I just read the story of Nida Merchant, a solo Indian traveler who had a harrowing experience at a Cambodia port where she was eventually denied entry. She was lucky to escape unmolested.
As a single Indian woman who has lived in Thailand, I'd like to chime in.
Travel, in general is a very subjective experience. If you're a white man, it's a mostly phenomenal experience. I see so many videos of white men having the time of their lives, especially in Asian countries. This is because they are generally treated like Gods. The hospitality is enough to bring tears to your eyes. "What a warm, wonderful people!" the guy gushes, vowing to return as soon as he can. I can go to that very same house and chances are the people there call me a whore and tell me to get out.
Lol.
Racism is rampant in a lot of these countries, and I include India in that list. Thailand as well. I have felt unsafe many times. I have been discriminated against many times. Only by living in a protective bubble, was I able to navigate my life in Bangkok for two years. You won't hear too much about it from most Indians settled there. They have families, they stick to their Indian communities, and they have established a few contacts that gets them what they need. For a single, brown woman who doesn't speak the language, the story is very different. As a tourist, you can go on for months without any problems because your contact with the people is minimal. But if you're there for work, with the necessity to interact with them, there are mindful precautions you must take.
Of late, I have come to the opinion that Indians are better off in India. Sure, it may be dirty or unsafe, but it is familiar, and you are armed with the knowledge of how to survive. For better or worse, you at least have the security of belonging. No one can tell you to go back to where you came from. You can stand on the street and shout for help, and people will understand and come to your aid. You don't have to desperately call your embassy and pray they answer.
Travel, explore, do what you will, but if you're any shade other than white, know this- the world can seriously be unfair to the un-fair. So be prepared.
