Destinations for solo travelers in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a kaleidoscope of rich colors and flavors, where ancient temples lie hidden in lush jungles and skyscrapers tower over glittering, futuristic cities. If you’re planning on traveling solo in this part of the world, these are the top amazing places you can visit.

Hoi An Old Town (Vietnam)

Known for its lantern-lit streets and riverside buildings, Hoi An Old Town is located on Vietnam’s central coast. The historic district remains relatively untouched thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and cars are banned. However, most guest houses in the area offer free rental bicycles, which you can use to wind through the beautiful streets and alleyways.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat is such an iconic part of Cambodia’s cultural heritage that it has appeared on the country’s flag since the 1850s. Originally built as a Hindu temple, the site has been cared for by Buddhist monks since the end of the 12th century and remains one the largest religious monuments in the world. Climb its intricately carved passageways for breathtaking views of the sprawling temple site, or if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, explore the surrounding Angkor Archaeological Park forests, full of monkeys and other exciting wildlife.

Luang Prabang (Laos)

In Luang Prabang (the former royal capital of Laos), crumbling French colonial architecture rubs shoulders with traditional Laotian wooden buildings, glittering palaces and ornate golden temples. It’s easy to see why this town was awarded its UNESCO World Heritage status. Rent a bicycle or motorbike and explore the surrounding area, or follow the winding roads up to the turquoise waterfalls in Kuang Si. Don’t miss the city’s gargantuan night market, which sells a variety of street food, souvenirs and locally made handicrafts.

Cameron Highlands (Malaysia)

Who says Southeast Asia has to be hot? At an elevation of 800-1,600 metres (2,600-5,200 feet) above sea level, the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is temperate all year round, making it a perfect place for hiking. The region has a very distinct ecosystem, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are rare in the tropics. Its lush, rolling mountain slopes are perfect for tea plantations, which dot this verdant corner of Pahang state.

Read more: The best snorkeling spots you can find in Southeast Asia

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The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia

If you are looking for private island resorts to stay away from hustle and bustle of the city and make a perfect getaway, here are the best resorts with crystal clear water, palm trees and white beaches you can enjoy.

Southeast Asia is home to plenty of impressive beaches boasting stretches of fine white sand, lush islands with sprawling emerald rainforests, and impressive waterfront resorts that will make any traveler swoon in delight.

1. Bawah, Indonesia

Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, blue lagoons and coral reefs, this pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area cater to outdoor adventurers with an appetite for indulgence as well as paradise seekers looking for relaxation. Among the many islands in Anambas archipelago, Bawah stands out as a favorite dive destination as well as an exclusive luxurious getaway that offers the perfect serenity away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

2.Song Saa, Cambodia

On two little islands in the untouched Koh Ring Archipelago in Cambodia sits Song Saa, the country’s first private island resort. Built with luxury and sustainability in mind, the resort boasts 24 luxury jungle and overwater villas made from recycled and reclaimed materials, each with their very own private pools and spectacular views. Nature lovers will absolutely delight in the resort's very own sanctuary, where local flora and fauna flourish.

3. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

Leave the crowds in Bali behind and enter your very own island paradise - Nihi. 12 hand-built luxury suites offering an undisturbed view of the beach and sea can be found nestled among the island’s untouched rainforest. Immerse in the island’s rich, unspoiled culture, warmly welcomed by the locals, and lose yourself in the countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences in this “edge of wildness”: surf one of Indonesia’s best waves, paddle down the Wanukaka river through remote villages and explore the island’s unspoilt nature on the back of a horse.

4. Amanpulo, Philippines

Part of the Cuyo Archipelago northeast of Palawan Island lies the ultimate island paradise getaway of Amanpulo. This award-winning island retreat is surrounded by the finest white sand and clearest ocean waters stretching eternally in all shades of light turquoise to deep blue. Lose yourself in exploring the seven square kilometers of pristine coral reef surrounding the island just 300 meters off the beach with conditions suitable for absolute beginners to experienced divers.

Each property on the island is so secluded that you won’t even witness another soul, allowing for a truly private experience. At the same time, Amanpulo has all the luxury amenities of any Aman property, whilst been carefully embellished with local touches.

5. Cempedak, Indonesia

The newly opened sister property of well-known island paradise Nikoi lives up to its expectations, reflecting equally the owner’s passion for the outdoors, nature, food and wine. Embraced by white sandy beaches and covered with a lush tropical rain forest, the private pool villas of the luxury boutique island resort blend in harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

You will feel completely cut off from the hectic outside world when escaping to the thoughtfully designed, uber-stylish bamboo-structured villas each with mesmerizing ocean views and private pools. Prepare to be enjoyed with the most delicious cuisine whilst living it up in this place.

6. Vivanta By Taj, Malaysia

Floating off the coast of Langkawi on Malaysia's Rebak Island, Vivanta By Taj balances private island mystique with contemporary touches. Across the 390 acres of natural paradise, guests can enjoy remote beaches, 300-million-year-old forests, coral reefs, and dense mazes of mangroves. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in this island, but if you'd love to experience the colorful marine life without diving into the deep, Underwater World Langkawi, back on the main island, showcases both penguins and fur seals. Moreover, among the most romantic spots, the Moon Deck is a wooden jetty where couples can enjoy private and personalized dinners overlooking the Senari Straits.

Read more: Spend a day enjoying in Nusa Penida, Bali

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10 local experiences you can't miss in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and for good reason. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and see beyond the tourist traps, take a look at the guide to the 10 best local experiences in the region.

A homestay in a Thai Village

There’s more to Thailand than you could ever imagine. This popular rite-of-passage destination offers you Theravada wats, palaces-turned-museums, orgasmic food, islands that look photoshopped, and joyful, welcoming people.

Meeting orangutans in Borneo

Indigenous to the rainforests of Borneo, orangutans (derived from the Malay phrase, orangutan, literally “person of the forest”) are beautiful creatures, and are a wonder to watch at play.

Climbing active volcanoes in the Tengger Caldera, Indonesia

Whether you’re here for the view, the hike, or the spiritual experience, the Tengger massif will give you an adventure like no other. The most well-known of the Tengger Caldera volcanoes is Mount Bromo, an active volcano that often sizzles and seethes.

Depending on volcanic activity, you may or may not be able to climb up the mountain, but there are nearby hills from which to perch and drink in the view.

A colorful floating market in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is Asia’s answer to Venice’s popular floating market. Colorful, noisy, and brimming with fruits, vegetables and home wares, this is the place to hit if you want a raw turnip, some khanom krok (rice pudding), or simply to watch how the locals barter.

The Tha Kha Floating Market is about as local as it gets (being small and not too touristy), and is close to the novel and mind-boggling Maeklong Railway Market (a market that literally operates on railway tracks).

See more: A guide to the Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok

Trekking through local villages to get to Inle Lake, Myanmar

Named after the Intha people, the Inle Lake covers 44.9 square miles (116 square kilometers), which is about the size of the Kaho’olawe island in Hawaii.

Begin your trek from Kalaw (an old hill station) and move through extensive rice fields, vegetable plantations and local homes built with wood and bamboo. After the long walk, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning Inle Lake, where houses are built on stilts above the water and fishermen row with their legs, catching prey in their conical nets.

Scaling the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia

Mount Kinabalu has carnivorous pitcher plants, oriental small-clawed otters and the world’s largest flower (the Rafflesia)—and we haven’t even started on the view.

At 13,435 feet (4,095 metres) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the summit of the Borneo Crocker Range. Not for the weak-willed or the unfit, climbing Mount Kinabalu is a revelatory experience—it’ll make you a different person.

Hunting for dragons on Komodo Island, Indonesia

First documented by the Dutch, the Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species today, typically weighing in at around 154 pounds (70 kg). These creatures can be found in the Indonesian archipelago, especially on Komodo Island. When you’re done locating your dragon, the island also offers snorkeling opportunities, a pink beach, and a national park.

Taking a slow-boat trip down the Mekong River

The Mekong River runs through China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, and offers financial and practical sustenance to all.

Framed on either side by lofty limestone karsts and natural caves, the Vang Vieng in Laos offers an impressive view of the Mekong River, as well as the mulberry farms just outside of town.

Learning about Cambodia’s tragic past in Phnom Penh

During Pol Pot’s reign, the Tuol Svay Prey High School was converted into a security prison, where thousands were tortured, killed, or worked to death. By death toll, the Cambodian genocide remains one of the largest in history, and the country lost approximately 1.5 to 3 million people at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

Visiting Tuol Sleng (the prison-turned-museum) and the killing fields of Choeung Ek is a sobering experience, but an important one—especially if you want to learn more about Cambodia’s history.

Visiting the hanging coffins of the Philippines

For two millennia, the Igorot people of Echo Valley, Sagada, have practiced the ancient tradition of wrapping the corpses of their deceased loves one, smoking them (to prevent fast decomposition) and placing them in coffins nailed to the sides of cliffs. It is believed that this will bring them closer to their ancestral spirits.

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