Women Travelers - First trip to Asia and going solo

Planning my first trip to Asia. Recently lost my husband so going on my own. I've traveled by myself in Europe several times, but never been to Asia.

Where is it safe to go by myself? I like to see historical sites, love to shop for items made locally, and stay in a nice place. I have lots of Hilton points I can use for a free stay.

I've considered Singapore - heard it's very safe, but not that much to see. Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam are others place I'm interested in.

For the place that you recommend, when is a good time to go?

Appreciate your help!

Jackie

My first Asia trip was a solo trip to Kyoto. It was wonderful and very easy to get around. Absolutely beautiful. Completely safe. As far as I know, violent crime is nonexistent and I saw no evidence of the petty crimes of Europe such as street hustles or pickpockets. Completely peaceful and wonderful for being on your own. I am more of a budget traveler but if you like, you can read my story. I will put some links in this post in a minute when I find them. I like to walk and day-hike a lot, and the mountains around there are great for this.

http://peachfront.diaryland.com/kyoto1.html
http://peachfront.diaryland.com/kyotopt2.html
http://peachfront.diaryland.com/kyoto3.html

By traveling solo, you will get more contact with the spirits of the place, in my humble opinion, if that doesn't sound too "woo." I could feel the magic there...

Hong Kong is safe but very, very busy and hectic so it depends on what you're looking for. Kyoto of course is busy and populated too but it doesn't have that super-hectic/busy vibe. There is more peace to be found there. I don't have that much experience of Asia so can't comment on your other suggestions. My post may have value only because it shows to you that a solo woman can travel easily in at least two of the places you are thinking to visit.

I forgot to say, even though you don't think of it as a shopping place, there is lots of shopping in Kyoto, so you don't have to think you will miss the shopping if you choose Japan rather than Hong Kong.

Safety: Japan ranks VERY high on safety. Singapore is also up there. Everywhere else, it depends on where you are and what time of day it is. In countries like Malaysia and Hong Kong, if you apply common sense and keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings, you'll be fine. ^

Interesting: Depends on what you find interesting! Historical sites abound in Japan. Shopping for local items is always going to be good anywhere, though beware of overpriced tourist trinkets. Shopping in Japan can be VERY expensive simply because the cost of living there is expensive, but if you set yourself a strict budget you'll be fine.

Staying in a nice place: Great hotels everywhere, and here's where you'll get a better bargain in less-developed countries.

A factor you might want to think about is the language barrier. Japanese are notoriously bad at English. If you're lucky people will try very hard to help you, and they will try very hard to dig up the English they've learned, but don't expect everyone to be able to communicate (even if they want to help). Tourism offices are staffed by people who don't fear English-speakers, but on the street you may have shopkeepers scared of you because they can't communicate and are too embarrassed to ask for help. This can be overcome with a friend who might be happy to be your guide in exchange for meals and transport. (I did this for some friends of my mother who came to Japan but couldn't speak a word of Japanese, and weren't that good with English either. They paid for all my train fares and meals, I showed them the best places to eat and shop, brought them to some tourism spots, and we all had a great time.)

Countries where English tends not to be a problem: Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Phillippines. I can't speak for Korea, I've never been.

Jackie, my condolences on your loss.

I haven't traveled much in Asia, but I found Singapore easy to get around in on my own. That said, I think I prefer peachfront's Kyoto idea.

We travel in Asia a lot, and have been to most asian countries. Definitely do not pick the Phillippines - it would be very unsafe for a single woman.

Japan would be my first choice for a foray into asia. It is safe, clean, food is great. The people are friendly, helpful, most understand english but are just shy about speaking it, someone will always help you if you look lost ! Transport is reliable and on time. Dont worry about travelling by train - it is great and all the station announcements are in english as well as japanese. One tip to save money - have your main meal in the middle of the day, lunch menus are always cheaper than dinner menus, then just buy some sushi for your dinner - you can get this at any big department store - the basement always has a great food section - fresh fruit, cooked food, CAKES - the japanese love cake and you will see some OTT decorations. We were recently in Nagoya, we had a great time and it is easy to get around, has a fantastic castle and gardens. Japanese gardens are a great place to visit especially if you like photography.
Hope that helps, and enjoy your trip - wherever you decide to go

Ann

I've travelled all over Asia, and had no major problems (wandering hands on the HKG MTR). Most of it is very safe - I've been to all the places you list except Vietnam, and would happily return to any of them.

I never found Japan that easy to navigate, mainly because the best food is not that accessible (HKG used to be like this but has got better). Since it's your first trip, China may be a bit of a reach, but it's also very safe and fascinating.

Your travel may be bitter sweet - I enjoy solo travel, not having to compromise and do what I want when I want, but since you have recently lost your husband, I suspect there will be times when you'll miss being able to share what you see and experience with him. But - enjoy it nevertheless. I love Asia, it's fascinating and different and vibrant.

Have a great trip!

Another vote for Japan and think Kyoto is a great first stop in Asia. I haven't had significant language problems in Japan as charades, pictionary, smiling, and a sense of humor work quite well. I even purchased macaroon's from Ladurée in Ginza and the young shop lady and I had a relevant conversation done mostly by drawing. She added a little ice pack because I wasn't going home immediately. Plenty of restaurants have fake food in the window so just take a picture of what you want to eat and show that to the waitress.

Kyoto has a lot of interesting shops and cultural sights. It isn't too much of a crush like I find Shanghai to be and the public transit is good. Here's a blog post of a sewing needle shop (I kid you not) in Kyoto http://stagingbento.justhungry.com/postcards-kyoto-misuyabari-and-hakotou-lovers-sewing-and-handcrafts and the blog also has other suggestions for local handiwork.

Are the Hilton points usable at the Conrad? If so, a friend enjoyed her stay at the Conrad Tokyo and made liberal use of the concierge for directions and getting oriented.

Singapore is also interesting. I just watched Anthony Bourdain's "The Layover- Singapore" and saw a lot of delicious foods I didn't get try while I was there. I felt the shopping was a lot of imports but even then, I spotted some interesting stores in Sim Lim Square and had fun wandering through the grocery stores. Enjoyed the gardens and the lush feel. But I think the prime attraction for me is the food instead of the cultural sights. So many cultures in one small area makes for some really interesting food.

Since this is flyertalk, I'll say that I put SIN and ICN very high on the transit airport scale. HKG and NRT aren't as good, in my opinion. HKG seems to have a very tight transit due to a long walk from deplaning to reboarding. ICN was more efficient and even left 20+ minutes for shopping for some Korean cosmetics. NRT shopping doesn't really seem that great/different and after Tokyo shopping, feels like a let down. KIX has a newer section in the middle international building with a few decent shops but the food seemed just so-so (not very ethnic). I'm looking forward to going through HND sometime.

I'm going to vote Cambodia and Thailand. I went with another female friend and we had zero issues.

In Cambodia, we had a guide (search Ponheary Ly here on FT) and zero issues. We arrived without hotel reservations, her brother, Dara, got us an air-con room right away at what I considered a decent price. He then arranged our 3.5 days in Siem Reap, travelling in a Camry and we had a great time.

In Thailand, we wandered around Bangkok without any issue, taking tuk-tuks and asking directions at our hotel. We then also spent some time in Koh Samui.

I loved it an can't wait to go back. I will even consider going back solo if I can't find someone to travel with

I frequently travel alone to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) on business and it is a safe country (subject to the usual sensible precautions). The most dangerous thing in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the traffic as there are so many motorcycles and zebra crossings don't mean anything. When you want ot cross you have to walk at a steady pace and the bikes will find their way around you - problems really only arise if you suddenly stop.

I eat in restaurants on my own and have no problems, similarly walking back to my hotel at night.

I haven't yet been to the rest of the country but I cna't see it woudl be any different.

The Vietnamese people are lovely.

I've done a lot of solo travel in Asia over the last 40 years. For safety and interesting I would recommend: Singapore (but VERY hot there year around), Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang (inexpensive flights from Chiang Mai), Kyoto, Hiroshima. I wouldn't recommend Vietnam, it's the ONLY country I've ever visited that I didn't like - I was constantly cheated there and certainly don't recommend it for a first solo trip. I haven't been to Korea, Taiwan (except to change planes), or Philippines.

For most of Asia travel in October is ideal, the monsoons are generally over and the weather isn't overly hot. Getting around in Japan is much easier than it used to be, there are more signs in English now. Railpass travel in Japan is absolutely wonderful, check it out.

Several airlines offer special tickets that include multiple destinations, Cathay Pacific comes to mind. Check out the offerings by Singapore Airlines on Singapore stopovers combined with travel to another city. Budget Travel magazine and website have good articles about current "deals."

I'm an Old Japan Hand (first went in 1977 as a student and have been back 13 times since), and I have never had any problems with safety.

There are plenty of good guidebooks available, and signs are bilingual (English-Japanese) in train and subway stations.

The Japan Rail Pass is a good deal if you are going to be making at least a round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto or an equivalent distance. Otherwise, you're better off buying individual tickets.

One of the great things about Japan is that you don't have to stay in an expensive hotel to enjoy safety and cleanliness. The average "business hotels" (mostly basic single rooms with private bath) are about $100 a night or less, depending on the city, and some include breakfast.

You also don't have to be afraid to eat in low-cost restaurants or drink the tap water, because the standards of sanitation are quite high.

Everyone under the age of about 65 has studied at least 3 years of English. This doesn't mean that they speak it--they've either forgotten it or are too scared--but almost everyone can read simple English written in block letters.

Every region has its own handicrafts, and they tend to come in both cheap and expensive versions. For example, Kyoto is famous for its brocades. You can spend thousands of dollars for a bolt of the finest kimono cloth or else you can spend about $20 for a coin purse and billfold set. Your guidebook will tell you what each region is famous for.

If you decide to visit Tokyo as well, then you'll see both traditional and modern Japan, but if you stay in Kyoto, be sure to go to Nara as well. That's the eighth century capital, about 30 minutes away by train, and it's even more peaceful than Kyoto and much more compact.

The best times to go to Japan are in the spring between March and mid-May and in the fall from October through early December. Winters aren't bad in Kyoto and Tokyo (dry, with highs of about 5°C--in the 40's Fahrenheit), but you won't see many plants. June is rainy and muggy, and July through September is hot, hot, hot, especially in Kyoto, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides.

If you're interested in Japan, start by buying a guidebook and reading up on it (or whichever country you decide to go to). I recommend the Insight Guides with their beautiful photography and excellent essays on the local culture as background reading for any country, followed by one of the standard guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Frommers, Rough Guide) for the nitty gritty details.

I just came back from Singapore. It is very safe and english is spoken everywhere. The people are lovely and friendly. However, I felt like I was in any big city in the US with many MANY malls with the same stores we have in the US. If I were traveling for a vacation I wouldn't go back to Singapore.

My favorite place in Asia is Japan. It is easy. I don't like the food--I survive on steak and gyoza and beer. I've even had gyoza and beer for breakfast. It's easy to get around in. All the railroad signage is in English. I've shopped in stores in nontourist towns with clerks who speak no English. It's just fun.

I just got back from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos (yesterday in fact). Not a problem. I never felt I was cheated. Luang Prabang was a terrific surprise.

I hate China, but that's a personal opinion.

I think I would go with Japan or Thailand for the first trip. Bangkok is much too hot for me.

I travel with my son, but I wouldn't blink an eye at going to Japan or Thailand on my own.

I'm sorry for your loss.

I, too, love Japan.

If you go, you must try staying at least once at a traditional Japanese hotel--a ryokan.

This site is excellent--it's a free service, which takes away language problems for you! They even give you a print out with names and directions in Japanese so you can show it to a taxi driver (cleanest taxis in the universe in japan, by the way).

They have detailed instructions on the cultural expectations so you feel you know what you are doing.

http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/index.htm

We used it to stay in monastery on Mt. Koyasan! It was a fantastic experience. We stayed at this one:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/mount_koya/shojoshinin.htm

The trains are clean, efficient and totally safe--use them!

Favorite places (all very safe): Kyoto, Mt. Koyasan, Takayama (a bit of a train trip but a mountain town where Japanese tourists go)

Actually i have been to most of the places you mentioned this year.

How long are you planning to go?
If just for a few days i would recommend Singapore. Its a really safe place, easy to get around and you have a great range of different food options there
- kind of a melting pot of south east asia. For more information look at my tripreport:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1249815-vietnam-little-more-os-lh-vn-business.html

If you are planning to make a longer trip i would recommend Japan. As soon as you are there its absolutely easy to get around by trip - so its very convenient to visit a few different citys to see the whole range from historic sites like in Kyoto or bustling citylife like in Tokyo - again more information (especially about getting around by train - but also what you can see in one week) in my tripreport:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1289821-lost-translation-lh-lx-first-japan.html

If you have any further questions just ask.

I've been to HKG 3 times as a solo traveller - the most recent time was in March 2011 and I'll be going again in the summer of 2012. Don't flaunt your wealth, dress casually, wear sensible, flat shoes for walking and buy an Octopus card to get out and about on the underground system. Also keep change for The Star Ferry and the trams. Whilst there, visit Ladies' Market in Mong Kok and bag a bargain. I'd also recommend dining at Cafe Coral - fast food Chinese style. HKG is a lovely city - enjoy!

Have to agree with Cypress ... I've been to a few different places solo and always leave my jewelry home and usually dress pretty casually (not that that is anything different to home really!)

HKG & SIN are both very easy to navigate and explore ... I went to Taiwan last year for a week and the countryside was beautiful and train system really good ... However very little English spoken - had to keep finding college students to translate my coffee order!

Have also been to a couple different areas in Indonesia solo which I enjoyed ... I think this area (like most really) can be quite safe as long as you do your research and know what parts to stick to and where to steer clear of.

good luck with your travels and my condolences also.

Hi! Jackie sorry to hear about your loss!
As for travelling in the far east my suggestion would be consult the Berlitz Guide to the destination of your choice. These books are available at Waterstones or any good book shop. Alternatively they are usually available at airport shops positioned on a circular stand and will fit nicely in your handbag.
If you decide on Hong Kong suggest the Hilton Conrad in Pacific Place on Hong Kong Island preferable to the Kowloon area of Hong Kong. Taxis are very cheap and plentiful in Hong Kong for getting around. Do not Tip them too heavily if the taxi fare is 27 HKG dollars give them 30HKG they do not expect any more.Great for shopping!
If you decide on Bangkok you would be well advised to book a hotel on the River away from any smog! Again the Conrad or The Royal Orchid as an alternative on the opposite site of the River.Great for shopping
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur also a good place to stop over again look for any Hilton or Traders.Great for Shopping!

Singapore just too clinical and the shopping is not inspirational.

I notice your comment that you will be travelling alone what you really mean is unaccompanied.You are never alone!To get the most out of your long haul trip do not travel economy especially on the night flights use your points to upgrade to Premium or Club if available.
Well Done! for considering this trip its an adventure as wellas a new experience,
TBART3

Thanks for all the help. Here's what I decided.

The majority suggested Japan and that's the first trip I'm taking. I leave March 27th and will be there for my anniversary (don't want to be home during this first year without my husband). I have 6 nights at the Conrad, but am going to Kyoto for 2 days. Any suggestions for "must see" places are appreciated.

The 2nd trip is to South Korea. I've booked the Millennium Hilton for 4 nights. This is in late October for my birthday. My husband was stationed here so I would like to see it. I'm still investigating what to do there besides a trip to the DMZ.

Depending on how these trips go, I'll schedule some additional places.

I was able to use my status on United to upgrade all the flights to business using my system wide upgrades. That helped make the decision of where to go first. I'm used to going to Europe in coach, but these longer flights will be so much better in a lie flat seat.

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to help me!

I went to Tokyo a few years back with my dad who was there for a work conference. The day that he was working, I took a guided bus trip to Mount Fuji. I would definitely recommend that. They picked me up from the hotel and dropped me off there, there were plenty of other people on it, the guide was very good and it was so breath-taking. We also had a stop in the nearby hot springs. If you're interested I could try and find out which company it was, but I'm sure the concierge in your hotel will have suggestions for something like this.

On a trip to Japan, went from Kyoto to stay a night at a japanese style hotel in Hakone, a lake district vacation spot near Mt Fuji

Took the train from Kyoto and then caught a bus for the trip up the mountain, beautiful scenery. I think there is also a cog rail but I just went with the suggestions from the tourist info in Kyoto for the trip and also the small hotel

Wonderful hot bath outdoors but with screens, the lake is a japanese tourist spot so my son and I were the only non-Japanese and we really enjoyed the stay. We know no Japanese but all arrangements were fine, I had a print out of the hotel name and gave to bus driver. He stopped at hotel and helped us off

Japanese hotels in cities with english speaking concierges give great advice and also tourist info centers

I have been Kyoto several times. It's a very historical city and feels like old Japan. You should stay more longer if you can because there is a lot of surrounding areas near Kyoto that is worth a day trip to.

Go to the most famous temples: Kinkaku-ji (gold temple), Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo castle, etc. At night you should walk around Gion and have dinner at a kaiseki restaurant (reservation a must). Kyoto station itself is very interest to explore. The department store there has a basement full of prepared food (bento boxes, hot foods, sushi). There is nothing like a Japanese department store food department! I ate my way around a few of them.

If you have more than two days, take a day trip to Nara (1 hr by train). Nara is another ancient temple town with deers. You can feed the deers.

If you have even more time, visit Osaka or Arashiyama. Arashiyama is all about nature. Very few foreign tourists make it out there. The river there is beautiful. You can eat a special vegetarian lunch in the temple, take the scenic train to the next town and take a boat ride back into town.

As background reading for your trip to Japan, I recommend first the Insight Guide to Japan and/or the Insight Guide to Tokyo* for cultural information and general inspiration. Then buy individual guidebooks for Tokyo and Kyoto. Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, and Frommers all have guidebooks for each city.

*I am a huge fan of the Insight Guides. They're low on practical information, but they can't be beat for cultural information, beautiful photography, and narrative descriptions of the various locations.

Your visit might coincide with Cherry Blossom season! It is really gorgeous and worth planning some extra time to enjoy the flowers.

Here's some of the predictions and you can ask your concierge for the latest updates and suggestions on viewing spots. Many trees are planted near temples so you'll probably see some during your travels but if it is peak blooming time, be prepared for a crowd.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html

Your visit might coincide with Cherry Blossom season! It is really gorgeous and worth planning some extra time to enjoy the flowers.

Here's some of the predictions and you can ask your concierge for the latest updates and suggestions on viewing spots. Many trees are planted near temples so you'll probably see some during your travels but if it is peak blooming time, be prepared for a crowd.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html

Looks like I will be in Tokyo for the opening of the cherry blossom season. Won't be there during the peak which starts April 5th. I leave on the 3rd.

I was going to try to do Kyoto, but will do that on another trip. I have 6 days and think I will take a few day trips from Tokyo and concentrate on that area.

Appreciate all the help and encouragement!

As background reading for your trip to Japan, I recommend first the Insight Guide to Japan and/or the Insight Guide to Tokyo* for cultural information and general inspiration. Then buy individual guidebooks for Tokyo and Kyoto. Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, and Frommers all have guidebooks for each city.

*I am a huge fan of the Insight Guides. They're low on practical information, but they can't be beat for cultural information, beautiful photography, and narrative descriptions of the various locations.

I also like the Insight Guides. I have downloaded one guide book on my iPad. Wish there were more available - so easy to take it and reduce the weight in the suitcase from travel guides. I like the guide books before I travel to determine what I want to see and love the pictures in the Insight Guides.

Looks like I will be in Tokyo for the opening of the cherry blossom season. Won't be there during the peak which starts April 5th. I leave on the 3rd.

That sounds like an awesome trip, hope you enjoy it!