You want to travel all the way to Asia for your next vacation, but you don’t want to break the bank. Is that even possible? Absolutely. There are tons of budget-friendly destinations on this side of the world. In this article, I’ll go over the best Asian countries to visit that will keep you on budget without feeling you’re sacrificing fun. The best and cheapest countries to travel in Asia span places offering:
- Stunning architecture
- Beautiful beaches
- Delicious food
- The chance to meet friendly locals
… and much more.
Read on to learn about the cheapest countries to travel in Asia.
Why Travel on a Budget? Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
Why travel Asia on a budget – actually, why travel on the cheap in general? Here are the main reasons why you should consider traveling on a set budget regardless of your current income and financial situation:
1. Practice Budgeting Skills
Setting a budget and sticking with it is a crucial life skill that everyone should master. Being able to track how much you make and spend will allow you to intentionally save money at the end of the month towards:
- Future discretionary purchases such as designer products and vacations
- Investing in your child’s education
- Saving for retirement so you live comfortably when you are no longer willing or able to work a paid job
When you stick to a budget while traveling, you’ll be inspired to track your spending in other aspects of your life.
2. Feel Accomplished After a Successful Trip to the Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
In addition to being able to save for your future goals, sticking to a budget feels good. When you see that you’ve spent nearly half as much as the average traveler to your destination, you’ll feel great about all the hard work you put into researching budget-friendly destinations, booking flights and accommodation ahead of time and sticking to a set daily spending limit. You’ll realize that the best countries to travel in Asia – and other destinations around the world – don’t need to cost a fortune.
Of course, don’t deprive yourself of treats. Choose one or two experiences you want to indulge in during your trip. Some ideas include:
- Going out for one nice dinner at an upscale restaurant during your trip
- Staying in hostels except for one night when you stay in a five-star hotel
- Eating dessert twice per week
- Treating yourself to a massage
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you need to do everything as cheaply as possible. Don’t be cheap – be frugal instead!
3. Travel Slow When Choosing From the Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
Cutting Down on Travel Expenses
When you try to travel for as cheaply as possible without sacrificing quality or your experience, you’ll want to try slow travel. What is this exactly? Slow travel means that you’ll spend more time in a city or region than the average tourist. Travel expenses can really chip into your overall trip budget. Expenses such as an overpriced lunch at the airport, transfers to your hotel and train tickets all add up. When you spend a longer period of time in an area, you’ll spend less money on transport.
Take Advantage of Long-Term Discounts
Additionally, you’ll be able to take advantage of discounts for longer stays. For example, many cities offer 5-day, weekly and monthly transit passes. Hotels and hostels sometimes offer a cheaper rate if you’re staying for 2 weeks or longer in the same place.
Get to Know the Area Better
Finally, when you opt for slow travel, you’ll be able to get to know the area better. Rather than trying to squeeze in all the main attractions in 3 days, you’ll have a chance to explore the off-the-beaten-path cafes, eateries and museums. There’s no better feeling than living like a local!
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The Most Popular and Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
Cambodia
There’s so much to see in the incredible country of Cambodia. Visit the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and be sure to visit the famous Angkor Wat temple (try a sunrise tour!). If you’re looking for sun and sand, visit the beaches of Koh Rong and Krong Siem Reap.
Expect to pay $30-40 per night for a private room in a basic hostel or hotel. Dorm beds cost around $5-15 per night. Street food and excursions such as the museum will only run you a few dollars a meal or per ticket.
China
There’s something for everyone in China. While more expensive than other destinations on this list, China is still very much a budget travel destination. Enjoy the skyscrapers and energy of Shanghai and visit the beautiful temples in the country.
A private room in a hostel or hotel will run you around $30 a night. Enjoy various street food dishes for $5 or $6. What about public transportation? Good news: this is cheap too – only a couple dollars a ride.
In total, traveling China will cost you $60 to $80 per day if you’re on a budget.
Mongolia
Mongolia is a beautiful destination yet to be spoiled by over-tourism. Stay in a yurt, enjoy viewing the mountains and witness the peoples’ nomadic lifestyles. Hotels and hostel rooms will cost you $15 to $25 a night and meals range in price from only a few dollars up to $10.
India
Where do you start with India? You can’t simply cover all places on one visit. Start with the bustling commercial capital, Mumbai. After you’ve had your fill, there are many other destinations to choose from such as Amritsar, Gokarna, Goa and Jaipur.
Enjoy low prices for everything. Hotels and hostels will cost $15-25 a night. You’ll be able to find cheap street food for only a couple dollars per dish. Take advantage of cheap, convenient and flexible train travel that will get you all around the country in no time.
Indonesia
Indonesia is full of beautiful beaches, islands and temples. When you visit this country, you’ll be blown away by its history and beauty. Of course, you’ll have to visit Bali while you’re there. Additionally, you can also check out other islands such as Thousand Islands, Sumbawa and Tanjung Lesung, which are just as beautiful and less crowded.
Take advantage of cheap accommodation that will only cost you $5-10 for a bed in a a hostel dorm room or $20-30 a night in a basic hotel.
Malaysia
Enjoy the array of options Malaysia has to offer – a country that is not only inexpensive but is also one of the safest countries in Asia to travel to and live in. This country is incredibly interesting due to its mixture of Indian, Malay and Chinese cultures. Explore the Menara, Petronas Twin Towers and bustling Indian food scene of Kuala Lumpur – just to name a few things you can do. Beat the heat with healthy options such as fresh juice, which can be found everywhere for only a couple dollars.
Outside the capital, explore Langkawi’s stunning beaches and islands.
Malaysian hotel accommodations will run you $25-35 a night for a private room in a hotel and less than that if you’re staying in a hostel. If you’re on a budget, you can expect to spend $40-50 per day while in Malaysia.
Nepal
Aside from the famous Mount Everest, Nepal has beautiful scenery and other attractions for those who aren’t keen on climbing the famous mountain (the vast majority of the population!).
Visit Kathmandu and explore the Annapurna region. Additionally, trek Langtang and visit Everest Base Camp independently instead of hiring a guide. Choosing to do these activities alone will help you cut down significantly on travel costs.
Stay on budget with food by choosing street food such as thali. Accomodation is cheap, too. Expect to pay $5-10 per night for a hostel room. Cut costs even further by avoiding the high season, October and November. Winter is the best place to visit Nepal as you’ll avoid both high season and monsoon season.
Expect to spend around $20 to $30 per day while on a budget in Nepal.
Taiwan
Taiwan is a fantastic option for budget travelers. Take advantage of Taipei’s bustling night market food scene and pay only a couple to a few dollars for delicious dishes. Hike Elephant Mountain, check out the Taipei 101 skyscraper and explore the Ximending area, known for its artsy vibe.
Tip: skip the high-priced speed trains and opt for the regular trains instead. High speed rails (HSR) also don’t go to the city center, so you’ll end up spending money and time getting from the stations to the city center or wherever else you need to go.
Hostel beds are very reasonably priced – around $15-20 per night. If you want a private hotel room, you’ll pay $30-50 a night. If you stick to staying in a cheap hotel, you’ll pay up to $70-80 a day for budget travel.
Thailand
No list of cheap Asia travel destinations is complete without Thailand. Popular for a reason, Thailand has beaches, temples and delicious food on offer. Visit the capital of Bangkok for a chaotic adventure. You can experience markets, temples and try the delicious street food.
Additionally, don’t miss out on Chiang Mai in the North and the various trips you can take from there such as jungle adventures and helping rescued elephants at sanctuaries. If you need more cheap holiday destinations in Asia, the beaches of Thailand have got you covered – enjoy the tropical islands of Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe and others. You’ll pay around $30 a night for hotels in Thailand and $8-10 a night for a hostel bed.
In total, expect to set aside $40-60 a day for Thailand.
The Philippines
If you’re looking for cheap Asian holiday destinations, the Philippines has it all – gorgeous tropical beaches, jungles, coral reefs and friendly people.
Enjoy delicious food and rum for only a few dollars a dish or drink. You can rent a hostel hammock or bed for $5-15 a night. Buses and ferries around the country will also cost you around the same per ticket. Ferries are ideal for those who have time and are on a budget.
Keep activity costs down by renting your own snorkelling equipment for $3-5 per piece.
Vietnam – Arguably the Cheapest Country to Travel in Asia
Vietnam is one of the top places to visit for many reasons and is arguably the cheapest country in Asia – at least, among the more popular destinations. I may be biased since I live here, but it’s true – friendly people, beautiful architecture and gorgeous landscapes await you. Vietnam is also another one of the safest countries in Asia, so leave your worries at home.
Take advantage of cheap, delicious and high-quality street food for only a couple dollars a dish. Enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Ha Long Bay in the North. Beach lover? Head to Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. Don’t miss the ancient capital of Hue and the lantern-filled ancient town of Hoi An. End your trip with a visit to the chaotic and energetic Ho Chi Minh City and the nearby Mekong Delta.
Hotel accommodation in Vietnam is inexpensive. A hostel bed will cost you $5-15 per night. A private room in a guesthouse will run you $20-30 a night. Travel around Vietnam using buses and trains – if you’re traveling further, you can fly for a reasonable cost. Buses and trains cost as little as $10 per round-trip ticket. Expect to pay $70-150 for a round trip flight.
Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia Off the Beaten Path
Azerbaijan – An Underrated Cheap Country to Travel in Asia
Azerbaijan isn’t a popular travel destination, but you shouldn’t skip it as it’s not only one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia, but it’s chock full of things to do. While the capital, Baku, is quite pricey, once you get out of the city, you’ll be treated to budget-friendly travel experiences. Enjoy beautiful nature, bustling cities and historical sites. In Baku, you can visit the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Sheki for its architecture, Lankaran for hot springs, Gabala for the Caucasus Mountains, Nakhchivan for the Juma Mosque, and many other beautiful places.
Hotels will cost you $20-30 a night for a basic room. Street food generally runs from $1-2 a meal and a meal at a sit-down restaurant will cost you $5-10 per dish. Public transport tickets cost $0.50-$1 and taxis are $5-10 a ride depending on distance.
Islam is the dominant religion in this country and the country is moderately conservative, so be sure to dress appropriately.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is another cheap country to visit in Asia. There’s so much to do in this country including sports such as kitesurfing, surfing, hiking and cycling. Enjoy Old Dhaka in the capital of Dhaka, the tea gardens in Sylhet, the stunning mangrove forest in Khulna (Sundarbans), Kuakata Beach in Barisal, and much, much more.
Indulge in tasty rice and curry, biryani, sweets and other delicious street foods for only a couple dollars a meal. Rickshaws and buses will cost you $2-3 a ride, hostels and guesthouses will cost $10-15 a night and hotels will run you around $20-30 a night.
If you can handle the heat, navigate the chaotic traffic and respect the conservative culture, Bangladesh is an excellent budget travel destination.
Kazakhstan – Another One of the Top Underrated and Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
Kazakhstan is full of Orthodox architecture, beautiful nature and more. This is the richest country in Central Asia, but it’s still a very affordable place to visit. Enjoy hiking and skiing in Almaty, boat trips to the Caspian Sea, the Altai Mountains and the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first space facility.
Kazakhstan has four seasons – you’ll be glad to know that unlike other countries that experience hot and rainy seasons, you’ll feel comfortable traveling at any time of the year. Visit in the summer if you’re interested in outdoor sports such as hiking and cycling.
Expect to spend $10-15 a day on food, $20-30 on hotels/hostels and $50-100 a day on excursions. Keep your costs low by opting for arranging your own activities and transport over joining a guided tour.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is another one of the cheapest countries in Asia to travel. Similar to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan has four seasons. Depending on which activities you want to do and your budget, choose a time that suits you. Enjoy skiing during the winter and hiking and cycling from June to September.
Keep costs down by aiming to travel during shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October).
Meals will cost you $3-5, bus tickets will run you $5-8 per trip and hiking activities can cost anywhere from $20-60 per day depending on distance and length.
You can expect to spend $60-100 per day when traveling in Kyrgyzstan.
Laos
Laos is an excellent budget travel destination despite being overlooked in favor of other neighbouring countries. Take advantage of beautiful French colonial architecture, temples and wallet-friendly meals in Luang Prabang. Don’t miss Kuang Si Falls and a visit to 4000 Islands in the southern part of the country.
Enjoy delicious baguettes, street food and beer for $5-10 for a full meal complete with a drink.
When you’re in cities, take tuk-tuks to get around. Get around Laos on a budget by bus. However, roads are often of poor quality and travel times can be lengthy. If you can afford it or if you’re traveling with a group, opt for a taxi and split the costs. Flights are worth the cost – they run from $50-100 and are a much better option than spending 10-15+ hours on a bus.
You’ll spend $5-10 for a bed in a shared hostel dorm room and $15 for a private hotel room. If you can live without air conditioning, opt for fan-only rooms, which are generally half the price of air-conditioned rooms. Personally, this is a bit too extreme and borderline cheap for me (I’m Canadian and need cooler temperatures at night!), but to each their own!
Pakistan
Pakistan is incredibly budget-friendly. Start in Lahore and enjoy the colonial architecture and mosques. Be sure to visit the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Lahore Fort. Check out the Faisal Mosque and the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, the capital.
If you love hiking and mountains, go to Fairy Meadows and Minapin for a truly epic adventure.
There is a lot of budget travel in Pakistan which means that many hotel prices cater to what locals can afford. This means that hotels and other accommodation are very affordable to travelers coming from other countries.
Hotels and hostels will cost you $10-15 for a hostel room and $25-30 for a private hotel room. Enjoy street food for only a couple dollars a meal.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is incredibly affordable – while not as cheap as India, it’s still very much a budget travel destination. Enjoy ancient cities, beautiful beaches and delicious food.
Tourist attractions are the highest price for visitors and can run you $10-15 per entry ticket for excursions such as a safari in national parks. This is close to 40 times what locals pay, but still very much affordable for visitors.
You’ll find hotel rooms for $15-25 a night and street food dishes such as chicken curry for $3-5 a meal. Get around the country easily thanks to cheap and convenient train travel that costs $2-5 a ride. When in major cities, take tuk-tuks for $1 a ride. Always negotiate the price down as drivers will often try to overcharge you.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is another one of the cheapest countries to travel in Asia that’s off the beaten path but must not be missed. Visit the many religious sites of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, all of which can be entered for free with the exception of the Registan. Enjoy tea, plov and fast food for only a few dollars a piece. Pick up some silk scarves at the markets – but be sure to bargain.
Hostel beds will cost you $8-15 and a budget hotel will cost you $20-30 a night. Buses and metros only cost $0.20-$0.50 a ticket, trains will run you $15-20 a ticket and flights within the country generally range in price from $50-100.
Additional Tips When Traveling on a Budget in Asia
Book Accommodation and Transport Ahead of Time
If you can, you can make cheap places to visit in Asia even cheaper by always booking your hotels, excursions and transportation ahead of time. Even small things such as train tickets can be cheaper if you book them ahead of time. For example, in Malaysia, my tickets for the KLIA airport train to Kuala Lumpur Sentral (the central station) were 10% cheaper than buying at the station. While this isn’t a huge number, if you apply this practice to all your bookings, you’ll save tons in the long run.
Join a Loyalty Program
Plain and simple, companies want to keep your business. Businesses pay good money to list their hotels and excursions on platforms such as TripAdvisor, Hotels.com and Agoda. When you book on many of these websites, you’ll have the chance to join loyalty programs that will offer you exclusive discounts.
Shopping around initially on different websites to find the best deal is ideal. However, once you find a platform you like that has a loyalty program, try to keep booking on that website to take advantage of loyalty and membership benefits.
Be Wary of Extremely Low Prices When Choosing the Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
While you should be comparing prices and trying to book budget options, be wary of extremely cheap prices. Sometimes, hotels and services are cheap for a reason. Before booking, be sure to read reviews on multiple sites to confirm if a place is trustworthy. Always book your accommodation with a reputable website. If you have a bad feeling about a place, skip it.
I made this mistake when I traveled to Montreal, Canada a few years ago. When I booked the hostel, the reviews looked fine on the Hostelworld site. It was the cheapest one available and I was on a tight budget, so I went ahead and booked it.
However, when I got there, it took 20 minutes for someone to answer the door. The reception took almost an hour to check me in. When I finally got my key, the room I was placed in was dirty and cramped. Additionally, I felt unsafe as some of the people living in the hostel were clearly mentally unstable and were living there because they had nowhere else to go. I later looked on Google and found low reviews. Again, compare multiple sites – companies may secretly be paying people off people to leave good reviews on a particular website.
A Final Word on the Cheapest Countries to Travel in Asia
There are tons of different countries for you to choose from. The cheapest countries to travel in Asia have much to offer. When you visit these places, you’ll be able to enjoy everything without cutting corners. With some planning and thinking ahead, traveling on a budget is possible (and fun!). Whether you’re a backpacker on a very tight budget, have tons of disposable income or are somewhere in between, have fun getting creative and saving money on your big adventure!
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Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
