Home to the world’s tallest snow-capped mountains, the coral triangle, multiple wonders of the world, tropical islands, biodiverse rainforests and more, there’s no wonder Asia makes it onto most people's bucket list.
With awe-inspiring landscapes, mouth-watering food and vibrant cultures spread across 48 different countries, there’s so much to explore on this epic continent.
If you’re looking for safe countries to visit, whether you’re heading on your first backpacking trip, or an adventurous holiday, there are countless options in Asia. However this huge, diverse and unpredictable part of the world undeniably has some countries that are safer than others.
To help you decide on your next travel destination, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the safest places to visit in Asia so you can have a worry free stay.
How did we decide on our list of the safest countries to visit in Asia?
To help us decide which countries to put on this list, we used the GPI. The GPI takes into account 23 indicators, including societal safety and security, international conflict and militarisation, giving countries a score from 1-5. The lower the score, the safer the country.
Alongside this, we’re also using the personal experiences of the author of this post, Megan, who has spent months backpacking Asia.
Although the GPI is a great guideline, it doesn’t necessarily dictate how safe you’ll feel in a country as a tourist, so using this alongside personal experience helps to get a well rounded review that you can absolutely trust.
So let’s dig in!
8 Safest Asian Countries to Travel
1. Singapore
GPI: 1.34
Rank: 5/163
Singapore is not only the safest country in Asia, but one of the safest in the world. What makes Singapore special is its welcoming, accepting culture that’s derived from a mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western influence, providing a safe space for any type of traveller.
Serious, violent crime is practically unheard of here due to enforcement of strict laws and regulations. Even minor misdemeanours can lead to harsh penalties. For example, making too much noise after 10pm, not flushing public toilets, or smoking outside of designated areas can land you a serious fine!
This does, however, help to keep the city spotless. Singapore is famed for being the cleanest country in Asia, but we’d argue that it’s the cleanest in the world. You won’t even find chewing gum trodden into the pavement as it’s highly illegal. Selling it can result in a hefty fine or even 2 years in prison.
While you won’t have any issues in terms of safety here, we don’t recommend visiting if you’re expecting a messy, late night, party holiday, as it may end up costing you more than your travel budget.
Things to do in Singapore
- Visit the supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and enjoy their free light show that's on twice daily at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.
- Have a culture day and get lost in Little India or Chinatown.
- Head to a Hawker Centre to try street food from all over Asia.
- Join a night safari at Mandi Wildlife Reserve, the world’s first nocturnal zoo.
- Go hiking in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and spot long-tailed macaques in the trees.
- Spent a day at Universal Studios Singapore.
2. Malaysia
GPI: 1.43
Rank: 10/163
Neighbouring Singapore is another very safe country to visit, Malaysia.
What usually comes to mind when people think of Malaysia, is the urban jungle of Kuala Lumpur, with its tall skyscrapers and famous Petronas Towers. However, what you also get are lush jungles, incredible wildlife, towering mountains, vast caves, and tropical islands, making it a heaven for nature-lovers.
With its friendly locals and melting pot of cultures, it’s hard not to instantly fall in love. Its inviting and welcoming atmosphere is not dissimilar to that of Singapore, but with a much lower price tag that makes it more accessible for budget travellers.
Due to the very low crime rate, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any issues in Malaysia. However, as with anywhere in the world, you still need to be vigilant of petty crime such as pickpocketing, especially in large cities such as Kuala Lumpur.
It’s important to mention that crimes involving drugs have serious punishments in Malaysia, including the death penalty. To avoid this, stay away from any kind of drug use while travelling there.
Things to do in Malaysia
- Visit the iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Make sure to go between 7pm and 9pm to witness the light and fountain show.
- Gorge on street food in Penang.
- Relax on the pristine beaches of Langkawi Island.
- Visit Kinabatangan River or Danum Valley in Borneo to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants.
- Explore the caves of Mulu.
- Enjoy world-class diving in Sepilok.
- Hike to over 4,000 metres on Mount Kinabalu.
3. Japan
GPI: 1.53
Rank: 17/163
Up third on our list of the safest places to visit in Asia, is one of the most respectful and polite countries in the world, Japan.
The fusion of ultra modern technology and ancient traditions, alongside raw, natural beauty, make Japan a unique, must-visit destination.
Petty crime and theft that you might experience elsewhere on the continent, is less of an issue here. The locals are so trusting, that they often leave their bags unattended in public spaces.
As Japan is located in the ‘Ring of Fire’ the main safety concern is the occurrence of natural disasters.
Though there’s only a small chance of an event like this happening, we recommend downloading an app created by the government called ‘Safety Tips’. This will send severe weather warning notifications to your phone.
Things to do in Japan
- Walk the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing in Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing.
- Visit from mid-March to early-April to experience the cherry blossom season.
- Visit ancient temples and traditional tea houses in Kyoto.
- Marvel at Mount Fuji.
- Eat freshly made, authentic sushi, alongside a variety of other unique and delicious local food.
- Bathe in one of over 3,000 hot springs. At some you may spot snow monkeys that come down from the mountains bathe and play in the warm waters.
- Ride on a high-speed bullet train (get a 7, 14 or 21-day railpass here).
- Visit Hiroshima.
- Take a trip to the volcanic Ogasawara Islands to relax on pristine beaches or snorkel along vibrant coral reefs.
4. Oman
GPI: 1.76
Rank: 37/163
When travelling Asia, don’t forget the middle east. One of the safest countries to visit here is Oman, which has ascended 18 spots on the GPI scale in the past few years.
Despite geopolitical tensions in surrounding regions, Oman remains a secure destination for tourists, with a strict legal system that keeps both serious and petty crime low.
Welcoming, friendly locals, stunning islamic architecture, soaring mountains, pristine coastline, rich culture and mouth-watering cuisine, are all characteristics that make Oman a spectacular country to visit.
While crime is not common, there are still a few things to keep in mind when visiting. On rare occasions, there have been reports of assaults against women, or on people camping in remote areas. Make sure to stay vigilant, and avoid walking alone at night.
Things to do in Oman
- Walk through the gorge of Wadi Shab, and cool down in the emerald green water pools.
- Camp and star-gaze in Wahiba Sands Desert.
- Stay in a homestay in the local mud village of Misfat Al Abriyeen.
- Visit the most important spiritual site in Oman, Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
- Explore the Jabal Akhdar Mountains.
- Visit Nizwa Fort, one of Oman’s oldest and most beautiful castles.
<!-- Pulse Newsletter -->
Receive updates, latest posts and cheap flight prices directly to your inbox. With no spam.
5. Vietnam
GPI: 1.80
Rank: 41/163
Vietnam is a popular country on the South East Asia backpacking trail and for good reason.
Being one of the cheapest countries to visit in South East Asia, and having low crime rates, makes Vietnam a great option for budget travellers and first time backpackers.
From the hilly, mountainous terrain of northern Vietnam, to the mesmerising landscape of the Mekong Delta in the south, there is much to explore here.
Though violent crime is rare, both scams and petty theft can still occur. Many tourists become victims to scammers, particularly when booking taxis.
To avoid getting scammed or overcharged, make sure to use a trusted taxi company such as Vinasun or Mai, or get familiar with the currency and exchange rate, and agree on a price before accepting a ride.
Another popular way to get around, particularly on the Hai Giang Loop, is by moped. If you plan to ride a moped yourself, make sure you’re experienced, have an international driving licence, and follow the rules of the road to avoid accidents or fines.
Things to do in Vietnam
- Ride the Ha Giang Loop.
- Take a boat trip around Halong Bay.
- Light a lantern, get a tailor-made suit or dress, and cycle the quaint streets of Hoi An.
- Go hiking in Sapa and have an authentic, cultural experience at a Vietnamese Homestay.
- Cycle or take a boat along the river amongst the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh.
- Visit the Mekong Delta.
- Go canyoning in Vietnam's adventure capital, De Lat.
- Head to Ho Chi Minh City and pay a visit to the War Remnant Museum.
6. Mongolia
GPI: 1.85
Rank: 45/163
If you’re looking for a wilder country that will get you off the beaten track, a safe country to visit that will guarantee you the ultimate adventure, is Mongolia.
This landlocked country is home to vast grasslands, untouched nature and nomadic traditions. Riding on horseback, exploring the legendary Gobi Desert, and camping in a traditional Mongolian yurt under the stars are a few of the many things to do here.
While Mongolia may be an unexpected addition to this list, it’s actually one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Crime rates are low, with even petty theft and tourist scams uncommon. However, it’s still best to stay vigilant as you would in any country.
Things to do Mongolia
- Spend time with a nomadic family and experience their way of life. You may even want to join them on a migration and stay in a traditional Ger (Mongolian yurt).
- Ride a camel in the Gobi Desert.
- Ride the Trans-Mongolian train to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.
- Go horseback riding across the country.
- Attend a Mongolian festival such as Naadam, where you can enjoy a three day celebration of traditional Mongolian sports and games.
- Visit a Buddhist temple.
{{CTA-CompareBlock="/subscribed"}}
7. South Korea
GPI: 1.85
Rank: 46/163
Another of the safest countries to visit in Asia is South Korea.
South Korea is a country rich in cultural experiences, delicious food and breathtaking natural beauty.
Despite tensions with its neighbour, North Korea, South Korea still remains a safe country to visit. Violent crime is uncommon, though pickpocketing and petty crime is something to be cautious of, particularly in tourist hotspots such as Seoul and Busan.
Similar to Japan, South Korea is also at risk of natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. It’s recommended to download the government 'Emergency Ready’ app to be notified of any potential threats.
Things to do in South Korea
- Indulge in Korean BBQ, Kimchi and Bibimbap.
- Wander the Hanok villages in Seoul.
- Visit the white sand beaches of Jeju-si Island.
- Take a guided tour of the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea to learn about recent history.
- Hike Mount Seoraksan
8. Indonesia
GPI: 1.85
Rank: 48/163
Last but not least on our list of the safest places to visit in Asia, is Indonesia.
With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago country, offering visitors a wide range of landscapes and cultures to explore.
Sitting in the coral triangle, you can visit some of the most pristine and biodiverse coral reefs, alongside incredible landscapes such as active volcanoes, epic waterfalls, pristine islands and lush jungle.
With low crime rates, you’ll likely have a trouble-free stay. However, make sure to take the same precautions as you would in any country, such as keeping your valuables safe and secure, especially in busy tourist areas.
If you plan to rent a moped in Bali or any other Indonesian island, make sure you’re experienced and have an international licence as the roads are hectic and accidents are very common.
The locals in Indonesia are friendly and welcoming. In lesser visited places, you may get asked for photos as the people are not used to seeing western tourists.
However, in more popular tourist areas, watch out for scams and overpriced taxis. We recommend using Grab or Gojek to book taxis rather than hailing them on the street.
Things to do in Indonesia
- Snorkel, dive and spot birds of paradise in Raja Ampat.
- Search for orangutans in Sumatra.
- Take a boat trip around the Komodo Islands.
- Hike Mount Rinjani volcano in Lombok.
- Stay with a Mentawai tribe on Siberut Island.
- Visit Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu in East Java.
- Stay with the Torajan people, visit the Togian Islands and the Banggai Islands of Sulawesi.
- Visit a Hindu Temple and the rice paddies of Bali.
Final thoughts on the safest places to visit in Asia
Asia isn’t short of spectacular and safe countries to visit. It’s a continent that truly has something for everyone. With regular precautions and some common sense, there’s no doubt that you’ll have a trouble-free stay and trip of a lifetime.
It’s important before you visit to do a little of your own research, as many factors such as political instability or natural disasters can quickly change the safety of a country.
Now it’s time to plan your trip and pack your bags for an epic adventure.
Continue reading our helpful guides:
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Moonsand receives a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of our trusted affiliate partners, at no extra cost to yourself.
Recommended
Share this blog:
