Alone But Never Lonely: 3 Months in Southeast Asia
Emma Wilson
18 min read
Southeast Asia is a mosaic of cultures, smells, and sounds. For three months, it was my home, and for three months, I was my own best companion.
Bangkok: The Vibrant Chaos
I started in Bangkok, where the heat is as thick as the street food clouds. Navigating the canals and the markets alone taught me how to problem-solve on the fly and find beauty in the chaos.
The Kindness of Strangers
People often ask if I felt safe. In Vietnam and Laos, I encountered more kindness than I could have imagined. A local family in Sa Pa invited me for tea; a fellow traveler in Luang Prabang shared their map. Solo travel makes you more approachable.
Solo Travel Reflection
The hardest part isn't being alone—it's the first step. Once you're out there, you realize the world isn't as scary as the news makes it seem, and you are far more capable than you thought.
Bali: The Island of Reflection
I ended my trip in Bali, switching the busy cities for the rice terraces of Ubud. It was the perfect place to process everything I'd seen. I returned home with less luggage and a much larger soul.