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8 Most Dangerous Countries in Asia – Should You Avoid In 2024?

Asia is a beautiful continent with a rich history and gorgeous scenery. While there are plenty of amazing countries that people like to visit, Asia also has its fair share of dangerous countries.

Some countries in Asia rise above the rest when it comes to crime, and these countries are the most dangerous, according to the Global Peace Index .

Global Peace Index World Map

Suggested: Most dangerous countries in the World

8. Myanmar – 145

For the past decade, Myanmar has been a relatively safe destination, but the democratically elected government was deposed in a military coup in 2021.

Myanmar is still under military rule in 2023, and the political situation is volatile and violent. Tourists are now urged to avoid all non-essential travel. Foreign embassies remain in the country, but cannot promise security or assistance if the current stability fails.

According to the UK government, “if you decide your presence in Myanmar is essential, you should maintain a low profile and keep up to date with developments. This will involve being aware of and abiding by any curfews and restrictions around local customs. Breaching any rules will be met with consequences under Martial Law, and it is likely you won’t be able to contact an embassy or next of kin.”

The general hazards to Myanmar are thievery, unmarked landmines, monsoons, dangerous road trips, and piracy. Overall, the country is certainly one of the most dangerous in Asia.

Related: U.S. Reissues ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ Warning For Myanmar (Burma)

7. Pakistan – 146

Pakistan shares a long border with India, and it is known for its incredible salt mines. Much of the famous pink Himalayan salt comes from Pakistan, but Pakistan is also known for its high crime rate.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan had a murder rate of 3.8 last year, meaning that 3.8 people in Pakistan were murdered out of every 100,000 people. The high rate of violent crime, presence of terrorist groups, and high poverty rate make Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.

6. Iran – 147

The US State Department advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and arbitrary arrest and detention and also exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. Other countries such as Australia and Canada do the same.

This is especially true and risky for those who hold dual citizenship with Iran and the United States, and has a disproportionate impact on various professions such as journalism.

It is also more difficult to obtain consular services and assistance in Iran because there is no functioning U.S. Embassy there.

If you must travel to Iran, consider signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (or STEP ) so that you can stay informed about events there and, if necessary, leave quickly and safely.

LATEST NEWS FROM PAKISTAN:

January 17, 2024: Pakistan condemns deadly Iranian missile strike on its territory as tensions spike across region.

5. North Korea – 149

Since the split between North Korea and South Korea at the start of the Cold War, the two countries have gone in completely opposite directions. South Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world, while North Korea is one of the most impoverished.

North Korea is also one of the most dangerous countries in Asia. The opaque country is known for its oppressive regime, unparalleled human rights violations, and lack of social support. Because North Korea does not share a lot of information with the external world, the murder rate is not available from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

4. Iraq – 154

Situated between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, Iraq and Mesopotamia was once the cradle of civilization. Now, Iraq is a country that has become synonymous with terrorism, war, and poverty.

The United States has fought two wars in Iraq during the last 40 years, but the country remains a hotbed for terrorism and violent crime. The most recent set of statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2014, give Iraq an intentional homicide rate of more than 10 per 100,000 people.

3. Russia – 158

Currently waging the largest land war in Europe since World War II, Russia is another incredibly dangerous country in Asia. Russia is a country with a tremendous amount of history, but it is also known for the arbitrary detention of tourists and citizens alike.

In 2020, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that Russia had a murder rate of 7.3 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.

2. Yemen – 162

Situated on the coast of the Middle East, Yemen is one of the most dangerous countries in Asia. The country is known for its widespread disease, hunger, and terrorism. The humanitarian crisis is one of the worst in the world, and that makes Yemen a dangerous place to live and visit.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that Yemen has a murder rate of approximately 6.8. Given the terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in Yemen, it is one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.

LATEST NEWS FROM YEMEN:

January 24, 2024: US Navy escorts cargo ships to safety after Houthi missile attack from Yemen.

1. Afghanistan – 163

Afghanistan has been in a state of almost continuous war for the past 40 years. Fighting wars with Russia and the United States, in addition to multiple periods of civil war, Afghanistan remains the most dangerous country in Asia, and one of the most dangerous in the entire world.

A hotbed for terrorism and violent crime, Afghanistan is not a country that is safe for anyone. Afghanistan was estimated to have an intentional homicide rate of 6.7 in 2018 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, but the actual death toll is likely far higher.

5 Worst English Speaking Countries in Asia

Published on august 31, 2024 at 6:44 pm by zahaab rehman in business , economy , news.

Average Proficiency Score: 410

The country’s overall standing has improved since 2020, when it had an average score of 383. Despite that, it is still one of the countries with the worst English skills in Asia. Women have an average of 394, whereas men average 423.

Iraq Yemen Kazakhstan Tajikistan Saudi Arabia 5 Worst English Speaking Countries in Asia Show more... Show less

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Untamed travel on asia's hidden roads, 22 worst places to visit in southeast asia that will give you the creeps.

Southeast Asia may as well be one of the most visited areas of the world. Blessed with hundreds of kilometers of coastline and beaches, amazing islands, mountains, and a smorgasbord of different ethnic groups and cultures, it certainly has a lot to offer travelers. Did we say it’s also very cheap? Well, it was even cheaper ten years ago when I set foot here for the first time, traveling south from China. My wife Kit was born in Penang, Malaysia , and that’s where we met and started our relationship.

Living with a Southeast Asian person helped me understand even better how much the region is changing fast, and how much these days it has been ripped to shreds by unscrupulous tourism. And it’s not just because of the cheap backpackers and leftovers of the hippie trail who washed on these shores like unwanted white trash. It’s also because of the rise of a new, Western-adoring and high spending generation of local tourists who have little or zero concern for the wealth of the local environment. Couple all this with the local love for tourist dollars, and you have a toxic mix that’s slowly eating into everything beautiful and amazing Southeast Asia had to offer.

For sure, as my wife Kit often says, “Southeast Asia’s locals are not here to stay poor and let a bunch of snap-happy foreigners come to marvel at their stray huts”. I completely agree with that and the need for development, but what I have seen living here for a decade has also shown me that such development, in many cases, has cannibalized many places around Southeast Asia. Bloggers are very good in coming up with endless listicles showing “the best” of any given destination. Very few times, on the contrary, anyone has the courage to tell the truth and recommend where you should not go to make sure your holiday and your experience of a place remain as unfiltered as possible.

We have asked the help of other bloggers to come up with an ultimate list of the worst places to visit in Southeast Asia . It’s indeed an impossible task, as we sadly feel there are so many more we left out, but at least, if you want to backpack in Southeast Asia, this is a good starting list to help you avoid a miserable trip. Expect us to keep this page updated as we continue our explorations in the region.

These are the 22 Worst Places to visit in Southeast Asia you Better Avoid to have a good trip

The worst places to visit in indonesia.

Indonesia is a beautiful nation of thousands of islands. You just have to strike off east towards West Papua to find unspoilt blissful beaches, forgotten volcanoes, and villages that very few travelers ever visit. Unfortunately, Indonesia has also a few pockets, particularly on the tiny island of Bali, that have become a nest for digital nomads, thrill seekers, and other lovers of a vida loca made of flickering laptop screens by day, and horrible disco parties at night. Here are some of the places you should definitely avoid when in Indonesia.

Article Contents

1) KUTA BEACH, BALI

By Jan Wild of Retiring Not Shy!

WHAT I EXPECTED

Kuta was the first international destination I touched down in on a South East Asia overland trip in 1978 (I know, I’m old). It was a Paradise: rice paddies, pristine beach, dirt roads, bemos and motorcycles and only a few tourist shops and warungs. We stayed in a losmen and had an amazing time, I fell in love with Bali and the Balinese. Subsequently, I have been to Bali on many occasions but have never again stayed at Kuta. I know my expectations (perhaps hopes are more accurate) can never be met, but I would love to see Kuta return to the beautiful uncrowded, unpolluted place that I first visited. I would like it to still feel Balinese.

WHY I HATED IT

Whilst I have never again stayed at Kuta, I haven’t been able to totally avoid it either. Whether because a transport service is only available there, or because the hotel transfer takes one through there, it has been inevitable that on subsequent Bali visits Kuta has come again into my life. There is so much to loathe about Kuta… where do I start?

· The traffic · The ugly tourists (mostly from my home country of Australia) – bare-chested, necking a bottle of Bintang and generally being obnoxious · The rubbish food in most of the restaurants · The almost total loss of Balinese culture · The trashy clothes · The offensive goods on offer, like bumper stickers with all sorts of cuss words.

IF YOU REALLY MUST GO, PLEASE AVOID

· The time share vendors pressing into your hand a card with a ‘special offer’ · Ugly Australians (ugly from anywhere else too) · Spiked drinks · Having your bag snatched

2) MOUNT BROMO, JAVA

By Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

Mount Bromo is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Indonesia. This active volcano is part of the Tengger massif, together with three more volcanoes – Semeru, Batok and Widodaren. They all form the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, part of which is a vast plain called the Sea of Sand. Seeing the sun rise over Mount Bromo, and then driving through the Sea of Sand to reach its bottom and riding a horse all the way to the crater is considered one of the bucket list things to do in Indonesia. Of course, as a volcano junkie, I wanted to have this experience. I could picture myself walking to the viewpoint at night, ready to face the cold but in for an intimate experience to admire the sunrise, and then getting down to the Sea of Sand where I’d find a beautiful horse that would take me to the crater. Pity this is not how it went.

I guess what I hadn’t taken into consideration is that Mount Bromo is in Southeast Asia, and as with all tourist attractions in this part of the world, the crowds were overwhelming. I ended up hating every minute of the time I spent there, to the point that to date I still cringe at the thought of it. I realized things wouldn’t go as I had wished for the minute I got on the jeep that would take me to the beginning of the path to the viewpoint. The driver was going so fast, speeding so much through the fog and despite the darkness, that I thought we’d have an accident. I realized he was trying to beat the crowds as soon as we arrived at the entrance of the national park. Jeeps were everywhere, as well as motorbikes, driving in complete disregard of the multitude of pedestrians who couldn’t count on a sidewalk to make their way to the viewpoint. Once at the viewpoint, I realized that this wouldn’t be an intimate experience. The place was packed to the brim with loud people who had carefully placed selfie sticks everywhere, waiting for the moment to snap that perfect selfie with the sunrise at their back. The sun didn’t show up that day, so once the show was over it was time to drive down to the Sea of Sand. Along with jeeps, once again driving recklessly through the sand, there were hundreds of motorbikes carrying 2 or 3 passengers, none of them wearing helmets and some regularly skidding through the sand (and subsequently falling). As soon as the car stopped, I realized my dream of a beautiful horse that would take me to the crater would indeed be a nightmare. The only horses available were starved, thin to the bones, foam at the mouth and evidently stressed. I should have known better than hoping: this is South East Asia, and there is little care for the welfare of animals here. After protesting about the poor treatment of the horses, I resolved to walk all the way to the crater – which by the way is completely doable. I went back to the hotel with a very sour taste in my mouth.

If you really must go to Mount Bromo, please avoid going during weekends or national holidays so as to skip the crowds as much as possible. Avoid any tour operator that shows disrespect for people, animals and the environment – and I know this is easier said than done, but carefully reading reviews may help. Do your best to research a tour operator that works in a sustainable manner. Alternatively, try to put a group together and go independently. It requires a bit more planning, but it is doable and at least you won’t be supporting any irresponsible tour company.

3) KUTA, LOMBOK

By Amélie of mostlyamelie.com

I rolled up in Kuta Lombok filled with anticipation, having heard so many tales of unspoiled paradise from friends and trusted acquaintances.

Unfortunately, many things made my stay in Kuta Lombok less than enjoyable , such as busted dusty roads and a very arid landscape I wasn’t expecting. But the single biggest disappointment was my choice of accommodation. On paper, it was perfect: a set of cute little rooms, with large comfortable beds, little porches, a beautiful garden, with a gorgeous mango tree at its centre. Sounds good? Now, imagine the owner is strutting around wearing a towel so short that I caught a glimpse of his balls on more than one occasion. He was constantly and noisily clearing his nose, sucking on his teeth, spitting, burping and farting. The women of the family were busy screaming at each other and at the many children who ran around in various states of undress while shouting, screaming, crying or playing with noisy toys. Not forgetting the one delight that simply unzipped and peed wherever he felt like it: one day, he stepped out of his front door, flopped it out and peed directly onto my porch, not four feet away from where I was sitting.

If you really must go to Kuta Lombok, read ALL the Tripadvisor reviews before picking your accommodation. Who knows, you may well be that one weirdo who hates to be peed on in a set of five-star reviews.

4) BINTAN ISLAND

by Jolene from Wanderlust Storytellers

After being to a few other islands in Indonesia, we fully expected Bintan Island to be another beautiful place with gorgeous beaches and palm trees – all with affordable prices for luxuries such as massages, cocktails, scooter hire and food.

When we arrived at Bintan Island it didn’t take us very long to come to the conclusion that a lot of the resorts are isolated and separated from the rest of the island. This area has been created for tourists, and the only locals you will find in here are the staff of the hotels and attractions in this zone. The area is clean, the streets are lined with green plants and you will find one resort after another. But it all felt really ‘fake’. On top of that, everything was incredibly overpriced, food quality was poor, and the hotel we stayed in was run down. The shops created for the tourists were deserted and once you left the hotel beach area, and the beaches were also full of rubbish – so sad to see. We wanted to see the ‘real’ Bintan, so after struggling to hire a car (apparently this isn’t a normal thing for tourists to do), we went out exploring with a list of things to do on Bintan Island . But truth be told, we didn’t really find the rest of the island that interesting: the beaches weren’t really beautiful, the sites were really spread out, and after a full day out, we realized that there just wasn’t much point to leave the resort area.

IF YOU REALLY MUST GO

Bintan Resorts is great for those living in Singapore. If you only wish to have a nice (but pricey) ‘resort’ escape from the city, Bintan Resorts might be for you. Make sure to choose a resort that has a beautiful beach, and plan to simply relax on your hotel grounds as there really isn’t much reason to leave it.

5) MOUNT RINJANI, LOMBOK

By Emma of Worldbesthikes.com

Lured by the promise of camping on a volcano rim, spectacular sunrise over a lake-filled caldera and fresh, tasty meals – plus porters to carry our food, tent and sleeping gear – we headed to Lombok to climb the island’s highest mountain. As experienced hikers we knew the fruit, comfy mattresses and porters were a luxury, but justified this with our kids being small. It had been 15 years since my last trip to Southeast Asia. My kids were finally old enough to travel far and walk longer distances. I was super-excited to take them on a beautiful trek in a region I remembered fondly.

Mount Rinjani trekking companies sure know how to market to millennials seeking the next selfie-perfect backdrop. Pity there’s no concept of responsible tourism here – or even basic hiking etiquette. The mountain is packed with walking groups, the volcano rim covered in tents. It’s also strewn with trash, toilet paper and human excrement. Step off the trail, and it’s like walking around Paris – only it’s not dog poop you need to avoid. And the cruelty! Yes, a smoothie is just perfect after a long hike, but it’s another human who has to lug the watermelon — plus a blender, and a car battery to power it up — on the mountain for you. The porters don’t have backpacks or proper shoes, and they don’t sleep in tents on mattresses like you.

If you insist on going, then please choose a trekking company carefully. Ensure they pay the porters well, provide toilet holes and carry out all the trash. Insist on regular hiking food, and take your own light-weight camping gear. Be aware also, it’s a tough hike at high altitude. And bring your own toilet trowel, please.

The Worst Places to Visit in Thailand

Of all places in Southeast Asia, Thailand is the one that sold itself off to bleak tourism the most. The Thais have a way of pretending to be smiling and welcoming people, but in most cases, what they really do want is your money. As a Rough Guide co-author to Thailand, I have trawled the country far and wide, and even though I do have some personal favorites, I tend to dislike it the more and more I return to visit. Explore and find your own favorite spots — which, invariably, you will have to share with hundreds of other people — but please try to avoid these like the plague.

6) KHAO SAN ROAD, BANGKOK

By Rachel Cunningham of Roundtheworldrachel

Bright lights, Pad Thai and maybe a couple of old hippies wandering the streets.

Instead, my ears were blasted with the opposing music from bars that were on each side of the road. Local touts shouted at anyone walking past to drink at their bar. Around me were groups of teenagers walking around sucking nitrogen dioxide from balloons, laughing and falling over. There was definitely more than a handful of bogan Aussie lads running amok down the main street… and I’m almost sure I saw a girl in her underwear. If the chest pumping and peacocking isn’t enough to deter you, perhaps the fine dining choices of fried crickets and tarantulas will? So long as your eardrums make it to the end of Khao San Road, you will be rewarded with some peace and quiet, and perhaps the sight of a normal person wearing normal pants, and not a dreadlock or day glo paint in sight.

IF YOU REALLY MUST GO, AVOID

Being there at peak season, or better yet, avoid the street itself, and instead, head to the roads running parallel behind it, or the quieter Khao San Extension road about 200m to the right at the end.

By Dave of Jones Around the World

I originally visited Pattaya as it’s the location for one of Thailand’s top music festivals called Wonderfruit. I was super excited to explore this popular beach destination just a couple of hours away from Bangkok, but it was easily the worst place I’ve visited in all of Southeast Asia! I was expecting similar vibes to Bangkok with lots of delicious street food, night markets, and beautiful temples, but what I experienced was completely different.

To put it simply, everything that is wrong with Thailand is found in Pattaya, and on some extreme levels. The sex tourism business is absolutely disgusting to me, and while walking the streets I repeatedly got harassed by shop owners trying to sell me prostitutes and strip clubs. I couldn’t believe this was legal, and I also couldn’t believe my eyes as I witnessed middle-aged white men chatting with barely legal (if they were) Thai girls. It’s truly shocking, and it’s a place I’ll never return to, and would never recommend it on any Thailand itinerary .

Walking Street, which is the red light district in Pattaya. While the flashing neon lights and funky bar names might sound appealing, it’s a breeding ground for disgusting and unethical sex tourism. Try and spend as little time in the city center as possible, and just relax on the nearby beautiful beaches (as that’s something that Thailand does very well).

8) MAYA BAY, KOH PHI PHI

By Sandrina of The Wise Travellers

Maya Bay, located in Thailand , is part of the Phi Phi Leh archipelago. This idyllic place stood untouched until the film ‘The Beach’ made it famous and made it become one of the most touristic attractions in Thailand. When we visited in 2017 we certainly expected it to be crowded. At the time, we even debated if we should visit at all. In the end we went for it as our goal was to document everything, including how over tourism can cause many problems.

But Maya Bay was much worse than we thought. The stunningly beautiful bay, sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs on three sides, was completely overcrowded: there wasn’t a single space left for either mooring another boat or let more people in. Our boat had to dock behind another, and we had to jump from boat to boat in order to reach the beach. We hated it mostly because of the crazy crowds: there was no place for putting down your towel, let alone going into the water. The tour companies were just preoccupied about making money of course and didn’t care about the foolish numbers of people they brought to Maya Bay, as long as they paid for it. On top of that, most visitors were disrespectful, leaving trash behind, spoiling the coral reefs, and even taking ‘samples’ of nature away with them. Believe me or not, on a normal day the bay was receiving an estimated 5000 visitors! How could this happen? Finally, in a desperate measure, the Thai Authorities decided to close Maya Bay to tourism at least until 2021, hoping for its corals and beach to restore to a decency level.

Be informed that no matter how much you have heard about it, you can’t really go there for now. At the moment, tourists boats can pass by the Bay, but not enter. Let’s hope that the Thai Government will keep taking these extreme measures: they are in the process of studying whatever is possible to reopen Maya Bay to the public. So, if you really must go in the future, please at least behave like a responsible tourist and choose an ethical company.

By Claire from Claire’s Footsteps

I’d heard stories of a mystical town nestled in scenic mountains in Thailand’s far north, a far cry from the chaos of Bangkok or the crowded beaches of Krabi. It sounded seriously idyllic. I’d also been warned that it is a bit on the touristy side – but from what I heard, the worst offenders seemed to be ‘yoga studios and acai bowls’. While both of these things are typical tourist fancies of South East Asia, generally they don’t get in the way of local life too much.

The first thing I thought when I arrived in the city was ‘this is it?’. The city centre looks… just like any other city. There aren’t aesthetically pleasing streets or rows of local businesses. It really isn’t anything special. When I arrived at my hostel, I was immediately hounded by another backpacker selling Jungle Rave tickets for the next day. I explained that it wasn’t really my thing, and was immediately told that ‘I must be boring’. Normally, I can let comments like this slip – but unfortunately this is kind of the mantra of Pai. If you don’t want to go out and get wrecked, drink a magic mushroom milkshake (which are very illegal in Thailand), or head to a jungle rave which will be exclusively attended by Westerners, you’re considered not fun. It’s basically not the place to go if you’re looking to NOT party. Which is kind of exactly the opposite of what I was expecting – I was imagining a scenic retreat-like place in the highlands – instead I felt like I was on spring break. Apart from people working in the hostels, restaurants and tour companies, I didn’t see a single Thai person there.

The entire town centre. I will admit that the nature around Pai is pretty – but if you’ve been to places like Thakhek in Laos, or Phong Nha in Vietnam, prepare to be underwhelmed. If you don’t mind riding a motorbike, I’d recommend renting one and spending all of your time in the countryside. But even in these spots, do be prepared to be surrounded by tourists too.

The Worst Places to Visit in Cambodia

With its recent and tragic history of genocide, Cambodia is arguably one of Southeast Asia’s best success stories: the nation has risen from its own ashes like a phoenix, business is thriving (probably way too much, thanks to a lot of nightlife for party backpackers and an awful number of mainland Chinese investors), and tourism has followed suit. Tourism can be both good and bad, but in many places in Cambodia, it’s just BAD. And this is also the country in Southeast Asia where, in the past decade, I have always felt like a walking wallet the most. There’s plenty to explore in Cambodia, for sure, but if you want to avoid over tourism and scams, you probably want to avoid these places.

10) ANGKOR WAT AND SIEM REAP

By Darja of DeeGees Travel

Admittedly rather naively, I expected Siem Reap to be a small town, surrounded by nature, with a few other tourists and underdeveloped tourist infrastructure. I romanticized how we would go exploring the numerous ruins of Khmer temples, completely undisturbed by anyone else as we watch the sunrise. Oh, I couldn’t be more wrong.

Hate is a strong word, but there are a couple of things I really, really, really didn’t like about the experience. First, the endless flow of tourists buses. A serene moment contemplating Khmer civilization’s history? Forget it, sunshine. It ain’t happening. Second, the rush, the sameness, the absent-mindedness of tourists. There are over 50 temples in the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage site, yet the majority of tourists limit their visit to the handful of most famous ones. The crowds are boarded on buses, disembarked at the temples to take the same picture and boarded back onto the buses shortly after. Rinse and repeat. Our worst experience was seeing the sunrise at Angkor Wat: there were so many people, the only thing we could really see were the flickering screens of the devices of our fellow “sunrisers”. Last but not least – the Pub Street which, with its choice of shops and services offered, as well as the audience targeted, has started to look like Khao San Road in Bangkok. Although undoubtedly lucrative, it adversely creates a clear separation between the locals and the tourists, and removes any last drop of authenticity left in this Cambodian boomtown. Walking down Siem Reap’s Pub Street feels like being in an Orwellian weird circus with intoxicated clowns, all wearing the same “I <3 Siem Reap” t-shirts.

Visiting during the high season (October – April) and rushing through Siem Reap and its historical heritage. Rather, stay outside the city center, rent a bicycle and explore the temples slowly, thoroughly and independently over at least a couple of days.

11) SIHANOUKVILLE

By Bron of Smiths Holiday Road

Cambodia is a country that is close to our hearts after we visited for the first time back in 2010. It often lures people in with the promise of ancient temples, beautiful people and a rich deep history. To balance out the temples and cities we decided to jump on a bus for 7 hours to head to the beaches of Sihanoukville. The photos looked like paradise, perhaps like Thailand 20 years ago, where I had spent my youth backpacking. We were looking for rustic, untouched, natural beauty and what we got was far from it.

Thanks to super-fast-paced development led by Chinese investors who have turned Sihanoukville into a Las Vegas-style casino fun town for Mainland Chinese tourists , the town a block back from the beach was a mixture of cheap hotels and many bars with a seedy nightlife scene. The beaches were covered in restaurants and deck chairs with sellers spruiking their wares most of the afternoon and night. Party boats would leave and dock at the beach and out would stumble intoxicated people after a day at sea. The party would then continue into the town. Many places in town sold magic pizza and the whole vibe was not at all what we had imagined

Sihanoukville main town area and nearby beaches. Speaking to locals they suggested to head to Kampot for more authenticity.

The Worst Places to Visit in Laos

Laos, oh Laos. I always fabled about this mystical country where, as written by Italian foreign correspondent Tiziano Terzani in the 1980s, people “didn’t watch the rice grow: they would stop and listened to it growing”. A friend once told me he visited the country in the early 2000s, spending less than 2US$ a day, and finding lovely, hospitable people. I have been to Laos several times since my first jaunt in 2007, and have seen it slowly decline into a bleak pit of Chinese imperialism and money hunger. The country still has unspoilt pockets, of course, but the Laotians do not come across as the most open-minded and friendly of Southeast Asia’s people. The divide between locals and tourists is very strong here, coupled with a lack of resources and education that help conjure a lethal toxic mix of bad development and worst tourist exploitation. Explore at your own risk and bring bucket loads of patience (not backpacker booze) along.

12) VANG VIENG

Back in 2007 when I visited Laos for the first time, Vang Vieng was well-known for being Southeast Asia’s sleaziest backpacker party central: a booze-fuelled drug train of mindless tourists floating down inflated tubes along the Karst-studded Nam Hou River. A day on the river was enough for me, even though I met people who had spent up to a month there, tubing by day, and numbing themselves with weed pizzas and endless replicas of Friends at the way too many video bars by night. Everything seemed to change when the Lao government culled this excess in 2016 when word got out internationally after a series of tragic tourist deaths. Unfortunately, what was rotten has remained rotten… just in another fashion.

Vang Vieng today is a playground for mainland Chinese package tourists and Korean holidaymakers. The main town strip inflated into a noisy, boisterous alley packed to the gills with Chinese restaurants, Korean barbecues, noisy massage parlours, hidden prostitution, high-end boutique hotels with stellar prices, and people who constantly roam around in their bikinis. As a consequence, the Laotians, who are conservative by nature, have here become more sour and greedy than in most other parts of the country. Prices are more expensive than elsewhere, and every natural attraction — Vang Vieng is surrounded by karst formations and caves — has a steep entry price. Even the bridge crossing the Nam Hou now has a price tag, even if you are just walking on foot. And if you rent a bicycle (once the best way to get around the spread out countryside) you should pay a lot of attention to the crazed young Koreans who speed around in their rented dune buggies — they may as well run you over and get away with it. Drugs have also largely disappeared in favour of selfie sticks and fake Gucci bags. Regardless, a swarm of tatty, shoeless beg-packers still ply up and down the river, contented with the spiked booze they can get from a few rickety bamboo bars that are trying to silently revive the past golden era of tubing.

Pay more to get a decent place where you can get away from this madhouse and enjoy the remaining scenic views. The nature around Vang Vieng was, and still is, wonderful — if you can pretend the white and yellow trash is not around 24/7. The Riverside Boutique Resort, for example ,  has great rooms and a fantastic swimming pool, it’s set right next to the strip, but has its own privacy.

Walk out of the touristic cluster to find sensibly less expensive food, and try to get the hell out to Vientiane or Luang Prabang as soon as you can.

13) DON DET, 4000 ISLANDS

By Brittany Witting of The Rolling Pack

After researching Don Det I was expecting an island paradise with no motorized vehicles, and beautiful bicycling trails along the stunning Mekong River. I hoped to cool off in the river outside of an over-river bungalow and drink a few cocktails at riverside bars.

Don Det is actually an ugly, over-touristed dump where nearly everyone I encountered was either drunk, high (and not the chill, marijuana kind of high, we’re talking angry, aggro substance abuse high), or some combination of the two. At least half the businesses are run by westerners who look like they crawled out of a London alley in order to take one shot for every drink they serve to tourists. In just two days in Don Det we had a bar owner aggressively screaming at us for walking into his bar (it was pretty clear he was just finishing a fight with someone else), we found ourselves in the most disgusting bungalow we witnessed in ALL of Southeast Asia, AND we had a drugged up westerner break into that bungalow while we were sleeping in it. Nearly all of our worst Southeast Asia experiences occurred in just two days on Don Det, and all these bad experiences involved sketchy westerners who reside on the island.

If I haven’t scared you away from Don Det I haven’t done my job here, but if you would still like to visit the 4000 Islands head to Don Khon, the island just south of Don Det.

We escaped to Don Khon after two days of hell in Don Det, and Don Khon was far superior. The locals run most of the businesses on Don Khon, the hotels are clean and charming, and we didn’t witness any of the same substance abuse culture that we saw on Don Det.

The Worst Places to Visit in Malaysia

I have married a Malaysian and chosen Penang, Malaysia to be my home, and I am very fond of this country. A true unsung gem in the tourist Banana Pancake Trails of Southeast Asia, it sees very few visitors outside the main tourist spots. Which can be terrible, of course: overexploited, poorly planned, and downright disrespectful. Sadly, they happen to be some of the country’s most celebrated tourist draws. Here’s what you better avoid when touring Malaysia.

14) KUALA LUMPUR

By Trina and Tim at Team Hazard Rides Again

WHAT WE EXPECTED

We expected a typical, big, modern city. We expected it to be clean, traffic congested and a little bit impersonal, as most big cities are. We also expected it to be a place where I could have decent internet access and get some work done.

WHY WE HATED IT

Taking a picture? Push, get out of my way. I’m more important than you are, even if it is your turn and you just got into position.

Blind guy using a white cane (my husband)? Oh, just cut in front of him and make him stop short, maybe kick his cane in the process. No need to apologize, just continue on your self-important way. This happened regularly.

* Trying to cross the street to the opposite corner of an intersection? *Takes no fewer than 8 crosswalks, while dodging traffic that may, or may not, decide to stop. Plus, you need a satellite connection to NASA to make sure you don’t end up back where you started.

What floor of the mall are you looking for? I have no idea. There are a bunch of recognizable letters on the elevator buttons, but none of them make any sense, not even to locals who are as confused as you are. Just push a few and get off when you think you hear someone call out Ladies Lingerie, or Albuquerque.

Want to buy some snacks at a local stand? Enjoy the clerk’s perfected sneer at having to deal with you regardless of how polite you are and how easy the transaction is. You’re a tourist, and thus, a pain in his ass.

…staying any longer than you have to, or falling for their so-called ‘rainforest in the city’. Go to the big Jalan Alor Night Market for some awesome food and then get out as soon as you can.

15) MELAKA’S JONKER STREET

by Ming Lee of Flyerism

When I travel to a new place, visiting the local market is always at the top of my priority list. I think it’s a great way to catch a glimpse of local life and immerse yourself in the local culture. As well, the local market is where you can find reasonably priced local items and good cheap food.

As it turns out, Jonker Walk night market is a victim of over tourism. There’s always a hideous amount of people, and the market has lost its charm over time. The vendors are selling the same old stuff. The food is overpriced, and the taste is uninspiring. In fact, the local people stopped going there as it’s always too crowded.

Somewhere in the middle section of Jonker Walk, you will come across a giant statue of a bodybuilder. I was told that this guy is a prominent person in Melaka. Alas, it doesn’t look like David, far from it. Let’s just say, I suspect that this guy has bribed his way to have his statue displayed there.

Further down the street along the river bank, you may see a bunch of beg-packers peddling souvenirs, photos, and postcards. Say what you want but I absolutely despise these people. If they have no money, they should not travel. Period. It just makes my blood boil to see them taking advantage of others’ generosity.

IF YOU REALLY MUST GO:

In Jonker street, please avoid the night market (every Friday to Sunday, from 7 pm) altogether, especially during the school holidays of Singapore and Malaysia, as well as weekends. Jonker street is far more lovely and quieter during day time.

16) GENTING HIGHLANDS

By Nuria of Subealanabe.com

During our visit to Kuala Lumpur temperatures never got below 30 degrees. It was definitely one of the hottest cities I visited in Asia. We were told that to get away from this infernal heat, we should go to the Genting Highlands, a very famous hill station among KL-ites. It’s a resort located on a hill about 1,740-meters-high. I expected fewer people, more calm and more nature, also because there is a temple up there.

Genting Highlands is super touristy and also a waste of time. Why? To start with, between bus and cable car, you have to waste at least one hour to get there. When you go up, it is very likely that you won’t enjoy the views because it is usually cloudy or foggy. Also, you’ll be cold, too! And it is likely that if you are in Southeast Asia, as is logical, you’d only have packed summer clothes.

If you expect to find romantic nature and tranquillity typical of unspoilt mountains in Genting Highlands, forget about it! Genting Highlands is capitalism materialized in a commercial complex full of … stores.

On this hill, there are also hotels, restaurants, a casino, a golf course … they even have an area where they rebuild European architecture villages, spending the winter with cold and snow. Completely surreal and artificial!

You may find it attractive but the only thing that awaits you in Genting Highlands are hordes of people eager to buy, shops full of tourists, franchise food at exorbitant prices, and cold, very cold. Any of these things you could find in any mall in Kuala Lumpur with much more tranquillity and nearby your accommodation.

By the way, the first Twenty Century Fox park on the planet is expected to open in Genting Highlands by 2020. This theme park should have about 25 promenades and attractions related to mythical Fox movies like Night at the Museum or Planet of the Apes. However, the project is paralyzed … will it ever be completed?

Avoid going without warm clothes or you will catch a cold that will ruin the rest of your trip. Don’t go as a day trip either, as you better get up early and see the place early in the morning, or you’ll have to stand in line for a long time to catch the cable car. If you travel on a budget or as a backpacker, you better avoid eating here because it is quite expensive.

Worst Places to Visit in Singapore

Singapore is the diamond head of Southeast Asia: digital, technological, ever beautified and always trendy. We try to visit as less as we can, regardless of its interesting art events, festivals, and international shows coming through town. Singapore’s biggest problem, we believe, is its lack of authenticity: from being a swamp infested by lions to turning into the New York City of the East it’s quite an evolution. And even in such a shiny place, a society that most Asians deem to be perfect, one can find some hideous surprises…

17) CHINATOWN

By James Davies of Where You’re Between

A thriving Chinese community within an atmospheric and historic neighbourhood, where beautiful streets were lined with ancient temples

Singapore’s Chinatown , or at least part of it, has been bastardised beyond recognition. Joyless and drab, the main drag of Chinatown is a husk of its former self. Whilst some of its heritage has been cynically re-staged for visiting tourists, the centre of Chinatown is as authentic as a theme park.

On exiting Chinatown MRT station, you’re met by pedestrianised streets lined with shops selling complete tat and duty-free perfumes. Old ornate shophouses have been painted garishly in hideous bright colours. Miserable staff from some of the worst restaurants in Singapore attempt to entice you in by shouting at you and thrusting menus in your face. There’s little that suggests the hundreds of years of history this district should be revered for.

Avoid the main drag like the plague. Immediately head to the two incredible Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Hindu Sri Mariamman temple on South Bridge Road. Then venture away from the sweating throngs and explore the real Chinatown.

Wander along Chinatown’s beautiful backstreets, such as Ann Siang Hill and Keong Saik Road, and admire the beautifully restored, grand old shophouses. Walk up to Telok Ayer Street and marvel at the hand-carved gold leaf detailing at the Thian Hock Keng Temple.

Call in to Say Tian Hong Buddha Shop on Neil Street, the last workshop that still carves Taoist deities by hand in Singapore. The store is now run by the grandson and great-grandsons of the original founder who opened the shop in 1896. Don’t be fooled into thinking Chinatown is just a few streets of tacky tat, there’s so much more to see if you wander off the beaten path.

The Worst Places to Visit in the Philippines

Southeast Asia’s second island nation is a convoluted beauty of bone-white beaches and high cordillera mountains. We loved traveling in North Luzon, hiking from village to village, and meeting the Igorot cultures. But elsewhere, in places like Angeles, Cebu City and downtown Manila, the Philippines have a reputation for hedonistic beach life, easy women (which turns out are professional hookers, not regular and Catholic Filipinas) and easier guns. In the outlying islands, overdeveloped paradise beaches have turned into touristic eyesores. The most blatant example is the dumbell shaped island of Boracay, which closed for six months of recovery in 2018  and still sees an uncertain future . Truth be told, Boracay is not alone: please think twice before visiting these places as you plan your next trip to the Philippines. With thousands of unexplored islands and beaches, we are certain you’ll have better places to go.

18) EL NIDO, PALAWAN

By the Wandering Wheatleys

I had seen so many beautiful photos of El Nido on Instagram so I was absolutely dying to see it for myself. I couldn’t wait to jet around on my own private boat while admiring the massive limestone cliffs jutting up from the turquoise blue water. I pictured lounging on a pristine beach with an ice cold coconut in my hand, eating fresh fish and enjoying myself immensely. I was wrong.

For starters, I got sick. Really sick. And you probably will, too. The infrastructure of this small town hasn’t been able to catch up with the influx of tourists, so the water and the sewage aren’t properly separated. I was so careful because I knew it was coming, I even brushed my teeth with bottled water in an effort to avoid the inevitable. But alas, I spent many hours of my tropical beach vacation on the toilet.

And that jetting around on my own private boat? The boat operators in El Nido all follow the same schedule and route. You can pick from Tour A, B, C, or D. And the minute your boat arrives at one of the destinations along the route, a hundred other boats are pulling up at the same time. Tour customization is virtually impossible so you’ll have to share that beautiful beach with hordes of other tourists.

And to top it all off, the town of El Nido is extremely overpriced. Budget travel here is impossible as even the dumpy, rundown hotels are outrageously expensive. And the town itself is lackluster, with no real beach to speak of and constant ongoing construction. Most of the restaurants serve bland, Western food and since there are no sidewalks, you’ll be walking out in traffic everywhere you go.

Getting any of that putrid water in your mouth. And bring some Pepto-Bismal, you’ll thank me for it.

19) CEBU CITY

By Margherita Ragg of The Crowded Planet

We decided to include Cebu City in our itinerary not just for practical reasons, since we planned to travel around Cebu Island for part of our month-long trip to the Philippines , but also because two of our friends raved about the food scene, colonial architecture and cultural festivals. On top of that, Cebu City is around the corner from Mactan Island, a great diving location, and it’s well located to visit other top natural locations in Cebu Island.

I do love Southeast Asian cities, and the crowds and traffic don’t really bother me, but Cebu was the busiest, most traffic-congested place I had ever seen. Walking around was an absolute nightmare, with little or no sidewalks, and cars, tricycles and jeepneys zipping everywhere. There was not much to speak of in terms of attractions, save for the Santo Niño de Cebú church, which is really worth seeing. Besides that, my memories of Cebu are just traffic, pollution and rubbish. There were a few shopping malls, and all the food we had was subpar. I normally try to find something positive in every place I visit, but I just didn’t get Cebu City!

The city centre. Stay near the airport instead, or base yourself in nearby Mactan Island. At least, you’ll enjoy nice sunsets and stay away from the traffic.

The Worst Places to Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country that has a bit of everything, from the long beaches near Nha Trang and Danang, to the beautiful karst peaks of Ha Giang close to the Chinese border. But once in Vietnam, your best bet is trying to steer away from its most iconic and famous sites, because over tourism here is not to be taken lightly. On the first time I visited in 2007, I remember a backpacker hop-on-hop-off bus, making a beeline from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City for a few dollars. The experience, of course, was miserable, with touts grabbing you as an open wallet even before you had time to step off the bus. In a decade, things have just gotten worst: please avoid these places if you want to have good memories of the ‘Nam.

20) HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

By Shelley Lee of Travel-Stained

Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a perfectly preserved example of a major Southeast Asian trading port from the 16th and 17th centuries. It has the UNESCO World Heritage site listing to prove it. I’d imagined wandering slowly down winding laneways, admiring exquisite silk lanterns, heritage buildings and religious sites, or enjoying a leisurely boat ride down the Thu B?n River. The reality was painfully different.

The translation of Hoi An is “peaceful meeting place,” but nothing could be further from the truth. Just try to go for a “peaceful” walk through the narrow streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. You’d be lucky to walk 10 metres in 15 minutes. You’re guaranteed to see more solo female travellers vying for selfies, massive Chinese tour groups, and drunk backpackers wearing conical non la hats, than actual Vietnamese people. As you battle the crowds, you’ll be assaulted by touts selling knock off Vietnamese lanterns, glow in the dark toys, and overpriced street food. Authentic Vietnamese town? Yeah right.

Traveling there during major Asian holidays, like Lunar New Year or Tet. At these times, tourists from all over Asia head to Hoi An and the streets are literally teeming with masses of sweaty humanity. And for the love of god, please don’t buy overpriced neon bunny ears and take selfies in front of historic buildings, unless you’re under the age of 5.

21) HALONG BAY

By Carine & Derek of We Did It Our Way

When we went to Vietnam, there was one place we were super excited to visit from the get-go: Halong Bay. Those impressive limestone karsts that jut out of the water, giving the whole place a magical, mythical vibe. When we got to Hanoi, we immediately booked our 2-night/3-day trip to Halong Bay. This was supposed to be the highlight of our 3 weeks in Vietnam.

But once we got to the Bay, we quickly realized that this was not going to be the trip we had anticipated .

Thousands of people being directed like cattle to hundreds of boats. The sheer number of tourists that flock daily to Halong Bay is just downright scary to see. Each one lugging a huge suitcase, unaware of the people around them. Pure chaos!

Once you get on the boat, you would think the insanity would stop, but now, you have to wait, along with hundreds of other boats, to get out of the harbour and into the bay. As vast as the bay is, most areas are closed off to tourists, so you are constantly surrounded by other boats. Every stop you make to visit a viewpoint, or cave, or whatever, you are constantly ushered along with hundreds of other people. This just takes away from the whole experience. And we haven’t even touched upon the amount of food wasted on these boats and the polluted waters. Each boat creates so much waste to ensure that everyone is well-fed, which isn’t a bad thing in itself. However, after every meal, we would see plates and plates of untouched meals being sent back to the kitchen and dumped into the waters.

You may argue that this is food for the marine life there, but with that food, we saw plastic gloves, kitchen utensils and broken plates still floating around the waters.

This trip to Halong Bay was eye-opening and scary all at the same time. To see such a beautiful place overrun by tourists and destroyed by overcrowding and pollution is heart-breaking. Our recommendation would be to avoid Halong Bay altogether, or to go for a 1-night trip if you really want to see it. Another option is to head to Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay instead. Both are just as beautiful but not as crowded.

The Worst Places to Visit in Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been an impenetrable, closed nation for many years, squeezed under the tight grip of a military junta who ruled the nation as its glove puppet. Opening up to tourism in the late 1990s has not done the country any good. This includes the release of political leader Ang San Suu Kyi, who still turns a blind eye to the horrible genocide of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. If you ask us, it’s better not to visit Myanmar now, avoiding bringing money to a nation that’s developing too fast and making all the wrongest choices. But if you really decide you must go, at least avoid going here.

22) INLE LAKE

By Michael of Time Travel Turtle

A beautiful lake with scenic views across the water to small green islands. Local communities living on houses built in the middle of the lake, with fishermen out on their boats to catch the day’s food.

The only way to visit Inle Lake is by boat and the local businesses here know this. So, with a commission-hungry captain in charge, you will just be taken from shop to shop, with no attempt to give you an authentic cultural experience. The blacksmith is clearly not a functioning site, with a couple of guys crouched over a small fire and then multiple large rooms of souvenirs to buy; the fishermen aren’t trying to catch anything except a tip for posing for a photo; and there are huge crowds of boats outside the restaurants that give the tour companies the most kickback, not that cook the best food. You can’t blame the local communities for wanting to earn money from the visitors but a more sustainable and authentic masterplan for tourism here would be better for everyone!

The shops that use women from the Padaung tribe, who lengthen their necks with metallic rings, as an enticement to visit – before then pressuring you to buy things. There are different explanations of why they are here (whether it was their idea, or whether they were paid to come, for instance) but it is a fact that they are not indigenous to Inle Lake and are just here as an attraction for tourists.

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12 Most Dangerous Countries in Asia that are Safer than you think for Travelers

Last Updated on 4 November 2023 by Cycloscope

How to stay safe when traveling to these so-called dangerous countries of Asia

Some of these places are considered among the most dangerous in the world.

Before going into details and our direct experience, these are the most dangerous countries in Asia where you can still travel with a good dose of safety:

Afghanistan

• The Philippines (Mindanao)

North Korea

South korea.

Asia is the biggest continent in the world, comprising of 50 countries among which you can find some of the safest places to be (Japan ranks 10th in the Global Peace Index ). Anyway, the three most dangerous countries in the world are in Asia : Siria, Afghanistan, and Iraq (again according to the GPI).

So, what should we do? Should we mind this kind of ranking when we travel?

According to the media, we should stay at home. Even our governments, on their official pages, advise not to travel to a great number of countries. We are bombarded every day by news of wars, murders, and violence.

Looks like all the world is conspiring to harm you. When most of the media mention “developing countries” is mostly to depict them as dangerous places.

Although it’s undeniably true that there is a lot of bad stuff going on on this planet, the world is still a fairly safe place to visit. If we take a look at the numbers , the amount of people intentionally harmed during their travels is ridiculously low.

From our personal experience, people from every country I was in, mentioned their neighboring nations as dangerous. Well, that’s the sad fruit of ignorance and sometimes racism.

When I said to my friends and family I was going to Asia, many were concerned about my safety, names like Kazakhstan , Cambodia , and Azerbaijan , raised perplexity among many: was I crazy going to do free camping in places like this?

About this post

This article is a collaborative effort, a bunch of travelers share their experiences in some of the so-called most dangerous countries in Asia.

Our aim is not to say there is absolutely no risk involved in traveling to those Asian countries, some are really dangerous indeed, like Afghanistan, and some require a big dose of awareness, like North Korea, but yet some are among the safest places you can be, like South Korea.

Some Advice on how to stay safe when traveling

Be prudent, attentive, smart, trust your guts, don’t get drunk, don’t get high (or at least do that only if you really really trust the people you’re with and the place you’re in). Study the place you’re going to travel, gather as much information as you can, be careful of sensitive topics, and respect local customs.

Just exerting these precautions will make you safe almost everywhere, things can happen of course, but they can happen even if you’re not traveling.

12 Countries Perceived as the Most Dangerous in Asia

Disclosure: Some of our articles contain affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost for you and helps us keep this website up and running. (as Amazon Associates we earn commission from qualifying purchases)

Is Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries to travel?

By Joan Torres from Against The Compass  –  instagram. com/againstthecompass

From driving the  Karakoram Highway , one of the most epic road trips on Earth; to trekking 8,000-meter-high mountain base camps and the most stunning mountain scenery; Pakistan is, definitely, the ultimate adventurous destination.

But this is not all. Besides being the ideal destination for mountain lovers,  traveling to Pakistan  is a deep, personal experience, as here you will discover the real, worldwide famous Pakistani hospitality, meaning that, you will be continuously blessed with tea, food, and house invitations; several times a day.

Unlike what most people think, Pakistan can be a safe destination. Sure there are areas that should be avoided but, the cities and provinces marked as ‘’safe’’ are considered even safer than many places in Europe, as the crime rate is practically non-existent.

Just avoid provinces such as Baluchistan, Tribal Areas, and be careful in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, since it used to be a Taliban area a couple of years ago, even though now it’s completely safe.

The rest of the country, especially north Pakistan, home to most of the country’s beauty, is perfectly safe.

Pakistan ranks 12th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in the world, the 5th most dangerous in Asia

Is Iran safe to travel?

By Tom Grond from TravelTomTom –  instagram.com/againstthecompass

When people asked me: Why are you going to Iran, isn’t that dangerous? It made me laugh, cause when I asked them for an explanation, no one could ever give me a decent answer. And exactly that is one of the reasons why I wanted to  travel to Iran .

When people tell me not to go somewhere, I am doing the opposite. I wanted to see the real Iran and not what the media is showing us. The only things they talk about are the issues on government levels, but do you think the people in the streets in Iran really care about the diplomatic disputes?

I have actually never met such lovely and inviting people as in Iran. Iranians are in fact all willing to show you how safe and warm their country is. While traveling around in Iran total strangers invited me to have dinner at their house, a more authentic travel experience is hard to find.

Try to find someone in Europe who randomly invites you to have dinner at their place, good luck!

There is no need to be concerned about any safety issues in Iran, theft is very rare and the place where you will be most vulnerable to accidents is the crazy traffic, which is an experience in itself. Being a tourist in Iran is an incredibly authentic travel experience with so many beautiful places to discover.

Iran ranks 35th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in the world

Is it possible to travel to Afghanistan? The world 2nd most dangerous country

By Angela Corrias – Chasing the Unexpected –  pinterest.com/angelacorrias

Hardly like any other country, Afghanistan is a dream destination for many people. Part of the former Great Persian Empire , there countless are reasons why you would want to visit Afghanistan, from the old traditions proudly kept alive, a breathtaking mountainous landscape, and what remains of the ancient buildings after decades of war.

With the return of the Taliban, I don’t feel I can currently suggest Afghanistan as a travel destination , but as the popularity grows, I feel somehow compelled to give travelers the  necessary advice  on how to make the most out of their trip should they decide to embark on it.

First of all, it’s crucial for foreigners to know where they can or cannot go. At present, the cities where foreigners are safer are  Herat , Mazar-e-Sharif, Bamiyan, the Panjshir Valley, and to some extent Kabul .

This is if they land in Kabul, while, if they are coming to Afghanistan by land from Tajikistan, they can only visit the Wakhan Corridor in the Badakhshan region, the only one the government has kept for tourists, but from where you can’t go to other regions or take a road trip as it’s too dangerous.

Travelers need also to keep in mind that foreigners need to stay in the city, as the outskirts and surrounding villages are not safe, and if they want to travel from one province to another, it’s always better to go by plane, except maybe from Kabul to the Panjshir Valley, where it’s possible to go by car with a trustworthy driver.

In the cities, too, there are specific security measures to adopt: try to blend in, especially by dressing like locals as much as possible, especially women, choose a hotel with a good level of security, don’t go out every day at the same time, don’t go always to same places or follow every day the same routine or take the same road, and don’t stay out late at night.

Traveling to Afghanistan is risky, it would be pointless and wrong to say the opposite, but it’s unquestionable that it will make for a truly unforgettable trip .

Kashmir (India)

Kashmir: the most militarized place on Earth

By Dante Harker –  instagram.com/danteharker

“Sadly our insurance will not cover you” – said the insurance company we’ve been working with for years. They went on to tell us that for Kashmir in India, we would need specialist ‘War Insurance.’ Scary stuff, or it would be if you believed the hype. Usually, though, the hype about any country comes from outside the country and is told by people with very little idea.

We’ve wanted to visit Kashmir for many years, the pictures of the area always look stunning, and as a huge fan of followers, going to see the tulip fields there was an absolute must.

We stayed in Srinagar , a lovely little city surrounded by stunning scenery, most notably Lake Dal . A lot of the accommodation has a Swizz chalet feel to it, and we stayed in the lovely Hotel Mirage .

As lovely as the place is, don’t get me wrong, you’ll know as soon as you land that you’re not on the beaten track anymore. There is a large army presence and manned gunpoints scattered across the town. We did buy war insurance, and it wasn’t so expensive, Google around for the best deals – it never hurts to make sure you’re covered with these things.

We talked to a lot of locals who are very keen to see tourists come to the area. Everyone we talked to assured us that we were perfectly safe, and everyone we met was super nice. The area clearly has issues, but where doesn’t these days so I wouldn’t let that put you off – go for the flowers, food, and friendly people.”

Many Western media depict Kashmir as “the most dangerous place on Earth”, because of the high degree of militarization involving two nuclear superpowers (India and China)

Is India one of the most dangerous Asian countries for a solo female traveler?

By Steffi S – Beach Bum Adventures – instagram.com/ beachbumsteffi  

Ever since I was a teenager I have wanted to visit India. I’ve read numerous books about but I was always waiting for someone to come with me. Finally this year I had a month’s holiday from work and decided that the place I most wanted to go was India and I was going alone.

So many friends, family members, and the media told me that I couldn’t travel solo as a female in India . I started to get freaked out myself so I thought I would join a group tour for the first 20 days and then do the next 10 solo which is exactly what I did.

I am not saying that India is an easy place to travel and I do think it is important to be extremely aware of safety, especially as a woman. But a couple of negative things that happened to me in India also happened to me in Thailand, a destination that is deemed very safe for solo travelers.

I loved the tour but as soon as I started to travel alone I had much more of an Indian experience, met loads of Indian friends , and had an incredible time exploring Rishikesh and the surrounding area. I can’t wait for my next solo trip to India again in the future.

India ranks 27th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in the world

According to these statistics , rapes per capita are far less in India, than in many first-world countries.

98% of the rapes are committed by relatives or persons known to the victim.

Is Israel a dangerous country for travelers?

By Inma Gregorio – a World to Travel  –  facebook.com/aworldtotravel

Poor knowledge of a destination and the fact media does often more harm than good can make you fear places you have never been to. That’s what usually happens with Israel.

As with many other countries, I visited lately, stating that I was heading to  Israel provoked a few strong reactions from my family, friends, and the social media acquaintances I engage with.

Naysayers will always try to stop you, but you soon learn to recognize them. And so last year I visited the country twice. And I am still alive and kicking!

Even before taking your plane to  Israel , the paranoia begins. There is extra security for flights to Tel Aviv and gunmen can be seen already at your departure airport. You need double or triple the time you’d need to catch any other plane and chances are you’ll be screened to death.

But that’s alright. Once you get used to the  safety  checks everywhere (mainly at airports and near the Palestine border) you will be fine.

I felt safe all the time and was able to experience awesomeness all along without worries. I went to Tel Aviv, a Kibbutz, to the West Bank and Jerusalem, to Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea… spending around 2 weeks in a country that truly knows how to welcome visitors and make you feel at home.

I learned a few things in Israel , but there’s still a lot more I need to experience there so it’s just a matter of time before I will be back for a third visit!

Israel ranks 10th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in Asia and 20th in the world. Just a few points separate it from Palestine, does this index look reliable to you?

How dangerous is traveling in Turkey

By Scott Newman –  instagram.com/scottminewman  –   flikr.com/scott_newman

I recently wandered around the ruins of Ephesus , this is normally ground zero of one of the world’s biggest tourism industries, but that day it was virtually deserted.

In the summer of 2016 I spent the night of the coup attempt cowering on the floor with my neighbor as jets roared over ahead, cautiously checking to see whether that ‘bang’ was a sonic boom or a bomb, and oh, yes, ISIS took out both Istanbul’s airport and an up-end nightclub.

I can understand why tourists are staying away. I understand why people are risk-averse, but you also need to be risk-smart. These extreme events grab the headlines but the odds of getting caught in one are like getting struck by lightning , the biggest risks are earthquakes and traffic accidents, and over the years I have had those too but I lived to tell.

Cold, hard analysis and years of experience I believe that the day-to-day risks of things like crime are less in Turkey than in major Western countries, statistically, you’re probably safer in Istanbul than in London or New York .

Your chances of being overcharged by a taxi driver or conned out of a few lira by a shoeshine guy are much higher than actually being robbed, assaulted, or murdered. A Turkish friend put it “Trust a Turk with your life, but not your wallet”.

Factor in the real but low risk of getting caught up in a terrorist attack it still balances out as pretty much normal. And what that means is that now, the masses are staying away, it’s the best time to come . The queues are shorter, the tour buses rare, the crowds are gone and the dropping lira even means it’s cheaper.

And if you come you realize why the masses used to come, from big City fun in Istanbul to Mediterranean beaches and the lunar landscape of Cappadocia the A-list attractions are obvious.

But Turkey’s treat is the incredible variety it offers and the sheer amount to see means there are wonderful places where you can feel like an explorer .

There are so many ruins and the tour buses only visit a handful, there are incredible places, from the stadium of Magnesia down the road from Ephesus to the hilltop Uzuncaburç above Silifke on the eastern Med coast, that almost no one visits.

The landscape is frequently stunning and you can hike trails that would be full anywhere else.

You can explore olive and pine tree-clad mountains overhanging the perfect blue seas on the Lycian and Carian Ways , or head up the Kaçkar Mountains which are pure Switzerland without the price tag or the chocolate. And getting out and exploring, you can discover the small towns and villages that are the soul of the country.

Turkey ranks 18th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in the world

The Philippines – Mindanao

Is it possible to travel to Mindanao?

By Katherine and Hali Relevant – Tara Lets Anywhere –  facebook.com/taraletsanywhere

Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines is visited by fewer tourists. One of the reasons is the stigma around Mindanao. It has a history of civil unrest and kidnappings, and this 2017, martial law was declared in the whole of Mindanao due to the attack in Marawi City.

This has prompted governments to declare travel warnings to the country, specifically Mindanao. While this is a good safety precaution, what most people are not aware of is that Mindanao is huge — it’s the 2nd largest island in the Philippines , with 22 provinces and over 20 million people. While there are areas unfit for traveling, the rest are safe and with friendly and welcoming locals.

Moreover, Mindanao has some of the best (and untouched) nature attractions in the country, as well as authentic culture. In the Cotabato provinces  alone, for instance, you can see the grand Asik-Asik Falls and then head south to Lake Holon to camp and mingle with the T’boli ethnic race.

Other places to visit include Siargao in Surigao del Norte , the country’s surfing capital; Camiguin featuring White Island; CDO with its whitewater rafting adventure; Iligan City and the numerous waterfalls surrounding it; Zamboanga with its seafood and pristine beaches; and the rest, which are waiting to be discovered.

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My advice is to listen to travel warnings and get to know which places are safe to visit. If in doubt, coordinate with local authorities for advice.

According to the GPI , the Philippines are just a bit more dangerous than India

What’s it like to travel to North Korea?

By Arimo Kerkela – Arimo Travels  –   facebook.com/arimotravels

When people hear I’ve   traveled to North Korea , I often get the same two questions:

1) Is it possible?

2) Is it safe?

Unless you’re from South Korea , traveling to North Korea is not difficult . You can’t explore the country on your own or use Couchsurfing with local hosts, but almost anybody can join a guided tour.

For some reason, people also think that traveling to North Korea is dangerous. Of course, there’s the sad case of American citizen Otto Warmbier who was imprisoned in the country and who died afterward. Still, I’d say that traveling to North Korea is not dangerous. In fact, I believe my visit to North Korea was the safest trip I’ve ever done .

Because all the tours in North Korea are so tightly controlled, there’s basically no risk of crime. Nobody will try to mug or pickpocket you. You don’t need to worry about criminals because you won’t get a chance to meet them.

North Korea wants to leave the best possible impression on visitors, so they make sure their guests won’t encounter any trouble. The biggest risk might be if another country decides to bomb down North Korea while you’re there as a tourist, but we just need to hope that won’t happen.

North Korea ranks 6th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in Asia, 10th in the world It’s also the worst country on Earth for human rights, according to the Human Rights Index

Should you be afraid of traveling to South Korea?

By Mike Still –  Live Travel Teach

South Korea isn’t usually perceived as a dangerous place but the truth is the armistice between their northern cousins meaning they just agreed to stop shooting but never actually ended the war .

The last few decades have all seen warning shots fired across the border occasionally killing military or civilians unfortunate enough to be there. But in spite of these regular military exchanges, South Korea was an extremely safe place for me to live and travel around.

One of the most popular places for tourists to visit is DMZ, aka Demilitarized Zone. This is the only place where you can get a chance to glimpse North Korean guards who are perpetually staring down their South Korean and American counterparts.

You can even take a tour of Panmunjom, the blue negotiation buildings that are exactly on the border, half in each country.

In contrast to the always looming threat of the North Korean arsenal, which has between 800 and 20,000 artillery within range of Seoul, the country has almost no crime or violence. In fact, it might be the safest destination you can visit.

You’ll find some of the amazing hikes in South Korea with a number of national parks just a short drive from Seoul. Don’t forget to check out one of the unique festivals, beautiful royal palaces , and stunning Buddhist temples too.

The only time I ever heard of things going missing or getting stolen in South Korea, there was one common theme, alcohol. Koreans love their drinking culture, games, and especially noraebangs (small group karaoke rooms).  The only thing should worry about when in South Korea is to take extra care when you sample the rice wine

Is Qatar a dangerous destination in the Middle East?

By Ketki Sharangpani – DottedGlobe  –  instagram.com/_dottedglobe

I recently read about visitors canceling Doha trip since Saudi Arabia and a few other countries severed ties with Qatar, and I was surprised. Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world despite the diplomatic crisis and the severe summer sun is still Doha’s worst threat.

I visited Qatar early this year and had a great time during my stay in Doha. As a tourist, I was fascinated by Doha’s beautiful skyline and exclusive shopping malls.

The Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha’s premier tourist attraction, has beautiful architecture and an extensive art collection. Reconstructed Souq Waqif is a delight to shop and explore; I found a beautiful hand-crafted teapot and other treasures in its many alleys.

Adjacent Falcon Souq  is fascinating to understand the ancient sport of falconry. Katara Cultural Village is one of the highlights of Doha with its beautiful patterns and mosaics of Islamic architecture. Doha has an abundance of luxury hotels and spa resorts and some of the world’s most  ultra-luxury massages can be found in Doha .

For adventurous travelers, Doha offers dune bashing, sand sledding, and camping in the desert. Qatar is a conservative Middle-Eastern country and tourists should dress appropriately and follow local customs regarding no alcohol consumption, respecting the royal family, and other Sharia laws. Other tips to stay safe include carrying enough water in the desert and avoiding being alone in deserted places at night.

Qatar ranks 29thth in the GPI index of the safest countries in the world, 3rd safest in Asia after Malaysia and Buthan

How dangerous is it to travel to China?

By Daniele Giannotta – Cycloscope  – Instagram.com/cycloscope_globecycling

Some people are freaked out about the degree of government control in China, many have the idea of a militarized country where tourists are under strict observation. Well, that’s true.

The Chinese Communist Party wants to know where everybody is all the time, you’re due to show an identification document anytime you board a train or a bus, independent travel is discouraged in favor of organized groups, and driving your own car or motorcycle is almost impossible.

China’s western provinces, Xinjiang especially, are highly militarized, there are checkpoints and metal detectors everywhere, and some areas are off-limits to the tourists (like most of Tibet and parts of Qinghai ).

We have personally been arrested and questioned for being in one of these forbidden areas… just that nobody knew it was forbidden, not even the police officers. They seized our passports and electronic gear and we couldn’t leave the city of Xining for one week, waiting for them to allegedly check all our pictures.

That said, you might be surprised to hear that China is one of the safest countries we’ve ever been to . Petty crimes are rare and almost inexistent toward tourists, Chinese people never scam you, even when they easily could. Even when we were in police custody, the worst that could have happened to us was to be kicked out and banned from getting back.

Not only tourist areas are safe, but also off-the-beaten-path zones, free camping is tolerated and nobody bothers you. You can travel on your own if you figure out how, and there’s even the possibility of using your own means of transport  that is a bicycle or an electric scooter.

We traveled to China for 2 months by bicycle, visiting the beautiful alpine lake of Sayram in Xinjiang , the Mogao Caves , and the Colorful mountains of Gansu , the desert oasis of Turpan . Then we moved to China for work, living in the beautiful eastern province of Zhejiang for 18 months.

During this whole period, we only felt worried about our safety that one time we were brought into the creepy interrogation room by the police. Be sure to gather all the information you can about forbidden areas if you travel the west on your own.

  China ranks 50th in the GPI index of the most dangerous countries in the world, just next to the USA (49th)

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I do not think that Qatar is one of the potentially dangerous countries to travel. I have been several times and in none have I felt the sensation of danger.

Read up on cases of people who decide to visit the Middle East to prove it is safe only to end up dead because they travel too far off the beaten path. Also, N. Korea? Sure, you can visit, and if you follow the insanely strict rules, you can get in and out because aside from, you know, the gulags and the authoritarian and paranoid regime, it is relatively safe because the locals are too afraid of their own government to even talk about doing anything to you.

Also, read up on cases of foreign citizens (especially Westerners) who end up disappearing in these countries. The list is larger than you think. An American student named Adam Warmbier was released after an extended detainment in N. Korea only to die days later in a coma due to the conditions and treatment in the place where he was detained prior to release.

Thanks for your opinion C. We don’t advice going in any of these places without taking the necessary precautions. This article only outlines the positive experience of people who visited these countries.

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The 9 Most Dangerous Places in Asia: Cities To Avoid

We have covered the safest places , but what about the most dangerous places in Asia? Asia is a fun continent to travel to – full of chaotic cities with colorful markets and plenty to see and do. Whether it is Asia’s nightlife, culture, or wildlife, there is always something to lure you in.

Of course, being lured in is great! As long as the destination is safe to visit, or you are traveling well-prepared to deal with the common difficulties. You can still safely visit some of the most dangerous places in Asia with a bit of preparation. So, don’t think that a country being featured on this list is a blanket ban on visiting. Instead, you might want to research visiting more carefully or pick a safer country if you are a less experienced traveler.

In no particular order, here is our guide to the most dangerous places in Asia.

Table of Contents

North Korea

North Korea is widely considered one of the most dangerous places in Asia. Even gaining entry into the country can be difficult, with tourist visas scarce and unavailable for many nationalities.

US tourists cannot enter or obtain a visa, and entry with an American passport has been banned since 2017. There is a slim window of opportunity for US passport holders that are desperate to visit, involving receiving a special validation from the Department of State.

UK tourists can obtain a visa to visit North Korea. However, they have to follow specific registration procedures on arrival and should allow a minimum of two months for the application process.

When you arrive in North Korea, it is usually only possible to explore as part of an organized tour. Your guide decides your itinerary, and you may face serious consequences if you stray from the tour or your hotel alone.  GOV.UK  lists an example of a South Korean tourist being shot dead after venturing into a restricted military area in 2008. Restricted areas may not be obvious, and adhering to local customs is vital for your safety, so you must remain with your guide.

Pakistan’s safety reputation is on a gradual upwards curve, with tourism steadily increasing in the country. However, Pakistan is still not a country for inexperienced travelers, and even experienced travelers need to remain vigilant.

The UK advises citizens against either all travel or all but essential travel to Pakistan, with different areas ranked at their risk to travelers. For example, the city of Peshawar, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, and the Balochistan Province are all absolute no-go areas. Traveling to Pakistan is relatively easy visa-wise, but planning and researching individual regions is necessary. You should also avoid visiting on holidays, as the risk of terrorist attacks and violence rises.

The main risks when traveling to Pakistan are theft, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks. In some areas, you can expect frequent incidents, and you should take care in public spaces and hotels. The Pakistan rail system also has a bad reputation, with a history of derailing trains, and road travel is often dangerous due to erratic driving and carjacking. It is best to visit Pakistan with a guide or part of a tour group to keep your trip as low risk as possible.

In short, traveling to Pakistan and having a safe trip is possible. But if you are risk-averse or want a holiday where you can relax and do normal tourist activities without considering safety, choose a different destination.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an obvious addition to our list, although sadly was just starting to experience some tourism before the Taliban retook control in 2022.

As of 2023, Afghanistan is currently not suitable for any tourist to visit safely. All foreign diplomats have been withdrawn from the country, leaving no on-the-ground support for foreign nationals. The official UK government website states that they cannot offer any advice on safe routes to safe departure points, so assisted evacuation is limited – if not impossible.

The current political situation is described as volatile, with an ongoing high threat of terrorist activity. There are almost daily terrorist attacks, a very high risk of kidnapping, frequent road accidents, limited air travel, and legally binding customs.

Out of all of the most dangerous places in Asia, Afghanistan is the country you should avoid visiting the most right now.

Okay, most of Malaysia is extremely safe. Kuala Lumpur, in particular, is a fantastic city to visit and a popular stopover. However, the islands off the Sabah coast are one of the most dangerous places in Asia.

The islands are located next to mainland Borneo and are highly unsuitable for tourists. The biggest risks are terrorist attacks and kidnappings, with foreigners most typically targeted. Even the waters around the islands are deemed unsafe, and the ‘Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia’ suggests avoiding the area completely.

While you should take moderate care throughout traveling Malaysia, we’d advise you to avoid the Sabah Coast and offshore islands entirely. Instead, stick to safer areas and enjoy the attractions and delicious Malaysian cuisine.

Bangladesh is another country that has a gradually improving safety reputation. However, unfortunately, it is still one of the most dangerous places in Asia.

To summarize briefly, Bangladesh is at high risk of political unrest, kidnappings, violence, terrorist attacks, and general crime.

If you are planning a visit, stay in tune with any upcoming political events and avoid holidays when the risk of incidents rises. GOV. UK particularly warns of a trend of kidnapping children and business people, which makes assessing the risk of traveling to Bangladesh easy if planning a family holiday or business trip to Bangladesh.

Like many of the countries on our list, some areas of Bangladesh are more dangerous than others. We hazard you against traveling to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and near the Myanmar or Indian border. In these areas, you can expect intensified crime levels and frequent violence.

Speaking of Myanmar, it definitely warrants a place on our list.

Myanmar has been an almost safe travel destination over the past decade, but in 2021, the Democratic elected government was overthrown by a military coup.

As of 2023, Myanmar remains under military control, and the political situation remains volatile and violent. Now, tourists are advised against all but essential travel. Foreign embassies are still operating in-country but cannot guarantee safety or assistance if the current stability breaks down.

In the words of the UK government, ‘if you decide your presence in Myanmar is essential, you should maintain a low profile and keep up to date with developments. This will involve being aware of and abiding by any curfews and restrictions around local customs. Breaching any rules will be met with consequences under Martial Law, and it is likely you won’t be able to contact an embassy or next of kin.

Otherwise, Myanmar’s general threats are theft, unmarked landmines, monsoons, hazardous road travel, and piracy. Which, all in all, easily makes the country one of the most dangerous in Asia.

Cambodia is undoubtedly fantastic. The temples of Angkor Wat and the history of the Khmer Rouge are the main tourist draws, although the south coast has gorgeous beaches as well.

Sadly, traveling to Cambodia is not without risk. The main risks in Cambodia are landmines, theft, piracy, and road travel fatalities. However, female travelers should especially note the high risk of sexual assault and drink spiking. If you are a solo female traveler looking to explore Asia alone, we’d recommend sticking to safer countries. Cambodia can be overwhelming if you aren’t experienced in traveling to countries where such hyper-vigilance is necessary.

Of course, solo travel is still popular in Cambodia, and the country is well-visited by backpackers completing a loop of Southeast Asia. Cambodia is definitely in our ‘safe to visit when prepared’ category. Research and select your destinations in Cambodia carefully, and take caution when exploring. But, after prepping yourself beforehand, you should have an incredible and safe time.

Analyzing how safe India does feel like asking how long’s a piece of string. If you ask this question, you are usually met with a pause and “it depends”.

In general, India is not an easy country to travel to, and you’ll need to feel confident avoiding things like scams, pick pocketers, and generally sketchy situations. However, the line between dangerous and challenging can seem thin – especially for travelers desensitized to traveling to challenging countries.

Really, it depends mostly on where you are visiting. GOV. UK advises against all but essential travel to the Pakistan border, Jammu, and Kashmir. When planning a trip to India, you should interpret this advice as a huge red flag and, to state things bluntly, a warning to accept any consequences of visiting on your own head.

Women are likely to find India more difficult to travel to because of sexual harassment. Sexual assaults are prevalent and often extremely violent, sadly making India dangerous for female travelers regardless of situational factors.

Solo travelers may also struggle more, seen as certain activities, like traveling on public transport, are ill-advised when alone.

Planning a trip to New Delhi in an organized tour? India should be fine. Traveling alone as a female to an area where all but essential travel is advised? India probably won’t be fine. Use your judgment, travel confidence, and government advice to guide you when traveling to India.

Our final addition to the most dangerous places in Asia might shock you. But it is actually tourists’ ignorance of the dangers of Indonesia that make it so dangerous.

Indonesia has many strict laws, and even in popular regions like Bali, there are many things to avoid if you want to stay safe.

Certain medications, like ADHD medicines, come with jail imprisonment or even the death sentence if you try to bring them through customs! While certain regions, like around Mount Sinabung as of 2022, are guarded exclusion zones due to volcanic activity.

When visiting Indonesia, you need to be willing to remain updated about all ongoing and possible dangers. The biggest risks are harsh drug laws, sexual assaults, spiking, theft, natural disasters, protests, and terrorist attacks. To keep your visit incident-free, research how to stay beforehand and proactively avoid common dangers.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

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Avoid these Dangerous Places in Southeast Asia

Visiting These Risky Hotspots? Take Extra Care... or Don't Go at All

Jason South/Fairfax Media/Getty Images

Some little-explored spots in Southeast Asia are best left that way. Simmering rebellions, ethnic clashes, and unresolved border issues in some parts of the region simply do not allow for safe travel .

These areas are thankfully few and far between, but keep this in mind: if you disregard State Department Warnings against travel to these places, voiding your travel insurance may end up as the least of your worries.

Caught in Crossfire: Kachin & Rakhine States, Myanmar

Tourists visiting Myanmar should take care that they don't walk into the country's hotspots. The country's troubles include firefights between Myanmar government troops and ethnic rebels in the states of Kachin and northern ​Shan, and an ongoing Buddhist vs. Muslim ethnic conflict in the state of Rakhine.

Wandering off into unsafe areas can cost you your limbs, or your lives. In April of 2016, two German tourists were injured when they set off a mine while walking through a part of Shan State that has seen intermittent clashes between government and separatist forces.

The British Government advises against casual tourist travel to Rakhine State (setting aside the popular Ngapali Beach tourist stop), Kachin State, and the Kokang region of Shan State.

The U.S. Department of State advises its citizens traveling in Myanmar to "maintain a high level of security awareness... avoid crowded public places, such as large public gatherings, demonstrations, and any areas cordoned off by security forces."

Cultural Backlash: Southern Thailand

The southern Thai provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani have been under a state of Martial Law since 2005, owing to a simmering rebellion in these parts that has become particularly violent in the past 15 years.

The southern provinces are historically Muslim, once part of the Patani Sultanate that paid nominal tribute to the Siamese Kings up north. Drastic redrawing of borders and a ham-handed government-led attempt to erase the local culture has fueled an ongoing conflict that has killed up to 6,000 people in Southern Thailand between 2004 and 2014.

Visitors to this part of Thailand should take extra care; car bombs have hit the cities of Hat Yai and Songkhla, both important tourist transport hubs in Thailand. The U.S. Department of State prohibits its own personnel from traveling to these provinces in Thailand's far south, and advises tourists to "defer non-emergency travel to these areas."

Tense Relations: Indonesian Papua and Central Sulawesi

Travelers are advised against casual travel to the provinces of Central Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua and West Papua provinces, where simmering divisions have sometimes boiled over. 

Central Sulawesi and Maluku have seen some pretty bad bloodshed between the island's Muslim and Christian communities , while an independence movement in the Papua provinces is a continuing source of tension.

While travel to Papua isn't banned, travelers are required to pay for a surat jalan (travel permit) for entry into Papua and West Papua. Remember to pack passport-sized photos and some change to pay for the permit. Read about travel requirements in Indonesia .

Knock-On Effects: Philippines Moro Regions in Mindanao

Mike Aquino

Insurgent armies on the Philippines' island of Mindanao have been fighting for independence since the 1960s. The local tendency towards warlordism has not improved the situation - political families supported by the central government have built up personal armies ostensibly to battle the rebels, but have also contributed to the local state of chaos.

The unrest in Mindanao has largely been confined to the autonomous region to the far west of the island, but sadly has created knock-on effects on tourism in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City , to the north and southeast of Mindanao respectively. Both cities are safe for tourists. Read about travel requirements in the Philippines .

Step Lightly: Minefields in Cambodia and Laos

The Vietnam War and the bloody civil war that followed it has left Cambodia as one of the most heavily-mined countries in the world. The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) estimates that up to 6 million unexploded mines lie underground; this does not include the unexploded bombs left over from repeated bombings by the United States during its campaign in Indochina.

While the Angkor National Park is completely safe, other areas further off the beaten path may still have some nasty surprises lying beneath; the far-flung temple of Banteay Chhmar, in fact, has only been recently cleared of all its mines. A local guide will be able to inform you if you're safe or if you need to walk softly. Read about travel requirements to Cambodia .

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The Best Countries in Southeast Asia to Visit, Ranked

Everything worth caring about in food, drink, and travel

By: Kristin Addis

Ah, Southeast Asia. That place where Leo lost his marbles in The Beach , where Ben Stiller went full Rambo in Tropic Thunder , and where your cousin nearly burned his face off when he decided to jump through a flaming ring of fire at the full-moon party . The neon paint is still seared into his left eyebrow.

As a travel writer, I've been fortunate enough to spend A LOT of time in Southeast Asia -- like, a month or longer in nearly every country in the region. Which is why I thought it high time to finally turn those travels into a definitive ranking of the best and worst countries to visit, based on things like food & drink, stuff to do, ease of meeting people, and how far you can stretch your hard-earned coin.

After all, there's a lot more to the region than cheap beer and your cousin's shameful scars. So, without further ado, here is Southeast Asia, ranked. More: The Most Underrated Tourist Attractions in Asia

11. Brunei Best place to go: The oil monument? Best food to eat: Ambuyat, one of the country's only indigenous dishes, is made from the trunk of the sago palm tree. Mmm, good. Don't leave without: I guess going to the oil monument...

I'm just not convinced there's much more to do here other than visit a couple of mosques, walk around the capitol -- which takes a few hours, tops -- and of course, visit that famous Billionth Barrel monument (it is literally the #1-ranked thing to do).

10. Myanmar Best place to go: Bagan, if you didn't get enough of Bayon in Cambodia and love temples that start with a "B" Best food to eat: Ăthouq, a type of light, tart, and spicy salad made with raw veggies and lime juice Don't leave without: Taking a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan

Countries that cost way more for solo travelers suck, and right now Myanmar is struggling to catch up with the influx of tourism -- single rooms are expensive. Plus, people (and umbrellas) mysteriously disappear from there from time to time. No explanation whatsoever.

9. Malaysia Best place to go: Malaysian Borneo. Because, orangutans. Best food to eat: Can I pick a beverage instead? Good, 'cause I'm going with Milo Dinosaur, the iced chocolate malt drink. But two words: chocolate wasted. Don't leave without: Scuba diving anywhere and everywhere. Malaysia's underwater world is one of the best in Southeast Asia .

Malaysia is freaking beautiful, and the people are super friendly. Plus, the food is amazing. But... it doesn't have its own beer, like every other fine, self-respecting Southeast Asian country. Instead, you're lucky to find an expensive Carlsberg. Seriously, who likes Carlsberg? Nobody .

8. Singapore Best place to go: Um, Singapore? Best food to eat: Carrot cake, Singapore's signature dish (please come back and give me your reaction when you realize there's no carrot in carrot cake) Don't leave without: Tripping out to the light display at the Supertrees

Singapore is amazing if you have a lot of cash. If not, eat at the hawker centers and pretend to be fancy over a single $20 martini at Marina Bay Sands. Just try not to get your salty tears in the glass.

East Timor, or Timor-Leste, has only recently come to light as a tourist destination. Which means you can wander from village to village feeling like a celebrity, since the locals aren't overrun with visitors yet. If you want to get a taste of something few other travelers experience, explore East Timor both above and especially below (it's a top dive spot) the water line.

6. Philippines Best place to go: Palawan. It's like a blue dream with lagoons and caves. Best food to eat: Pork adobo. It's garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce plus meat. Not quite the inventiveness of Thai cuisine but still satisfying. Don't leave without: Dressing up like a mermaid on Boracay

Improve the cuisine and, for the love of God, make the benches on the busses just ever so slightly bigger (also, maybe have ATMs that actually work) and I'm pushing the Philippines way up the list.

To find out which southeast Asian countries made the top 5, get the full story at Thrillist.com!

More from Thrillist:

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20 worst english speaking countries in asia.

In this article, we will take a look at the 20 worst English speaking countries in Asia. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can directly check out the 5 Worst English Speaking Countries in Asia .

English Proficiency Age Trends Around the Globe 

Language learning is crucial for gaining an understanding of other cultures, and English is especially vital in this regard. The prevalence of the language around the world has enabled globalization to grow extensively, bringing people closer than ever. In this environment, it becomes critical to gauge global English proficiency trends, many of which are discussed in the English Proficiency Index (EPI) Report by EF Education First. EF uses three EF Standard English Tests (SET) conducted on students in 113 countries, averaging their results to find an average score for the whole country.

READ ALSO: 20 Best Countries to Study Abroad for English Speakers and 15 African Countries with the Lowest English Proficiency .   

Firstly, in most regions worldwide, English proficiency has decreased among youth (18-20 years). From 2015 to 2023, English proficiency for 18-to-20-year-olds has fallen six score points in Europe, 55 score points in Asia, 57 score points in Latin America, and six score points in Africa. However, in the Middle East, it has risen by 14 points. According to EF, this decline lines up with education disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why experts are expecting it to self-correct over the next few years. Many of these countries may require an excess of English instructors; thus, viewers can look at some of the best countries to teach English in 2024 .

On the contrary, English proficiency is rising in working-age adults. This trend is most visible across Europe, where from 2015 to 2023, average English proficiency scores rose 41 points for 21-to-25-year-olds, 58 points for 26-to-30-year-olds, 79 points for 31-to-40-year-olds, and 88 points for those above 40. Similar increases were seen across other regions as well. The EF report states that the increase has occurred so fast that it cannot be written off as just the aging up of the younger population. Adults are working on increasing their English skills, either through workplace-sanctioned training or personal development courses.

English by Region - Who’s Doing Well in Asia? 

Regional trends amongst EPI countries are also interesting to evaluate. Starting with East Asia, its three giants (China, Japan, and South Korea) have all declined in English skills over the past four years. From 2020 to 2023, the average score for South Korea fell from 545 to 525, China went from 520 to 464, and Japan fell from 487 to 457. According to the EF report, over the same period, the number of East Asian students enrolled in US universities also decreased. For South Korea, the decrease was 20%, whereas for China, it was 30%. The report states that the two main factors were pandemic-induced travel restrictions and a growing concern over Western hegemony in the educational domain.

The Middle East exhibited a positive trend from 2020 to 2023. Most countries saw an increase in average English scores, with the exception of Kuwait and Jordan. While Kuwait's 2023 score is the same as 2020, Jordan’s score fell 25 points over these four years. According to a 2024 report by Roya News, the Jordanian Minister for Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, has stated that the main reasons for weak English skills are mediocre English teachers and overcrowding in public schools. However, a 2022 report from Jordan Times showed that English instructors in Jordan disagree with the findings of the EPI index, stating that the English-learning infrastructure in the country is pretty high-standard. The educators also pointed out that Jordanian students score high on the IELTS tests as well. In 2022, the country’s average overall band was 6.4 for the IELTS Academic Test and 6.3 for the IELTS General Test.

Thus, it is essential to note that different tests score countries differently, and you might get a slightly different picture based on which metric you’re utilizing. In the IELTS Academic Test, the Asian country at the top is Malaysia, with an average overall band score of 7.0. At the bottom is Oman, with its average overall band at 5.3. In the General Test version, Russia takes the highest spot in Asia, with an average band of 6.9. The worst performance in Asia is by Saudi Arabia, with a band score of 4.9. Oman and Saudia Arabia also rank pretty low in the EPI, so it is worth considering that Jordan’s scores might be an anomaly that presented itself due to various other factors.

Aiding English Education

As English becomes increasingly important in workplaces around the globe, apps like Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ: DUOL ) are making it easier for people to acquire new languages. In its 2023 Language Report, Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) revealed that users completed 23 billion lessons in 2023, spending almost 1.5 billion hours in learning. In 2023, English was still the most popular language on the app, emerging as the top language in 122 countries and the second most popular language in 15 countries.

English was the most popular language across most of Asia, Latin America, and North Africa. 49% of learners said their reason for learning English was either work or education. Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) further revealed that people in Asia were especially committed to learning English for educational purposes. Education was stated as their primary motivation by a vast number of English learners in China (54%), India (40%), and Vietnam (50%). India also ranks number one in countries where English learners complete the most lessons daily.

On August 7, 2024, Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) announced that it has released a new method of learning English, which might be the app’s most advanced method as of yet. The company added 200 new units in all of its English courses, which expose learners to real-life situations, such as interviewing for jobs, offering advice, and discussing religious traditions. These new lessons correspond to levels B1 and B2 on the CEFR language proficiency scale, which is equivalent to intermediate proficiency in any language. The difference in these lessons is that they do not use translations from the user’s native language. Instead, they employ simpler English words that the learner has already acquired in order to convey the meaning of a new word. This way, users are pushed to face English the way they would have to while studying or working in an English-speaking country.

Duolingo, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:DUOL) Q2 2024 stats show that language learning isn’t going anywhere. In the second quarter of 2024, the company had 34.1 million daily active users, a 59% year-on-year increase, and 103.6 million monthly active users, a 40% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, the company also reported 8 million paid subscribers, up from 5.2 million in Q2 2024. The company’s net income from the quarter amounted to $24.4 million.

While we acknowledge the potential of DUOL stock as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock .

Now that we have examined overall English trends in Asia, let’s take a look at the 20 worst English-speaking countries in Asia.

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Our Methodology

To curate this list of the 20 worst English-speaking countries in Asia, we utilized the 2023 English Proficiency Index (EPI) by EF Education First. The countries in this ranking are characterized as having Low Proficiency (scores between 450-499) or Very Low Proficiency (scores lesser than 450). Individuals with Very Low Proficiency can only offer simple introductions and directions, whereas those with Low Proficiency can engage in basic, everyday conversations. The countries are ranked in descending order of their EF EPI scores, with the lowest-scoring country being the worst off and coming number one. Note that in the index itself, the countries are ranked best to worst, with the highest-scoring country being number one.

Note: For this article, we have considered transcontinental states as well. Furthermore, we have excluded Palestine from our rankings due to the ongoing geopolitical war in the country, which is one of the factors behind the lack of English education.

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20. Indonesia 

Average Proficiency Score: 473 

Indonesia ranks 20th on our list of worst English-speaking countries in Asia. Its overall rank in the EPI is 79th, which places it amongst countries with Low Proficiency. The average score for women is 463, whereas for men it is 483. The city with the best English is Jakarta, coming up to an average score of 531.

Average Proficiency Score: 467

Syria ranks 80th in English proficiency worldwide, based on the EF index. Despite ranking low overall, the country has shown an improvement over the past few years, with its 2020 average score being 431. Latakia is the city with the best score, reaching an average of 493.

18. China 

Average Proficiency Score: 464

China ranks 18th on our list of countries with the worst English in Asia. It is also one of the countries that have shown a decrease in English proficiency over the past few years, with its EPI rank going from 38 in 2020 to 82 in 2023.

17. Azerbaijan 

Average Proficiency Score: 463

Azerbaijan ranks 83 in the EF index, with an average proficiency score of 463. The city with the best results is Baku, which has an average score of 466, only 3 points higher than the national average. Women have an average of 459, whereas men average 470. It ranks 17th on our list.

Overall, English proficiency in Egypt has slightly increased since 2012, but it is still one of the Asian countries with the worst English skills. The top city is Alexandria, with an average score of 485. In 2020, Egypt had an average EPI score of 437, increasing by 26 points till 2023.

Average Proficiency Score: 461

Kuwait’s score has stayed more or less stagnant since 2020, and it ranks 15th on our list of Asian countries with the worst English skills. However, it is worth noting that it is one of the countries where women have a higher average score (470) than men (456).

Average Proficiency Score: 457

In 2020, Japan ranked 55th in the EF index; in 2023, it ranked 87th. The top city, Tokyo, has an average score of 503, but the national average shows a 46-point decrease from that number. This implies that while the capital may be doing well due to high tourism and business activity, the rest of the country is struggling.

13. Afghanistan 

Average Proficiency Score: 456

Ongoing political instability is one of the reasons behind education issues in Afghanistan, which also impacts English skills. The country ranks 13th on our list and has an average proficiency score of 456. The top city is Herat, with an average score of 478.

12. Kyrgyzstan

Average Proficiency Score: 450

Kyrgyzstan has shown a consistent improvement in English proficiency since 2020, when it had an average score of 405. The top-scoring city is Bishkek, with an average of 484. Women have an average score of 434, whereas men’s average comes up to 467.

11. Myanmar

Myanmar ranks 11th on our list of the worst English-speaking countries in Asia. Its 2020 score was 411, and it has increased 39 points since then. The top-scoring city is Yangon, with an average score of 469. The top age group is 21-25, averaging 466.

10. Uzbekistan

Average Proficiency Score: 442

Uzbekistan has an average score of 442 in the EPI, which puts it on the list of countries with Very Low Proficiency. It ranks tenth on our list, with women having an average score of 435 and men having an average of 458. Students from Uzbekistan also score low on the IELTS Academic Test, with the average national band being 5.8.

Average Proficiency Score: 431

Not only has Jordan scored consistently low in English skills over the past few years, but the country’s overall proficiency level has decreased. The city of Amman comes up at the top, with an average score of 470. Women have an average of 424, whereas men average 439.

8. Cambodia 

Average Proficiency Score: 421

Cambodia ranks eighth on our list of countries with the worst English skills in Asia. The past few years have not been able to show a consistent trend in the country, with average scores increasing and decreasing every other year. In 2023, women had an average score of 419, whereas men had an average of 427.

Average Proficiency Score: 418

Oman has one of the worst English skills in Asia, with an average proficiency score of 418. Women have an average of 426, which is higher than the men’s average of 412. Muscat is the top city in the country, with an average EPI score of 436.

6. Thailand

Average Proficiency Score: 416

Thailand ranks sixth on our list and has an average score of 416. According to the EPI reports, Thailand’s score has seen a massive decrease in recent years, bringing it to rank 101 worldwide. The city of Chiang Mai has the highest average score at 464.

5. Kazakhstan

Average Proficiency Score: 415

Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, has the highest average score in the country (485). The top age group is 26-30, with an average score of 443. Women have an average score of 387, which is dangerously low, whereas men have an average of 443. It is quite possible that the national score could improve significantly if women’s English skills are improved.

Average Proficiency Score: 410

The country’s overall standing has improved since 2020, when it had an average score of 383. Despite that, it is still one of the countries with the worst English skills in Asia. Women have an average of 394, whereas men average 423.

3. Saudi Arabia

Average Proficiency Score: 408

Saudi Arabia ranks third on our list and is one of the countries with the lowest English proficiency in the world. The average proficiency score for women is 431, whereas for men, it is 386. The top city is Mecca, where the average comes to around 442.

Average Proficiency Score: 392

Yemen has been facing ongoing conflict and instability for the past many years, which is one of the causes behind the disruption of education. This is one reason why the country is among the worst English-speaking countries in the world, ranking second on our list.

1. Tajikistan

Average Proficiency Score: 388

Tajikistan ranks as the worst English-speaking country in Asia and the second-worst in the entire world. With an average proficiency score of 388, the statistics paint a dismal picture of English education. According to The Times of Central Asia, many English educators from Tajikistan believe that this low proficiency is due to outdated and ineffective teaching methods, which have not been updated since Soviet times. Women have an average score of 359, whereas men come up to 419.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA ‘Has Become A Wasteland’ .

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published on Insider Monkey .

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The Safest Destinations In Southeast Asia (And The Most Dangerous)

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Vietnam Is Yet Another Safe Southeast Asian Country Worth Visiting

• Singapore is the safest destination in Southeast Asia, ranking high in the safety index compared to other nations. Popular tourist attractions include Universal Studios and Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
• The Philippines is the most dangerous country in Southeast Asia, with high levels of crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and avoid certain areas.
• Malaysia is the second-safest country in Southeast Asia and is known for its anti-sexual harassment laws. Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for shopping, and the country has beautiful rainforests and beaches.

Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most fascinating tourist destinations. While some Southeast Asian countries are extremely safe, others are statistically quite dangerous for travelers. Keep reading to discover which Southeast Asian destinations are safe and which are the most dangerous. There are plenty of bucket list places worth seeing in Asia , although not all will be as laid-back and safe-feeling as the others. As long as you practice safety, all should be well, although sometimes avoiding entire cities and regions is best.

UPDATE: 2023/11/08 11:47 EST BY NOAH STAATS

This post has been refreshed with a new, safe city, Vietnam! This country offers many hidden gems, as well as nice people. The only main safety concern is theft, so try to keep everything close by or in a bag. Have fun!

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Singapore Is The Safest Destination In Southeast Asia

According to the Global Safety Index , Singapore is the safest destination in Southeast Asia. Coming in at number seven on the list, Singapore is in the top 10 safest countries. In the areas of ongoing domestic conflict, societal safety and security, militarization, political instability, the potential for terrorist acts, the number of homicides, and military expenditure, Singapore performed well compared with other nations.

Along with being the safest destination in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most popular places for international tourists. The International Changi Airport is a major transportation hub, with many tourists stopping for a few days in Singapore before continuing to their final destinations.

Singapore, technically an island city-state, is a global financial center and home to various landmarks and attractions. Many tourists flock to sites such as Universal Studios, the Statue of Merlion, and the incredible Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

• Is it safe : Yes

The Philippines Is The Most Dangerous Country In Southeast Asia

According to the Global Safety Index, Southeast Asia's most dangerous country is the Philippines. The U.S. Department of State advises all American travelers to the Philippines to exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and a measles outbreak.

Some areas within the Philippines are more dangerous than others. The U.S. Government suggests that travelers reconsider their need to travel to Mindanao and completely avoid traveling to the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City.

There is an increased risk of terrorism in the Philippines, and many terrorist groups tend to target tourist areas such as shopping malls and markets. Those who travel to the Philippines are advised to avoid public demonstrations and monitor the local media for breaking news.

Con games and pickpocketing are also common in the Philippines, and safety standards that you’d expect from tour groups and guides aren’t always met, particularly with potentially dangerous activities like diving.

• Is it safe : No

Here are some amazing Japanese experiences to check out while in the Philippines .

Malaysia Is The Second-Safest Country In Southeast Asia

Situated close to Singapore, Malaysia is the second-safest country in Southeast Asia. Occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula, the country also ranks as one of the safest countries for women due to its anti-sexual harassment laws.

The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular destinations in the country and is particularly popular among travelers who enjoy shopping. The city is home to a selection of busy shopping districts and a stunning skyline.

Beyond the cities, Malaysia is known for its lush rainforests and tropical beaches. Another beloved tourist landmark is Mount Kinabalu. Many travelers also enjoy visiting the Batu Caves. Some of the most popular islands to visit around Malaysia include Sipadan Island, Redang Island, and the Perhentian Islands.

Related: Tips Every Backpacker Going To Asia Needs To Remember

Myanmar Has Zero Covid-19 Cases But Is Still One Of The Most Dangerous Southeast Asian Countries

The nation formerly known as Burma currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean it’s an overly safe destination to visit. Myanmar is the second-most dangerous country in Southeast Asia.

U.S. travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in Myanmar due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. Tourists may also need to be vaccinated against yellow fever if arriving from certain countries. The areas that are affected by the conflict in Myanmar may contain hidden landmines, resulting in some areas of the country receiving a Level 4 travel ban by the U.S. Government.

Entering Myanmar can be difficult as the government tightly controls access to the country. U.S. travelers will need a passport with at least six months of validity left and a visa that should be obtained before arriving.

These ten cities with the smallest population in Asia might be worth exploring.

Indonesia Is Safer Than The United Kingdom

Home to the extremely popular tourist hotspot of Bali, Indonesia is the third safest country in Southeast Asia. Although it doesn’t make the top 10 safest countries in the world, it is safer than a number of popular tourist destinations around the planet, including the United Kingdom.

Indonesia boasts more than 17,000 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited. The most popular is undoubtedly Bali, although Java, Sumatra, Lombok, and Sulawesi are also commonly frequented by tourists. The islands of Indonesia are known for idyllic tropical beaches, relaxing resorts, and green vegetation.

Although Indonesia is technically one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, it also practices some very strict laws. Foreign tourists have often found themselves facing lengthy jail sentences or even the death penalty for breaking the law in places like Bali. Here are some of the biggest mistakes tourists make when visiting the city .

Vietnam Rings In As Another Safe Destination For Travelers

Although not always seen this way, Vietnam continues to be a fairly safe Southeastern Asian country to explore. Here, people tend to be very laid-back and respectful to tourists, as well as each other. Vietnam ranks as one of the less violent Southeastern Asian countries, with even big cities seeing fewer aggravated cases. However, the main safety concern for solo travelers in Vietnam is pickpocketing, theft, and bag snatching. As long as you keep your things secured on your person, this should not become a problem.

It's always better to keep phones, cameras, and other valuable items nearby in larger Vietnamese cities, as drive-by theft is what most people report.

Regardless, there are many hidden gems to discover in Vietnam , many off the beaten path.

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20 Worst English Speaking Countries in Asia

In this article, we will take a look at the 20 worst English speaking countries in Asia. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can directly check out the 5 Worst English Speaking Countries in Asia .

English Proficiency Age Trends Around the Globe 

Language learning is crucial for gaining an understanding of other cultures, and English is especially vital in this regard. The prevalence of the language around the world has enabled globalization to grow extensively, bringing people closer than ever. In this environment, it becomes critical to gauge global English proficiency trends, many of which are discussed in the English Proficiency Index (EPI) Report by EF Education First. EF uses three EF Standard English Tests (SET) conducted on students in 113 countries, averaging their results to find an average score for the whole country.

READ ALSO: 20 Best Countries to Study Abroad for English Speakers and 15 African Countries with the Lowest English Proficiency .   

Firstly, in most regions worldwide, English proficiency has decreased among youth (18-20 years). From 2015 to 2023, English proficiency for 18-to-20-year-olds has fallen six score points in Europe, 55 score points in Asia, 57 score points in Latin America, and six score points in Africa. However, in the Middle East, it has risen by 14 points. According to EF, this decline lines up with education disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why experts are expecting it to self-correct over the next few years. Many of these countries may require an excess of English instructors; thus, viewers can look at some of the best countries to teach English in 2024 .

On the contrary, English proficiency is rising in working-age adults. This trend is most visible across Europe, where from 2015 to 2023, average English proficiency scores rose 41 points for 21-to-25-year-olds, 58 points for 26-to-30-year-olds, 79 points for 31-to-40-year-olds, and 88 points for those above 40. Similar increases were seen across other regions as well. The EF report states that the increase has occurred so fast that it cannot be written off as just the aging up of the younger population. Adults are working on increasing their English skills, either through workplace-sanctioned training or personal development courses.

English by Region – Who’s Doing Well in Asia? 

Regional trends amongst EPI countries are also interesting to evaluate. Starting with East Asia, its three giants (China, Japan, and South Korea) have all declined in English skills over the past four years. From 2020 to 2023, the average score for South Korea fell from 545 to 525, China went from 520 to 464, and Japan fell from 487 to 457. According to the EF report, over the same period, the number of East Asian students enrolled in US universities also decreased. For South Korea, the decrease was 20%, whereas for China, it was 30%. The report states that the two main factors were pandemic-induced travel restrictions and a growing concern over Western hegemony in the educational domain.

The Middle East exhibited a positive trend from 2020 to 2023. Most countries saw an increase in average English scores, with the exception of Kuwait and Jordan. While Kuwait’s 2023 score is the same as 2020, Jordan’s score fell 25 points over these four years. According to a 2024 report by Roya News, the Jordanian Minister for Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, has stated that the main reasons for weak English skills are mediocre English teachers and overcrowding in public schools. However, a 2022 report from Jordan Times showed that English instructors in Jordan disagree with the findings of the EPI index, stating that the English-learning infrastructure in the country is pretty high-standard. The educators also pointed out that Jordanian students score high on the IELTS tests as well. In 2022, the country’s average overall band was 6.4 for the IELTS Academic Test and 6.3 for the IELTS General Test.

Thus, it is essential to note that different tests score countries differently, and you might get a slightly different picture based on which metric you’re utilizing. In the IELTS Academic Test, the Asian country at the top is Malaysia, with an average overall band score of 7.0. At the bottom is Oman, with its average overall band at 5.3. In the General Test version, Russia takes the highest spot in Asia, with an average band of 6.9. The worst performance in Asia is by Saudi Arabia, with a band score of 4.9. Oman and Saudia Arabia also rank pretty low in the EPI, so it is worth considering that Jordan’s scores might be an anomaly that presented itself due to various other factors.

Aiding English Education

As English becomes increasingly important in workplaces around the globe, apps like Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ: DUOL ) are making it easier for people to acquire new languages. In its 2023 Language Report, Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) revealed that users completed 23 billion lessons in 2023, spending almost 1.5 billion hours in learning. In 2023, English was still the most popular language on the app, emerging as the top language in 122 countries and the second most popular language in 15 countries.

English was the most popular language across most of Asia, Latin America, and North Africa. 49% of learners said their reason for learning English was either work or education. Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) further revealed that people in Asia were especially committed to learning English for educational purposes. Education was stated as their primary motivation by a vast number of English learners in China (54%), India (40%), and Vietnam (50%). India also ranks number one in countries where English learners complete the most lessons daily.

On August 7, 2024, Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL) announced that it has released a new method of learning English, which might be the app’s most advanced method as of yet. The company added 200 new units in all of its English courses, which expose learners to real-life situations, such as interviewing for jobs, offering advice, and discussing religious traditions. These new lessons correspond to levels B1 and B2 on the CEFR language proficiency scale, which is equivalent to intermediate proficiency in any language. The difference in these lessons is that they do not use translations from the user’s native language. Instead, they employ simpler English words that the learner has already acquired in order to convey the meaning of a new word. This way, users are pushed to face English the way they would have to while studying or working in an English-speaking country.

Duolingo, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:DUOL) Q2 2024 stats show that language learning isn’t going anywhere. In the second quarter of 2024, the company had 34.1 million daily active users, a 59% year-on-year increase, and 103.6 million monthly active users, a 40% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, the company also reported 8 million paid subscribers, up from 5.2 million in Q2 2024. The company’s net income from the quarter amounted to $24.4 million.

While we acknowledge the potential of DUOL stock as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock .

Now that we have examined overall English trends in Asia, let’s take a look at the 20 worst English-speaking countries in Asia.

Our Methodology

To curate this list of the 20 worst English-speaking countries in Asia, we utilized the 2023 English Proficiency Index (EPI) by EF Education First. The countries in this ranking are characterized as having Low Proficiency (scores between 450-499) or Very Low Proficiency (scores lesser than 450). Individuals with Very Low Proficiency can only offer simple introductions and directions, whereas those with Low Proficiency can engage in basic, everyday conversations. The countries are ranked in descending order of their EF EPI scores, with the lowest-scoring country being the worst off and coming number one. Note that in the index itself, the countries are ranked best to worst, with the highest-scoring country being number one.

Note: For this article, we have considered transcontinental states as well. Furthermore, we have excluded Palestine from our rankings due to the ongoing geopolitical war in the country, which is one of the factors behind the lack of English education.

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20. Indonesia 

Average Proficiency Score: 473 

Indonesia ranks 20th on our list of worst English-speaking countries in Asia. Its overall rank in the EPI is 79th, which places it amongst countries with Low Proficiency. The average score for women is 463, whereas for men it is 483. The city with the best English is Jakarta, coming up to an average score of 531.

Average Proficiency Score: 467

Syria ranks 80th in English proficiency worldwide, based on the EF index. Despite ranking low overall, the country has shown an improvement over the past few years, with its 2020 average score being 431. Latakia is the city with the best score, reaching an average of 493.

Average Proficiency Score: 464

China ranks 18th on our list of countries with the worst English in Asia. It is also one of the countries that have shown a decrease in English proficiency over the past few years, with its EPI rank going from 38 in 2020 to 82 in 2023.

17. Azerbaijan 

Average Proficiency Score: 463

Azerbaijan ranks 83 in the EF index, with an average proficiency score of 463. The city with the best results is Baku, which has an average score of 466, only 3 points higher than the national average. Women have an average of 459, whereas men average 470. It ranks 17th on our list.

Overall, English proficiency in Egypt has slightly increased since 2012, but it is still one of the Asian countries with the worst English skills. The top city is Alexandria, with an average score of 485. In 2020, Egypt had an average EPI score of 437, increasing by 26 points till 2023.

Average Proficiency Score: 461

Kuwait’s score has stayed more or less stagnant since 2020, and it ranks 15th on our list of Asian countries with the worst English skills. However, it is worth noting that it is one of the countries where women have a higher average score (470) than men (456).

Average Proficiency Score: 457

In 2020, Japan ranked 55th in the EF index; in 2023, it ranked 87th. The top city, Tokyo, has an average score of 503, but the national average shows a 46-point decrease from that number. This implies that while the capital may be doing well due to high tourism and business activity, the rest of the country is struggling.

13. Afghanistan 

Average Proficiency Score: 456

Ongoing political instability is one of the reasons behind education issues in Afghanistan, which also impacts English skills. The country ranks 13th on our list and has an average proficiency score of 456. The top city is Herat, with an average score of 478.

12. Kyrgyzstan

Average Proficiency Score: 450

Kyrgyzstan has shown a consistent improvement in English proficiency since 2020, when it had an average score of 405. The top-scoring city is Bishkek, with an average of 484. Women have an average score of 434, whereas men’s average comes up to 467.

11. Myanmar

Myanmar ranks 11th on our list of the worst English-speaking countries in Asia. Its 2020 score was 411, and it has increased 39 points since then. The top-scoring city is Yangon, with an average score of 469. The top age group is 21-25, averaging 466.

10. Uzbekistan

Average Proficiency Score: 442

Uzbekistan has an average score of 442 in the EPI, which puts it on the list of countries with Very Low Proficiency. It ranks tenth on our list, with women having an average score of 435 and men having an average of 458. Students from Uzbekistan also score low on the IELTS Academic Test, with the average national band being 5.8.

Average Proficiency Score: 431

Not only has Jordan scored consistently low in English skills over the past few years, but the country’s overall proficiency level has decreased. The city of Amman comes up at the top, with an average score of 470. Women have an average of 424, whereas men average 439.

8. Cambodia 

Average Proficiency Score: 421

Cambodia ranks eighth on our list of countries with the worst English skills in Asia. The past few years have not been able to show a consistent trend in the country, with average scores increasing and decreasing every other year. In 2023, women had an average score of 419, whereas men had an average of 427.

Average Proficiency Score: 418

Oman has one of the worst English skills in Asia, with an average proficiency score of 418. Women have an average of 426, which is higher than the men’s average of 412. Muscat is the top city in the country, with an average EPI score of 436.

6. Thailand

Average Proficiency Score: 416

Thailand ranks sixth on our list and has an average score of 416. According to the EPI reports, Thailand’s score has seen a massive decrease in recent years, bringing it to rank 101 worldwide. The city of Chiang Mai has the highest average score at 464.

5. Kazakhstan

Average Proficiency Score: 415

Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, has the highest average score in the country (485). The top age group is 26-30, with an average score of 443. Women have an average score of 387, which is dangerously low, whereas men have an average of 443. It is quite possible that the national score could improve significantly if women’s English skills are improved.

Average Proficiency Score: 410

The country’s overall standing has improved since 2020, when it had an average score of 383. Despite that, it is still one of the countries with the worst English skills in Asia. Women have an average of 394, whereas men average 423.

3. Saudi Arabia

Average Proficiency Score: 408

Saudi Arabia ranks third on our list and is one of the countries with the lowest English proficiency in the world. The average proficiency score for women is 431, whereas for men, it is 386. The top city is Mecca, where the average comes to around 442.

Average Proficiency Score: 392

Yemen has been facing ongoing conflict and instability for the past many years, which is one of the causes behind the disruption of education. This is one reason why the country is among the worst English-speaking countries in the world, ranking second on our list.

1. Tajikistan

Average Proficiency Score: 388

Tajikistan ranks as the worst English-speaking country in Asia and the second-worst in the entire world. With an average proficiency score of 388, the statistics paint a dismal picture of English education. According to The Times of Central Asia, many English educators from Tajikistan believe that this low proficiency is due to outdated and ineffective teaching methods, which have not been updated since Soviet times. Women have an average score of 359, whereas men come up to 419.

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Home » Budget Travel » Top 10 WORST Countries to Visit – Honest Backpacker Experiences (2024)

Top 10 WORST Countries to Visit – Honest Backpacker Experiences (2024)

With 195 countries scattered across the globe, the world is your playground offering endless opportunities for exploration. Some countries beg for your attention, with endless recommendations from reliable sources (like us!).

We travel to open our minds and “find ourselves”. But sometimes, we end up finding a big, steaming heap of shit instead. 

At The Broke Backpacker, we’ve ended up at some of the most unexpected, worst countries to visit. They left us empty, hoodwinked, and perplexed. It’s not because they’re necessarily “bad” or dangerous countries, it’s just that they don’t always match the postcard-perfect image we’ve been sold.

In the midst of it all, trying to figure out the gems from the duds is a skill I’m yet to fully master. Usually, the only way to know is to hit the road and see for yourself.

Or… I ask my team mates 😉 W hich is the worst country to travel in the world? Because we’ve had our fair share of terrible travel destinations – and t hey were quick to answer with some hard truths. 

In the end, you’ll have two options:

• Option one: ignore all of us and do you, baby.
• Option two: make like Forrest Gump and RUN. 

Whatever path you choose, I’ve warned you.

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2. Dubai, UAE

5. costa rica, 6. bali – indonesia, 7. honduras, 10. bolivia, final thoughts on the worst countries to visit.

‘Magical, mysterious Morocco’ has been a stalwart of the backpacking and indie-traveller scene for almost a century now.

As far back as the 1940s, Beat Generation writers like William Burroughs would spend extended sabbaticals in the pretty but gritty port city of Tangier (writing poetry and taking full advantage of the region’s laissez-faire attitude towards sex tourism). Then, of course, the first-wave hippies were quick to ride on the Marrakesh Express.

Morocco is entry-level North Africa for many budget backpackers seeking a taste of an Aladdin fairy tale. Each year, millions are tempted by promises of abundant hashish, surreal landscapes, and ancient Moor and Berber cities.

But what I found in Morocco was relentless, punishing heat, and some of the worst people I have ever encountered in all my travels.

Let’s start with the worst thing about Morocco : Marrakech. As a foreigner, you will not be left alone. Ever. Aggressive and rude shopkeepers, panhandlers, beggars, con artists and drug-pushers will plague you every time you step outside your Riad.

And while Marrakech is the worst example, it doesn’t end there. I had panhandlers trying to hard-sell pieces of utter tat on hiking trails and even inside the plunge pool of a fucking waterfall.

And yet some people love travelling to Morocco . Romantic Essaouira was the slaver city of Astador in Game of Thrones, the hash IS good, and there are plenty of lovely street cats.

Aiden : Gear Manager & Senior Editor

As a connoisseur of vintage cinema, I was excited to visit Casablanca but was of course totally disappointed by the squalid, dirty, and sad shithole that I found. I even sought out ‘Rick’s Cafe’ and was served an overpriced, tepid beer which made me ill.

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I’m going to start this with a quote from a fitting meme: “ you can tell a lot about a person by how they feel about Dubai .”

Now I’m not judging… Ok fuck it, I kinda am. Most of the people I’ve met who love travelling to Dubai are dicks.

Yet I am an eternal optimist when it comes to travel. So in fact, it was quite hard to come up with somewhere I hated. I didn’t hate Dubai : I found it interesting to observe the excesses of capitalism gone wild from an outside perspective.

Though, I felt like an outsider who couldn’t get below the surface of the city – because it felt like it didn’t go any deeper. Even though some cities in Europe are awful , Dubai takes the cake. Everything about Dubai felt “top show”. There were no pavements to wander and to get lost in the rhythm of footsteps.

Instead, it was a battle against traffic consisting of as many supercars as taxis. Even the cultural areas of the city felt fake like a Disneyland version of the Arab world made palatable for Western suitabilities.

Gone are the busy, hot, dirty, and lively souks with locals flogging tanned leather goods and exotic ingredients. Instead replaced by an outdoor museum for the benefit of the tourists. 

Journey further out and you find the other side of relentless development of mega-cities. Impoverished immigrants live in poor conditions, tempted here by the prospect of riches and rewards, only to end up trapped thousands of miles away from home working in terribly dangerous environments. 

A playground where the rich try to outdo each other by building a new fuck-off skyscraper, diamond-encrusted Rolex, or gas-guzzling vehicle. All at the expense of the environment and immigrants filled with false hope.

Nic : Editor & Roaming Renegade

Dubai is sickening, fake and everything that the world shouldn’t be. Although, yeah, it’s one of the worst places to travel in my opinion, it’s still interesting to see.

A multicoloured land of incredible scenery and colourful traditions, India had long captured my imagination as a child. I yearned to visit the Taj Mahal, to bask in the ancient power of fallen civilisations, and to feast upon spiced meat of questionable origin.

A whirling juxtaposition of teeming metropolises and empty, vast landscapes, India would keep me guessing. I spent two years wandering dusty roads, camping out in dilapidated train stations and relying on the kindness of the Couchsurfing community to shave my scraggly beard and mend my tattered clothes.

I met incredible, amazing, generous, horrible, disgusting, and dishonest people during my journey – and India left a deep, lasting impression on me.

In truth, India remains one of my favourite countries. And yet, the country as it stands is in a freaking shambles – it’s one of the worst places to travel. With corrupt politicians pilfering the poor and everybody out to fuck everybody else over, I found it difficult to connect with people.

India, in fact, turned me into a bit of an asshole. I found myself increasingly turning to aggression to shake the touts who, (wrongly) assumed I had money. There are only so many times one can be grabbed on the street, or shaken rudely awake, as some motherfucker gazes upon thee with the three immortal India questions…

“What country you from?”

“You want look at my shop?”

And, of course…

“Are you married?” and if not “why?”

India stretched my patience, but it also stretched my cash and gave me incredible personal development. Whilst shouting at folks to “get the fuck out of my face”, I felt myself grow in confidence and wisdom.

Will : Founder & Chief Adventurer

India is an absolute gem, uniquely beautiful and horrible at the same time . If you’re broke and in search of adventure, go. If you don’t want to share personal space with human excrement, don’t.

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After endless recommendations and a lifetime of dreams, I was pumped to visit Vietnam . Young sprites talk about the cheap, life-changing voyage that always tops backpackers’ favourite destinations. 

What I was not expecting was the inordinate intensity of Vietnam.

From the moment I landed in Ho Chi Minh, I was greeted by extraordinary heat and humidity mixed with a waft of rotting food. Then there’s the locals – who can’t bring themselves to muster even a hint of a smile at any point in the day.

It’ll change after I get out of Ho Chi Minh – I told myself. 

oh, how naive of me.

The sheer amount of people is insanely overwhelming and the bikes… fuck me. Even I got road rage and I wasn’t even driving.

It seemed that my mere presence on the streets at any point pissed off any and every local, and I ended up adopting the same passive-aggressive attitude that 90% of people I crossed seemed to have.

Don’t get me wrong: Vietnam is still a fan favourite with many backpackers. If you’re a keen (and extremely confident) motorbiker, I’m assured the driving the Ha-Giang Loop is a must-do for you. Even most of the other Broke Backpacker team members have a deep passion for this country. 

So don’t just take my word for it. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, welcoming, easy-going country, Vietnam is one of the worst places to visit in the world.

Laura : Senior Editor & Chill Goddess

I spent six long, stressful weeks travelling North to Hanoi. It was rainy season too, so all my stuff was humid for the entire trip and I spent Christmas day trying to dry out my backpack (that was growing its own fungus farm at this time) with a hairdryer.

Many people swear by Costa Rica being their favourite backpacking spots , and I can see why. The nature is stunning, the pura vida lifestyle is incredibly infectious and the geography of the country is just magnificent.

The cultural cocktail of volcanoes, jungles, and Pacific and Caribbean vibes here is phenomenal. Sounds idyllic, right?

I want to make one thing clear… I did (kinda) enjoy my trip to Costa Rica. HOWEVER, my time there was forcibly extremely brief.

Well because no one warned me how expensive Costa Rica is !

I spent 5 months backpacking Central America in 2023. Whilst Costa Rica was beautiful, it was more of the same and about triple the price when compared to neighbouring countries such as Nicaragua. Costa Rica ran through my budget like Usain Bolt. 

In comparison to the rest of Latin America, it is far from the most dangerous of countries. Yet, I can confidently say it’s an overrated Instagram-hyped destination full of American tourists on “vacation”.

Joe : Editor & Lover of Life

Don’t get me wrong, Costa Rica is gorgeous. I will come back one day. But, some advice for my fellow budget backpackers: guys… give this one a miss.

When you hear someone say “ That’s so Bali ”, they are usually talking about lush clothes shops, bangin’ brunch spots, or beautiful yoga studios.

Canggu is the pinnacle of this. Sexy Aussies roam the streets, HUGE billboards tower from above, and scooters zoom around playing Tetris on the roads.

There is a reason why everyone is backpacking in Bali ; it’s got it all. Whatever you dream of, you can have it here. And the cherry on top, it’s at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at home. 

Sounds bloody fantastic, right? 

Well, unfortunately, the desire to experience Balinese culture and get off the beaten track often gets lost on the sidelines. 

I’m not going to lie, I had a great time eating mind-blowing food and getting 10x hotter at the un-airconditioned gyms. But did I get to experience local culture and nature here? Hell no. 

The hubs of Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are brimming with bustling streets, wild traffic, and locals trying to sell you penis bottle openers to take home to gift ya mum. It’s just not a bad place to visit as a tourist right now. I encourage you to venture out of these swarms of tourists and ex-pats into nature and local Balinese life. 

Where are these hidden gems in Bali, you ask? The good news is, you don’t have to travel far to find them. If you drive just 10 minutes out of the madness, you will be rewarded with magical, lush landscapes that fill your soul with happiness. 

To dive into the good stuff; head up north . Experience the magic of Amed, Munduk, or Sideman. Get off the beaten track , climb a mountain, marvel at vibrant coral reefs, or splash around in the waterfalls. 

Bali can be FUCKING AMAZING; if you let it show you what it’s got. 

Dani : Junior Editor & Oceanic Explorer

An abundance of rice paddy fields, majestic temples, and authentic local warungs (restaurants) packed with friendly faces await. You’ll feel the true Bali that lives underneath all its shiny, gentrified layers.

To be fair, my 72 hours in Honduras were very experimental. I went in with high hopes despite the HORROR stories of violence, I gave it a chance.

The first red flag was the look on the immigration officer’s face as I handed over my passport. His first comment was “You sure you aren’t going to Nicaragua?” I had a pit in my stomach, but I pushed my doubts to the side and embodied the badass female solo traveller persona. 

As I crossed the physical border, I was overwhelmed with unwanted attention. In Spanish, we call it “Mal de Ojo” Or Evil eye. As me and my friend boarded a bus, all eyes were on us, in the worst of ways. 

My Intuition was literally screaming “ ABORT ABORT” so I did. I found shelter in a hotel and took the next bus to Nicaragua. To be fair, I’ve also heard lots of amazing stories about Utila and Roatan , the best diving spots in Central America .

Amanda : Junior Editor & Senior Dreamer

If I could go back, I would definitely plan a bit better, hire a car, and travel with locals. Honduras Is INCREDIBLE, I just had a shit start to my experience.

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Japan is a country that is on almost every traveller’s bucket list, it’s one of those dream destinations to visit . It’s a place that stands proud of its uniqueness, travellers here will often find themselves mumbling the words “only in Japan” and shaking their heads in utter culture shock.

From snow-capped mountaintops to world-class scuba diving, from ancient villages to futuristic cities, Japan truly has got it all.

Whilst I am extremely grateful that I got to experience this extraordinary country, travelling here I never really felt like I could relax, take a breath, and connect to the people around me. Japan is INTENSE … 

The Japanese culture is one that I found difficult to relate to. There is an epidemic of loneliness in Japan, which has led to high suicide rates and a rapidly declining population .

In my greatest attempts to learn the language , and immerse myself in the culture, I was often met with smiling faces – yet a withdrawn and uninterested attitude.

In Tokyo, the metros were often packed shoulder to shoulder yet so quiet you could hear a pen drop, in the world’s largest city, I felt so surrounded by humanity yet so utterly alone . Japan is truly gorgeous but for many backpackers , it isn’t the most friendly or welcoming country and it can be hard to connect here with others and even to stay in touch with yourself!

Audy : Junior Editor & Hitchiking Hero

Whilst I found parts of Japan to be utterly magical, ultimately, I found it one of the loneliest places I have ever visited. It’s important to note that Japan had an isolationist policy for hundreds of years and that this is a country where most people ONLY speak their native tongue.

Have you ever been hit in the face with an invisible brick wall? 

If your answer is no, then I’m just going to assume you haven’t yet been to Bahrain… I’m here to inform you of all the things you haven’t missed out on.

My visit to this minuscule Middle Eastern nation was the last stop on an otherwise glorious European summer that also took me to Oman. Though in Bahrain’s neighbourhood, Oman wowed with turquoise wadis, salty days in the Arabian Sea, and other magical moments that still have me yearning to return. 

But Bahrain… well… it may just be one of the most boring places I’ve ever visited in my life. In my books, THAT alone makes it the worst travel destination.

And it is absolutely ranked firmly as the hottest.

Even as I type this, the moment of stepping outside of a deep air-conditioned home to be smacked by heat so thick and all-consuming it felt like an assault rushes back in. If you think Bali’s hot, or another Asian, African, or South American country… rest assured that this tiny Kingdom has got it beat. 

But still: I tried. I visited the famous souq, spent a (admittedly nice) fiery sunset at a historical fort, and even popped into the desert for a bit. And even though I wasn’t too experienced of a traveller at the time, I couldn’t help but feel a distinct lack of life.

Natural beauty was all but non-existent, and any semblance of cultural exchange seemed to be out of reach. Perhaps the closest I came was while visiting the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which is decked from top to bottom in creamy marble and despite being one of the largest mosques in the world, was still devoid of character that I’ve found in the dozens of places of worship I’ve visited in the years since then.

Though I spotted some apparent locals in the souqs, nearly everyone actually working appeared to be from somewhere else. There was nothing akin to the colourful Omani hats and distinct local vibe I’d seen just a few hundred miles away. To be brutally honest: I quite frankly felt like I was in a colony on the moon.

If culture, local life, and natural scenery call you the way it does me – Bahrain won’t be your cup of tea. But if you somehow find yourself there the way I did, you can visit the Sultanate of Oman , just an hour’s flight away. 

Samantha : Travel Writer & Adventure Expert

Though I’d love to round Bahrain up with a positive, I’m on the struggle bus trying to find one.

Many say that Bolivia is the destination that separates comfortable backpackers from the adventurous. Cheap food, unique landscapes (like the famous Salar de Uyuni), colourful markets, and the best-preserved native culture in Latin America.

This was my first backpacking trip – hoping to have new experiences. And mate, did I have them.

After crossing the border from Argentina into Bolivia, I could feel the gazes of the locals. The energy as a whole isn’t welcoming, yet understandable if you consider the context of Bolivian history . At first glance, the street seemed like a vision of the past, as if technological advances had not reached this country.

The open-air markets, with questionable hygienic conditions (I’m talking about the heads dead animals hanging in the open air with flies dancing happily around them) , give off a smell of rotting food.

You’ll face long lines of shouting sellers harassing you to buy goods – to the point of being almost aggressive. And something as common as drinking water is scarce.

It’s one of the worst places I’ve travelled as a tourist in 10 years.

I spend 3 weeks exploring Bolivia , and the transportation (oh my god, the transportation) , it’s literally a pain in the ass with bused slamming down as we trudged across these routes with huge potholes. Long trips on packed, uncomfortable buses, with a cocktail of local food vendors, unbathed humans, heat and dust. You get the picture: at the very least – it’s the worst place to visit in South America, in my opinion.

But not everything is bad. As soon as you leave the tourist route, you’ll find places where time stops and smiles welcome you – because they rarely see a person from another country. You can contemplate what simple life is like, people know, talk, and help each other. 

Seba : Digital Wizard & Latino Legend

Bolivia will give you a large dose of grounding and humility. After travelling for 10 years, my perception would be very different and I think I would love to return.

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Look, in the opinion of The Broke Backpacker, most of the worst countries in the world to travel aren’t what you’d expect. Actually, we even had some pretty hard debates between us when we put this list together. 

Sometimes, it just comes down to the fact that it’s waaaay more expensive than our poor budgets can afford. Other times, it’s just because of how lonely and isolated we felt when we were solo travelling there. Though often, giving a country another chance can completely flip your perspective too – so there’s hope for Vietnam yet. 

Through it all, I believe the biggest takeaway is for you is to trust your gut and embrace the opportunity to explore. Think of how much Nic discovered about life in Dubai: each experience teaches you something valuable.

But yeah, if you still desperately want to visit Dubai – I’m probably going to think you’re a bit of a dick. 

Have you got a different opinion about some of the worst places you’ve visited? Let us know in the comments!

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I appreciate this list of places not to visit…….. in an internet swarmed with websites talking about how good all these places are.

I also realize that this is opinion-based.

I enjoy your use of expletives that give some the sense of familiarity and relatability to the type of people whod go on this site.

Please dont get defensive of my thoughts on your article. All im saying is………

After reading most of (what i could tolerate) on this article….. i got to japan and.. well..

no. just no. i know this is too my opinion. But no. I cant say anything else that wouldnt upset the authors and their hard ‘work’.

The Broke Backpacker’s list of the worst countries to visit is an eye-opener, providing a unique perspective on travel destinations. It’s not a typical “best places to visit” list, but rather a collection of countries that may not live up to the hype or expectations, which is a refreshing take on travel content.

So nice to hear you enjoyed and understood the concept of the post! Which countries did you expect to see and why?

Thoroughly disagree about Bolivia. It’s a harsh place to travel in lots of ways but I’d rate it as the most interesting, and maybe most beautiful, place I’ve ever been. Sucre is a fantastic, friendly city. LaPaz is chaos but usually in a good way. The culture is much more Incan than Spanish. It’s dirt cheap. The scenery everywhere is otherworldly. They’ve definitely been knocked around by history and poverty but to me it’s a must visit.

That’s awesome to hear that you loved Bolivia! I will definitely give it a second chance next time I’m in South America. It’s been 7 years since I was last there so it’s about time. Thanks for the recommendations!

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17 Safest Asian Countries: Ranked By Data (Traveler’s Guide)

What are the safest Asian countries to travel to? In this article, we’ll look at the 17 safest countries in the biggest continent in the world according to the 2022 Global Peace Index (GPI) Report.

The safest Asian countries are Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia . This is according to the Global Peace Index. It compares three factors, which are explained in this post. Other safe countries include Bhutan, Qatar, and Taiwan.

PLEASE NOTE:  The following information on safety is not my personal opinion or from my personal experience. This comes from the 2022 Global Peace Index Report from Vision of Humanity ( Download PDF report ), which ranks 163 countries around the world. Any travel warnings listed below have been found on  travel.state.gov .

You’ll see a little bit about how these Asian countries are ranked, where they rank in the world, some things to do in each country, and some precautions you may need to take while visiting.

This is just a quick guide, so be sure to do thorough research before traveling anywhere, that way you can enjoy your trip!

Safest Asian Countries: Ranking System

The Global Peace Index uses three main factors (which are divided into 23 indicators) that are assessed, then a score is given. The countries can then be compared based on this standardized set of criteria.

As a quick summary, here are the 3 main sections that determine each country’s score:

• Ongoing Domestic and Internation Conflict:  Duration and intensity of conflicts, number of deaths, and relationship to neighboring countries are some of the factors looked at.
• Societal Safety and Security:  Political instability, refugees, terrorism, violent crimes, murders, number of incarcerated, and police are some examples of this section.
• Militarisation:  Military expenses, armed services personnel, how much contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities are some points that contribute here.

The lower the score, the safer the country is considered, and the higher it is on the list. Here’s a handy map to visualize the safety of all the countries listed in the GPI.

Learn more about the  safest countries in Africa ,  Central America , South America , Latin America , and Europe . These are all part of our series about the safest countries in the world .

17 Safest Countries in Asia: The List

Here is the list of the 23 safest countries in Asia. This will include Western Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

We’re using the term “Western Asia” for this list instead of “The Middle East” for clarity, and also because Egypt (part of Africa) is sometimes included in the latter term.

Population estimates were researched as of July 27, 2022; tourism estimates are pre-pandemic (2019) unless otherwise stated.

1. Singapore

• Safety Score: 1.326
• Worldwide Rank: 9
• Population: 5.94 million
• Capital City: Singapore (City-State)
• Tourists Per Year: 19.12 million
• Region: Southeast Asia

The safest country in Asia is Singapore. Singapore is actually a city-state and calls itself the Garden City. This can be seen by such attractions as the Gardens by the Bay, and various parks and gardens.

There is still a plethora of other attractions to see, like Singapore Flyer and Universal Studios Singapore.

The country is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, so there are no special warnings to travel there.

• Safety Score: 1.336
• Worldwide Rank: 10
• Population: 125.68 million
• Capital City: Tokyo
• Tourists Per Year: 31.88 million
• Region: East Asia

From snowy Hokkaido to the subtropics of Okinawa, Japan has a variety of attractions to choose from, ranging from advanced technology to beautiful scenic nature sites. Most notable are places like the majestic Mount Fuji and the most populated city in the world, Tokyo.

While Japan may be safe overall, Japan is currently at a Level 3 advisory to reconsider travel there because of a high level of COVID-19, and restrictions in place which may affect entering the country.

3. Malaysia

• Safety Score: 1.471
• Worldwide Rank: 18
• Population: 33.94 million
• Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
• Tourists Per Year: 26.10 million

If you’d like to visit Malaysia, you’ll be able to explore a variety of sights and sounds. From the city of Kuala Lumpur and the Petronas Towers to some snorkeling at the Perhentian Islands, or climbing to the peak of Mount Kinabalu, there’s something for everyone in this Southeast Asian country.

Malaysia is at Level 1, with some extra caution when traveling to the eastern part of Sabah State, due to kidnappings.

• Safety Score: 1.481
• Worldwide Rank: 19
• Population: 789,079
• Capital City: Thimphu
• Tourists Per Year: 316,000
• Region: South Asia

Bhutan is located in the Eastern Himalayas, and may not be a country people first think of visiting. But with its mountainous terrain, Bhutan has wonderful nature tourism, like rafting on rivers fed by the famous mountain range, or hiking its many scenic treks.

Bhutan is so far at a level one to travel, with no special warnings, though there is an unknown level of COVID in the country.

• Safety Score: 1.533
• Worldwide Rank: 23
• Population: 2.98 million
• Capital City: Doha
• Tourists Per Year: 2.14 million
• Region: Western Asia

The first Western Asian country on our list, Qatar is the host of the 2022 World Cup. But it has more to offer than world-class soccer (or football) to non-sports fans. You can go swimming with whale sharks, visit the SouqWaqif, or explore the underground world of Dahl Al Misfir.

No special warnings currently for this country, as Qatar is currently at a Level 1 Advisory.

• Safety Score: 1.618
• Worldwide Rank: 30
• Population: 23.91 million
• Capital City: Taipei City
• Tourists Per Year: 11.86 million

Taiwan is located just east of China and north of the Philippines. Famous for its street food, it’s a destination for foodies everywhere. There are other things if you’d like to visit this island, like the National Palace Museum, Taroko National Park, and Sun Moon Lake.

Taiwan is on a Level 3 travel advisory, due to high levels of COVID-19 and travel restrictions.

• Safety Score: 1.739
• Worldwide Rank: 39
• Population: 4.40 million
• Capital City: Kuwait City
• Tourists Per Year: 8.57 million

Located on the Persian Gulf, Kuwait has the 6th-biggest oil industry on the planet. If you want to visit for a vacation, you can enjoy some shopping and the beach at Salmiya, visit the Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center, or enjoy Al Shaheed Park.

Kuwait is at a Level 1 advisory, with some increased caution in the Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh area for crime, and a caution not to travel near the Iraq border because of unexploded bombs or military materials.

8. Mongolia

• Safety Score: 1.775
• Worldwide Rank: 42
• Population: 3.39 million
• Capital City: Ulaanbaatar
• Tourists Per Year: 637,000

Mongolia, landlocked between China and Russia, is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. It can be the country for you to visit if you’re into adventure, with the Gobi Desert being its biggest draw. You can sleep in a ger, ride a camel, or climb the sand dunes of Khongor.

Mongolia is at a Level 1 advisory, with no special warnings.

9. South Korea

• Safety Score: 1.779
• Worldwide Rank: 43
• Population: 51.36 million
• Capital City: Seoul
• Tourists Per Year: 17.50 million

South Korea is world famous for things like K-pop, Samsung, and kimchi. But there’s more to this country than that. If you’re a tourist in South Korea, you can visit such sights in its capital, Seoul, as Gyeongbokgung Palace or N Seoul Tower. You can also visit the sea at Busan or enjoy the beauty of Seoraksan National Park.

South Korea is at a Level 1 advisory, with no extra warnings.

South Korea is located at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula, one of the largest peninsulas in the world .

10. Vietnam

• Safety Score: 1.786
• Worldwide Rank: 44
• Population: 98.19 million
• Capital City: Hanoi
• Tourists Per Year: 18.01 million

With China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the east, Vietnam can make for a wonderful travel experience. You can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay, take in the sights of Ho Chi Mihn city, or explore the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Vietnam makes three countries in a row on this list with no special warnings, or at Level 1.

11. Indonesia

• Safety Score: 1.8
• Worldwide Rank: 47
• Population: 275.52 million
• Capital City: Jakarta
• Tourists Per Year: 16.11 million

In doing research for Indonesia, the words that keep coming up are “beautiful” and “diverse”. This is true by its attractions. You can enjoy the Beaches of Bali, see orangutans on Borneo, or visit Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park.

Our first Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) on the list, Indonesia has this level because of terrorism and natural disasters.

• Safety Score: 1.809
• Worldwide Rank: 51
• Population: 7.53 million
• Capital City: Vientiane
• Tourists Per Year: 4.79 million (2019)

The only land-locked, or land-linked, country in Southeast Asia, Laos has many interesting and wonderful things to see and do. You can enjoy some local cuisine at the Vientiane Night market.

If you’re looking to get out of the city, Laos is especially known for some spectacular waterfalls, like Kuang Si and Tad Sae.

Laos is at Level 2 because of civil unrest, and some areas have warnings due to unexploded bombs.

13. Timor-Leste

• Safety Score: 1.839
• Worldwide Rank: 54
• Population: 1.37 million
• Capital City: Dili
• Tourists Per Year: 74,800

If ocean-based travel and a limited amount tourists are what you’re looking for, then Timor-Leste might be the country for you. You can enjoy diving near Dili, go whale watching, or enjoy peaceful beach surroundings on islands like Jaco Island or Atauro Island.

Timor-Leste is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory, mainly due to civil unrest and crime (gender-based violence).

• Safety Score: 1.849
• Worldwide Rank: 57
• Population: 10.41 million
• Capital City: Amman
• Tourists Per Year: 5.36 million

If desert conditions are more your speed, then Jordan may be for you. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Jordan’s biggest attraction, the ancient city of Petra. You can also visit the famous Dead Sea or go camping in Wadi Rum.

At Level 2, Jordan has several areas that travelers are advised not to travel to at all, like close to the border with Syria. This is due to terrorism, armed conflict, and crime.

15. The United Arab Emirates

• Safety Score: 1.865
• Worldwide Rank: 60
• Population: 10.14 million
• Capital City: Abu Dhabi
• Tourists Per Year: 25.28 million

The second country in a row with desert conditions, the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is known for some impressive engineering feats. You can see the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and one of the tallest hotel buildings in the world, the Burj Al Arab.

Currently, the United Arab Emirates is at a Level 3 advisory, or reconsider travel, this is due to the threat of missile strikes or drone attacks in some areas.

16. Cambodia

• Safety Score: 1.882
• Worldwide Rank: 62
• Population: 17.19 million
• Capital City: Phnom Penh
• Tourists Per Year: 6.61 million

Located in Mainland Southeast Asia, Cambodia has some amazing ancient ruins, like Angkor Wat, the Bayon, and Ta Prohm. You can also walk with and feed elephants with the Mondulkiri Project, or enjoy some other nature tourism in Cambodia’s various national parks.

Cambodia is currently at Level 1, with some extra precautions in Phnom Penh (crime). In other areas, like Battambang, Pursat, and Siem Reap, travelers are cautioned due to land mines.

• Safety Score: 1.889
• Worldwide Rank: 64
• Population: 5.37 million
• Capital City: Muscat
• Tourists Per Year: 3.51 million

Rounding out the list is Oman, the third biggest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Take in the scenic waterfront of the capital at the Mutrah Corniche. Explore the Damaniyat Islands for some ocean views. And you can go swimming in the Bimmah sinkhole.

Oman is at a Level 2 advisory, mainly due to terrorism and armed conflict near the Yemen border, so please avoid that area.

Looking for more destination ideas? Here’s our set of Destination Guides to help you plan your next adventure.

17 Safest Countries in Asia: Region Breakdown

Southeast Asia has the most countries on our list with 7.

The following is a breakdown of how many countries in each region are on this list of 17 safest countries in Asia:

• Western Asia: 5
• Central Asia: 0
• South Asia: 1
• East Asia: 4
• Southeast Asia: 7

Safest Asian Countries: FAQ

What is the safest country in asia.

The safest country in Asia is Singapore. It is also in the Top 10 safest countries in the world, landing at number 9.

In 2019, Singapore had 19.12 million tourists. Japan is also in the top 10, landing right behind Singapore in world rankings.

Other safe countries in Asia include Malaysia, Bhutan, Qatar, and Taiwan. All of these countries rank in the Top 30 of the safest countries in the world.

What Asian country has the most tourists/visitors?

With over 145 million tourists (including visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan) in 2019, China is the most popular Asian country for tourists and has among the most tourists in the world.

Ranked 89th worldwide in the GPI, China ranked just outside the Top 17 safest Asian countries, as shown in the list below.

What are some other safe countries in Asia not on the list?

Here’s a list of some other safe countries just outside the top 17:

• Safety Score: 1.947
• Worldwide Rank: 73
• Safety Score: 2.001
• Worldwide Rank: 86 (tied with Tanzania)
• Region: Central Asia
• Safety Score: 2.01
• Worldwide Rank: 89
• Safety Score: 2.02
• Worldwide Rank: 90
• Safety Score: 2.028
• Worldwide Rank: 91
• Safety Score: 2.031
• Worldwide Rank: 92

What is the safest Asian country in each region of Asia?

The following countries are the safest country in each region of Asia:

• Western Asia: Qatar
• Central Asia: Uzbekistan
• South Asia: Bhutan
• East Asia: Japan
• Southeast Asia: Singapore

What is the most dangerous country to visit in Asia?

The most dangerous country to visit in Asia is Afghanistan.

In fact, the three most dangerous countries in the GPI out of 163 are all in Western Asia:

• Afghanistan (score: 3.554; rank: 163)
• Yemen (score: 3.394; rank: 162)
• Syria (score: 3.356; rank 161)

Again, this was just a quick review of the 17 safest countries in Asia. There’s a lot more they can offer!

Which one of these countries have you been to, and what were your experiences? What Asian country would you like to visit? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!

Hello, I'm Joshua Diegor . My love for travel began I was 18 when I went with some friends to New York City. All in all, I've traveled to 6 continents and 14 countries.

I'm a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel .

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9 Most Dangerous Places In Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is generally a peaceful region, with most of the countries either under the control of a socialist party or the army. These countries are also filled with emerging tourist destinations where you won’t find a lot of violence, like some other places in the world. However, there are still several places that you should seriously think twice about before visiting. And this list includes these places: here are the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia.

9. Border Regions Of Thailand And Myanmar

We’re starting this list of the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia with the border regions of Thailand and Myanmar. The relations of Thailand and Myanmar border areas are a bit complicated, to say the least. These areas are often affected by issues related to drug trafficking, such as from the opium or methamphetamine trade as well as infrequent between armed forces skirmishes. 

The landscape not only provides scenic beauty, but also serves as a route for immigration and asylum that usually complicates the security situation The adventurous travelers who have an interest in these places should practice utmost care, be aware of the realities through trustee sources, and consider the impact of their visit on local communities and environment as well.

8. Rakhine And Kachin, Myanmar

Next on our list of dangerous places in Southeast Asia, we have the Rakhine and Kachin regions in Myanmar. Economies and political situations of Myanmar’s Rakhine and Kachin states are incredibly complex and volatile as they mix ethnic conflicts, political aspirations, and humanitarian crises. In addition, Arakan Army (AA) has re-lit its conflict with the Myanmar military in Rakhine region, gaining control of big areas and fighting intensively. 

In Kachin State, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar military have been in conflict for ages. This had displaced the 100,000 people as a consequence. The humanitarian situation is very poor with contaminated land with landmines and denial of access to basic services for the displaced people making it even worse for them.

7. The Border Between Vietnam, Cambodia, And Laos

The Vietnam War in the 1960s expanded to Laos and Cambodia, as there were groups supporting the North Vietnamese army in both countries. As a result, heavy bombing of both countries followed, mostly in the forests next to the border where the militants were hiding. However, despite the remoteness of the region, this still caused a high toll of civilian victims.

After the war, the local authorities removed most landmines from the big cities and the touristy places but there are still a lot of landmines in the tripoint between the three countries. This narrow strip of land has an amazing natural beauty but it’s highly recommendable for tourists to avoid due to the huge number of active landmines in the region.

Just as an indication, Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in the history of mankind. The US forces took 580,000 bombing missions ! This equals one bombing every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day, through a stretch of 9 years.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our Cambodia 2-week itinerary .

6. Mindanao, Philippines

Mindanao is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines and it’s true: media does have a way of sensationalizing things. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Mindanao has had some bad things happening in the past. Several active Islamic Insurgent armies have been active in the region fighting for independence since the 1960s’. The ongoing conflict has contributed to an interesting local phenomenon: warlordism, which is making the situation even worse.

Families of politicians, supported by the central government have created personal armies to fight the rebels supposedly. However, that didn’t make things any better. There isn’t a history of tourists being attacked on the island but nevertheless, governments still advise their citizens against visiting the second-largest island in the Philippines.

Are you looking for some unique unusual things to do in the Philippines? Check out my guide to the best-hidden gems in Manila

5. Kachin And Northern Shan, Myanmar

The difficult political situation the country has made most of the areas near the borders of Myanmar pretty risky. Ethnic militias, armed drug smugglers, and the presence of landmines pose a particularly high risk to visitors. The country’s main problem, however, includes clashes between the government troops and rebels. This is mostly done in the states of Kachin and Northern Shan.

Some parts also have ongoing Buddhist vs. Muslim ethnic conflicts for some time now. Wandering off into these areas can cost you your limbs, or even worse, your lives. Last year, two German tourists were heavily injured while traveling in the region when they activated a mine while walking by in a small town in Northern Shah. Unfortunately, intensive firefights have been common in the region, resulting in a total of 99,036 IDPs (internally displaced people) in the last few years.

Related: What are the benefits of travel insurance ?

4. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Nestled between predominately Muslim South Sulawesi and predominantly Christian North Sulawesi, it’s easy to see how this region could become a battleground for years to come. The city of Poso in Central Sulawesi is a perfect example. It had (and still does) the potential to be a tourist attraction with its sunny beaches, lush forests, and blue skies. However, tourism suffered dramatically in recent years due to the active separatist movements at the beginning of the 2000s’. Even today, a paramilitary group that has ties with the Islamic State is still active there, according to the media.

After the transition to democracy, relations between Muslims and Christians worsened. This resulted in religious tensions across the region, most notably in Poso. Events such as bombings and civilians being shot in the streets shocked the world on several occasions. After the incidents, this became one of the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia. The situation is much better in 2018 but Governments still advise their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Central Sulawesi Province, especially in Palu, Poso, and Tentena.

3. Papua And West Papua, Indonesia/New Guinea

Getting to West Papua is a bit tricky and a travel permit is a must if you want to enter. Similar to Central Sulawesi, West Papua has an ongoing conflict between the Indonesian government and the indigenous population, and the Indonesian government is even accused by locals of trying to commit genocide. Their main opponent is the armed group Free Papua Movement.

The movement committed a series of attacks, including an attack on buses, a civilian aircraft, and drug smuggling. However, West Papua is a huge piece of land that has some pristine, intact places that are certainly worth visiting but there are also some that you may want to avoid. Today, most governments still advise their citizens to be careful when traveling to West Papua Province due to the possibility of violent conflict.

2. Jolo, Philippines

This Philippine island in the Sulu Sea has a notorious reputation among tourists. That has a lot to do with Abu Sayyaf, a rebel group famous for kidnapping tourists and asking for ransom. The group counts around 500 members and uses Jolo as a base. They chose this place for a base because local officials and the locals cooperate with the kidnappers in exchange for cuts of the ransom, according to media sources.

Additionally, the fact that the coast is near to the city allows speedboats to get away quickly with their victims. That’s the main reason why many tourists travel through this area with private security. Furthermore, over the past few years, terrorist acts involving explosive devices have resulted in 41 deaths, and severe injury to over 100 people in Jolo and a few surrounding cities in the area.

1. Yala, Narathiwat, And Pattani, Thailand

Last but not least, we conclude this list of the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia with the southern Thai provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, And Pattani. These southern Thai provinces are currently under a state of Martial Law. It’s a very different version of Thailand , one you don’t get to see in the media. Most of the population living in these parts is Muslim and separatist groups have been battling the government for the past 15 years, in a conflict that becomes more violent every day.

The conflict began with an attempt by the central government to redraw the borders in what is claimed to be an attempt to erase the local culture. This conflict took the lives of 6,000 people in Southern Thailand in the past 12 years. Ever since the conflict, the region has seen a drastic increase in human trafficking, with high Thai military personnel involved in several cases. All these incidents make South Thailand one of the most dangerous places in Southeast Asia.

Related: Things to know before visiting Thailand .

Note Before Visiting These Dangerous Places In Southeast Asia

Especially when visiting the regions in Southeast Asia that have been highlighted as dangerous, it becomes necessary to stay up-to-date with current happenings and abide by the advisories of the government. Interacting with knowledgeable local guides who know the area could serve as a safety measure and provide enlightenment. Be mindful of local customs and the challenges of the environment. Make sure you have your travel insurance and current contact information handy in case of an emergency. Another important aspect is to travel with sensitivity towards complex history and current affairs of the area that can help you to have a meaningful and safer experience.

Did you ever visit some of these dangerous places in Southeast Asia? What was your experience like? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

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Saturday 21st of September 2019

Great post!! I have never heard some of the places mentioned above.

Saturday 26th of January 2019

Wow... Now this was a different and intriguing read. Did not know about a few of these places... Like the landmines of Laos. How sad that the beauty has got restricted owing to the danger.

Passport Symphony

Thank you, Ami. I'm really glad to hear you think that.

MEENAKSHI J

Thursday 24th of January 2019

This is a post that ought to come handy when people plan to these regions. I guess, these unsafe places are everywhere and not just pertain to South_east Asia. But then again, it is commendable how the governments there are working towards drawing tourists in spite of such turmoil.

Indeed there are but this article refers to SE Asia only. I'll definitely write about some places in other parts of the world I visited in the future, though.

Sandy N Vyjay

Wednesday 23rd of January 2019

This is a very informative post and one that would be of immense use to people heading to these parts. Last year we spent 10 days in Cambodia, but of course not in the region that you talk about here. Visitors to the regions which are prone to disturbances need to be aware and prepared so that they are not caught unawares.

Thank you, Sandy, I'm glad you could get some useful information from this article.

Shreya Saha

Tuesday 22nd of January 2019

Being living in Thailand, I know the terrible condition in the south. It is really unfortunate to see how those three provinces are going through a tough time since forever and are so different than the rest of the Thailand. And I am really sad to know about the land mine massacres. It's best not to go to such places, seriously.

Indeed, Shreya. Hope things improve over there.

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Most Dangerous Countries In Asia

• The Global Peace Index is a multifaceted analysis that compiles 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to determine the level of overall peace in each of 163 countries. Lower scores indicate greater levels of peace, and higher scores indicate increased danger.
• In 2023, the GPI scores ranged from 1.124 in Iceland , the world's most-peaceful country, to 3.448 in Afghanistan , 2023's least peaceful country.

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Traveling Without a Passport

12 Safest Countries to visit in Asia

Asia has it all: impressive sights and sounds, intense cultural experiences and peaceful natural retreats just waiting to be discovered. Each country within this grand continent offers an opportunity for adventure , plenty of sights to gawk over, and incredible experiences to cross off. 

With so many things to do and places to see, you might be left feeling indecisive, so to help you decide, we suggest visiting the safest countries. We’ve updated our list b ased on the most recent Global Peace Index, which provides us with a clear projection of where to travel in 2022 where safety is concerned. So without further delay, here are the top 12 safest countries to visit in Asia in 2022 , recognized as some of the most peaceful on earth according to the Global Peace Index. 

• South Korea

Travel to: Southeast Asia with G Adventures

1. Singapore

The top position for the safest country according to the Global Peace Index goes to Singapore . A melting pot of cultures, it sits firmly at the top of our list of the safest countries in Asia for yet another year. From Chinatown to Little India, the city will welcome you no matter where you’re from.

All the while, Singapore still maintains its green spaces, which will delight all types of travelers. T he diversity of experiences extends to the mind-boggling food that ranges from cheap, local fare to Michelin star-worthy dishes. Soak in the Singapore Botanic Gardens or if you need your adventure fix, set out to see nocturnal animals on a night safari.

The second spot on the Global Peace Index for the list of safest countries in Asia 2022 once again goes to Japan . This country is one of the most welcoming, inspiring, and exciting places you will ever visit. On this volcanic archipelago, petty crime like pickpocketing is not to be expected. Instead, most locals you encounter will treat you with the utmost politeness.  

In urban centers like Tokyo, the ease of modern transportation and the helpfulness of young locals who speak English are the ultimate bonuses. If you fancy exploring Osaka’s indulgent food markets, feasting on out-of-this-world sushi served on a conveyor belt in Tokyo, or visiting the Kyoto Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, then Japan is sure to impress you (while keeping you safe). 

3. Malaysia

Following closely behind the leaders on the Global Peace Index is Malaysia , which scored an overall global ranking of 25 in the world. In short, it is beyond safe to visit, and once you arrive, you’ll soon understand why there’s something so mesmerizing about Malaysia. The magic of this Southeast Asian nation can only be experienced firsthand – the inviting, friendly atmosphere will have you hooked within moments.

You’ll also find plenty of picturesque islands dotted around the mainland, buzzing cities, and lots of delicious food to devour.

Taiwan might not be the first place you would suspect to be at the top of the Global Peace Ranking Index, but it’s been a steady climber where safety is concerned over the last decade. If you don’t know much about Taiwan , 2022 might be the year to visit this up-and-coming destination to see what makes it so enticing.

While the history of Taiwan is complicated, Taiwan is certainly a destination that holds its own, and the crime rate is incredibly low, as is the petty crime rate. Of course, there is a chance that visitors will fall prey to pickpockets, yet the risk much lower than in other large cities.

As for the culinary scene, Taiwan is filled with dishes for you to indulge in, including xiao long bao (soup dumplings), gua bao (a steamed pork bun), or shaobing (flatbread).

5. Indonesia

Good news for Indonesia , which has managed to climb 3 spots in their region, and a staggering 14 overall! While climate hazards continue to pose an ongoing threat, the country itself remains one of the safest in Asia. Many travelers flock to its shores to discover the wonderful food, lush green rice paddies, stunning beaches, and ancient temples. In other words, things are beautiful here, and you’re sure to feel safe within moments of arrival, especially in Bali.

If you don’t fall in love with the laid-back surf town of Canggu and its fun-loving nightlife, you’re sure to love exploring the tropical Gili islands. If you’re into picture-perfect views, you’ll find it hard to choose your favorite between the sunrise at the volcanic Mount Batur and the towering waterfalls of Tukad Cepung. 

6. Mongolia 

Mongolia is one of the unexpected surprises on this list as many travelers tend to overlook this remote and untouched destination. With an overall global ranking of 46 among the world’s most peaceful countries, you won’t need to worry about petty crime and tourist scams here. Naturally, you would want to remain vigilant and keep an eye on your bags or wallet, but you won’t have too much to worry about as long as you use common sense. In Ulaanbaatar, like any major city, there is always a risk of small crime, but compared to other countries in the region, it is minimal.

As for experiences, if you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, consider traveling along the Trans-Mongolian railway, where you’re bound to create memories to last a lifetime.

Anyone who has visited Laos would not be surprised that this country has secured one of the top spots. While it’s true that Laos has dropped down two spots in the region, it’s actually climbed two globally. Still, it’s extremely safe, with few crimes reported and fewer scams that you might find in countries more popular with tourist crowds. With beautiful countryside that changes at every turn, delicious food, and friendly locals, Laos should most certainly be next on your must-visit list.

While you’re there, you can spend a night in the jungle with the Gibbon Experience, observe decades-old traditions with the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang, or cycle through Vang Vieng for an experience like no other.

8. South Korea

As opposed to its heavily veiled northern neighbor, South Korea is filled with inviting attractions that include niche bars tucked away in the streets of its capital, Seoul, to the giant lava tube, Manjang Cave, on Jeju Island. Free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, e ven at many historical sites; this  will give you some peace of mind and ease navigating around by yourself!

In addition to the growing ex-pat community that is present in South Korea, it’s been vetted as a top destination by countries around the world after they hosted the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.

Coming in at number nine on our list, Vietnam is a land of gorgeous panoramas, rich culture, and it boasts a street food scene that is well worth diving deep into. Traveling through Vietnam is thrilling – some days, you can hop on a motorbike to take in the country’s extensive coastline, on other days, you can kayak through the sparkling waters of Ha Long Bay for a taste of the country’s natural beauty.

As for the locals? They are some of the friendliest! When it comes to the happiness radar, it’s no wonder Vietnam stands out as one of the world’s top places to be. You can immerse yourself in the smiles by unrestricted happiness for yourself and consider participating in a laughing yoga class in the capital of Hanoi. 

What’s more, the complex system of rivers known as the Mekong Delta hosts vibrant floating markets that are the fabric of local life and are a must-visit location. In Vietnam, not only will you be well and truly impressed by the many local experiences, you may never want to leave. And for that, we don’t blame you!

10. Cambodia

Cambodia might have a devastating, dark past however that is by no means a reflection on its peace rankings. There’s so much to love about this little country, and petty crime against travelers is virtually unheard of. Embrace the scenery of this Southeast Asian nation as you roam through lively markets, majestic temples, and charismatic towns that seem untouched by modern tourism developments. It’s time to delve a little bit deeper and get acquainted with Cambodia. 

If you are looking to learn more about the history of Cambodia and the  resilience and strength of the country’s population , a visit to the Killing Fields and S21 is a must. The experience is essential to understanding Cambodia’s fraught history and will open your eyes to life under the Khmer Rouge which, of course.

It may come as a surprise, but China’s big cities are actually regarded as among the safest in the region. The beauty of China is that it showcases historical China (yes, we’re referring to the 2,300-year-old Great Wall), but there are also many modern twists, such as the lightning-quick train system that runs from Beijing to Guangzhou and The Shanghai Tower, which punctures the city’s skyline and is one of the world’s tallest buildings.

If you’re a fan of green scenery, there’s that too. Make your way to  Guilin to see a dramatic landscape made up of limestone karst hills.

12. Thailand

Thailand has consistently been a top choice for travelers heading to Asia. From visiting Northern hill tribes and elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai to island hopping and hedonistic Full Moon parties. It’s paradise! Thailand can be relied upon for relaxing, trouble-free, heavenly, tropical beaches and friendly locals. No wonder it’s one of the safest countries in Asia 2022! 

See Also: 75 Phrases to Know When Travelling in Southeast Asia

Are you ready to find your next adventure? Are you feeling inspired by our list of the safest countries in Asia? Take a look at the most popular tours to Asia here.  

Julie Faye Germansky

Julie is a Toronto-based journalist whose biggest thrill is solo travel. She loves talking to strangers, both near and far, and telling their stories through photos and words. Follow her adventures on Instagram @julesfayegermansky and Twitter @julsgermansky.

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8 Worst Countries to Travel in Asia And 3 Best Countries To Travel

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on August 2, 2024

Categories Asia

Our guide on the worst countries to travel in Asia and our favorite countries to travel in Asia.

While Asia offers a myriad of beautiful and culturally rich destinations, certain countries may pose significant challenges for tourists due to factors like safety concerns, political instability, poor infrastructure, and environmental hazards. Here is a guide highlighting some of the worst countries to travel to in Asia based on various metrics and reports.

Traveling to these countries in Asia can present significant challenges due to safety concerns, political instability, poor infrastructure, and environmental hazards. It’s crucial to take extra precautions and thoroughly research current conditions if you must visit these locations. Whenever possible, consider alternative destinations that offer a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.

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Worst Countries to Travel in Asia

1. afghanistan.

Reason: Ongoing conflict, political instability, and safety concerns. Challenges: High levels of violence, terrorist activities, and limited infrastructure.

Key Issues:

Safety: Persistent conflict and violence make it extremely dangerous. Infrastructure: Severely damaged infrastructure and limited public services. Travel Restrictions: Many countries have travel advisories against visiting Afghanistan.

Travel Tips:

Avoid Travel: Consider alternative destinations due to the high risk associated with visiting Afghanistan.

Reason: Ongoing civil war, political instability, and safety concerns. Challenges: High levels of violence, damaged infrastructure, and humanitarian crises.

Safety: Ongoing conflict and terrorist activities. Infrastructure: Many areas are severely damaged and lack basic services. Travel Restrictions: Many countries advise against all travel to Syria.

Avoid Travel: Due to the high risks, it is best to avoid travel to Syria.

Reason: Ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Challenges: High levels of violence, poor infrastructure, and widespread poverty.

Safety: High risk of conflict-related violence and terrorist activities. Infrastructure: Severely damaged infrastructure and limited access to basic services. Humanitarian Crisis: Severe food and medicine shortages.

Avoid Travel: Consider alternative destinations due to the high risk associated with visiting Yemen.

4. North Korea

Reason: Strict government control, limited freedom for tourists, and political instability. Challenges: Lack of personal freedoms, strict surveillance, and limited interaction with locals.

Safety: Strict government regulations and the risk of arbitrary detention. Freedom of Movement: Highly restricted travel with government-appointed guides. Interaction: Limited opportunity to interact freely with locals.

Caution Required: If you must visit, strictly adhere to all local laws and regulations.

5. Pakistan

Reason: Political instability, high crime rates, and terrorism. Challenges: Safety concerns, especially in certain regions, and poor infrastructure.

Safety: High risk of terrorism and violence in some areas. Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure and public services in certain regions. Travel Restrictions: Some countries advise caution when traveling to Pakistan.

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local news and avoid high-risk areas.

Reason: Political instability, ethnic conflict, and human rights issues. Challenges: Safety concerns in certain regions and limited infrastructure.

Safety: Ongoing ethnic conflicts and political unrest. Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure in many parts of the country. Travel Restrictions: Certain areas are restricted or off-limits to foreigners.

Stay Informed: Research thoroughly and avoid conflict zones.

Reason: Ongoing conflict, political instability, and safety concerns. Challenges: High levels of violence, terrorism, and poor infrastructure.

Safety: High risk of conflict-related violence and terrorist activities. Infrastructure: Damaged infrastructure and limited access to basic services. Travel Restrictions: Many countries advise against all travel to Iraq.

Avoid Travel: Due to the high risks, it is best to avoid travel to Iraq.

8. Bangladesh

Reason: Overpopulation, pollution, and natural disasters. Challenges: Poor infrastructure, safety concerns, and environmental hazards.

Safety: High crime rates and political unrest in some areas. Pollution: Severe air and water pollution. Natural Disasters: Frequent flooding and cyclones.

Caution Required: Stay informed about local conditions and take necessary precautions.

3 Best Countries to Travel in Asia

Asia is home to some of the most diverse and culturally rich travel destinations in the world. Here are three of the best countries to travel to in Asia, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and hospitality.

Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam each offer unique and enriching travel experiences, making them some of the best countries to visit in Asia.

Whether you’re interested in exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or immersing yourself in rich cultural traditions, these destinations have something for everyone. Plan your trip according to the best times to visit and follow the travel tips to make the most of your journey.

Best Countries to Travel in Asia

Japan seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity, making it a captivating destination for travelers. From historic temples and shrines to bustling cities and serene natural landscapes, Japan offers something for everyone.

Key Destinations:

Tokyo: A vibrant metropolis known for its skyscrapers, shopping, and food scene. Must-visit places include the Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and the Meiji Shrine. Kyoto: Famous for its well-preserved temples, traditional wooden houses, and beautiful gardens. Highlights include Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Hokkaido: Known for its stunning natural scenery, hot springs, and ski resorts. Visit during the Sapporo Snow Festival for an unforgettable experience. Okinawa: Offers beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a distinct culture. Ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy water activities.

Cultural Highlights:

Tea Ceremonies: Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Onsen (Hot Springs): Relax in a traditional hot spring bath. Festivals: Participate in local festivals such as the cherry blossom festivals (hanami) in spring or the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto.

Public Transport: Japan’s public transportation system is highly efficient. Use the Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel. Respect Traditions: Show respect for local customs, such as removing shoes before entering homes or temples. Language: While English is widely understood in major cities, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (March to May): Cherry blossom season. Autumn (September to November): Pleasant weather and beautiful fall foliage.

2. Thailand

Thailand is known for its rich culture , stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and delectable cuisine. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient temples, relax on tropical beaches, or indulge in street food, Thailand has it all.

Bangkok: The bustling capital offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and vibrant street markets. Chiang Mai: Located in the mountainous region, it is known for its beautiful temples, night bazaars, and access to trekking and elephant sanctuaries. Phuket: Famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water activities. Krabi: Offers beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, and clear waters ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Temples: Explore magnificent temples such as Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Thai Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Thai dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Take a cooking class to learn how to make these dishes yourself. Floating Markets: Visit Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Floating Market for a unique shopping experience.

Respectful Dress: When visiting temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets. Start with a lower offer and negotiate. Transportation: Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are popular for short distances. For longer journeys, consider buses, trains, or domestic flights.

Cool Season (November to February): Pleasant weather across the country. Shoulder Seasons (March to May and September to October): Fewer tourists and still good weather.

Vietnam offers a mix of natural beauty , rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, there’s much to explore and experience.

Hanoi: The capital city known for its centuries-old architecture, vibrant street life, and cultural landmarks such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): A bustling metropolis with historical sites like the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Halong Bay: Famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. Ideal for a cruise or kayaking adventure. Hoi An: A charming town known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, and tailor shops.

Temples and Pagodas: Visit historic sites such as the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. Cuisine: Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Street food is a must-try. Local Markets: Explore local markets like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City for a taste of local life and unique souvenirs.

Motorbike Safety: Motorbikes are a common mode of transportation. If renting one, ensure you have a valid license and wear a helmet. Crossing Streets: Traffic can be hectic. Cross streets slowly and steadily, allowing vehicles to move around you. Currency: Use Vietnamese Dong (VND). Many places accept credit cards, but cash is handy for small purchases and street food.

Spring (February to April) and Autumn (August to October): Mild temperatures and less rainfall. North Vietnam: Cool and dry in winter (November to April). South Vietnam: Warm and humid year-round, with a wet season from May to November.

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

• Get started

• Introduction

Methodology

Worst countries to visit.

The Dark Side of Global Travel

Travel unlocks experiences and cultures that expand our understanding and appreciation of the world at large. However, one's safety and security can never be compromised in the quest for adventure and exploration. The U.S. Department of State's travel advisory plays an essential role in assisting travelers to make informed decisions, assigning each country into one of four categories—ranging from 'Exercise Normal Precautions' to 'Do Not Travel'. 

A significant volume of countries flagrantly occupy the latter category, suggesting regions fraught with peril and predicaments that can pose serious threats to the well-being of travelers. An analysis of this data, collated from the travel advisory system, provides insights into these danger-ridden regions, encapsulated in a list of the 'Worst Countries to Visit.' 

Here are some key findings based on the data: 

• A total of 18 countries are designated as 'Level 4 (Do Not Travel)' in the list, indicating serious concerns about safety and security in these regions. The reasons span across from rampant crime, civil unrest, terrorism, to dangerous weather conditions.
• The regions with the 'Level 4' categorization are geographically diverse, extending from Asia to Africa, and to Europe as well. Countries like Afghanistan, Somalia, Haiti, Russia, and South Sudan dominate the list, corroborating the diverse geographic dispersion. 
• A surprising entrant to the list is Russia, a country typically known for its rich heritage and iconic cities. However, the recent geopolitical tensions and ensuing conflict have dramatically impacted its safety status for tourists. 

While this data paints a bleak picture, it's crucial to remember that it represents situations at a particular point in time. Countries can, and indeed have, moved out of these unfavorable categories with constructive political, social, and economic changes.

Full Data Set

Frequently asked questions, related rankings, maternity leave by country, strictest gun laws by state, facebook users by country, freest countries, cell phones by country, least corrupt country.

World Wild Schooling

12 Unmissable Southeast Asia Trips That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

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Whether you’re a backpacker, a luxury traveler, or juggling a vacation with little ones, Southeast Asia has something for you. From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Bali, you could easily fill a 10-page bucket list with trips from this corner of the world.

Over the last three months, I have been lucky enough to travel across Southeast Asia and experience much of what this region has to offer. But with so many incredible destinations to visit, it can be hard to know what locations are best suited for you and those you are traveling with. 

Fear not; we have put together a list of the 12 best Southeast Asian destinations for your next trip. Covering all interests, you’ll find ancient temples for history enthusiasts, white sandy shores for beach bums, and dense jungles for true adventurers. Let’s dive in!

Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap, Cambodia, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest religious structure in the world. Built in the 12th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. The complex spans over 400 acres and includes numerous temples, the most famous being the Angkor Wat temple itself. It’s well worth rising early for the sunset here, where the reflection of the temple reflects on the surrounding moat, and incredible pink/red hues cover the sky.

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Beyond the main temple, you can explore other notable structures like Bayon Temple, known for its massive stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where trees intertwine with ancient ruins. The latter will have you feeling like you’ve stepped foot into an Indiana Jones movie. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, should also be visited, where you can enjoy its night markets, excellent dining options, and traditional Apsara dance performances.

Read also:  Top Exotic Beach Destinations

Relax on the Beaches of Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a dream destination for surfers and beach lovers alike. With its picturesque landscapes, Bali is famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class waves. Kuta Beach is known for its busy nightlife and surf culture, while Seminyak offers a more upscale beach experience with luxury resorts and trendy beach clubs.

For those seeking tranquility, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua provide a more laid-back vibe with cliffside views and secluded beaches. Beyond the sand, Bali is rich in culture and spirituality, with numerous temples like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot offering stunning sunset views.

Read also:  Best Hidden Beaches in the World

Cruise Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests. Located in northern Vietnam, this stunning seascape is best explored by boat. A typical Ha Long Bay cruise includes visits to secluded coves, caves , and its iconic floating fishing villages.

You can also enjoy an afternoon kayaking through hidden lagoons or hiking on one of the larger islands like Cat Ba Island. For an even more memorable experience, opt for an overnight cruise and wake up to the sunrise.

Read also:  Top Tropical Destinations Across The World

Trek Through the Jungles of Borneo, Malaysia

For adventure seekers, Borneo’s dense jungles offer an incredible experience of wildlife and nature. Borneo, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world and an otherworldly array of biodiversity. In Malaysian Borneo, Sabah and Sarawak are the main regions to explore.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah is a pristine rainforest that shelters rare species like orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards. For a real adventure , climb Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Read also:  Stunning Beaches in the World

Experience the Culture in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos , is a charming city that perfectly blends traditional Lao culture with French colonial influences. Located at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is known for its well-preserved temples, busy night markets, and serene atmosphere.

The town is famous for its daily alms-giving ceremony (known as Tak Bat), where monks clad in saffron robes collect offerings from locals and visitors at dawn. Key attractions include the golden Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi, which offers panoramic views of the town, and the nearby Kuang Si Waterfall, a stunning multi-tiered cascade with turquoise pools that just beg you to take a refreshing dip.

Read also:  Best Beach Destinations Each Month

Dive in the Coral Triangle, Philippines

The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, a marine area known for its incredible biodiversity and some of the best diving spots in the world. In fact, 75% of the world’s coral species can be found here – including whales, sea turtles, and blue whales.

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will want to head over to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there are over 600 species of fish, sharks, and manta rays. Beyond diving, the Philippines offers pristine beaches, hidden lagoons, and island-hopping adventures that are perfect for water enthusiasts.

Read also:  Amazing Tropical Beaches

Wander Through the Markets of Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is a city that never sleeps and is home to a fascinating blend of the old and new. Start your journey by exploring the Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, where you can marvel at the giant reclining Buddha. After soaking in the cultural sights, dive into Bangkok’s delicious street food scene at places like Chinatown or the famous (but equally crazy) Khao San Road.

No visit to Bangkok is complete without experiencing its markets. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest in the world, offering everything from souvenirs to local delicacies. For a more unique experience, visit the floating markets like Damnoen Saduak, where vendors sell goods directly from their boats – just don’t fall in the canals.

Read also:  Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations Around the World

Discover the Ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand

Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is a historical park located just north of Bangkok. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas during its peak. Today, its ruins offer a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history, with numerous temples, palaces, and statues scattered across the park.

Key sites include Wat Mahathat, where the iconic Buddha head is entwined within the roots of a tree, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple. If the weather is suitable, we recommend hiring a bicycle to explore the expansive ruins, as there’s a lot to see.

Read also:  Incredible Underwater Experiences

Explore the Rice Terraces of Banaue, Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines are often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” These terraces, carved into the mountains of Ifugao over 2,000 years ago by indigenous people, are a marvel of ancient engineering. The terraces are still in use today, showcasing the enduring agricultural traditions of the Ifugao people.

Visitors can trek through the terraces, interact with the local communities, and learn about the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. The nearby Batad Rice Terraces are even more remote and offer a more rugged trekking experience, with stunning views of the amphitheater-like terraces.

Read also:  Most Beautiful Beaches Worldwide

Chill Out in Vang Vieng, Laos

Vang Vieng, once known as a party town, has transformed into an adventure and eco-tourism hub. Nestled along the Nam Song River, the town is surrounded by limestone mountains, caves, and lush greenery. Popular activities include tubing down the river, hot air ballooning, and exploring the Tham Chang and Tham Phu Kham caves.

Vang Vieng is also a haven for rock climbing, with numerous routes available for both beginners and advanced climbers. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere, with riverside bars and restaurants offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Read also:  Secluded Beaches Worldwide

Island-Hop in the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Thailand’s Andaman Sea lays claim to some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia . The Phi Phi Islands, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Beach,” offer stunning turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. Maya Bay – the beach made famous by the 2000s blockbuster – closed for a period but is now open with sustainability restrictions and remains a top highlight.

For a more tranquil escape, head to Koh Lanta, where you can enjoy relaxed beaches, lush mangroves, and vibrant coral reefs. Another must-visit is Koh Tao, the quieter cousin to the local party islands and a great place to master diving.

Read also:  Awesome White Sand Beaches

Visit the Cultural Heart of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta, often referred to as Jogja, is the cultural heart of Java, Indonesia. This vibrant city is famous for its traditional arts, including batik, wayang (shadow puppetry), and gamelan music. The city is also a gateway to two of Indonesia’s most significant historical sites: Borobudur and Prambanan.

Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for its intricate carvings and stunning sunrise views. Nearby, the Prambanan Temple, another UNESCO Site, is a magnificent Hindu temple complex known for its towering spires. Yogyakarta itself offers a rich cultural experience, with its lively markets, traditional cuisine, and the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton) serving as the city’s cultural hub.

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China's Cabinet Passes Draft Regulations on Data Security Management

China's Cabinet Passes Draft Regulations on Data Security Management

FILE PHOTO: Flags flutter above the Chinese national emblem at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China May 1, 2020. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's cabinet has passed draft regulations on data security management, state media said on Friday.

At a meeting on Friday, the cabinet said it was necessary to categorise and classify network data protection, clarify security boundaries, ensure the orderly and free flow of data.

The meeting also discussed and adopted "in principle" the draft amendment to the country's maritime law.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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