In Elizabeth Gilbert’s famous memoir ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, she says, “I crossed the street to walk in the sunshine.” The memoir and the film of the same name remain among the best movies to watch if you plan to travel solo as a woman.
While safety should be considered, it shouldn’t mean that it should ruin your plans for a fun vacation. So, keeping all that in mind, here are the top 5 best cities for solo travel as a Bangladeshi woman.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam has been a tourist staple for a long while now. The Southeast Asian country regularly welcomes millions of visitors every year, and often, they provide an experience of a lifetime. There are plenty of cities to visit in the country, but Hanoi provides a unique blend of everything Vietnam has to offer.
The Old Quarter is the heart of the city. Packed with cafes, street food carts, local shops, and colonial-era buildings, it’s buzzing with life and will certainly provide you with an authentic feel of Vietnamese life. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is an escape from the beautiful chaos in the city, especially in the early morning hours.
Hanoi Train Street is famous for its special setting where you can sit in a cafe, inches away from an active train track. The thrilling and unforgettable experience of sipping on your coffee while a train whizzes past you is something you shouldn’t miss.
At Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, you can take part in the traditional water puppet show that showcases the incredible culture Vietnam has to offer. According to Ahoy Vietnam’s Anthony Giarratano, “It’s an experience unique to Vietnam that you may never do again, whether you end up loving it, liking it, or falling asleep.”
And of course, you must indulge in the local food scene. Ask anyone who has been to Hanoi, and they will have the same answer: “You have to try the famous egg coffee.”
In the evenings, try your luck at Ta Hien Street for some cheap but enjoyable street food and visit Dong Xuan Market for an authentic glimpse into everyday life. But don’t forget to haggle.
Tbilisi, Georgia
If you want a unique experience somewhere in Europe, look no further than Georgia. Hidden away in the Caucasian mountains, Georgia is not the first country that comes to mind when it comes to your vacation, but it should be on your shortlist. A country steeped in tradition and culture, a visit to the capital, Tbilisi, is quickly becoming a getaway for people wanting to experience something new.
Cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, cosy courtyards, all bear witness to the centuries of history and culture Georgia has to offer, and a visit to the Old Town is perfect for your medieval adventure. The Narikala Fortress, built more than 1500 years ago, provides incredible views of the city.
But if you want a peek at the modern marvels, visit the Bridge of Peace. A bow-shaped pedestrian bridge over the Kura River, it perfectly complements the city’s ancient charm.
There’s plenty of nature to experience in Tbilisi as well. The public sulphur baths in Abanotubani offer a chance to relax in the hot springs. If that is not your cup of tea, you can stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to discover the local art galleries and boutique shops that bring Georgian culture to life.
Tbilisi’s food scene is not to be missed. Cafe Leila offers traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, Georgian dumplings, paired with the warmth of local hospitality. A place that should be on your shortlist.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
A place that is quickly getting the chops it deserves for its unique tourism scene is Sri Lanka. Previously overlooked for countries like the Maldives, Thailand, or even India, Sri Lanka has its own unique story that makes it a must-visit for every solo traveller.
The coastal capital of Colombo offers an experience like no other. The Galle Face Green, a wide-open seaside promenade, is perfect for walking, kite flying, or watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. The calming breeze amidst the open space is exactly what you need before you head into the chaos of Colombo.
The best witness to Sri Lanka’s immersive history and cultural background is the Gangaramaya Temple, where the Buddhist architecture is bound to immerse you in Sri Lanka’s wonderful spirituality. Wander the temple grounds, marvel at ornate statues, and absorb the serene atmosphere.
If you’re in the mood for local hustle and bustle, Pettah Market offers a labyrinth of stalls filled with spices, textiles, and street snacks, a true taste of Colombo’s vibrant life.
Ministry of Crab is quickly becoming a tourist spot of its own. You can’t go wrong with a plate of hoppers or kottu at the restaurant. But don’t sleep on the vivid and quickly growing street food scene in Colombo, where every bite counts.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A tourist favourite that is constantly popping up on similar lists, Malaysia has mastered the art of tourism. An incredible blend of modern architecture and cyberpunk streets, Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful capital city.
Kick off your trip by visiting the iconic Petronas Towers, then take in the skyline from the sky bridge, a view that makes you feel alive. The Batu Caves provide a special mix of culture and nature.
A limestone hill with towering golden statues and intricate Hindu shrines, climbing the steps is an adventure and a constant reminder not to skip leg day.
If you prefer city life at street level, wander through Bukit Bintang, where neon lights, street food stalls, and bustling night markets offer a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Jalan Alor gives solo travellers a place to safely sample satay, noodles, and fresh tropical fruits.
Don’t forget to have authentic Nasi Lemak and Nasi Goreng at the Village Park Restaurant. Malaysian cuisine blends culinary influences from a multitude of places and is widely considered as one of the world’s best cuisines.
Thimphu, Bhutan
Considered one of the safest places to visit in the world, Bhutan has quickly become the go-to place for solo travellers seeking spiritual awakening. Nestled in between the Himalayas, the small country is peaceful, tranquil, and serene.
Sitting between the Raidak river valley, Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital and largest city. It’s also the place to begin your Bhutan solo travelling trip.
Start your day at the Tashichho Dzong, a majestic fortress and monastery where prayer flags flutter against the Himalayan backdrop. Then walk through the city’s quiet streets and soak in the incredible atmosphere that makes Thimphu perfect for solo reflection.
Take a nature break at the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather to spin prayer wheels and meditate. But don’t forget to have a scenic adventure, after all, you have the world’s biggest mountains overlooking you. Hike one of the nearby trails that offer sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond, for a safe, immersive Himalayan experience.
End your day with Bhutanese cuisine at Bukhari Restaurant, where you can try Ema datshi, a spicy chili and cheese stew that captures the flavours of the country. Eating here alone feels welcoming, comforting, and entirely part of the local experience.
