Solo Travel in Southeast Asia: Getaways from Perth

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Vietnam. Image source: Adobe Stock

Travelling solo is an exhilarating experience! Whether it’s your first time or you're a seasoned explorer, solo travel in Southeast Asia and discover lively, energetic cities, natural wonders, and cultures full of artistic and historic wonders.

Explore the region’s top destinations while combining leisure adventures with remote work opportunities. From world-class surfing in the Philippines to Balinese beachside cafes, you’ll find places to chase thrills or kick back in a coworking space with a view.

Connect with like-minded travellers and digital nomad communities while uncovering some of the best places to travel and work remotely in Southeast Asia.

Tropical sunset skies over Koh Samui, Thailand. Image source: Adobe Stock

First-time travellers: Explore Vietnam and Thailand

Affordable entertainment, transportation and accommodation options make Vietnam and Thailand ideal for your first solo trip. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and beyond on Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet.

Perfect places for travelling Vietnam solo

Experience the magic of Vietnam’s cultural activities, exotic landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Ho Chi Minh City: Fly direct from Perth to this fast-paced city. Discover District 1’s French colonial architecture, shopping and nightlife. Try traditional dishes with com tam - broken rice.

Hanoi: Explore the historic Old Quarter and try bun cha - rice noodles with herbs and meat—a local favourite. See a traditional water puppet show and drink egg coffee at Cafe Giang! Affordable accommodation is plentiful.

Hoi An: One of eight must-see UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam, visit during the Full Moon Lantern Festival. Explore the ancient My Son ruins or visit An Bang Beach to enjoy riverside stays.

Best places in Thailand for first-time solo travellers

What’s not to love about tropical beaches, delicious street food and affordable luxury resorts? Meet fellow travellers, explore cities buzzing with energy or hike forested mountains. Fly from Perth with Thai Airways and Jetstar to Bangkok and beyond.

Bangkok: Fly non-stop from Perth and catch the BTS Skytrain to access Sukhumvit’s dining and accommodation options.

Koh Samui: Connect with fellow travellers for outdoor activities, shopping and nightlife. Hike to Na Muang waterfalls or visit Secret Buddha Garden atop Pom Mountain.

Koh Tao: Accessible by boat, snorkel crystal-clear waters filled with marine life and unwind at Sairee Beach with bars and live music. Luxury accommodation and hostels are available.

Stand-up paddleboard along Boracay‘s powdery white shores in the Philippines. Image source: Adobe Stock

Adventure seekers: Visit the Philippines and Malaysia

The Philippines and Malaysia are known for thrill-seeker activities, from Boracay canyoneering tours to Sabah wildlife adventures amidst lush rainforests. Fly from Perth direct with Philippine Airlines via Manila or with Jetstar from November this year.

Top adventure destinations in the Philippines

Visit some of the country’s most scenic islands for heart-stopping adventure, Spanish-era historic sites and flavourful cuisine!

Manila: Jet ski or parasail against the backdrop of Manila’s urban skyline. Discover the city’s historic centre by bike or hike the unusual Taal volcano, located in a lake, for an unforgettable day trip. Back in Manila, refuel with delicious street food.

Siargao: Paradise for surfers, stay in General Luna, home to Cloud 9. Snorkel at Naked Island and enjoy roadside eateries and coffee shops.

Boracay: Stay active with ziplining, jet skiing and parasailing. Sip a mango shake after paddleboarding at White Beach. Shop and dine on Market Street.

Malaysia’s adventure hotspots

Malaysia’s unforgettable land and underwater adventures include world-class caving and dive destinations. Fly direct from Perth to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and AirAsia.

Kuala Lumpur: Scale 200+ steps and rock climb at Batu Caves, hike Bukit Tabur for skyline views or trek Forest Research Institute Malaysia’s rainforest trails. Experience white water rafting on the Selangor River.

Sarawak: Visit Bako National Park by boat to see the unusual proboscis monkey. Explore some of the world’s largest caves at UNESCO’s Mulu National Park or rent kayaks in Kuching.

Sabah: One of the planet’s richest biodiverse regions, trek through Danum Valley and spot pygmy elephants. Climb the mighty Mount Kinabalu or dive Sipadan, a bucket-list destination for scuba enthusiasts.

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Image source: Adobe Stock

Remote workers and digital nomads: Thailand and Bali, Indonesia

Balance productivity with pleasure in paradise! Popular destinations for digital nomads, Bali and Thailand, offer affordable living, communal workspaces and wellness-focused cultural experiences.

Popular places to work remotely in Thailand

Thailand’s best places to travel and work remotely combine reliable infrastructure with scenic beauty, attracting a global community of digital nomads. Fly from Perth to Bangkok via Thai Airways and Jetstar.

Chiang Mai: Head inland for fast internet, affordable housing, yoga studios and meditation centres. Explore the city’s trendy Nimman area featuring cafes, coworking spaces and restaurants.

Krabi: Enjoy the seaside lifestyle while you work in Krabi’s digital cafes with dependable WiFi and views of limestone karsts. Stay active with Muay Thai or unwind with a Thai massage.

Trendy digital nomad-friendly towns in Bali

As a digital nomad, Bali isn’t just a place to work—it’s a lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed coworking spaces offer remote workers privacy and networking opportunities. Fly from Perth to Denpasar with AirAsia, Jetstar, TransNusa or Batik Air.

Canggu: Go beachside amidst tropical beauty and work any time zone at the 24/7 shared workspace hub with cafes, fast internet and outdoor lounges. Stay fit at local gyms or hit the waves - you can even store your surfboard at Tropical Nomad.

Ubud: With a laid-back vibe, coworking communities offer collaborative events and workshops. Start your day at Jalan Raya Market for fresh produce and cool off poolside at the Outpost. Vegan-friendly dining options are available.

A masterpiece of imagination! Stay at the Crazy House, Da Lat, Vietnam. Image source: Adobe Stock

Bonus Tips

Make the most of your adventure by staying somewhere memorable. Before you set off, check entry requirements and safety updates for your destination.

Exotic accommodation

Whether travelling Vietnam solo, exploring Thailand as a digital nomad or enjoying a Southeast Asian adventure holiday, you’ll need a place to stay. For a memorable experience, consider these 24 unusual and unique stays in Southeast Asia - including a Balinese bamboo hotel and a hotel in Malaysia with over 7,000 rooms.

Visa requirements

Visa rules vary by country, so check requirements before departure. Visit Smartraveller for more information about visas and traveller safety tips.

Colourful surfboards line the beach in Bali, Indonesia. Image source: Adobe Stock

Start your solo travel in Southeast Asia from Perth

History and culture, a tropical climate and affordable amenities make Southeast Asia a desirable destination for solo travellers and digital nomads - be there in just a few hours direct from Perth. Whether seeking a beach getaway, energetic city life or a hub for remote work, enjoy premium services when you fly direct from Perth Airport. Relax in the Aspire Lounge with refreshments and unlimited WiFi and browse Duty Free products before arriving at your destination ready for adventure. Start planning your journey today!

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.