. A paradisiacal place to meet fellow Southeast Asia solo travelers.
If you’re looking for that destination that attracts travelers who want a good time, Boracay fits the bill in the Philippines. Frendz Resort & Hostel is the place to stay for that with cool bamboo décor, a pool and a bar and restaurant for solo travelers to get together.
7. Siem Reap
Angkor Wat, the most precious and popular historical site in the whole of Southeast Asia, is the staple of Cambodia. Situated on the outskirts of Siem Reap, this is a must visit.
While all kinds of visitors will pour into to experience this 12th century complex, this is one of the mainstays of Asia solo travel. Siem Reap is improving as a city and with the bubbling Pub Street the easy place to socialize and meet people; it’s easy to see why.
Mad Monkey Siem Reap has been around since 2011 and still stands as one of the main places to meet Southeast Asia solo travelers. Lub D, another social hostel chain in Southeast Asia, have also a fantastic hostel to stay in. Both are perfect for Southeast Asia solo travelers so you don’t have to be alone!
8. Luang Prabang
Laos is a funny country. Although it doesn’t have the tourism that neighboring Thailand or Vietnam possesses, its location is key. Often visited because it’s on the way to both neighbors, Luang Prabang is the stop you take from North Thailand or Hanoi in the North of Vietnam.
With a twist of France, but with a curfew, Luang Prebang is mellower than mayhem. Yet, Southeast Asia solo travelers still flock through here for a few days exploring waterfalls, caves and temples. The solo travelers here are more than likely travelling for several months, because it’s not a place many travelers fly to directly for a one off trip.
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