The best solo travel destinations in Asia

For culture appreciators

Uzbekistan is not a common destination mentioned in casual travel conversations, but we highly recommend it for those looking for something different in terms of culture, history, and architecture.

What to do Known for its stunning mosques and mausoleums with intricate designs, the Registan, Samarkand's most famous square, is a must-see in Uzbekistan. It has three 15th to 17th century madrassahs (Islamic schools) that form an extraordinary architectural ensemble. Walk along University Boulevard to see the statue of the former ruler, Amir Timur, and the spectacular Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, or Tomb of the King, nearby. Browse countless souvenirs, food, spices and nuts at Siyob Bazaar, which is next to the historic Bibi Khanym Mosque. It is no wonder this city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures.

Concerned about your carbon footprint? Splurge on the Golden Eagle Luxury Train’s two-week trip down the Silk Road. There’s a more affordable option via public high-speed rail: an eight-day Golden Road private tour travelling through Uzbekistan via Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. 

Where to stay If one stop is enough for you, Samarkand is a great place to be. Uzbekistan has opened its doors to more tourism investments by extending subsidies and benefits for new hotel openings until 2026. The most recent is the Hilton Samarkand Regency. Others to consider are the budget Furkat Guesthouse or, a little out of the city but with good facilities, the Medina Hotel Samarkand.

Where to eat Dine at Bibikanum Teahouse, which serves local cuisine and vegetarian options, or Oasis Garden, which serves international and local dishes.

For a different mode of travel

Take it up a notch and explore Mongolia's vast and picturesque landscapes by train. We recommend an 11-day bullet train tour that starts in Beijing, China, and ends in Ulaanbaatar.

What to do The Trans-Mongolian railway journey by Intrepid Travel takes you from China’s Inner Mongolia region, following the ancient path of tea caravans through to Mongolia’s capital of Ulaanbaatar. Set to start in June 2025, it passes mesmerising sites like the unique Asihatu Stone Forest and the Hunshandake Sandy Land in the China portion of the journey, then the Khamriin Monastery in Sainshand and the steppes of Khustai National Park. Spend a day with a family of herders and end the railway journey in Ulaanbaatar by staying in a traditional yurt.

If you prefer a shorter version of the trip that stays within Mongolia's borders, hop on the regular train service from Ulaanbaatar to Zamiin-Uud and Erenhot. The journey takes about two days, and you will cross the steppes and the Gobi Desert, all great landscapes to view.

Where to stay Stay in one of Ulaanbaatar’s newest five-star hotels, The Corporate Hotel and Convention Centre, located near the iconic must-visit Sukhbaatar Square. Also consider Zuut Hotel, situated close to the capital’s State Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre, where you can catch world-class performances of traditional Mongolian music and dance. 

Where to eat Located at the Shangri-La Hotel, Naadam is a great bar and restaurant that serves cocktails, international meals, and vegetarian options. Another safe bet is Modern Nomads, an established chain of restaurants serving Mongolian cuisine. 

For unexpected luxury surrounded by nature

Sri Lanka as a whole is a must-visit, but our pick for a sanctuary stay is Kandy. The island's second-largest city is a four-hour train ride away from bustling Colombo, offering a quieter destination rich in culture, historical sites, and lush nature. Must-sees here are the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site and a UNESCO Heritage Site. 

What to do Other than seeing Buddha’s actual tooth relic, the nearby tranquil Kandy Lake is a great way to get your steps count up. The Royal Botanical Gardens, once fit for the former Sinhalese kings, have over 4,000 species of gorgeous plants to discover and admire. 

Where to stay Here's where the luxury part comes in. Sri Lanka's first seven-star hotel is now open with 12 private chalets, each featuring its own swimming pool. Located in the Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy, Aviyana’s Private Chalets will eventually feature over 50 private chalets. 

Where to eat Sign up for a foodie tour with a local for an authentic experience that takes you to restaurants and street stalls where locals grab their grub. For cheap and cheerful vegetarian cuisine, Balaji Dosai is a hit. If you're looking for a vibrant atmosphere with live music and international and vegetarian dishes, Hideout Lounge is a good place to check out. 

For easy-going spiritual seekers

Best known as the first place you land and the last place you leave when you want to attempt anything with the ever-challenging Mount Everest, Kathmandu has many attractions on offer for the non-climbing traveller.

What to do For non-climbers who are still curious about Mount Everest, you can book a one-hour panoramic flight tour of the highest mountain in the world or even a helicopter tour that lands at Everest Base Camp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

For religion and history buffs, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest and most important Hindu temple in Nepal. These are part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage site comprising over 500 temples, pagodas, shrines, and ashrams. 

Where to stay. When The Royal Tulip Kathmandu opens in 2025, it will be Nepal's largest hotel. While you wait for that, splurge at Dwarika’s Hotel, a 5-star spot that showcases traditional Nepalese architecture made luxurious for modern times. You can also check out the Dalai-La Boutique Hotel, which is located in the popular Thamel area. The neighbourhood is full of eateries, shops, and a greenery nook named Garden of Dreams. 

Where to eat Sign up for a food tour and cooking class to really get into the local Newari cuisine. Try Yangling, which serves excellent Tibetan and Nepali cuisine for cheap, and the lively Roadhouse Cafe, which serves great wood-fired pizzas.

For enjoying the good life

Escape Japan’s tourist crowds in Okinawa, a chain of islands known for its citizens' longevity. Its pristine beaches, relaxed island culture, rich history, and healthy food also offer a unique experience in a country famed for its frenetic big cities.  

What to do Enjoy the island paradise by snorkelling in Miyakojima’s crystal, turquoise waters – nicknamed Miyako blue – where you will find beautiful coral reefs. Scuba divers are in for a bigger adventure: spectacular cave dives like W-Arch and Satan's Palace. On land, visit the Miyakojima Traditional Crafts Village to learn about Okinawan crafts like bingata cloth dyeing and shisa-making. 

Where to stay For a more remote setting, the gorgeous Miyakojima or Miyako Island is only a 50-minute flight from Okinawa’s international airport. It features the newly opened Rosewood Miyakojima, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts' first property in Japan. 

Where to eat Stuff yourself with local cuisine, including Miyakojima’s very own renowned beef at Yakiniku Nakao. Homemade staples such as soba and ramen are a treat at Summer Taiyo, and a local sake called awamori is a must-try available at most restaurants and bars around the island.

For the creatives

Head north past the crowds of Canggu into Tabanan, where a new Balinese creative hub has been established. Called Nuanu Creative City, it’s a paradise for adults who enjoy retreats and activities involving music, wellness, sustainability, and art.  

What to do Indulge in food, drink, dance, and pool dipping at Luna Beach Club. It was the site of the Suara Festival in 2024 and will also host the upcoming drum and bass music festival, Locus, in June 2025. Be greeted by immersive art installations by South African artist Daniel Popper as you enter the area, which is already a regular Instagram feature. Take a refreshing dip in either of the two pools, one of which you can enter via a slide into a cave-like party zone. 

For a more serene activity, hang out with adorable alpacas at Pacha Alpaca or book a wellness treatment at Lumeira Spa, which has the world's largest dome-shaped wood-fire thermal room for steam, sauna, and herbal sound healing. 

Where to stay Labyrinth Residences is the perfect retreat for music creatives. Designed to look like a hobbit's sanctuary straight out of Lord of the Rings, its home to Labyrinth Studios, where you can take DJ retreats and masterclasses by Club Conscious. And for a quiet sanctuary, stay at the newly opened Oshom Bali, an intentionally designed boutique hotel that caters to mindfulness, organic, wellness and restorative needs. 

Where to eat You’re spoiled for choice in Nuanu with various dining concepts. Head to Luna Beach Club for international plates, Pasar Nusantara for Indonesian cuisine, Ash for global flavours, Lumeira for health-centric meals, and Oshom Bali for oceanfront dining.

For slowing down

While everyone is rushing to Koh Samui to live out their “White Lotus” fantasies, you can experience something of a 'best-kept secret' on a little island near the Malaysian border. Only an hour-and-a-half speedboat ride away from Langkawi, Koh Lipe is a quaint island offering crystal clear waters, beautiful sunsets and a chilled atmosphere. It is so small, you can stroll the island in about 40 minutes end to end. It has only scooters and long-tail boats as transport, adding to the laid-back feel of the island. 

What to do Koh Lipe is great for snorkelling, diving and hiking. You don’t have to go far for clear waters and coral reefs, as they surround the island. You can go across to Koh Adang by longtail boat for a great hike up to a lookout point where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Andaman Sea. If you're scuba-certified, book diving trips to islands nearby since Koh Lipe is part of 51 islands that make up the Tarutao National Marine Park.

Where to stay: Stay at the recently opened three-star Andaman Beach Resort by Zodiac on Sunrise Beach. A little upmarket is the five-star Irene Pool Villa Resort, where you can have your own plunge pool by the beachfront—the ultimate treat, in our opinion. 

Where to eat Walking Street offers a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars to choose from. Eat at Elephant, which offers great brunch and vegan menus; Thai Lady Pancake Shop, which has the best mango smoothies (we did a little dance every time we took a sip!) and sweet crepes or rotis; and Hua Mum Seafood, which has the most delicious barbequed sea bass.