happy2travel

I had planned to go to the above destinations with a travel companion, but the companion backed out. I'd still love to go, but only if it's safe. I would appreciate your input. I have to make definite travel plans within the next couple of days. Thanks.

KimJapan

I'd have no problem going alone...in fact I'd love to have such a fabulous trip alone. Do take proper precautions as you would at home. You'll meet plenty of other people as you go along. Enjoy.

dperry

I have only been to cambodia and vietnam, but i would be comfortable travelling alone. In fact, on my first trip to cambodia in 2003 I was alone. I did get some curious looks, but i had no trouble. Your intinerary sounds exciting, I hope you'll go.

thursdaysd

I'm an older female, and have traveled to all of those countries on my own. The only time I felt even a little unsafe was walking to and from a restaurant near the main Mumbai train station after dark (I was staying near the station), but nothing actually happened. In general, I feel very safe on my own in Asia, although I do take reasonable precations like wearing a money belt and taking a cable lock for my pack on trains. Do go! (And report back, please?)

waynehazle

I saw solo women in Cambodia & India and they did fine.

However, as a man I was advised not to walk around Phnom Penh at night.

thursdaysd

Wayne - was that Phnom Penh in general, or just certain areas? No need to walk anyway, with all those motos to ride!

Kathie

Yes, those are relatively safe countries to travel is as a solo female traveler. Use common sense.

waynehazle

I was told (in 2001) Phnom Penh in general. I think this was exaggerated a bit. I think there were certainly areas that must have been worse than others, in particular Red Light districts.

Supposdly they were worried about random outbreaks of crime or 'insurgency'.

Cilla_Tey

I think it is only safe if you research thoroughly and am streetwise. I know Malaysia well, it is quite safe and locals are friendly but I would recommend walking along well-lit and busy areas at night. The odd petty criminal is not uncommon. I have only ever been to Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa and it seems reasonably safe there. I have yet to visit Cambodia but will be doing so in December. I have travelled to India twice but never alone. It is an amazing country and I love India but I would probably never do it alone. I have no problems doing Thailand on my own.

happy2travel

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Cilla Tey, I also did Thailand on my own, for 2 and a half months, and had no problems. My concerns are due to the guide books' warnings, and that train travel seems to be such a risk when a person is travelling alone. I am the most wary about, India. I have heard from others that they have found Vietnam to be relatively safe, but they had all travelled with a companion.

Thanks again for the input.

Cicerone

I travel alone in India all the time, on both a business and personal level. I think it is very safe. If you have worries about trains, India has "women only" cars on many trains and you can book into those; I am not sure there are such cars on night trains, but you can check. If not, then either take day trains, or book a first class car to yourself and use a cable lock for luggage or even the door. I personally would not worry about it.

As a women traveling alone you will get stared at a lot, but you may be used to this from other Asian countries. Indians would find it strange that you choose to do anything on your own, and travel even more so. They are a very social people and do everything in groups; again common in Asia. You may even find yourself being asked to be in pictures being taken by other Indian tourists, esp at the Taj Mahal, you are perfectly allowed to say no; Indian men traveling in groups will often ask for this I have found. (I also found this to be true in other countries like Malaysia). Other than that, I really would not have any concerns. As noted above, don't abandon common sense and walk around with your purse open or stay out all hours when you would not do so at home.

I have to say that Vietnam is the only country in Asia (and I have lived here more than 10 years) where I have ever felt unsafe, esp in Ho Chi Minh. I just felt at times like a target for pickpockets. I have not been in more than 10 years and perhaps this has changed, but I mention it for what it is worth. I have no problems in the other countries on your list, although I have not traveled alone in Cambodia, but have traveled just with other women on occasion and it was fine.

01pat23

I have travelled alone in all 4 countries you mention (touring for about 2 months in each country) and had no trouble whatsoever. You do, of course, need to take usual safety precautions. (This compares with a 4-day trip to Belgium where I had my wallet stolen from my zipped handbag!!).

Hope you have a super time - you are in for a wonderful trip.

Pat