The unknown is always a bit scary and travel involves a confrontation with the unknown on a regular basis. If you are a travel newbie, then Asia can seem a bit intimidating. You may be wary of travelling to its many diverse and wonderful countries for reasons of personal safety, for example.
However, the continent is actually home to some of the safest countries and cities on the planet. It would be a shame to avoid seeing their natural and cultural beauty simply because you were misinformed. Travel safety involves taking the time to get travel insurance quotes that are competitive, preparing yourself before you get going and seeking out good information about your destination so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
To give you a sense of what the safest places in Asia are for travellers, let’s take a look at the top five.
Japan
Japanese culture is known for being extremely polite, especially to foreigners. This is just one of the factors that make Japan one of the safest countries to visit in Asia. Japan is a highly developed nation and, though it maintains its unique cultural identity, is highly welcoming to internationals. Many people will be happy to speak English with you and will help you to find your way. You can also be confident that you will not encounter petty crime such as pickpocketing, as this is quite rare.
South Korea
South Korea is another one of the safest countries to visit in the vastness of Asia, just be sure that your plane ticket reads South Korea! Its rapid industrialisation in the second half of the last century has led to the creation of a highly modern country that has much to offer for tourists. It is so safe that it was even the host to the Winter Olympics in 2018. In fact, the country is also filled with many ex-pats from English-speaking countries around the world, as it is a popular TESL destination. You may love the place so much that you will want to stay for yourself.
Taiwan
Although the country’s very existence is upset to the mainland Chinese government, you will find that Taiwan is actually very safe once you arrive. The country has a very low crime rate and offers many amenities to make your stay comfortable. Locals are helpful when it comes to interactions with tourists. You can make things even easier on yourself by learning a bit of the language.
Cambodia
Do not let the horrific history of this country steer you away. Modern Cambodia is now one of the safest places to be in Asia. The low crime rate and friendly locals make it a great stop on your backpacking itinerary. While you may think that a country with killing fields is not a place that screams “safety,” you are sure to find serenity while exploring its rich cultural life and ancient religious sites.
Singapore
Singapore is routinely cited as one of the safest cities on the planet. The country is notoriously harsh when it comes to law and order, and even offences such as spitting out gum can carry hefty penalties. While this may seem extreme, this makes the city immensely safe for tourists and visitors. Even during the night, you can stroll through the city streets without feeling uncomfortable. Not only that, but the city is very welcoming to international visitors. There are many things to do throughout the area and even the airport is known for being one of the world’s best.
Practice Safe Travel Habits
While some places rank higher than others when it comes to safety statistics, the best way to stay safe while travelling is to practice good habits. Be sure to exercise caution regardless of the destination that you choose. Try to avoid trouble and purchase adequate travel insurance coverage before you leave. This will protect you from most contingencies and allow you to have a safe and enjoyable Asian adventure.
