Solo travel in Southeast Asia: how small-group tours help you meet people and stay safe

On a tour you have a guide who handles transport and tickets, a safe place to ask questions and a ready-made group of people who are also travelling alone. A day tour is a low-commitment way to meet others, and you can still spend the evenings on your own. Pick tours with a maximum group size of 10 to 12, and avoid huge coach tours.

• ✔Food tours in Bangkok, Hanoi or Singapore, because eating together makes talking easy.
• ✔Cooking classes in Chiang Mai or Bali.
• ✔Island-hopping boat trips in Krabi or Phuket.
• ✔Sunrise treks such as Mount Batur.
• ✔Cycling and kayaking tours.

• ✔Share your plans with someone back home.
• ✔Use ride-hailing apps instead of unmarked taxis.
• ✔Keep your drink in sight at bars.
• ✔Choose well-reviewed guesthouses with a good location.
• ✔Trust your instincts and leave if something feels wrong.

Bangkok is easy, with plenty of hostels and tours. Chiang Mai is relaxed and social. Hanoi and Siem Reap are easy to enjoy on a short trip, and Bali has a big community of solo travellers. Start in one city for a few days, then move on.

For nervous solo travellers, an organised tour on the first day is a gentle introduction. Once you meet other travellers, you can share transport and plans for the next stage.

1. 1Check the group size and the average age and style, usually in the reviews.
2. 2Read the itinerary carefully for free time, meals and activity level.
3. 3Look at solo-traveller feedback in recent reviews.
4. 4Choose flexible cancellation, in case plans change.
5. 5Pick a first-day tour that is easy, short and social.

Choose accommodation that suits your style. If you want a lively atmosphere, a hostel with a bar and events is ideal. If you prefer quiet, a small guesthouse with a shared breakfast gives conversation without the noise.

• ✔Social hostels with common rooms and organised events.
• ✔Guesthouses with family-run atmospheres for local connection.
• ✔Co-working cafés in Chiang Mai and Bali for digital nomads.
• ✔Language exchanges and cooking classes for meeting locals.
• ✔Online groups and apps for meetups in cities.

Keep a copy of your passport and insurance details, and share your location with someone you trust. Use a money belt or hidden pouch for emergency cash, and keep your phone secure. Be careful about accepting drinks from strangers, and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.

Take time to rest, as constant travel can be tiring. Eat well, drink water and stay in touch with friends and family. Many solo travellers find that a mix of group tours and independent days gives the best balance. Read our Bangkok guide, the Angkor guide and the Bali guide.

A classic route is Bangkok, Chiang Mai, then a Thai island, followed by Vietnam or Cambodia. See our guides to Bangkok street food, Chiang Mai elephants, Hanoi and Angkor Wat.