While travelling to India, a female friend complained that some male passengers inside a packed bus groped her behind thrice. Much as she wanted to complain or slap the perpetrator, all she did was to throw them an angry look but it didn’t help much.

The incident was traumatic but she was still lucky considering there have been reported cases of rape of female tourists in this South Asian country.

Some parts of Asia can be tough for women travellers. There are constant reports of harassment on women and there are several reasons why these cases occur. Women always fall victim because they are often seen as vulnerable.

However, this should not deter any woman from travelling to places she wants to go. Although some people would travel on a whim by just pointing at the map, there should always be ample preparation and know-how of the places you want to visit, not just because you’re a woman.

If you’re heading to Asia, perhaps the most important point to consider is religion. It will tell you how open a country to women by its faith. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Brunei and Pakistan have Muslim majority.

Although non-Muslims are not expected to dress like the locals, visitors are expected to respect norms and traditions. In these countries, some rules for women are rigid.  It is better to watch how women behave in certain countries.

Thailand, China, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia and Bhutan are generally Buddhist while East Timor and the Philippines are predominantly Christian. In these countries, travelling for women is not much of a problem. There are even places where lesbians can be out in the open such as in cities or beaches of Thailand and to some extent in the Philippines.

Nepal and India follow Hinduism. Of the two, Nepal is lax when it comes to dress code for female visitors especially in the capital Kathmandu.

I don’t want to give any country a bad rep for a single incident. One hell taxi ride can be replaced by the warm smiles of the people. And even in safest places, bad things could happen.

Here are some of the recommended Asian countries for women who either travel alone or with companion:

Singapore
This city-state has a reputation for its cleanliness and orderliness. Laws are strictly enforced, both for residents and foreigners. The feeling of being safe has never been so apparent in Singapore. Taxi drivers are honest and public transportations are reliable. English is widely spoken and going anywhere or eating is never a problem.

Thailand
Tourists always feel at home in Thailand. Although the language can be a bit challenging, the Thais try hard to help a visitor. The Thais are generally respectful to elders and women. Because of the healthy tourism industry, travelling to other destinations and other neighbouring countries is made easier.

Laos
Among the most-friendly and nicest people on earth are the Lao. They will go to a great extent to make their guests at ease. Known for their very relaxed attitude, they’re mild-mannered and rarely show aggression. They always take things in stride. Being a former French colony, Laos seems to be caught in time. The capital Vientiane and the Unesco heritage site Luang Prabang are ideal for walking and biking. People speak English more than their counterparts  in Thailand and Viet Nam.

Viet Nam
The country is dubbed as the safest place in Asia because there has not been an incident of bombings, terrorist attacks or similar incidents in this country after the Viet Nam war. Since then, tourists come in droves to discover more of its culture, food, beaches and mountains. The service industry here has been developed to cater to tourists needs. Walking around Ha Noi or Sai Gon is relatively safe except when crossing the street where motorcycles do not stop at pedestrians.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is becoming the family destination because of Disneyland. The train connections make it easier to travel. English is widely spoken and decent food is not hard to come by. Being a financial hub, Hong Kong is very open to different cultures.

Philippines
The capital Manila may not be the best candidate for safety. There are tales of taxi drivers ripping off tourists and the face of poverty is increasingly apparent, but there’s more to the country than Manila. Filipinos are generally hospitable and warm. They will do their best to please visitors. The best and safest places for women are Cebu, Boracay, Palawan and other provinces. Women in the Philippines are among the most empowered and liberal in the region.

Japan
The only hassle when travellling to Japan is the language. It is helpful to know basic words but if you are armed with proper travel guides and maps, it is a breeze going around the country. The train system of Tokyo can be complicated at first but studying it very well is helpful as this is your gateway to the best sites. The Japanese mind their own business but they are very helpful when asked.

Taiwan
This country has gone through a major economic revolution. Its modernity comes with the open-mindedness of the Taiwanese. Travelling around the country is easy with various modes of transportation. It has one of the most modern trains in Asia. English can be a bit of a problem but most young people speak it fluently.