When it comes to travelling abroad, safety is often a top priority for tourists. From concerns about local crime rates and civil unrest to overall peace, several factors often take a front seat when choosing a destination.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve selected five of the safest Asian countries to visit. These destinations consistently rank high across major safety indexes, including the Global Peace Index 2024 by Vision of Humanity, the Safety Index 2023 by Numbeo, and the 2024 Safety Index by Global Residence Index. So, let us start!
1. Singapore
Do you know? Indian tourist arrivals to Singapore in the first nine months of 2024 increased by 13 per cent, reaching 898,180 visitors, compared to the total of one million arrivals in 2023!
A melting pot of cultures, Singapore is an incredibly safe and vibrant destination popular among Indians. With its efficient public transport, low crime rates, and world-renowned cleanliness, this city-state is ideal for travellers seeking an exciting and secure getaway.
- Visa Requirements: Indians can easily apply for a Singapore visa through a government-authorised channel, like Atlys. The process is quite straightforward and involves applying online and submitting the passport at the embassy for verification purposes. It generally takes 3-5 working days to process your visa application.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Singapore is from February to April when the weather is comfortably warm, humidity levels are lower, and tourist crowds are more manageable.
- Top Attractions: Some of the must-visit places in Singapore are the Marina Bay Sands (a luxurious resort offering stunning skyline views and a popular infinity pool), Gardens by the Bay (a must-visit for nature lovers) and Sentosa Island (packed with attractions like Universal Studios, beaches, and adventure parks). Don’t miss Orchard Road for high-end shopping and dining or Chinatown for its vibrant markets, temples, and rich cultural experiences. Finally, the Singapore Zoo offers wildlife encounters, which is ideal for having a great family time.
- What to Eat: Singaporean cuisine is a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian flavours. Must-try dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab, laksa, and satay. For dessert, try the ice-cold ice kachang or creamy kaya toast.
- How to Get Around: Well, when in Singapore, you do not have to worry about transportation, as the country’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is efficient, clean, and covers most tourist areas. You can also purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains, which is ideal for short stays.
2. Japan
With a reputation for respect and orderliness, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. In the first quarter of 2024, 71,923 Indians visited Japan! The reasons are simple. The country’s safety factor, paired with its ancient temples, bustling cities, and scenic landscapes, creates an unforgettable travel experience.
- Visa Requirements: Indian citizens need a visa to visit Japan, whether for tourism, business, or social purposes. The process involves applying for your visa online and submitting your passport to the embassy for the visa stamp. A Japanese visa application is generally processed within 5 working days.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) is beautiful with cherry blossoms, while autumn (September to November) brings vibrant fall foliage. Luckily, both seasons offer mild weather, ideal for exploring the country throughout the year.
- Top Attractions: Key attractions to see in Japan include Tokyo Tower, an iconic symbol of the city offering panoramic views, Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Additionally, Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, Osaka Castle and the vibrant streets of Shibuya in Tokyo are also not to be missed!
- What to Eat: When in Japan, you have to eat sushi! Other must-try(s) are ramen, tempura, and yakitori (grilled skewered chicken). Consider visiting a traditional kaiseki restaurant, which offers a multi-course Japanese meal that celebrates regional ingredients.
- How to Get Around: Japan is known for its high-class infrastructure. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities quickly and safely. Within cities, the subway systems are efficient and extensive, and you can buy a Japan Rail Pass to save on transportation costs for long-distance travel.
3. Kuwait
Another safe and beautiful Asian destination to add to your list is Kuwait, a country that combines Middle Eastern hospitality with a peaceful environment. Known for its wealth, the country offers luxurious shopping and dining experiences.
- Visa Requirements: Indians can only apply for a Kuwait visa through an authorised sponsor, who can apply on their behalf. A Kuwait tourist visa generally allows a single entry and is valid for up to 30 days.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal months to visit Kuwait are from November to March, as summer temperatures can soar above 45°C. Winter months offer milder, pleasant weather.
- Top Attractions: Kuwait is home to stunning modern architecture, such as the iconic Kuwait Towers, which offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the country. For those interested in shopping, the Avenues Mall is a premier destination featuring a wide range of international brands, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment options.
- What to Eat: Kuwaiti cuisine blends Arabic and Persian flavours and the must-try dishes include machboos (spiced rice with meat), mutabbaq samak (fish with rice), and shawarma. Traditional sweets like halwa and date desserts are a treat.
- How to Get Around: Kuwait lacks an extensive public transport system, so taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are popular among tourists. Buses are also available but are less common among visitors.
4. Vietnam
As of the end of July 2024, Vietnam welcomed 272,000 Indian visitors. Located in the southeastern part of Asia, Vietnam safety travel factor has contributed to the country’s growing popularity. Additionally, the country is affordable and has breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, friendly locals, and vibrant markets.
- Visa Requirements: Indians can easily apply for Vietnam e-visas, which allow stays of up to 30 to 90 days. Processing usually takes about 3-5 working days.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Vietnam is March to May when the weather across the countryside is good. Otherwise, the best time to visit varies by region: October to April is ideal for the north, while December to April is best for the south. The cooler weather is perfect for sightseeing.
- Top Attractions: The must-see destinations in Vietnam are Halong Bay (famous for thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests), the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Quarter in Hanoi, where narrow streets are lined with shops, eateries, and cultural landmarks, including the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Don't miss Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, home to some of the world's largest caves, and the Mekong Delta, which offers a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Vietnam.
- What to Eat: When in Vietnam, try pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and goi cuon (spring rolls). For dessert, che (a sweet pudding) is a popular choice. Additionally, Vietnam is also known for its strong coffee culture, with unique offerings like egg coffee and coconut coffee.
- How to Get Around: Vietnam has affordable and diverse transportation options. Buses and trains connect major cities while ride-hailing apps like Grab are popular in urban areas. For shorter distances, motorbike rentals and cyclos are commonly used.
5. Qatar
With its modern infrastructure and strong safety record, Qatar has become a top choice for travellers looking to explore the Middle East.
- Visa Requirements: Indians are eligible for both the Qatar e-visa and visa on arrival. Depending on your convenience, you can choose either type of visa. A Qatar tourist visa is generally a single-entry visa allowing for a stay of up to 30 days.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Qatar is November to March, when temperatures are cooler, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.
- Top Attractions: At the heart of the capital, Doha, is the stunning Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade that stretches along Doha Bay. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Souq Waqif (a traditional market where you can explore a maze of shops selling spices, textiles, handicrafts, and delicious street food), Katara Cultural Village (which hosts art galleries and theatres showcasing Qatar’s rich heritage) and the adventure activities in the Qatar Desert are a few must check out things!
- What to Eat: Qatari cuisine is deliciously diverse, with dishes like machboos (rice with meat or seafood), thareed (bread in meat stew), and saloona (spicy stew). For an authentic experience, try dining at a majlis where traditional Qatari food is served in a communal setting.
- How to Get Around: Qatar has a modern metro system in Doha that’s efficient and affordable. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.
As you can see, these five countries not only prioritise safety but also offer a mix of rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, making them an ideal destination for your getaways!
