7 great places for solo travelers in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has become a beacon destination for solo travel. Initially lead by the lush shores of Thailand, now neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and Indonesia are all major destinations in the region. And who would not be lured by outstanding beaches, verdant jungles, fascinating wildlife, delicious food and affordable prices?

Pai, Thailand

Pai has three happening main streets, with the scenic Pai River cutting through the eastern part of town. Bamboo rafting and white-river rafting, popular among adventurous souls, are two of the best ways to appreciate Pai’s picturesque landscape.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, hiking or mountain trekking is another fascinating option, apart from browsing a collection of souvenir shops in the town centre. Exploring outer Pai, peppered with natural hot springs, waterfalls and ethnic hill-tribe villages, is also something to consider. For many people, coming to Pai simply means slowing down completely. Artsy types often haunt Pai’s many café galleries, while others prefer to lounge away on their riverside porch or at a chilled-out bar.

Koh Tao, Thailand

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 is all about here.

Kampot, Cambodia

The tiny, sleepy town of Kampot might not look like much on a map, but it is so charming that many travelers come here and never leave. Located near Cambodia’s southern coast, it is set on the banks of the Praek Tuek Chhu river and surrounded by beautiful countryside. From here, you can head to nearby Kep beach, to Bokor Mountain’s forests and waterfalls or to one of the region’s famous pepper plantations. As dusk falls, take a sunset cruise along the Praek Tuek Chhu to try to spot some fireflies. Kampot is very safe for solo travellers, and it is easy to make friends, just head to one of the town’s hip little cafés or low-key bars.

Ha Noi, Vietnam

Ha Noi, located on the banks of the Red River, is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, where travellers can find well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, and unique museums within the city centre. A great place to explore on foot, this French-colonial city is also known for its delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, silks and handicrafts, as well as a multi-cultural community that is made up of Chinese, French and Russian influences.

If you are a solo traveler to the Vietnamese capital, Ha Noi travel guide has everything you need to know for a fulfilling holiday, including the best accommodation, restaurants, attractions, shopping, and detailed information on the local culture, currency, climate, and  transport options.

Boracay, Philippines

Back after a six-month shutdown due to environmental concerns, Boracay is back as 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 are looking for that destination that attracts travelers who want a good time, Boracay fits the bill in the Philippines.

Gili Air, Indonesia

Gili Trawangan is the most popular and has a well-deserved reputation as a party island, but its neighbor Gili Air gives you a bit more room to breathe. It has a more chilled out vibe while still being social. This small island also has gorgeous beaches and vibrant under-water life. Though more of a tourist island that does not offer much local interaction, it is a nice stop to relax and have some fun between trekking in Java or climbing Rinjani in Lombok.

See more: What to do in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

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.

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What to eat in Xinjiang, China

The food you'll find in the Xinjiang region is quite different from that of the rest of China. Here's a quick primer on the kinds of things you'll come across while you travel.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are in season in the late summer and fall months. You’ll find them piled up outside markets and are sold by the kilo.

Naan Flatbread

These flatbreads are on sale throughout the region by small bread makers. Best bought warm, straight from the naan oven, they are a breakfast staple. Some are baked plain but you can also find some baked with cumin, salt, scallions or sesame seeds baked in. The bread is often decorated with traditional round circles.

Leghman Noodles

The Xinjiang version of “lamian” is called leghman. Traditionally hand-pulled, they are first boiled and then topped with a stir-fry of different ingredients, depending on where you have them. Usually, the topping is a mix of vegetables and we ate them with mixes of tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes, and beans. They are not served in a soup but rather cooked and topped with the vegetable mix.

Polu Rice Pilaf

Another very typical dish that you’ll find being sold often outside restaurants from an enormous wok-type dish is Xinjiang’s polu, or rice pilaf. This dish is made from cooked mutton along with onion and yellow carrots – a type of carrot I’ve only come across in Xinjiang. The meat and vegetables are cooked with some spices, including cumin, and then steamed along with the rice. Sometimes you’ll find raisins added in giving the dish a salty-sweet taste. This is a good dish to get to-go if you’re in a hurry. Most places that sell it will have plastic ware and they’ll pack you up a dish to go.

Lamb and Mutton Skewers

Kawaplar is piled up on tables at every market. These skewers of mostly mutton meat and mutton fat are a staple in Xinjiang. Outside of the market, there will be a line of men selling grilled skewers from small stalls. Each little stall will have a table, a pile of pre-grilled skewers and an enormous electric fan that blows the billowing smoke from the charcoal grill away and into your face if you're not careful.

The skewers are typically sprinkled with a mix of spices that includes some cumin and hot chili flakes. Pantomime that you don't want the spices if you don't like chili.

Samsa Mutton Dumplings

One of the most delicious foods we came across in Xinjiang were street-side Samsa. Baked in an oven similar to a naan-oven, these dumplings had a delicious mutton and onion filling. We ate them right as they came out of the oven.

See more: Where to visit in Xinjiang, China

Source: tripsavvy

5 activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and cultural hub. Still known to many as Saigon, HCMC is a bustling urban sprawl of busy roundabouts and interesting sights. Use this list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to avoid missing any must-see sights during your exciting visit to Vietnam.

See a Water Puppet Show

The tradition of water puppetry dates back to the 11th century in Vietnam, and catching a show should be high on your list for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Although water puppet shows attract plenty of tourists, the most authentic performances are still performed exclusively in Vietnamese. Musicians sat on each side of the stage provide the soundtrack with traditional instruments as well as the voices of the puppets. The puppets themselves, some of which are large and heavy, enact scenes from village life -- all on top of a pool of water.

Visit the Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace, previously known as Independence Palace, is the place that the Vietnam War ended. On the morning of April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the palace wall as evacuation efforts were still underway.

The Reunification Palace was used as the command center for General Nguyen Van Thieu; strategic maps and war-related objects are still on display. Visitors can tour the building and grounds which include highlights such as the presidential office and a command bunker in the basement.

Go to Ben Thanh Market

Although very touristy, the Ben Thanh Market is still a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City. The cramped market is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from trinkets to pigs’ feet.

Whether you’re after souvenirs, great travel photo opportunities, or just want to take a whirl in one of Asia’s most hectic markets, the Ben Thanh Market is a full-on sensory experience! You’ll need to drive a hard bargain to land a fair price.

Visit the War Market

Strangest of the markets in Ho Chi Minh City, the so-called War Market can be a little tricky to find. The market consists of cages in a basement where relics and artifacts dug up from the French and American wars in Vietnam are sold.

Plenty of other Chinese-made army surplus is on sale along with uniforms, ribbons, dog tags, and unidentifiable items lost by soldiers or pulled out of helicopter wrecks.

Find the War Market at the intersection of Yersin and Cong Tru Street, south of the Pham Ngu Lao area.

Get a Beer

The Pham Ngu Lao area in District 1 comes alive at night with scores of budget travelers eating pho, socializing, and enjoying cheap beer at simple sidewalk cafes.

Sitting on plastic stools along the busy streets to drink cheap local beer and inhale motorbike exhaust is a rite of passage for all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. A thin lager can be had for 50 cents or less; watching traffic, people, and even rats scurrying is all part of the experience!

Bui Vien Street is the busiest and most popular for a bia hoi experience.

See more: The most impressive architectures in Ho Chi Minh City

Source: tripsavvy