Since when has a travel destination been decided on the basis of gender? Yes: women travelling alone should carefully consider the choice of their travel destination to ensure their own safety and well-being.
Apart from social and cultural conditions, infrastructure and services, the human rights situation and the presence or absence of female traveller communities, there are other preliminary assessments.
Before selecting a travel destination, it is essential to consider the level of personal safety, which is crucial for solo travellers, especially women.
Some destinations may have a better reputation and in general, the Asian continent offers a number of beautiful opportunities for solo travellers, especially women.
Below we discover 5 top destinations in Asia for women!
“Solo travel not only pushes you out of your comfort zone, it also pushes you out of the zone of others’ expectations”.
Suzy Strutner
Top destinations in Asia for women: Seoul – skin care, shopping and relaxation
Do you know what the secret of Korean girls’ beautiful skin is? It is said to be the habit of eating kimchi (a dish of salted, fermented vegetables).
Well, if you visit Seoul, you can have a good beauty treatment for your skin, because kimchi is served everywhere in Korean restaurants. And why not also try some good cups of Korean tea, which has a purifying and draining effect?
You should know that Seoul is generally considered a safe city for women. South Korea in general is classified as a reliable country for travellers, including female visitors.
In addition, South Korea is very famous for cosmetics and on the streets of Seoul, you will find all kinds of shops of Korean and non-Korean brands, where you will leave your heart and wallet, even though they usually give a lot of discounts to tourists.
You’ll also find many salons offering treatments at discounted prices: from beauty acupuncture to mugwort facials, you’ll want to try as many as you can in Seoul!
What’s more, Seoul is a city rich in history and culture. You can visit ancient royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, which offer an authentic experience of Korean tradition.
You can also explore traditional villages such as Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can admire characteristic traditional Korean houses, called hanok.
Despite being a large metropolis, Seoul also offers spectacular natural beauty. People like to hike in the surrounding mountains such as Mount Namsan or Mount Bukhansan, which offer beautiful panoramic views of the city, and visit the Han River, strolling along its parks and trails.
As for good food, Korean cuisine is world-famous for its unique flavours and delicious dishes. You can enjoy Korean barbecue, bibimbap, bulgogi and many other classic dishes. And if you are not a fan of these flavours, Seoul also offers a wide range of international cuisines, so there is something for everyone. Moreover, the Korean capital has a lot to offer in terms of both fashion and technology. You can visit large shopping malls such as Myeongdong and Gangnam, traditional markets such as Namdaemun and Dongdaemun and visit the Gangnam district, known for its technology and entertainment businesses.
Finally, Seoul offers a vibrant nightlife with a wide range of bars, clubs and nightclubs. Districts such as Hongdae and Itaewon are famous for their music scene and trendy clubs. You can also catch traditional cultural performances such as Nanta or K-pop musicians.
Top destinations in Asia for women: Taipei – comfort food tradition and modernity
Taiwanese people are known for their kindness and hospitality. Many visitors to Taipei remark on the warm welcome and help they receive during their stay. This makes the experience of visiting Taipei even more enjoyable and memorable.
In Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, local gourmet foods will delight you in a healthy way with their comforting hot pots. Sweets and drinks here are often made with tapioca milk tea or mango tea. Taipei cuisine is world famous. You can enjoy a variety of traditional Taiwanese dishes, such as the famous pork stew called lu rou fan, dumplings xiao long bao and spicy chicken noodle dan dan mian.
Moreover, Taipei is also famous for its many street food stalls, where you can enjoy delicious snacks at affordable prices.
In addition, a must-visit destination in Taipei is the night market, and one of the two main night markets in Taipei is located on Yonghe Street.
Here you can make a night of it and enjoy good Taiwanese food and shopping at local stalls.
You can also visit the Ximending district, known as the ‘Harajuku of Taipei’, where you will find a wide range of fashion shops, restaurants and cafes.
Other shopping highlights include the Taipei 101 Mall, Taipei’s tallest skyscraper, and the Shilin Night Market, where you can find everything from clothes to souvenirs.
At the end of the day, after long walks between shopping and sightseeing, try a really cheap foot massage at one of the many centres, which you’ll want to repeat again and again.
But Taipei is so much more: we are talking about a city rich in culture and history. You can visit Longshan Temple, one of the oldest temples, to experience the religious atmosphere and traditional architecture. You can also explore the National Palace Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and national treasures.
Taipei is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. The iconic Taipei 101 is a must-see attraction, with its spectacular architecture and panoramic views of the city. You can also explore modern skyscrapers and futuristic buildings, such as the Taipei Performing Arts Center and the Taipei Music Center. Finally, not far from Taipei, you can find beautiful natural areas. Yangmingshan National Park is a popular excursion destination, with its volcanic landscapes, hot springs and blooming flowers during spring. You can also visit Maokong Park, known for its tea plantations and the chance to enjoy a cup of traditional tea while admiring the view of the city.
Top destinations in Asia for women: Bali – spas, culture and spirituality
Bali, the well-known island located in Indonesia, attracts millions of visitors every year. Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, which include white sandy beaches, towering cliffs, terraced rice paddies and active volcanoes, make it an ideal destination for those in search of a variety of natural panoramas.
The island is well known for its charming beaches. Places such as Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua offer long stretches of white sand, crystal clear waters and the opportunity to enjoy activities such as surfing, snorkelling and diving.
But among the top destinations in Asia for women, Bali is suitable for those seeking culture and spirituality.
Most of Bali’s inhabitants practise Balinese Hinduism, which permeates every aspect of life on the island. You can visit ancient temples, participate in traditional ceremonies and discover Balinese art, dance and music. Bali is also a popular destination for wellness and spirituality. The island offers numerous yoga centres, meditation retreats and luxury spas where you can relax, rejuvenate and devote yourself to your physical and mental well-being.
A true paradise, even for those in search of spas, you can choose from luxury spas, or go to the cheaper ones where the locals usually go.
Also worth visiting are the Taman Ayun Temple where the god of marriage stands and a large gajumaru tree (a tree of the mulberry family) in the Bali Botanical Garden where spirits are said to dwell.
Finally, Balinese cuisine is a taste experience not to be missed with the traditional dishes babi guling (spit-roasted pork), or nasi goreng (fried rice) and sate (grilled meat skewers).
Top destinations in Asia for women: Bangkok – floating markets, massages and nightlife
There are several reasons to visit Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a vibrant and fascinating city. First of all, it is rich in history and culture. You can visit the magnificent Buddhist temples, such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which are true architectural gems. You can also explore the Grand Royal Palace, one of Bangkok’s main attractions and a testament to the country’s rich royal heritage.
Among the top destinations in Asia for women, Bangkok is renowned for its extraordinary cuisine. You can enjoy a wide range of traditional Thai dishes, such as the famous pad thai, tom yum goong (spicy prawn soup) and mango sticky rice (glutinous rice with mango).
You may not know that Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise.
The city is famous for its floating markets, such as Damnoen Saduak Market and Amphawa Market, where you can buy local products, traditional handicrafts and unique souvenirs. In addition, there are also several modern shopping malls, such as the MBK Center and Siam Paragon, which offer a wide selection of branded and fashion shops.
The Thai capital has a vibrant nightlife offering entertainment for all tastes. From the bustling streets of Khao San Road, popular with international travellers, to exclusive clubs and rooftop bars with panoramic views of the city, there are plenty of options for after-dark fun.
You may know that Bangkok is famous for its traditional Thai massages. You can enjoy a relaxing massage or spa treatment session at one of the many specialized centres. This is an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate during your trip.
The city offers a unique blend of contrasts. You can go from the luxury and modernity of the skyscrapers in the city centre to the traditional wooden houses in the canals of Thonburi, which offer a more authentic atmosphere. If you want to eat Thai food, Bangkok’s street food can sometimes be off-putting, but there are trendy restaurants and bars where you can safely try everything.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is a popular event held only on Saturdays and Sundays. At this market, you will find everything from clothes to all kinds of Thai products, great as souvenirs.
Top destinations in Asia for women: Hong Kong – skyline, history and Ladies Market
There are several reasons to visit Hong Kong, a dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis located on the southern coast of China.
Famous for its spectacular skyline, characterized by a myriad of skyscrapers rising above the waters of the Hong Kong Straits, the panoramic view of the city, with its glittering lights, is simply breathtaking.
You can admire this view from Victoria Peak Observatory or via a cruise in Victoria Harbour.
Among the top destinations in Asia for women, Hong Kong offers a wide gastronomic selection, from Michelin-starred restaurants to simple street food stalls.
You can enjoy traditional Cantonese dishes, such as dim sum and wonton noodles, or explore the variety of international cuisines available. Food markets, such as the Temple Street Night Market, also offer an authentic street food experience.
In addition, Hong Kong is a major commercial hub and a shopper’s paradise. From elegant shopping malls such as Causeway Bay and Central to traditional markets, you will find a wide selection of shops and products.
The most important and lively night market in Hong Kong is the Ladies Market (Women’s Street), which is located in the Mong Kok area and is so called because it caters predominantly to a female audience.
From luxury brands to local boutiques, you have plenty of options to satisfy your shopping cravings. Despite being a modern metropolis, Hong Kong also retains an interesting cultural and historical heritage. You can visit Buddhist temples and shrines, such as the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery and Wong Tai Sin Temple.
The Central district is also home to colonial buildings, such as City Hall and Supreme Court, which provide an insight into Hong Kong’s past.
Natural areas include hiking in Hong Kong’s majestic countryside, such as the Dragon’s Back Trail or Tai Mo Shan, the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. There are also parks such as Victoria Park and Kowloon Park, where you can relax and enjoy nature.
As for nightlife, Hong Kong offers elegant lounges and rooftop bars with city views, night clubs and beach parties during the summer.
The Bottom Line
In this article, we explored 5 top destinations in Asia for women. Regardless of personal taste, when it comes to selecting a travel target, there are a few tips to follow, applicable to any travel destination.
- Choose safe accommodation: when booking accommodation, look for reliable and well-rated facilities. Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the safety of the place where you are staying.
- Avoid walking alone at night: as a general precaution, avoid walking alone in isolated or dimly lit places at night. It is always better to travel in a group or take a taxi to reach your desired destinations.
- Keep an eye on your personal belongings: wherever you go, it is always important to keep an eye on your personal belongings and maintain good situational awareness. Avoid displaying valuables prominently and use shoulder bags or backpacks that are difficult to steal.
- Be aware of your company: when going out at night, make sure you keep an eye on your drinks and do not accept anything from people you do not know well. It is always better to be with trusted friends or in a group.
- Find out about areas of interest: some areas may be more frequented by tourists or less safe than others. Knowing your surroundings will help you make more informed decisions.
Remember that these precautions are general and applicable to any travel destination. These top destinations in Asia for women are considered safe, but it is important to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety. Keep following us for more interesting news and our LCN App.
