12 destinos asiáticos para mochileiros solo pela primeira vez

Em 2012, viajei sozinho pela primeira vez na minha vida.

Ainda me lembro de como eu estava com medo antes da viagem. Com apenas uma pequena mochila, um livro de Neil Gaiman, mil dólares e uma vontade de sair da minha zona de conforto, embarquei no avião para Bangkok. Enquanto eu estava fazendo o check -in, não havia borboletas na minha barriga, apenas uma ótima preocupação de que eu me achei inapto para o estilo de vida de viagem e voltei para casa mais cedo do que o planejado.

Olhando para trás, não posso deixar de rir da ideia de que praticamente me impressionava. Quero dizer, é o sudeste da Ásia! Não está muito longe da minha zona de conforto! Mas não seria apenas a minha primeira vez viajando sozinha, como também seria a minha jornada mais longa – um mês inteiro em quatro países: Tailândia, Camboja, Laos e Vietnã. Eu estava preocupado com várias coisas: segurança, golpes, fundos, sendo socialmente estranho.

Felizmente, eles foram dominados pelo pensamento de que era algo que eu tinha que fazer para este blog, mas para o crescimento pessoal. Eu queria fazer coisas que nunca havia feito antes, para ser desafiado novamente, para ficar sozinho novamente. Na época, eu estava em um relacionamento comprometido há mais de três anos e queria um tempo para mim apenas por um mês.

Essa viagem abriu tão inúmeras portas, deixando em um oceano de possibilidades. Os amigos que fiz dentro daquele mês eram amigos que eu mantive até hoje. (Um deles eu já havia ido em Paris duas vezes!) As idéias que surgiram na minha cabeça se tornaram pedras angulares da profissão que eu tinha porque construí. E os aprendizados que colecionei ao longo do caminho se tornaram a luz que me guia durante os tempos desafiadores.

Claro, não será o mesmo para todos nós. A viagem solo não é para todos, mas certamente é algo que eu recomendo que você tente pelo menos uma vez na sua vida. Mas por onde começar? Se você é como eu, que está nervoso com tudo, ficará feliz por haver destinos fantásticos para viajantes solo pela primeira vez-com uma barreira de idioma mínima, opções de viagem altamente organizadas e uma próspera cultura de mochila.

Perguntamos a alguns dos meus amigos blogueiros para lugares que são melhores para uma estréia solo de viagens, e essas são 12 de nossas sugestões.

Bangkok, Tailândia

É praticamente impossível construir esta lista sem menção de Bangkok, o epicentro da cena de mochila do sudeste da Ásia. É aqui que as trilhas típicas de mochila na região começam e terminam. Bangkok está tão acostumado a turistas que você pode conferir sites por conta própria facilmente.

“Para viajantes solo internacionais pela primeira vez, não há outra cidade que eu recomendaria”, diz Aleah Taboclaon, da Solitary Wanderer. “Em Bangkok, todo mundo está totalmente livre para fazer suas próprias coisas. Os habitantes locais não piscarão em casais do mesmo sexo e, se você quiser usar suas calças de ioga enquanto sairá, não vai dar uma segunda olhada. É claro que a Tailândia é muito mais do que apenas Bangkok, mas para os viajantes solo apenas aprendendo o seu caminho, eu recomendaria Bangkok para seu primeiro destino internacional. ”

O que é amar?

Acomodações acessíveis! Até seus hotéis não são tão caros quanto seus colegas em outras partes do mundo.

Cozinha barata, mas irresistível. Somente a comida de rua [é digna de várias postagens dedicadas no blog.

Muitos sites interessantes para ver na cidade. Do básico como o Grand Palace e Wat Arun a obscurecer, como o Santuário do Phallus.

Vida noturna vibrante!

Grande ponto de salto para destinos vizinhos como Ayutthaya e até Siem Reap no Camboja.

O que você precisa saber

Golpes. Quando Deus banhou o mundo com golpes, Bangkok ficou muito mais do que sua parte. Mas eles são muito fáceis de evitar. Você só precisa estar familiarizado com eles antes de ir.

Se você está atrás de sites não turísticos, isso não é para você. Bangkok recebe milhões e milhões de visitantes todos os anos.

Mais informações: dicas de viagem solo de Bangkok

El Nido, Filipinas

Diz -se que as Filipinas estão do lado errado do Mar da China Meridional, desconectadas de seus vizinhos. Chegar aqui leva muito mais tempo e esforço, mas aqueles que fazem são recompensados ​​com uma escapada tropical inesquecível. A mochila ainda é um conceito emergente no país, mas não em El Nido.

El Nido has been a haven for backpackers for decades. It’s the top choice for Micaela Rodriguez of Senyorita. the best thing about El Nido is that you can still have loads of fun even if you’re going solo. many trips operate on a system that puts strangers together on a boat for a day-long island adventure. and the prices are regulated, ensuring that tourists do not pay much more than they should. It’s something a solitary soul don’t need to be concerned about.

What’s to love?

Incredible beaches, karst cliffs, and dive sites. There’s no running short of wonder here.

Sites are “bundled” together in trip packages. trip A for Miniloc Island attractions, trip C for Matinloc Island, and so on. You just need to choose the island trip and they’ll prepare everything for you, including lunch.

Affordable accommodations.

Locals are friendly and hospitable.

O que você precisa saber

Because of limited direct flight options, El Nido can still feel a bit isolated. It’s around 6 hours from Puerto Princesa by land and 8 hours from Coron by boat.

Been here 3 times and there are still power interruptions, so make sure you choose a hotel equipped with a generator.

Don’t forget to bring some mosquito-repellent lotion.

More info: El Nido Tips

Siargao, Philippines

Another Philippine destination that has delighted in an enhanced backpacker traffic is Siargao, recommended by Sabrina Iovino of just One way Ticket.

“Siargao is a wonderful place for first-time travelers in the Philippines,” Sabrina declares. “It’s a stunning island with friendly locals and a unwinded surfers vibe. even if you don’t surf, check out Siargao, there is plenty to do for non surfers.”

More info: Siargao guide for Non-Surfers

Photo by Sabrina Iovino
O que é amar?

If you’re after sun and sand, this is your paradise.

Not as touristy as other beach destinations in the Philippines. Not yet, at least.

Affordable accommodations. Sabrina adds, “If you want to meet people, stay at Kermit resort or alternatively at Paglaom, the latter one provides dorm rooms, it’s easy to connect with fellow travelers.”

O que você precisa saber

Limited flight options. It isn’t as easily available as other islands in the Philippines.

Hong Kong

Whenever readers ask us for first overseas travel ideas, Hong Kong is always a top-of-mind recommendation. and it looks like we’re not alone. girl Rising ambassador and PS I’m On My way founder Trisha Velarmino agrees. “There is only one explanation why a first-time solo traveler ought to go to Hong Kong,” she shares. “You will have numerous nights you won’t remember with the people you will never forget. The drama, the charm, the beauty, the breathless energy, the impolite but welcoming people — I knew I always wanted to write a story set in Hong Kong.”

O que é amar?

Expansive and reputable transportation system

Unlike other urban hubs like Tokyo and Singapore, Hong Kong enjoys a much lower cost of living.

East meets West feels!

Great food, if you know where to look.

Not much language barrier. English is widely spoken.

More info: Hong Kong and Macau travel Guide

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The gateway to the Angkor Temples, Siem Reap is another crowd favorite for a reason. before my visit, I knew what to expect, yet I was still blown away by the sheer size of the Angkor Wat, the elaborate details of Bayon, and the interesting charm of the other temples. Yet, what lingers is the feeling of being welcome.

Ron Cruz of Flip’n travels couldn’t help being poetic when describing the city. “She’s neither snob nor clingy, she’s both foreign and peculiarly familiar. She will embrace you regardless if you arrive donned in a crisp t-shirt or shabbily wrapped in a beer stained jersey. The travelers are young, the culture is old, locals are tolerant, society is ever fleeting. The history is gilded in gold and drenched in blood and recently so wounded that all emotions are not judged.”

And for those with separation anxiety issues, Ron adds, “She’s warm enough to be received with sincerity and cold enough to easily let go.”

O que é amar?

Angkor Temples. There are numerous of them so make sure you have at least a day to see the major sites.

Friendly locals

Lots of affordable accommodations

O que você precisa saber

Scams, especially those that use children. You might encounter these at one of the temples you’re visiting. Some will offer to trip you around but will charge exorbitant fees after.

Penang, Malásia

Traveling Light‘s Claire Madarang has high praises for Penang! “The streets of UNESCO world Heritage site George Town, is a terrific place to get lost in for hours – even for days, as there is just so much to see!”

“Walk around and take in the stunning heritage houses, the colorful street art, and the different places of worship, like churches, temples, and mosques, as Penang celebrates diverse cultures and religions. And, eat the delicious and affordable street food, as this place is known not just for its heritage but also its food. transportation is efficient, with numbered buses going around and also to and from the airport. affordable solo traveler-friendly accommodations are also available. And, locals are typically friendly and helpful.”

Claire in Penang
O que é amar?

Boa localização. If you’re planning on continuing your journey, you can easily go to Langkawi (by ferry), Cameron Highlands (by mini-bus), or even Thailand (by train).

Comida! Penang is typically regarded by numerous as Malaysia’s culinary capital.

Affordable accommodations

Friendly locals

Read more: cute Cats of Penang in street Art

Guilin, China

My personal choice is Guilin.

China has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and Guilin is a terrific 101. True, the language barrier can be quite challenging at first but once you’re past it, it’s not challenging whatsoever to fall in love with the city. Unlike China’s major cities like Shanghai or Beijing, Guilin is still relatively laid-back and not as polluted.

In Guilin, fantastic, beautiful areas are within easy reach. You can see the famed Li River and its towering limestone cliffs, the town of Yangshuo, and even the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng. numerous of these sites can be seen on group trips that you can join if you’re alone.

O que é amar?

Natural scenery is incredible.

Cheap transportation and tours. even taxi rates are not that bad.

Low cost of living

O que você precisa saber

Language barrier here can be frustrating. You can help yourself by using translator apps or asking a pal who can speak English to write things down in Chinese characters for you.

While train rides to other parts of China from Guilin are cheap, they can be overcrowded. In some cars, smoking is allowed. and some restrooms can cause a bit of a culture shock.

If you’re holding a Philippine passport, a visa is required.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Turkey has been battered by a series of attacks lately, discouraging potential tourists. It’s sad because in my opinion, Turkey is one of the most stunning countries in the world.

Take Cappadocia as an example. It has everything a first-time solo traveler can ask for. When we were there, we rode a hot air balloon for the first time, hovering above an unlimited sea of rock formations, from towering pillars that nature carefully molded into enormous chimneys for over 2000 years to spires that the early Christians carved through to create dwellings and churches centuries ago. It was surreal. Under the surface are dozens of underground cities, numerous of which are open to tourists.

O que é amar?

It is served by two airports. domestic flights are so cheap, skipping it ought to be a crime.

Tours are packaged and organized by color: red for Goreme, green for Ihlara, and blue for Soganli. Solo travelers can easily join one and meet other like-minded solo backpackers.

Goreme, the main traveler town, is small and easy to explore.

Low cost of practically everything, even tours.

Warm, friendly locals

O que você precisa saber

If you’re after hot-air balloons, know that the ride is highly dependent on good weather. There’s a chance it can get canceled in non-summer months.

Not numerous public transportation options. Hitchhiking is common but you might be in for a long wait.

If you’re holding a Philippine passport, a visa or an e-visa is required.

Hualien, Taiwan

Taiwan is a small island bursting with unforgettable attractions. Taipei is a good base if you want to explore much of the capital and neighboring Yangmingshan national Park and Beitou.

Our personal favorite is Hualien on the east coast of the island. A local pal told me that there is a saying that Hualien lies on “sticky” ground, which refers to its ability to make visitors NOT want to leave. It’s one of those cities that feel much more like a big town. It’s unwinded and unhurried. It’s also the gateway to Taroko Gorge national Park.

O que é amar?

The Taroko Gorge is wonderful. We spent a full day just walking in between cliffs and on the banks of its streams yet it still felt like we needed much more time. absolutely magnificent.

Getting in is easy. It’s just 2 hours from Taipei, and multiply trains stop here a day.

Getting around is a piece of cake too. Hualien is small so much of it can be reached on foot. low-cost taxis abound in case you get tired.

É barato! 100 USD go a long way if you know your way around.

Night markets!

O que você precisa saber

If you’re holding a Philippine passport, a visa or an e-visa is required.

Osaka and Kyoto, Japan

Osaka and Kyoto are Vins’s choices. and because they sit just next to each other, let’s just treat them as one destination in this list.

Osaka is considered the culinary capital of Japan, boasting several signature dishes including okonomiyaki and takoyaki. No outro