Travelling solo can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. There’s the joy of not having to compromise on plans, the space to reconnect with yourself, and the quiet thrill of getting completely lost (then finding your way again). For some, it’s about self-discovery; for others, it’s about freedom. Either way, choosing the right destination makes all the difference – and in a recent report from Aviation A2Z, one Asian country ranked as the best country in the world to go it alone.
According to the research, there’s nowhere in the world as perfectly tuned for solo exploration as Japan. It’s safe, polite, and astonishingly well-organised – a dream for travellers who value independence. Tokyo’s sprawling neon cityscape might look intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy to navigate thanks to an immaculate public transport system and the kind of hospitality that makes even the most complex ramen order a breeze.
Visitors can spend mornings weaving through the crowds at Shibuya Crossing, snacking their way through Tsukiji’s Outer Market, then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto for a gentler rhythm. There, golden temples glint in the sun and vermilion torii gates stretch endlessly up Mount Inari. Further north, Hokkaido’s hot springs and snowy landscapes offer a tranquil counterpoint to city life. And then, of course, there's Time Out Market: a haven for food-lovers in the buzzy, creative city of Osaka.
Japan also rewards travellers who slow down. Its guiding philosophies – from Zen to wabi-sabi – invite mindfulness and appreciation for imperfection. Whether soaking in an onsen or sipping matcha beneath a maple tree, solo travellers can find a little peace in the simplicity of being present.
The other Asian country to rank among the top five countries for solo travellers was Thailand. If Japan is quiet precision, Thailand is joyful chaos – and that’s exactly why solo travellers love it. The “Land of Smiles” is welcoming, affordable, and buzzing with energy from north to south.
In Bangkok, the Grand Palace glitters under the tropical sun, while Chatuchak Market overflows with endless stalls of food, art, and curios. Chiang Mai (recently ranked as the safest city in Southeast Asia), tucked in the mountains, moves at a slower pace – think lantern-lit temples, bustling night bazaars, and cooking classes that end with new friends and a belly full of pad thai. Down south, Koh Samui and Koh Tao promise turquoise water and barefoot bliss, while the Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay serve cinematic scenery straight out of The Beach.
Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is so well developed that even first-time solo travellers will feel instantly at ease. Between yoga retreats, scuba schools, and lively hostels, it’s as easy to connect with fellow wanderers as it is to disappear into solitude when you need it.
Across the Pacific, New Zealand ranked as the second-best country in the world for solo travellers, while Portugal placed at number three, and Canada ranked in fourth place.
Essentially, solo travel is about embracing the world on your own terms – and in places like Japan and Thailand, that freedom feels especially sweet. Japan’s meditative calm and Thailand’s lively warmth offer two very different flavours of independence, each equally unforgettable.
These are the top 5 countries in the world for solo travellers
1. Japan
2. New Zealand
3. Portugal
4. Canada
5. Thailand
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