Safest Ways for Women to Travel Solo in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is becoming a popular destination for travelers because of its low cost to travel and its booming tourism industry. With full moon parties, fast developing cities and some of the best food on earth, travelers are making a big appearance. This includes female solo-travelers and with that come the usual precautions.

Follow these few guidelines to make the most of Southeast Asia while staying safe.

Though the dress code is much more relaxed in this hot and humid part of the world, follow your basic rules on when it’s appropriate to be wearing a beach-worthy outfit. At the beach? Yes. In the middle of the night coming home from a bar? No.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching in the bigger cities is common, so make sure you either keep your belongings in a safe pocket or take a tuk tuk. Holding a big purse while riding the back of a moto is an easy target — across-the-body bags aren’t recommended either since thieves can pull you off the moto and into traffic.

Be sure to always close and lock windows and doors, especially if you’re staying alone. The buildings are in close proximity to one another making it easy for potential break-ins.

As with any destination, try to have a buddy with you. Use the network of female travelers or local women to make your experience the safest one it can be.