Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Where should I go to next?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Hi

I am a 27 year old solo travelling female, currently in Vietnam. I am going to Cambodia next week before heading to Koh Tao in Thailand (my piece of heaven)

My original plan was to do South East Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Loas), and then fly to Australia and New Zealand, but I have found that this route often involves a lot of younger people looking to drink and I am looking for a more peaceful and mature travel experience. Also the north is stifflingly hot atm and as Loas has no coastal borders I have decided to give this a mis. I love the sea and so want to move on south after Thailand, maybe to the Pacific Islands but I have no idea which!

Another option was Malaysia or Indonesia, however I have heard that as a woman I have to be covered up completely and am not sure I can handle that in the heat.

I have heard much about Bali and Fiji. Bali appeals to me because of it's spiritual reputation, and Fiji is meant to be just beautiful. But all in all I have no idea! I am planning to move on from Koh Tao around 10th August and as my current travel companion leaves me at this time, I am also looking for anyone who would like to join me on the next part of my adventure.

I an essentially looking for somewhere I can walk on the beach, watch sunsets, read my book, but maybe take a day trip here and there, do some snorkling etc. Any help and information is greatly appreciated!

Thank you :)

If you are in the North of Vietnam and still have time, I highly recommend that you should go to Cô Tô island. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful beaches, still not over commercialised...

1

While you don't need to cover your head (except for sun protection) in the Pacific islands, most of these countries are pretty conservative, and expect women to cover legs at leas to the knee when not in actual resorts.
Meanwhile, while the backpacker crowd in Australia may be young and like partying, there is also a huge number of travellers of all ages, both Australian and from overseas who are older and prefer things quieter. We have a whole culture of "grey nomads" for example, who travel the country with campervans, caravans etc.
YHA hostels often have a mature clientele, for example, as well as young people.
As you move towards Christmas, the Pacific islands will become hotter and more humid as the wet season approaches.

2