cheapest places to travel southeast asia

23 Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit in 2024

If you’re looking for some of the cheapest Asian countries to visit on your next trip, you have come to the right place!

With 48 countries, Asia is the largest continent in the world, and it’s also my favourite one. This continent is home to some of the world’s friendliest people, tons of beautiful landmarks , interesting cultures and delicious food. Although not all Asian countries are cheap (think about Bhutan, Japan or Singapore, for example), Asia has plenty of budget-friendly destinations too.

This guide contains some of the best budget destinations in Asia, from popular destinations like Thailand and Sri Lanka to more off-the-beaten-path countries like Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.

I’ve been travelling through Asia for over two years as I’m writing this and I’m updating this post frequently to make sure the information is up to date.

Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit

It’s important to know that your daily budget will depend on your travel style and the activities you choose to do. While it’s possible to travel with a budget of $20 a day in many of the destinations featured in this list, you might have to stay in dorms and eat street food to do so.

But without further ado, let’s dive right into it! Here are the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia.

Cheap Destinations in Southeast Asia

1. indonesia.

Indonesia is one of these incredibly varied destinations I just can’t get enough of. With over 17,000 islands , you could easily spend a lifetime exploring this country alone.

Every island is different and there are more than 300 ethnic groups in the country, each with its own culture and traditions.

Apart from that, you will also find lush green forests, picture-perfect beaches, beautiful volcanoes and much more here. And the best part is that Indonesia is one of the most affordable countries in Asia.

It’s good to know, however, that some islands are cheaper than others . Bali, for example – home to the famous digital nomad and party destination Canggu – is one of the most expensive ones. Sumatra and Java, on the other hand, are some of the cheaper islands.

Check out my post featuring the best things to do in Sumatra next if you’re considering this island as your next destination!

With mesmerizing sights like Ha Long Bay, the Ban Gioc Waterfall, the Mekong Delta , Hà Giang and many, many more, Vietnam is one of the top travel destinations in Asia .

This country is known for its delicious food, mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant culture and some of the most beautiful caves in the world . It’s a place where you will be able to visit sacred temples one day, then see the remnants of the Vietnam War and learn more about its history the next.

As Vietnam is also one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, it’s the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for an affordable destination with an abundance of places to explore. After all, there are

I travelled around Vietnam solo for two months and had a great time.

>> Check out my post featuring the most beautiful places in Vietnam next to see what this country has to offer.

3. Cambodia

When mentioning Cambodia, many people will immediately think about Angkor Wat , the largest and oldest religious monument in the world. After all, watching the sunrise at this immense temple complex is one of these Southeast Asian bucket list experiences you can’t miss when you’re visiting this country.

But there’s more to Cambodia than Angkor Wat alone. This destination is also the perfect place to explore vibrant cities, go diving, relax at the beach, try delicious food, visit the salt fields in Kampot and learn more about the country’s culture and history.

Cambodia is cheaper than its neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, making it one of the cheapest exotic destinations in Southeast Asia.

Laos is known for being one of Asia’s most relaxed and laid-back destinations . This is an authentic country with colourful temples, French colonial architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

Here, you will truly feel as if you were stepping back in time. You will get to soak up the country’s rich traditions and savour some of the world’s best food.

From Khone Pabeng , Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall to the city of Luang Prabang with its former royal palaces – Laos is a budget-friendly Asian destination that will make sure to astonish you. This is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a cheap Southeast Asian country that isn’t packed with tourists (yet).

Prices here are pretty similar to, yet slightly cheaper than, neighbouring Cambodia.

5. Myanmar (Burma)

Ah, Myanmar – this is one of my favourite travel destinations in the world!

This country’s landscapes are filled with temples and gilded pagodas, and the Burmese are some of the most friendly people in the world.

From the beautiful temples of Bagan to the mountains and caves of Hpa An, there are plenty of beautiful places in Myanmar and this is a country that simply doesn’t disappoint.

The thing I love the most about this country is its authenticity . Myanmar has only been opening up to tourists recently and it hasn’t much been influenced by the globalised world yet.

Although Myanmar is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, prices here have increased over the years, especially when it comes to accommodation. It’s good to know that this country is more expensive than countries like Cambodia and Vietnam, for example.

6. Thailand

Often nicknamed “The Land of Smiles”, Thailand may just be the most popular stop along the Southeast Asia backpacking route.

This country is known for its glorious beaches, glittering temples, lush green jungle and delicious cuisine. On top of all that, Thailand is a great scuba diving destination too.

This country is easy to travel through and has something to offer to nearly any type of traveller, whether you’re looking for a crazy bucket list adventure , a lazy beach holiday or an all-in vacation.

Although Thailand remains one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, the cost of travelling here has increased over the years and the Kingdom is slightly more expensive than its neighbours Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. It’s also good to know that the north of Thailand is cheaper than the south of the country.

7. The Philippines

If diving, snorkelling and island hopping sound like your kind of holiday, then The Philippines should be on top of your Asian travel bucket list. This country is home to over 7,000 islands full of tropical white-sand beaches, palm trees and blue lagoons.

And there’s more – swimming in waterfalls, climbing volcanoes, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting rice terraces are just a few of the other highlights of The Philippines.

This country is a bit more expensive than other Southeast Asian destinations but still very affordable compared to Western countries.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia. It’s also a very diverse destination with towering skyscrapers, countless temples and mosques, stunning nature, beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife.

Although a lot of visitors will spend most of their time in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, Malaysia has much more to offer. From scuba diving and jungle trekking to visiting the famous Batu Caves , this country doesn’t lack activities.

On top of that, Malaysia is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit (except for alcohol, which is pretty expensive) and quite contrary to what many people think, Malaysia is cheaper than Thailand!

It’s also good to know that thanks to its good infrastructure with high-speed internet, Malaysia is a great destination for digital nomads .

Cheapest South Asian Countries to Visit

Nepal is one of my favourite destinations in the world and it’s also one of the most affordable Asian countries to travel to.

With its vibrant culture, lush green jungles and stunning Himalayan Mountains (including Mount Everest ), this country has a lot to offer. If you’re an adventurous type of traveller who also enjoys learning about different cultures, you will LOVE Nepal.

Some other reasons to visit Nepal are that the Nepali are renowned for being some of the friendliest people in the world and that country is full of beautiful landmarks and unforgettable adventures.

When visiting Nepal on a budget, it’s good to know that it is possible to hike and trek in the Himalayas without spending a fortune on a guide. However, this is not recommended for all treks, so it’s advisable to do some research in advance.

With places like the Taj Mahal and the Hawa Mahal, and states like Goa and Rajasthan , India is one of the top travel destinations in the world.

Not only is the packed with incredible Indian landmarks , but it also offers a lot of variation. Not every country offers the possibility to combine mountains, deserts, beaches, jungles and cities in one trip, after all. On top of that, India is huge. I spent over 10 months travelling through this country and there are still so many places left to discover.

One of the things India is best known for is its incredibly rich culture. It was here that Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and other religions were born. So if cultural or spiritual travel is your thing, India should be on top of your list.

When it comes to the cost of travel in India , it’s good to know that the south of the country is a little more expensive than the north. Still, India is one of the cheapest Asian countries on this list.

11. Sri Lanka

Often nicknamed “The Teardrop of India”, the country island of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean. This is a very diverse destination with white sand beaches, a rich culture and beautiful Sri Lankan landmarks .

On top of that, with hikes like Littl e Adam’s Peak , Ella Rock and World’s End, Sri Lanka is also a great place for hiking and nature lovers.

Although Sri Lanka might be small, there’s an incredible amount of things to do in this country. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adventure seeker, history buff or beach lover, Sri Lanka has got something for you.

I spent 6 weeks exploring this country and, although I’m not much of a beach person, this is a place I would love to go back to. Sti Lanka’s lush green jungles, exotic wildlife and friendly locals stole my heart!

Sri Lanka is less expensive than India, so it’s a very budget-friendly destination where you won’t need to worry about spending too much money.

12. Bangladesh

If you’re looking for a cheap, off-the-beaten-path destination in Asia, then Bangladesh is the place for you. This country, which borders India and Myanmar, is often skipped by tourists, meaning you will probably have all the tourist sites to yourself.

Bangladesh has got a lot to offer, though. With its numerous archaeological sites, large forests, beautiful beaches and friendly locals, it’s a destination that will surely surprise you. This country is also home to the world’s longest sea beach – Cox’s Bazar – which is 120 km (74,5 mi) long.

I spent a month backpacking in Bangladesh and it was an unforgettable experience! Bangladeshi are some of the most hospitable people in the entire world (along with Pakistanis, #13 on this list) and believe me, travelling here will be memorable!

All in all, Bangladesh is one of the most hospitable and cheapest Asian countries to visit and it’s perfect for those who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path travel destination.

13. Pakistan

Pakistan might not be the first destination to think of when you’re planning a trip to Asia, but it is one of my favourite destinations in the world.

With some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, beautiful deserts, untouched beaches and historical cities like Lahore , this is a dream destination for both nature lovers as well as history buffs.

Contrary to the country’s reputation, Pakistan is now – relatively – safe to travel to (although it speaks for itself that you should always be cautious and use your common sense) and it is attracting more and more adventurous tourists.

Pakistan is cheaper than India, which makes it one of the cheapest countries on this list.

>> Read: What to Wear in Pakistan: Dress Code + Outfit Ideas

Cheapest Countries to Visit in East Asia

With fascinating ancient places like the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’An, the Forbidden City of Beijing, and the famous Great Wall, China is one of these countries you could explore for years on end because there’s so much to see. This is one of Asia’s best cultural destinations .

One striking thing about China is the contrast between ancient and modern . You will find traditional Chinese architecture on one side of the city and hyper-modern buildings on the other side.

Keep in mind that some places are more expensive than others when you’re visiting China. Shanghai, Bejing and the autonomous region of Macau, for example, are some of the pricier destinations in the country. If you avoid these places and do some research in advance, it is possible to travel to China on a shoestring budget though.

Taiwan may be pretty small, but this island doesn’t lack beautiful places to visit or interesting things to do.

This country (which is officially called the Republic of China) is home to very diverse landscapes consisting of mountains, beaches, hot springs, waterfalls and more.

If you’re more of a city person, you will love Taipei, the vibrant capital which is known for its modern architecture, traditional temples and food markets.

Although Taiwan is one of the more expensive countries on this list, it’s just slightly more expensive than China and still pretty cheap compared to Western standards.

16. Mongolia

Mongolia, landlocked between Russia and China, is a mountainous country with unspoilt nature and unique culture . It’s one of these beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destinations where the tourism industry is still in its early stages.

For many travellers, one of the top experiences to have here is to stay with a nomadic family and learn about their way of life. After all, Mongolia is home to one of the last remaining traditional nomad cultures.

While it is possible to visit Mongolia independently, it’s not the easiest country to travel through if you don’t want to hire a guide or take tours. The reason for this is a lack of transportation to tourist sites. It is possible, however, to rent a jeep in Ulaanbaatar.

Cheapest Western Asian Countries to Visit

One of the things Iran is most famous for is its architecture with gorgeous colours and pretty mosaics. This country is home to some of the most beautiful landmarks in Asia. But there’s much more to this country!

If you’re interested in Persian culture and history , for example, this destination will surely astonish you. On top of that, Iran is filled with natural wonders, from mountains and deserts to caves and waterfalls. All in all, Iran has got something to offer to any type of traveller, whether you’re into history, culture, art or nature.

Iran is a country that only started attracting more tourists in the last couple of years and it was gaining popularity among travellers quickly. However, due to the current political situation, tourism in Iran has been declining again.

18. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a mysterious country that’s often nicknamed “The Land of Fire” due to its large amount of natural gas reserves.

Back in the day, gas often leaked to the surface in Azerbaijan, which resulted in spontaneous fires. Today though, most of these fires have been extinguished, but Yanar Dag is one of the few remaining natural gas fires.

Fire isn’t the only thing Azerbaijan is famous for, though. With its ancient temples, modern capital, mud volcanoes and remote mountain villages, this country is quite diverse. It’s a unique destination that you will fall in love with if you enjoy travelling off the beaten path.

19. Armenia

If you’re looking for the cheapest Asian countries to visit on your next trip, you might want to consider heading to Armenia, a small country sandwiched between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.

This little-visited country is full of stunning monasteries and churches (over 4.000 in total), vibrant cities and incredible hikes . It’s an underrated destination with plenty of things to discover.

It’s good to know that although Armenia may be geographically located in Asia, culturally, this country leans more towards Europe (though it has Asian influences as well).

Cheapest Countries to Visit in Central Asia

20. kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is another beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination with plenty of hidden treasures. This former Soviet Republic is the biggest country in Central Asia .

If you enjoy spending time in nature, then this country full of canyons, mountains, lakes and deserts is the one for you!

Apart from that, Kazakhstan will also astonish you if you enjoy visiting more unusual places. From the futuristic capital, Nur-Sultan to the abandoned seaport of Aralsk, this country is full of unique sights.

The best part is that Kazakhstan is one of these affordable destinations where you won’t need to worry about spending tons of money on your travels.

21. Kyrgyzstan

Another great country for lovers of nature and the great outdoors is Kyrgyzstan. With its high mountains, undiscovered canyons and beautiful glaciers, this destination has a lot to offer.

Some of the best cultural things to do here are staying in a yurt, learning about the traditional handicrafts of felt-making and eagle hunting, and learning about the country’s Soviet history. Kyrgyzstan is a country that won’t bore you, as there’s so much to see and do here!

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan share similar traditions, but it’s good to know that the latter is slightly cheaper.

22. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, the last of the Stans featured on this list, is a little bit more expensive than Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but it’s still pretty affordable.

This country is home to some amazing Islamic architecture and interesting historical sites . The highlights of Uzbekistan are the medieval cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Kiva, where you can immerse yourself in the country’s history and traditions.

With places like the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea and the ghost town of Angren, Uzbekistan is another affordable destination that will delight you if you enjoy exploring more remote and unusual places.

23. Tajikistan

I’m in Tajikistan as I’m writing this and, although it’s slightly more expensive than neighbouring Uzbekistan, this is another pretty cheap Asian country to travel in.

Tajikistan is most famous for the Pamir Highway , which stretches over more than 1,300 km (808 mi). This is one of the highest roads in the world and it offers spectacular mountain views. But you will also find plenty of other beautiful places in Tajikistan, like Iskanderkul Lake, Panjakent and Jizeu Valley.

So, if you like the mountains, Tajikistan is a great, affordable option!

Asian Countries to Avoid if You’re Travelling on a Budget

If you’re planning on heading to Asia and don’t want to spend a fortune, there are some countries that you will want to avoid.

There may be lots of cheap destinations in Asia, but this continent is also home to some of the most expensive cities in the world.

So if you’re on a tight budget, you will want to avoid the following countries, these are the most expensive countries in Asia:

• South Korea

💰 Check out my post about the cost of travelling in Dubai if you’re curious to know how much it costs to travel here.

Tips to Save Money While Travelling in Asia

Apart from the local prices, how much money you will spend also depends on your travel style.

Travelling on a shoestring budget mostly comes down to planning and researching your destination before heading there and avoiding expensive activities . Capital cities tend to be more expensive, for example, so try not to spend too much time there.

You will save a lot of money by staying in dorms , choosing street food or local restaurants over tourist restaurants and using public transportation , for example.

It’s also good to learn how to haggle and avoid restaurants or shops near tourist attractions , as these tend to be way more expensive.

But even if you’re planning on staying in 5-star hotels and eating out every night, you still won’t spend nearly as much money in these cheap Asian countries as you would in most European countries.

Cheapest Asian Countries: Final Thoughts

I hope you have found exactly what you were looking for in this list and that it inspires you to travel to Asia. After all, this continent is full of beautiful and affordable destinations.

From popular backpacking destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Azerbaijan and Bangladesh , Asia has something to offer to every type of traveller.

As I’m living/travelling in Asia at the moment and have been doing this for the last couple of years, I’m keeping my eyes open for the price of each country I visit and am updating this post regularly.

Which of the cheapest Asian countries would you like to visit and which ones have you visited already? Let me know in the comments below!

Read more about Asia: 🎎 18 Best Cultural Destinations in Asia ⛩ 36 Famous Asian Landmarks 🌋 The Ultimate Southeast Asia Bucket List: 35 Experiences 🏛 16 Beautiful Palaces in Asia ❄️ 33 Best Asian Winter Destinations

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has been travelling solo for years. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Hey, Laura! My solo backpacking dreams were itching to be released as soon as I saw your post. Now I can finally get a rough estimate on how much a two-month-long trip in Southeast Asia would cost me. This post has truly been insightful and informative. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Dakota, thank you for the lovely comment, I’m happy to hear that 😊 Asia is wonderfull, I can’t wait to return myself 🤩

Hi Laurie – love your blog post on Asia. Obviously, with Covid, trying to work out destinations is difficult. Maybe things will improve in a few months. The other issue is off course, airfares… From Australia, all the cheap airfares to Asia have dried up thanks to Covid and low cost Airline disruptions. (think Air Asia) . with the exception of Bali, which is like a suburb of Australia !

Hi Lawrence, thank you for your comment! 🙂 I sure hope things will improve soon and that the airfares will go back to normal as well. I haven’t been to Bali myself but it must be a nice place to start exploring Indonesia. 🤩

India is indeed an affordable and budget-friendly destination. I am glad that you added it to the list. The best part is India offers both budget-friendly and luxury stays. I mostly travel via train and public transport, which helps me to save more.

So do I, it’s a great way of saving money! 🙂

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Top budget-friendly destinations for 2024 – in SE Asia

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. I’m here to tell you that you can visit incredible destinations on a budget. Southeast Asia is full of amazing islands, cities full of history, and stunning nature waiting to be discovered.

I traveled for the past year and a half across SE Asia, visiting 9 countries and I’ve done it all on a budget. I’ve been to Thailand , Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar , Vietnam , Malaysia , Singapore , Indonesia , and the Philippines and in some of these countries, I’ve spent more than a month.

In this blog post, I want to share with you the top budget destinations in SE Asia, perfect for your 2021 holiday. Let’s start!

Disclaimer: The hotel prices are for 2 people. Also, I have not taken into account the costs of flying into these countries (it depends on where you are located). 

Good to know:  When traveling to Southeast Asia, I recommend using the Grab App . It’s the Asian version of Uber and it’s a cheap way to get from point A to point B. Grab App is available in most of the destinations below.

1. Hoi An – Vietnam

This charming town in Vietnam has it all – beautiful beaches, fascinating history, colorful lanterns, and endless rice paddies. For as little as $10-$15 you’ll get a private room in a nice guesthouse and a free bicycle to explore the city.

-> Read about the top Instagrammable places in Hoi An

While in Hoi An, don’t hesitate to go shopping for clothes and shoes! This town is world-famous for its affordable custom-made clothing items. For a pair of leather shoes, expect to pay somewhere around $30 while a tailor-made suit for men costs only $150. Shopping in Hoi An is awesome!

If you’re a foodie, definitely try the Vietnamese cuisine. A local dish will cost somewhere between $3 and $5. Also, while in Vietnam, I totally recommend trying the famous Banh Mi. You’ll thank me later. As an average daily budget, I recommend around $40 (for 2 people). This is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia!

-> These are the top things to do in Hoi An

2. Ninh Binh – Vietnam

Another affordable and fascinating destination in Vietnam is Ninh Binh . With tall limestone mountains, incredible temples , and stunning views, Ninh Binh looks like a movie scene from Avatar.

For a private room in a guesthouse, you’ll have to pay only $15 while renting a motorbike for one day costs $6. If you’re not confident about riding a motorbike, you can also rent a bicycle for $3.

-> Read about the stunning Tam Coc in Ninh Binh here

Ninh Binh is full of restaurants with both local and international dishes. If you want to save up some money, go for the local food. For a meal expect to pay somewhere around $3-$5. The recommended average daily budget for two people is around $50.

3. Siquijor – Philippines

Let me just start by saying that the Philippines, in general, is not a budget destination. After Singapore and Malaysia , I think that the Philippines is the most expensive country in Southeast Asia. However, there are a few budget-friendly destinations around the country and one of them is the beautiful island of Siquijor .

Not many people know about this little hidden paradise and this is exactly what makes Siquijor so special. With only a few tourists on the island, Siquijor is perfect for snorkeling , exploring waterfalls and enjoying some of the best beaches in the Philippines.

-> Read more about Cambugahay Falls here .

A night at a guesthouse will cost you around $20 while a meal at a local restaurant costs around $5-$7. To get around the island, you’ll need to rent a motorbike which will cost you $5. An average daily budget of $50 should be more than enough for 2 people.

4. Yangon – Myanmar

Have you ever thought about visiting Myanmar? One thing that surprised me about this country was how welcoming and generous the locals are. Apart from being a super budget-friendly destination, Myanmar is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia.

With some of the most impressive temples and natural landscapes, Myanmar should be on your travel list. Yangon is the capital city of the country, a place rich in history and culture.

While in Yangon, you must visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda and ride the fascinating Yangon Circular Train . Also, if you also want to explore some rural areas of Myanmar, I recommend planning a trip to Hpa An from Yangon. You won’t be disappointed.

For a night in a guesthouse, you’ll spend as little as $8 and for a meal in the city, you’ll have to pay around $3. Yangon is a great destination for those who are looking for a budget holiday, with an average daily budget (for 2 people) of just $35. Myanmar is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in SE Asia and the perfect place to spend your holiday in 2021.

-> The perfect Yangon itinerary

5. Mandalay – Myanmar

Myanmar might be known for the famous Bagan temples but there are other places worth visiting too such as Mandalay. Take a half-day trip from Mandalay to Mingun and you’ll discover one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia .

Also, Mandalay is home to many tourist attractions such as U Bein Bridge, Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Sandamuni Pagoda, and Kuthodaw Pagoda or Mandalay Hill. The city is rich in history and culture.

If you have more time in Myanmar, you can easily get to Bagan or Inle Lake from Mandalay by bus.

For a private room in a guesthouse in Mandalay, you’ll have to pay around $15 while a meal at a local restaurant costs as little as $4. Transport around the city is also very affordable and the average daily budget for two people is around $35.

6. Yogyakarta – Indonesia

When you think about Indonesia, the first thing that comes to mind is Bali. However, there are many other beautiful destinations to visit outside of Bali. I had the chance to explore Java and I loved it.

One place that stole my heart was Yogyakarta. Home to the famous Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple , Yogyakarta is a mix of colors and tastes. I loved this city and I only wish I had more time to explore it!

The good news is that Yogyakarta is an affordable destination. You can easily find a private room for 2 people in a guesthouse for $15 and a meal in the city will set you back only $4. For two people, an average daily budget of $50 should be more than enough. When planning your budget holiday in Southeast Asia, make sure to consider Yogyakarta.

7. Bali – Indonesia

I know some may say that Bali is overrated and busy. I won’t lie – during the peak season the island can get pretty busy but its beauty compensates. I’ve spent 7 months on this beautiful island and for me, Bali is my second home.

There are a few reasons why I chose to spend so much time on this island – the food is delicious and cheap, the accommodation options are endless and there is so much to explore!

-> Read more about the famous Bali Heaven Gate

Although I’ve spent most of my time in Canggu , I’ve also explored Ubud , Denpasar and the northern part of the island and I can honestly tell you that Bali is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia.

You can easily find a private room in a guesthouse with a pool for $17 per night and if you choose to eat at local warungs, a meal will only cost you $3. Renting a motorbike for one day shouldn’t cost you more than $5 which leads to a total average daily budget of $50 for two people. Not bad.

8. Nusa Penida – Indonesia

Just a boat ride away from Bali is the beautiful Nusa Penida island. It has become quite popular in the last few years but it’s still an incredible budget-friendly destination.

With famous views such as Angel’s Billabong, the Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach , Nusa Penida is full of stunning natural landscapes. If you want to get away from all the tourists, I recommend visiting Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach.

As a day trip from Nusa Penida, you can also visit two other nearby islands – Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembogan . However, keep in mind that you’ll need to rent a motorbike to explore these two islands.

Finding accommodation on Nusa Penida is easy and you can find a beautiful private room for $20. A meal at one of the local restaurants will cost you around $6 while renting a motorbike costs $6. If you choose to explore the island with a guided tour, the costs will be a bit higher. However, if you choose to explore Nusa Penida on a motorbike, you can definitely enjoy all this island has to offer for about $50 per day for two people.

9. Chiang Mai – Thailand

Thailand is more than beautiful beaches. Head north to Chiang Mai and you’ll discover a small town with an incredible vibe. Full of temples, tasty food, and friendly people, Chiang Mai should be on your bucket list when visiting Thailand .

If you have time, you can also visit Chiang Rai, a city famous for its White and Blue temples .

A nice room in a guesthouse costs around $15 per night, while eating at a local restaurant costs $4. When in Chiang Mai, don’t forget to try the delicious Pad Thai! Overall, be prepared to spend around $40 per day in this awesome city. Chiang Mai is the perfect choice for those looking for an affordable destination for their holiday in Southeast Asia.

10. Siem Reap – Cambodia

Siem Reap is by far the most touristy destination in Cambodia. Everybody who comes to Siem Reap comes for a reason – to visit the famous Angkor Wat . Wandering around the Angkor Wat ruins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

However, if you have plenty of time, I also recommend taking a day trip to the lesser known floating houses of Kampong Phluk . You can book your tour directly from Siem Reap and you won’t have to worry about transport or other fees.

You can easily find accommodation for as little as $10 per night in Siem Reap. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $4 while renting a tuk-tuk for a trip to Angkor Wat costs $15-$20. Keep in mind that the entrance fee at Angkor Wat is a bit expensive but you’ll only have to pay it once. Put aside about $35 per day (except Angkor Wat entrance fee) in Siem Reap.

These are the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia for 2021. I hope that this post helped you find inspiration for your next holiday. All these destinations are incredible and full of history. Which one do you choose? Let me know in the comments section below.

May the travel bug bite you!

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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

Thank you Aura for this wonderful information. I’ve picked Philippines for our family tour next summer.

That’s awesome! I’m sure you’ll love it!

Hi! Aura, great information for travel from your blog. Currently due to covid-19 tourism has become sluggish

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Budget-Friendly Southeast Asia: The Cheapest Countries to Travel

Southeast Asia is a popular destination for travelers on a budget, with its low costs for accommodation, transportation, and food. But with so many countries to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is the most budget-friendly. Here’s a rundown of the cheapest Southeast Asian countries to travel, based on factors like the cost of accommodation, food, and transportation:

• Vietnam: Vietnam is known for its low costs and friendly locals, making it a great choice for budget travelers. You can find cheap guesthouses and hostels for around $10 per night, and street food is incredibly cheap, with dishes like pho and banh mi available for a few dollars. Local transportation is also inexpensive, with bus and train rides costing just a few dollars.
• Cambodia: Like Vietnam, Cambodia is an affordable destination for travelers on a budget. Accommodation options range from cheap guesthouses to more luxurious hotels, and food is also inexpensive, with local dishes like amok and prahok available for a few dollars. Transportation costs are also low, with bus and tuk-tuk rides costing just a few dollars.
• Indonesia: Indonesia is a diverse and budget-friendly destination, with cheap accommodation and food options available throughout the country. In popular tourist destinations like Bali and Yogyakarta, you can find cheap guesthouses and hostels for around $10 per night, and local food like nasi goreng and gado-gado is available for just a few dollars. Transportation costs are also low, with local buses and minivans available for just a few dollars.
• Laos: Laos is a less touristy and therefore more budget-friendly destination than some of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Accommodation options range from cheap guesthouses to more luxurious resorts, and food is inexpensive, with local dishes like khao soi and laap available for a few dollars. Transportation costs are also low, with local buses and minivans available for just a few dollars.

No matter which Southeast Asian country you choose, you’ll be able to find affordable accommodation and travel options to suit your budget. With a bit of research and some flexibility, you can have an amazing and budget-friendly trip to Southeast Asia.

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What is the cheapest country in southeast asia travel guide 2024.

Table of Contents

Trying to work out the cheapest country in Southeast Asia for travel in 2024? You’ve come to the best place. In this article we will compare the main Southeast Asian countries in terms of food, accommodation and transport prices. We have traveled all of these counties on a budget to give you accurate, reliable and up to date information. If you can get cheap flights then southeast asia is one of the best choices for a low budget tropical trip. But which country is best?

Southeast Asia is packed with natural beauty, great food, beautiful beaches and adventure. However, prices in southeast asia depend massively on your country, area and your itinerary. The quality also varies massively from country to country. Some countries are cheap and not that nice. Other countries are more expensive and still not very nice. And yet other countries are cheap and amazing. While other countries are expensive and not that nice. Inside knowledge is everything.

CONSIDERING A FAMILY GAP YEAR? – Don’t miss these EPIC budget tips for a Family Gap Year

Cheapest country in Southeast Asia Disclaimer

The prices are averages to give you a rough feel for the country. The prices in this article reflect an “easy to find” lowest end. Super savvy travellers may be able to find even lower prices. And anyone can find prices higher than these. Also, budget looks very different between countries. Some countries a low budget goes a long way. In other countries you need to be ready to rough it. In this article we will try and give you a feel for what you will get for your money in each country. 

Go light & go budget – Don’t miss our guide on how to travel with just a backpack

We have tried to give you an average for each country. Prices can vary lots within a country. For example, rural Philippines is relatively cheap. But the capital city and tourist spots like El Nido are surprisingly expensive. 

Use BOOKING.COM or AGODA to find cheap hotel deals in Southeast Asia

Comparison – the cheapest country in Southeast Asia

You may be interested in our guide How to Travel Thailand for under £20 per day

The countries earlier in the list are cheaper on average, you get more for your money at the low budget end AND cheap food, accommodation and transport are more readily available. Further down the list average prices are higher, the quality of the low budget end may be lower and it is harder to find cheap food, accommodation and transport. 

A few tips for budget travel in Southeast Asia

If you’re trying to find the cheapest country in Southeast Asia – it all depends on how you travel. Here are some of our top super savvy tips for budget travel in Southeast Asia: 

• Get off the beaten track – try to travel away from the tourist spots and visit some really local towns and villages.
• Eat local street food and snacks – street food is generally cheap, tasty and readily available in Southeast Asia.
• Travel overland – take local buses. Travel around Southeast Asia overland is generally very cheap. Try to buy your tickets at the bus station rather than booking in advance. For local shared buses remember to barter. 
• Find cheap accommodation using an online booking website. Then contact the cheapest hotels directly on Facebook and try to negotiate a deal for booking directly. 
• If you have lots of places to visit use motorbike rental or local buses to get around
• Remember prices are always flexible. Barter to get the best prices – keep it friendly and positive. You can barter for transport, accommodation and also you can barter for products in markets. 
• Research your activities. Work out what you really want to do and then price up the cheapest options. Choose countries that are cheap for your preferred activities. 
• Avoid pre-book tours. These can be quite expensive (with some exceptions). Where possible try to do things independently. If you do need to take a tour book through local travel agents. Always shop around and barter. 

Don’t miss our 10 day Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam may be the cheapest country in Southeast Asia. Cheap food, drinks, accommodation and transport are easy to find. Vietnam is also packed with natural beauty, fascinating culture and adventurous activities. Many travellers love Vietnam and refer to it as one of their favourite destinations. Before we go on, it is worth being aware that there can be a scammy culture in some tourist areas of Vietnam. Vietnamese people are generally very friendly and welcoming. Here is why we think Vietnam may well be the cheapest country in Southeast Asia:

Cheap food in Vietnam

Street food for example typically ranges in price from 20,000 – 60,000 VND (£0.70 – £2.00). The most common cheap street food in Vietnam are Pho Soups – noodle soup with chicken, veggies and stock. Another very popular cheap food in Vietnam is Bahn Mi – french style baguettes packed with pickled veggies, meat, egg and sauces. You can also find rice dishes and BBQ. Pork is very popular. Fresh fruit is widespread and it is easy to find fruit shakes. Oh yeah, and it would be wrong not to mention the amazing Vietnamese coffees too. It’s not just the price of the food that we love in Vietnam. We also love the availability of food. Cheap food is everywhere. Good quality, tasty, healthy and varied. 

Don’t miss our Hanoi streetfood guide

Cheap rooms in Vietnam

It is also very easy to find cheap rooms in Vietnam. If you’re on a really tight budget expect to pay around £5 per night for a simple room (150,000 VND). However, you will need to hunt around for rooms this cheap and may need to compromise a little. If you’re able to budget around £10 – £15 per night you money will go along way in Vietnam. You will often have lots of choice and may be able to find rooms with a lot of character and even features like swimming pools. Some rooms may include breakfast with your room – but we were not super impressed with this. 

Cheap transport in Vietnam

Transport in Vietnam is very cheap and pretty good for the money. You can use Grab and Gojek to book taxis in most of the big towns and cities around Vietnam. These apps allow you to get cheap and convient taxis. Expect to pay aound 30,000 – 90,000VND (£1 – £3) for short taxi rides. There are also good local bus systems in most of the bigger towns and cities. Expect to pay around £10 – £20 for long bus journeys. We we’re very impressed with the price and quality of a VIP sleeper bus in Vietnam. There are private capsules with surprisingly comfortable bedding. There are also sleeper train options too. 

CHECK OUT THE FULL GUIDE – Vietnam vs Thailand – Which country should you visit?

Don’t miss our 10 day Thailand itinerary

In terms of being cheap and amazing Thailand is very similar to Vietnam. Depending how you travel and what you do, Thailand could also lay claim to being the cheapest country in Southeast Asia. Thailand is slightly more developed with more tourist destinations – making it slightly more expensive on average. However, it is very easy to get off the beaten track and find fantastic cheap food, accommodation and transport in Thailand. In general, the north of Thailand is cheaper than the south. So if you’re on a tight budget aim for Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai. On the other hand, Phuket and the islands in the south tend to be more expensive. 

Don’t miss our FULL break down – what is the cost of a budget trip to Thailand ?

Cheap food in Thailand

If you’re looking for the cheapest country in Southeast Asia Thailand may be it. Food in Thailand is readily avaiable all over the place and it is very cheap. Most street food ranges between 50 – 100 baht (£1 – 2). Cheap food in Thailand is tasty, healthy and varied. Whether you want Pad Thai, papaya salad, BBQ chicken and sticky rice. Most street food in Thailand is very fresh and the quality is high. In some destinations it is very easy to find fresh seafood. For example, when we lived in Koh Phangan one of our regular family favourites was a large BBQ fresh fish for around 100 – 150 baht, sufficent to feed our hungry little family. We also love the abundance of Seven Eleven shops in Thailand. These convenience stores provide affordable snacks such as sushi, onigiri, toasted cheese sandwiches and much more. Cheap and readily available food really is one of the massive advantages of travelling Thailand.  

Cheap rooms in Thailand

It is easy to find budget rooms in Thailand. If you are travelling on a very tight budget you can often find rooms for around 250baht (£5) for a simple fan room. However, this can be more challenging in touristy destinations. If you’re in a tourist hotspot, budget rooms generally start around 500 baht (£10). Some budget rooms in Thailand can be pretty rough. For example, it may be a grubby wooden room. Some rooms may lack windows and natural light. In other cases you may see mold. And of course you can always expect some creepy crawlies as fellow roommates. If your able to spend around £10 – £20 for a room in Thailand you money goes quite far. You can normally get a clean A.C. room with comfortable bedding and in a nice location. 

Cheap transport in Thailand

Transport in Thailand is very cheap. In cities like Bangkok you can get taxis using the Grab or Bolt app. Alternatively flag a taxi at the side of the road and ask them to use the meter. Short taxi rides around the city normally cost £1-2. Taxis are actually cheaper than tuk tuks in Thailand.

Many areas of Thailand also have shared buses called songthaws (these normally cost around 10 – 30 baht (less than £1). Always check the price before you jump in. It is also cheap to travel around Thailand. It normally costs around £10 – £30 for long distance buses or trains around the country. If you can, we always recommend booking trains a few days early and spash out for a first class sleeper cabin. 

Deciding between Thailand and Cambodia? – Don’t miss our Full Guide – Which country is best to visit Cambodia or Thailand?

3 Indonesia

Don’t miss our one week Bali itinerary

Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries in the world. Again, depending where you go and how you travel, Indonesia may well be the cheapest country in southeast Asia for travel. It is also a top destination for beaches, islands and diving. Although Indonesia is super cheap, it is quite an intrepid and under-developed country. On the other hand, some of the tourist hubs offer a lot for your money. For example, prices in Bali are higher than other areas of Indonesia but your money goes a long way in Bali. We will come back to that. 

Cheap food in Indonesia

Food in Indonesia is very cheap and readily available. Indonesian street food is very tasty and normally costs around  20,000 – 40,000 IDR (roughly £1 – £2). Cheap food is very easy to find. One of the most popular street food dishes in Indonesia is Nasi Champur (Malay for mixed rice). Nasi Champur is a mix of different curries, veggies, meat served with rice. If you find yourself in a touristy spot in Indonesia you can find an impressive range of international cuisine. The prices for the quality are very impressive. For example, in Bali you can find things like smoothie bowls packed with fresh fruit for around 40,000IDR (roughly £2). You can also find Italian food, middle eastern food and Japanese food. The quality is very high for the price. 

Cheap rooms in Indonesia

Accommodation in Indonesia is very cheap. You can normally find rooms for around 100,000IDR (roughly £5) at the cheapest end. It is easy to find budget rooms in Indonesia. Cheap rooms are pretty basic. Expect strangely hard or spongy bedding, fan rooms and a lack of hyigene. If you are able to pay a little more money for a room in Indonesia you money will go a long way. For example, if you pay around £20 on the touristy Gilli Islands, you can stay in a very nice hotel with outdoor swimming pool and a buffet breakfast on the beach. 

Cheap transport in Indonesia

Transport in Indonesia is also very cheap. You can use the Grab taxi app to book taxis. A short ride is likely to cost 20,000 – 60,000IDR (roughly £1.00 – £3.00). You can also find buses in Indonesia. Alternatively, consider motorbike rental. Something to be aware of if you are travelling further around Indonesia. Boat transfers between the islands could add up if you are travelling a long way. 

Laos is a cheap and lovely country to travel. Being slightly off the beaten track Laos has less options if you are looking to splash out and enjoy luxury hotels and International comforts. However, Laos does offer cheap and tasty food and some amazing activities. And it is still amongst the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. 

Cheap food in Laos

Like most counties in southeast Asia Laos is packed with an abundance of cheap and affordable street food. Most dishes range between £1 – £2 in price (This is roughly 20,000 LAK – 40,000 LAK in the local currency) Food is cheap and widely available. The quality and variety of food in Laos is pretty good. Typically you can find BBQ food (sausage, chicken and pork) sticky rice, veggies, noodles and soup.

Cheap rooms in Laos

Budget rooms in Laos typically start at around £6 per night (or roughly 130,000 LAK). Budget rooms are basic. Normally you can expect to have fan rooms, and cheap rooms are often constructed from wood and cheap materials. Expect hard beds, rough bedding and the occasional room with mosquito nets. The cheapest rooms are not super easy to find in Laos – not many rooms at the lowest budget end. Around £10 – £15 is more typical for cheap rooms in Laos.

Transport in Laos

Transport in Laos is pretty cheap and consistent with other countries in southeast Asia. For example, you can take local taxi journeys for around £1 – £3. If you’re travelling further it is likely to cost around £10 – £15 for intercity bus journeys (200,000 LAK – 30,000 LAK). Laos is less developed than Thailand so transport is a little less reliable and there is less of an established transportation system.

Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in the world – but not the cheapest country in southeast Asia to travel. Most people visit Cambodia to see the famous temples near Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Phnom Pehn (the capital city) or the islands in the south. These areas are more expensive for food, accommodation and transport. However, the rural villages of Cambodia are very cheap. There is a lot of poverty in Cambodia and many ways to help. If you’re travelling on a tight budget Cambodia can be very cheap – but you need to be savvy and shop around. Also budget in Cambodia is rough. 

Cheap food in Cambodia

Street food in Cambodia generally costs between £1 – £2.50. At the cheapest end you can normally find greasy noodles, rice and fish or rice and sausage. Cheap street food in Cambodia is not that tasty compared to other southeast Asian countries. If you’re in one of the tourist spots like Siem Reap, there is plenty of more expensive international food available. Most international dishes in Cambodia cost £3 – £8. The quality of international food in Cambodia is surprisingly good. 

Cheap rooms in Cambodia

Cheap rooms in Cambodia cost £5 – £10 but it is hard to find cheap rooms. Outside of the tourist hotspots there is not a wide variety of accommodation availble. In the tourist areas there are more options to choose from but accommodation is more expensive. If your budget is £10 – £20 per night you can find pretty good rooms with air conditioning. 

Cheap transport in Cambodia

Transport in Cambodia is pretty cheap. Expect to pay around $1 – $3 for short tuk tuk rides around town (£0.7 – £2.50). You can generally hire a tuk tuk driver for $10 – $20 per day depending on the distance.  It normally costs $10 – $20 for long distance bus journeys around the country (roughly £7 – £15).

6 Philippines

FULL AND IN-DEPTH GUIDE – How to travel the Philippines on a low budget

We love the Philippines. Beautiful beaches, stunning islands, amazing lagoons, crystal clear waters. You can explore stunning canyons , swim with whale sharks or immerse yourself in swirls of sardines . This stunning country is packed with adventure and breathtaking beauty. If you get a chance to visit the Philippines we highly recommend it. We love the Philippines but this is definitely not the cheapest country in southeast Asia. The capital city Manila is actually pretty expensive for food, accommodation and transport. Popular tourist spots like El Nido (Palawan) are also very expensive – prices are two or three times higher than other parts of the Philippines. The best way to do the Philippines on a budget is to travel off the beaten track and stay in small villages. Visit places that other people don’t. 

The Philippines is a beautiful country – BUT it can have its challenges. Find out more about some challenges of traveling in the Philippines .

Cheap food in the Philippines

Food in the Philippines is very cheap. You can find street food for around 50 peso – 200 peso 

(£0.70 – £3). Some of the cheapest streetfood in the Philippines is not that nice. The spices tend to be quite mellow and some of the dishes can be quite greasy. Watch out for bakeries. You can often buy fresh cheap baked goods in the Philippines for 30 pesos (around £0.50). Cheap street food is hard to find in tourist areas. In El Nido the cheapest meals cost around 200 pesos (around £3). Many places cost much more. International cuisine is similar to westen prices. Expect to pay 700 pesos (roughly £10) or more for a pizza. One thing is fantastic in the Philippines – Seafood! Make sure you get a seafood platter. You can find amazing fresh seafood platters for around 700 – 1,000 pesos. This may not be cheap but it is amazing value for money. It is rare to find seafood of this quality at such a low price. 

Accommodation in the Philippines

Rooms in the Philippines are more expensive than other countries in southeast Asia. Expect to pay around £10 – £15 for a budget room. In some areas power supply can be an issue – so expect power cuts. If your guest house does not have a generator this can mean some pretty sweaty nights. Even the cheapest rooms are quite expensive and the quality is low at the budget end. Your money doesn’t go very far in the Philippines compared to other southeast Asian countries. 

Transport in the Philippines 

Transportation in the Philippines is very cheap. Expect to pay around £0.30 – £0.50 for jeeps and tuk tuks. Always agree a price before the journey. The jeeps are shared buses that actually look pretty awesome. Alternatively you can get taxis for around £2 – £3 for short journeys. Taxi drivers in Manila seem to charge a lot and are generally unwilling to use the meter. Some drivers may agree to use the meter if you pay an additional 100 pesos. The grab taxi app is also quite expensive in the Philippines. You can get inter-city buses for around 70 peso in the Philippines. 

Don’t miss our 10 day Sabah itinerary – wildlife, mountains & reef. Alternatively we have a One week Penang itinerary packed with nature, adventure & great food

Malaysia is a stunning country well known for its rich and diverse culture, amazing food and natural beauty. Malaysia offers beaches, islands, beautiful waters and wild jungles. We love Malaysia, and highly recommend it. In the past year or two Malaysia is becoming cheaper due the Ringgit Depreciation (the exchange rate is becoming better if your are converting currencies into RM – the local currency). Malaysia has a dual pricing system. Foreigners are often charged 3 or 4 times more than locals for activities. This can really add up if you’re travelling Malaysia. Also national parks are increasingly charging higher entrance fees. Combined with high price accommodation, this makes Malaysia relatively expensive.

Cheap food in Malaysia

Malaysia has an abundance of street food. The flavors are amazing – but the food is often fried and not healthy. Also, Malaysia does not have a lot of fresh fruit or salads. Seafood tends to be quite expensive (except for a few places like islands). Food is relatively cheap in Malaysia. The cheapest street food in Malaysia is Nasi Lemak (rice parcels served in Banana leaf). Nasi Lemak is rice boiled in coconut milk and is normally served with fish, chicken, egg and a spicy sambal sauce. You can often find Nasi Lemak for around RM2 (roughly £0.40). You can find some small dishes for around RM5 (or £1) in Malaysia. Most street food costs RM10 – RM20 (approximately £2 – £4).

Find out about the BEST hawkers in Penang

Cheap rooms in Malaysia

Accommodation is relatively expensive in Malaysia. The cheapest rooms in Malaysia typically range between £10 – £15. At these low prices accommodation tends to be pretty basic. Cheap rooms are quite hard to find in Malaysia and the quality is pretty low. Even when you pay more for a room – places are still not great. Overall we have not been very impressed with accommodation in Malaysia. 

Cheap transport in Malaysia

Transport in Malaysia is pretty cheap and good. For example you can use the Grab taxi app to get local taxis. A short local taxi journey normally costs around £2 – £4. Many places in Malaysia also have bus systems offering cheap local transport. Langkawi is an exception. The cheapest way to get around Langkawi is to find a cheap car rental (around RM60 per day roughly £12). Long distance travel in Malaysia is very cheap. Expect to pay around RM30 – RM40 (around £6 – £8) for long bus journeys. 

Although Malaysia is not cheap overall, it may well be the cheapest country in southeast Asia for long distance bus travel.

Brunei is one of the most expensive countries in Southeast Asia. This small oil rich country is sandwiched between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah (Borneo Malaysia). Brunei is a small country and most people only visit for a few days. There is a stilt village, large grand mosque and you can take river cruises. In terms of food and culture, Brunei is quite similar to Malaysia.  

Cheap food in Brunei

If you visit a local market in Brunei you can find cheap street food ranging in price from 1.5BND – 5BND (around £1.00 – £3.00). It is hard to find cheaper street food in Brunei. There are lots of mid range cafes – dishes cost around 5BND  – 10BND (around £3 – £6). The food is similar to Malaysia but less variety. 

Cheap rooms in Brunei

The cheapest rooms in Brunei costs 25 – 30 BDN (around £15 – £20). At these prices the accommodation is reasonable quality. Rooms are generally reasonably clean, comfortable and include air conditioning. 

Cheap transport in Brunei

Transport in Brunei is not too expensive. It costs around 3 BND – 10 BND (around £2 – £6) for a short local taxi ride. Long distance bus journeys cost around £10 – £20. Buses and taxis can be hard to get in Brunei. 

9 Singapore

Singapore is the most expensive countries in Southeast Asia. We do recommend a visit if you get a chance. Singapore is a very unique and fascinating country. Singapore is very developed. The entire country is a large city with malls, shops and conveince stores. There is an extensive metro system connecting the entire country. Singapore has some great attractions too. Don’t miss Kampong Glam, the Jewel at Changi Airport and the iconic Super tree Garden at Nibong island. Singapore prides itself of being clean, efficient and unified as a country.   

Cheap food in Singapore

Relative to other countries in southeast Asia there is not a lot of cheap food in Singapore. The best place to find cheap food in Singapore are the hawker centres. Most dishes cost £1.20 – £5.00 at the hawkers in Singapore. You can also find some cheap cafes around town. Expect to pay around 2-3 SGD for a snack (e.g. steamed buns) and 3 – 8 SGD for a street food meals. International cuisine is relatively expensive. 

Cheap rooms in Singapore

There aren’t really any cheap rooms in Singapore. The cheapest accommodation are the Space Pods (capsule hotels) – these are actually a lot of fun so we do recommend a stay – not just for budget. If you’re looking for a room in Singapore expect to pay at least £20 – £30 (most rooms start at 50 SGD per night). Even the cheapest rooms are quite expensive and the quality is low at the budget end. If you’re travelling on a  low budget Singapore isn’t somewhere to stay for long. It is fascianting – but we only recommend 2-3 days for budget travellers. 

Cheap transport in Singapore

Public transport in Singapore is cheap, efficient and very convenient. The metro system connects all of the main attractions in Singapore. Most journeys cost 1 – 3 SGD (roughly £0.60 – £3.00) for the metro system. It is worth being aware that they do not take cash payments for the metro – but if you have a bank card – it may well be accepted at the gates (just tap and go). We found this surprisingly cheap with a good international card. 

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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• 6 of the cheapest countries to visit in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the most beautiful, characterful, and magical parts of the world. Home to idyllic beaches, wild rainforests, smouldering volcanoes, ancient ruins, and chaotically intoxicating cities, this region is as diverse as it is dazzling. It’s also one of the cheapest places in the world to visit and, once you’ve bought flights, it’s easy to keep your daily costs low.

So, if you’ve been dreaming about a tropical escape but don’t want to spend a fortune, Southeast Asia might be the destination for you. To get you inspired, here are six of the cheapest countries to add to your travel bucket list.

Vietnam has long been a popular travel destination, and thanks to its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and mouthwatering street food, it’s an ideal destination for anyone travelling on a shoestring budget.

While this country is getting more expensive by the year, it’s still cheaper than other, more developed Southeast Asian destinations, like Singapore or Malaysia.

With its breathtaking natural scenery, vibrant cities, and blissful beaches, there’s so much to do here that doesn’t cost a penny – whether it’s hiking in the rolling rice fields or people-watching from lively riversides.

Accommodation is fairly cheap too: dorm rooms cost around £5, simple private rooms cost between £10–£20, and mid-range accommodation is usually over £30.

Another perk of travelling to Vietnam on a budget is that you’ll get to take advantage of its street food, which will likely be some of the best you’ll ever try. You can feast on bánh mì baguettes, steaming bowls of pho noodle soup, fresh seafood rolls, and fried fish, all of which usually cost under £1. Alcohol is very cheap too, and local bottled beer costs around 65p.

Attractions are a bit more pricey: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is around £5 to enter, tickets to Hoi An Ancient Town are around £4, and a cruise along the spectacular Ha Long Bay is about £10 per person.

Buses are cheap and reliable, but many people hire scooters to get around, which will cost around £5 per day. You’ll need to be careful on the roads as they’re very busy, but it can be a fun and flexible way to travel.

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2. thailand.

When thinking about Southeast Asia, Thailand is usually the first country to come to mind – and for good reason.

Home to dreamy white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, jungle-swathed mountains, and truly tantalising food, Thailand’s popularity has caused costs to rise over the years, but it’s still a very affordable destination for travellers.

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to stick to northern Thailand, which is much cheaper than central and southern Thailand. The north also offers a more authentic experience; instead of luxury resorts and overdeveloped beach towns, you can enjoy visiting lively night markets, exploring towns, and discovering the local culture.

Accommodation is cheap, especially in the north: private rooms in budget hotels are around £20, whereas dorms are under £10. Then there’s the food! Thai cuisine is some of the best in the world, and you can enjoy delicious dishes like pad Thai or panang curry for under £1 from a street vendor. Restaurants are more expensive, but most are still pretty cheap.

Getting around is, for the most part, cheap, easy, and efficient – even if it’s not always that fast – and buses can be surprisingly luxurious for the low price.

Many of the attractions, especially in the north, are inexpensive too: parks and museums usually cost between £1–4, whereas more adventurous day trips cost £12–30.

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3. Cambodia

Cambodia isn’t only one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful and fascinating countries, but it’s also one of the cheapest. Boasting pristine beaches, ancient monuments, dense forests, winding rivers, and lively cities, much of Cambodia remains refreshingly untouristy – and, as a result, prices remain low.

The top attraction is the legendary temples of Angkor, and it’s here, and in the neighbouring town of Siem Reap, where prices are highest. However, accommodation is so cheap overall that you can upgrade to a fancy hotel for a fraction of the price you’d pay in the West. Budget hotels can be as little as £5 per night, and daily budgets sit around £20 for a backpacker and £40 for mid-range travel.

Food and drink here are cheap too – and usually delicious. Influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and French cuisine, you can pick up cheap meals from street food stalls, and fill up on noodle dishes, stir-fries, and stuffed baguettes. Traditional meals usually cost under £1 – as do bottles of local Angkor beer.

Getting around is much easier now, thanks to major road improvements. Buses are the cheapest way to travel, and usually the most convenient too, and there are routes between all major towns. A bus ticket from the capital Phnom Penh to Siem Reap costs around £10, and for shorter trips, you can rent a motorbike or tuk-tuk for the day.

For more information and to begin planning your trip to Cambodia, check out our quick guide to the perfect Cambodia getaway .

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As beautiful and beguiling as Laos is, it’s often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Thailand , Cambodia , and Vietnam . Thanks to its relative lack of mass tourism, it’s even cheaper than all three of its neighbours – and this Southeast Asian country has just as much going for it too.

Laos is a country of mountainous countryside, emerald rice fields, beautiful forests, and thundering waterfalls; as well as Buddhist temples, ancient hill settlements, and French colonial architecture. So, if you’re looking for a culture and adventure holiday that doesn’t break the bank, you’re in the right place.

Hotels cost upwards of £5 per night or, if you’re happy to share dorms with other travellers, prices are as low as £2. Eating out is very cheap too. Similar to Thai food, Lao cuisine is fresh, fragrant, and fiery, and you can eat a day’s worth of meals for under £5. A three-course meal in a more upmarket restaurant costs around £7. Laos is also one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia to buy alcohol.

When it comes to getting around, local buses only cost around 50p each way. And, entrance into attractions like parks, temples, and waterfalls costs between £2–6 – and activities like kayaking , trekking, and cycling are all pretty inexpensive too. Pricier excursions include Mekong River boat trips (which cost upwards of £20 per person) and hot air balloon rides (which cost around £100 per person).

Thrifty backpackers can get by on around £15 per day, whereas mid-range travellers are looking at £30+.

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5. Indonesia

Indonesia is a country that’s breathtaking in its diversity. It’s home to volcanic slopes, shimmering reefs, sweeping beaches , mysterious forests, and a culture that’s an intriguing mix of Buddhist and Muslim influence.

While Indonesia is certainly one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia, popular destinations like Bali are much pricier than elsewhere.

But Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, so if you’re travelling on a tight budget, there are plenty of lesser-known islands where you’ll get much more bang for your buck. Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and Flores are all very cheap and well worth visiting – and in Flores, you’ll get the chance to see ancient Komodo dragons in their natural habitat!

If you’re after a bit of luxury, Lombok is a great option. Budget hotels cost around £10+, and dorms are under £5. Buses are the cheapest form of transport, but they’re not very reliable, so it’s best to have a flexible schedule if you take the bus! Renting a scooter is popular too.

Street food is cheap and delicious and includes dishes like nasi goreng , gado-gado , and sate skewers, which can be bought for around £1. If you want to eat out and keep costs down, it’s best to visit warungs – small, local eateries – as these are far cheaper (and more authentic) than mid-range restaurants.

In Indonesia, a backpacker’s budget can sit at around £20 a day (except in Bali), and mid-range budgets will be around £45 a day.

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6. The Philippines

An island-hopping beach break may not sound like the cheapest holiday, but it can be if you go to the Philippines!

Home to over 7,000 islands, dense jungles, active volcanoes, and buzzing cities, you could spend months travelling and still barely scratch the surface. Luckily, the Philippines is another cheap country in Southeast Asia, so your money goes a long way here.

Although accommodation is a bit pricier than in other Southeast Asian countries (hostels can be around £10–15 per night, though dorms are around £5), food is much cheaper. Street food is around £1.50 per meal, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is about £5. Beer is under £1, and a bottle of water is around 20p!

If you’re looking to do some island-hopping, ferry fares are very low, around £11, and if it’s a longer journey and you’d like to be able to sleep, you can book a private cabin for an extra £15. However, air travel is pretty cheap here too, so it’s definitely worth looking into flights. The islands of Palawan, Coron, and Siargao are stupendously beautiful, and once you’re there, costs are low.

One of the most popular activities in the Philippines is diving , and thanks to the prevalence of crystal clear waters, sugar-white beaches, and tranquil lagoons, it’s one of the best dive destinations in the world. Most dives cost around £30, which includes the rental of the boat and all equipment. And if you’d like to stay above the waves, island-hopping boat trips cost around £12–20.

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Final thoughts…

Travel is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and memorable things we can do, but the cost of living crisis means many of us might be worrying that we can’t afford a holiday this year.

However, it’s worth remembering that aside from being one of the most beautiful and diverse regions of the world, Southeast Asia is also one of the cheapest. So if you’re dreaming of a blissful beach break or an exotic adventure, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Staying in cheap hotels, guest houses, or hostels and relying on local transport is an excellent way to keep costs down. Plus, with so much delicious street food around, you can eat like a king for just a few pounds.

Flights are obviously the main expense, but travelling during the off-season makes a huge difference here – and there are many ways you can find discounts and deals.

For more holiday inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website. Here, you’ll find more ideas for cheap travel in articles like; 8 ways to travel on a shoestring budget and 8 of the cheapest countries to visit in 2024 . Or browse the latest Southeast Asia travel deals using the button below.

Have you visited any of these Southeast Asian countries? Or maybe you have your own suggestions for budget-friendly destinations in this part of the world? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below!

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here .

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10 Of The Cheapest Countries In Asia For Budget Travellers

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10 of The Cheapest Countries in Asia for Budget Travellers

1. thailand, best volunteer opportunities in thailand.

• Budget Hostel: $10 for a dorm/$25 for a private room
• Local beer: $2 
• Budget Restaurant per person: Street food 30-60 baht ($1-2 USD) Restaurant Meal around 90 – 150 baht

2. The Philippines

Best volunteer opportunities in the philippines.

• Budget Hostel: $10 for a private room/$5 for a dorm
• Local beer: $1.20
• Budget Restaurant: street food $5/meal in restaurant $12

Best Volunteer Opportunities in Laos

• Budget Hostel: Dorm $5-10/ private room $15 
• Local beer: $1
• Budget Restaurant per person: $2 street food/$10 for 2 course meal + beer in restaurant

Best Volunteer Opportunities in India

• Budget Restaurant per person: $2 for curry & rice/ $1 dosa

5. Mongolia

• Touristic yurt camps: these will have the most home comforts
• Guest-yurts by nomadic families: the most authentic style of yurt
• Camping: the closest to nature but you’ll need to bring your own supplies

Best Volunteer Opportunities in Mongolia

• Accommodation: $35+ Mongolian yurt
• Budget Restaurant per person: $10 restaurant including drinks/ $3 street food

Best Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal

7. Sri Lanka

Best volunteer opportunities in sri lanka.

• Budget Hostel: $7
• Budget Restaurant per person: $5 (seafood & streetfood is particularly cheap)

8. Cambodia 

Best volunteer opportunities in cambodia.

• Budget Hostel: $10 for a private room/$5 for a shared dorm
• Local beer: $0.50
• Budget local meal per person: $3

9. Vietnam 

Best volunteer opportunities in vietnam.

• Budget Hostel: $15 for a private room/$5 for a shared dorm

10. Indonesia

Best volunteer opportunities in indonesia.

• Local beer: $2
• Budget local meal per person: $3-$5

About Lauren

Growing up in a small coastal village in Scotland inspired Lauren to seek adventure and challenge the norm. Armed with just her backpack and trusty travel companion Darren, she quit her day job to liv ... show more... e her daydream and travel the world! ​​​​​After their first Workaway in 2017, they had officially caught the travel bug and decided to share behind the scenes from life on the road through their travel blog Faramagan. Their blog shares the tales (and fails) of two clueless millennials avoiding adulthood one adventure at a time with Darren the technical wizard and Lauren the content creator. When the backpack is off, Lauren can usually be found cooking, writing or attempting yoga while saving for her next plane ticket.

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Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit on a Budget

We all want adventure in the great wide somewhere, but sometimes our bank accounts don't coordinate. Luckily, a lack of funds doesn't mean we have to give up travel, just that we have to forget the idea of luxury resorts and yachts. 

Asia is known for being a perfect affordable travel destination, providing amazing experiences, rich history and great food for a very reasonable price. Vietnam and Thailand come to mind first, but there are several other low-cost countries you can venture around for less than $100 a day. 

These are the cheapest Asian countries to visit on a budget.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

Average daily cost: $98*

As one of the smallest countries in Asia, Taiwan is often overlooked by travelers. But those wise enough to get to this island nation find one of the coolest places on the whole entire continent. 

Let us put it like this — we have never  met anyone  who didn't like Taiwan. There are very few other places that hold this honor. The locals are notoriously open and friendly (Taiwan is often deemed as the safest and most welcoming Asian country for LGBTQIA people), and there are a million things to do.

Taipei offers a typical bustling city vibe and great nightlife. It's also just a short train ride away from beaches and mountains. Food, particularly in street stalls, is very affordable and delicious. And it's easy to find bargain prices for accommodations. What's not to like?

*All average daily costs are based on estimates from Budget Your Trip .

Best Budget Stay in Taiwan

For less than $20 a night, you can enjoy an actual hotel experience at the Yi Su Hotel – Taipei Ningxia .

That's right, you don't have to stay in a hostel dorm to keep within budget. Amenities include free tea and coffee-making facilities in-suite, air conditioning and free WiFi.

13. Thailand

Average daily cost: $94

Ah, Thailand, the place where every backpacker with no money and a proclivity for walking around barefoot ends up. The large Southeast Asian country has an undeniable charm with swirling temples hiding giant golden Buddhas, jungles vibrating to the stomps of elephants, limestone cliffs dipping into turquoise waters and some of the best food you will ever eat in your life. And it offers all this for very, very cheap. 

It's really no wonder why this country has become a broke gap-year traveler paradise, though some (us) would argue that this popularity has brought overtourism and overdevelopment to the country.

Our advice would be to head to the touristy spots for a couple of days and then hop to other places that aren't yet plagued with stalls selling tacky T-shirts to tourists. Oh, and get a Thai massage as often as possible.

Best Budget Stay in Thailand

For about $10 a night, the Flower Power Farm Village & Restaurant offers an idyllic escape on the island of Ko Phayam.

It offers simple and cozy bungalows, a restaurant that serves fruits right from the property and a peaceful setting. 

12. South Korea

Average daily cost: $93

It's a bit surprising to see South Korea have a slightly lower average cost than Thailand, though we suspect this has to do with the fact that there are many ultra-luxury Thai resorts. 

Still, the beautiful peninsula of South Korea is much more affordable than people think. Accommodations will be your biggest expense, and food is generally very cheap and very good. You can easily pay $10-$15 for a Korean BBQ dinner at a restaurant in Hongdae, one of the most frequented nightlife districts in Seoul (yes, New York's K-Town prices are an absolute scam). Other delicious dishes like red pepper soup (gochujang) or kimchi fried rice are generally under 10 dollars — and that's including all the numerous and generous side dishes.

Soju is also extremely cheap , as is norebang (the Korean equivalent of karaoke), so going out and having fun won't leave you destitute. Plus, you can travel around the country in the low-cost and highly efficient train and bus system. 

Best Budget Stay in South Korea

Accommodation isn't cheap in Korea, especially in Seoul. But Hostel Korea provides a stay in a convenient location for less than $30 a night. 

If that's still over budget for you, let us bring you into a local secret: jjimjilbangs. These public bathhouses are great for relaxing during the day. But people often also stay the night in the common areas where day users take naps.

Average daily cost: $69

It's difficult to make sweeping statements about the second-largest country on Earth. But we can say with certainty that a budget trip to China is easy to achieve.

Large cities offer something for every budget, from accommodations to food and things to do. Landmarks are also fairly priced. For instance, the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing is less than $10.

Outside of the major metropolises, food and accommodations are even cheaper, though you're also less likely to find someone who speaks English. Hey, that's part of the adventure.

While traveling within China with a limited budget, keep in mind that you'll need to pay around $140 to apply for a travel visa.

Best Budget Stay in China

You'll have to pay around $50 a night to stay at the Ibis Hotel Beijing Guloudajie , but that's a great deal for Beijing. 

In smaller cities or more rural areas of the country, you'll be able to find much better prices.

10. Malaysia

Average daily cost: $68

Bordering Thailand and Indonesia, many travelers make the mistake of skipping over Malaysia. Most people associate the country with its ultra-modern capital Kuala Lumpur, whose iconic Petronas Twin Towers give off a feeling of opulence rather than being budget-friendly. Thankfully, this couldn't be farther from the truth. 

The country is split into two main parts. One is at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and the other is in Borneo. While we personally think Borneo is one of the coolest places you could ever visit (two words: pigmy elephants), it's more cost-effective to head to the "mainland."

Besides visiting modern cities, you can go to temples hidden in caves, visit national parks and enjoy perfect beaches that aren't as overrun by tourists as those in neighboring Thailand.

Best Budget Stay in Malaysia

At Moon Eleven Hostel , you can spend a night in Kuala Lumpur for about $11.

Even better, a private room will only set you back $15.

9. The Philippines

Average daily cost: $56

With more than 7,000 islands (2,000 of which are inhabited), no one ever really gets to see the entire Philippines. But you can definitely enjoy parts of it without breaking the bank. Use Manila to fly in and out of the country, as flights will be cheaper, but don't stay too long here. Leave the dizzying capital behind in favor of some of the absolute best and most beautiful beaches in Asia (and the world). 

El Nido, in Palawan, has become a favored place to visit after Boracay temporarily shut down due to overtourism. You won't find the quiet secluded island you would've seen a decade ago, but if you choose your location right, you'll still get plenty of time to enjoy nature without pollution and crowds. 

Beer, food and accommodations are so cheap that many people stay an entire month. And then they simply leave because that's the limit for visa-less travel.

Best Budget Stay in the Philippines

You don't have to spend the big bucks to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of El Nido.

Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach offers dorms for $8 to $30, and it's located right on the sand. 

7. Vietnam (Tie)

Average daily cost: $52

It may be cliché, but Vietnam is one of our most favorite countries in the entire world. Yes, there are so many motorcycles that they often require entire sidewalks as parking spaces. And yes, crossing the street can be scary. But these don't even count as minor inconveniences, really.

You'll forget about obstructed sidewalk when you're being revitalized by a hot plate of pho or in complete awe seeing one man and five dogs ride down the street on a single bike (true story).

Plus, the long country has incredibly diverse landscapes — from beaches to rice terraces to cities hiding a colonial past. The most astonishing place is without a doubt Ha Long Bay. Limestone cliffs form a dragon descending into emerald waters that, at the right time of year, glow with magical bioluminescence .

Like Thailand, Vietnam is a backpacker's delight, one that most people begrudgingly leave, wanting to come back as soon as possible. 

Best Budget Stay in Vietnam

Stay in a renovated Art Deco building in Hanoi's Old Quarter at Little Charm Hanoi Hostel and Homestay. The price is dirt cheap — we're talking around $10 a night, and the reviews are great.

Plus, there's a pool that helps you escape the heat of the Vietnamese city.

7. Bangladesh (Tie)

Bangladesh is just as cheap as Vietnam but definitely not as popular. The South Asian country has historically been ignored by travelers, probably because it still lacks a developed international tourism infrastructure. In our book, this is a plus. 

Travelers who want to get off the backpacker trail but still want an affordable (and veritable) adventure will love Bangladesh. You won't have a cushy vacation where English-speaking staff caters to your every need. But you'll get to see how people really live when they're not shaping themselves to the tourism industry.

And you definitely won't find entire streets that exist for the sole purpose of selling cheesy souvenirs to drunk tourists (sorry Thailand, it's hard to psychologically recover from Khaosan Road). 

Learn a bit of the local language (which you should do anyway when you travel), and dive head first into an intrepid quest. 

Best Budget Stay in Bangladesh

How often do you get to stay at a four-star hotel for $52 a night?

Enjoy luxury on a budget at the Hotel Omni Residency in Dhaka. 

5. Indonesia (Tie)

Average daily cost: $50

Few places embody the spirit of digital nomadism as much as Bali. Or, depending on how you look at it, few places have been invaded by remote workers as much as this Indonesian island. 

Either way, it's undeniable that Indonesia has landscapes so beautiful they will make you cry, as well as intricate temples, tall volcanic peaks that provide great sunrise views and plenty of secluded beaches.

For around $50 a day, you can enjoy a jungle bungalow not far from the beach on many islands, including Bali. This unrivaled charm at a great price is what has attracted so many expats to the country. If you have time, try to island-hop a bit, as each region has its distinct culture, cuisine and landscape.

Best Budget Stay in Indonesia

A villa with a pool that's a five-minute walk from the beach usually costs money.

But at Villa Purin Royan , you'll enjoy great amenities and a great location for less than $10 a night.

5. Cambodia (Tie)

Most people go to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat and then leave without a second thought. And don't get us wrong, the largest religious complex on Earth is one of the most awe-inspiring places you will ever see. It's also affordable for pretty much any traveler, especially since everything else is so economical. 

But after crossing that off your bucket list, make plans to head back to the country and visit its less-explored (and even more affordable) areas. Many travelers rent a motorbike for the entirety of their stay and explore freely, but hiring a tuk-tuk driver is also doable.

Plus, if you ask, they can take you to the places where locals eat. Based on our personal experience, these are more than 10 times cheaper than the touristy eateries. 

Best Budget Stay in Cambodia

Siem Reap travelers who stay at Happy Guesthouse seem to indeed leave quite happy.

Part of that is the cheap price (around $13 a night), but we imagine the accommodation's great hospitality, convenient location and good vibes have something to do with it as well. 

Average daily cost: $33

Heading to India with few earthly possessions to seek spiritual enlightenment is so overdone, that it has almost become a cartoonish representation of travelers. But you don't have to "Eat, Pray, Love" your trip to India. In fact, we encourage you not to.

It's entirely possible to experience all the best things this country has to offer without being reductionist about its religion and culture. And you can do so with very little money. This is part of what has driven droves of young travelers to the region since the 1960s. 

What's best, because India is so incredibly big (it's the seventh-largest country in the world), you can go back again and again and never step into the same river twice. The country provides a lifetime of wallet-friendly travel experiences.

Best Budget Stay in India

At New Delhi's Mavens White Gurgaon you'll get amenities like free bike rentals, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV for as little as $7. 

There's also a shared kitchen where you can cook meals if you're looking to save even more money.

Average daily cost: $32

Similar to India, Nepal offers temples, mouthwatering food and the Himalayas for a little over $30 a day. 

Many people come to try to conquer the crown jewel of the country: Mount Everest. And while that's definitely an experience only for the rich or sponsored, climbing other areas of the impressive mountain range, or getting to Everest Base Camp is not out of reach for the average traveler. 

Outside of the mountains, you'll find deep spiritualism, not unlike that of Nepal's neighbor, but one that has not yet been as exploited for the sake of pleasing tourists. And do we even have to mention momos? We'd get on a plane just for Nepalese dumplings any day.

Best Budget Stay in Nepal

You'd usually expect only hostels to be as cheap as $6 a night, but Hotel Lapha offers a no-frills experience that doesn't require you to share a room or a bathroom. 

The hotel is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Garden of Dreams and the Narayanhity Palace Museum in Kathmandu.

1. Sri Lanka (Tie)

Average daily cost: $19

India, Nepal and Bangladesh are not the only affordable places on the Indian subcontinent. The clear winner in terms of cost-effectiveness is the very underrated island of Sri Lanka. 

Floating on the Indian Ocean not too far from India, Sri Lanka is a hidden treasure. Tourism was driven away by conflict in the '90s and early 2000s, but the area has enjoyed relative stability for many years now, and it won't be too long until groups of travelers start popping up more and more frequently on its shores. 

Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions, as evidenced by the imposing temples scattered throughout the country. There are also landmarks that are almost hard to believe, like the City of Sigiriya, an ancient settlement almost entirely carved into a 660-foot-tall rock.

Sri Lanka ties with another underrated destination as the cheapest country in Asia.

Best Budget Stay in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is so affordable, that you can stay at a three-star hotel for $10. Sure, you could find even cheaper hostels, but for just a few more bucks, we'd recommend staying at Hive 68 . You'll get a private room and bathroom and could also have a private balcony overlooking the water.

Or treat yourself to a five-star hotel for only $57 a night by booking the Mandarina Colombo .

1. Laos (Tie)

If you're looking for the absolute cheapest Asian country to visit and don't want to do Sri Lanka, head to Laos. It's interesting that this country hasn't been invaded by tourists like its neighboring countries, though many committed gap-year travelers do take the time to cross into it from Vietnam or Thailand. 

But regardless of why it's managed to keep overtourism at bay, the authenticity of Laos is what makes it a memorable destination. Even Vientiane, the capital, is nowhere near as busy and loud as its counterparts, even though it has many beautiful temples.

With a delightfully slow pace and prices that few other countries could offer, Laos should top your list of the best Asian countries.

Best Budget Stay in Laos

Located in the Vientianne city center, the three-star V Hotel costs about $6 a night. While amenities are limited, you won't have to stay in a dorm, and many of the rooms have private balconies. 

Plus, you'll be in the middle of the action and close to landmarks like the Lao National Museum.

$361 Find Cheap Flights to Southeast Asia

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Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking southeast asia flights, how long is the flight to southeast asia.

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Southeast Asia takes 21h 04m, covering a distance of 8316 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Manila with an average flight time of 14h 40m.

What is the cheapest flight to Southeast Asia?

The cheapest ticket to Southeast Asia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $602. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Manila and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $612.

Which airlines fly to Southeast Asia?

Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines & Vistara fly the most frequently from the United States to Southeast Asia.

What are the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Bangkok (35% of total searches to Southeast Asia). The next most popular destinations are Manila (25%) and Ho Chi Minh City (14%). Searches for flights to Singapore (5%), to Denpasar (5%) and to Kuala Lumpur (3%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

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They could have had more up to date movies/better choice of music.

Terrible experience will never fly Delta again. Delayed flight with total disorganization and inept crew who wouldn’t communicate.

Will try never to fly Delta international again. Flight delayed and staff completely inept in dealing with it. Would not communicate, rude, completely disorganized. Once we reached Seoul the staff there had no idea what to do with us and led us around the airport from one pointless line to another. They were clearly not told how to manage the situation even though they had hours to make a plan. Never again.

They texted me my gate number and then they texted me again it’s now boarding but in different gate, and the gate was so far from the gate they texted me earlier. I have to run just to get to my flight. They always do that.

On time departure and exceptional customer service during the entire flight.

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

On time service. Seat comfort and the crew service very good .

Only one Hindi movie from LA to Taipei and same movie from Taipei to Singapore Why we call it entertainment when I have to watch one movie for 18 hours flying ?

Only one Hindi movie from LAvto Taipei and same movie from Taipei to Singapore Really horrible and we call it entertainment???

Food was ok. Could have been better. Entertainment was limited, especially for kids.

The crew was very helpful. Food was prepared with great care and tasted wonderful. Movie selection was a bit limited. The bedding on the seat is a little too thin for sleeping.

Their announcement was not quite clear in Chinese. The rest is pretty good.

The hygiene of the bathrooms were terrible. Urine smells leaked out into the cabin and the seats were really tight, even for a petite woman like myself. Flight attendants did not go through the cabin enough to offer refreshments.

The flight was ok. The person who brings tea and coffee totally forgot about us or just walked past at both meals. And special attention is given if you are Taiwanese

Fast and efficient boarding. Flight was on time. Service was very good for our long flight. First time flying with this airline and I would highly recommend.

Eva Air's Business Class is pretty decent. With the given price, I think that the food can be better.

Unable to set seat assignment. Got a call from presumably “China airlines representative” but was asking for an exorbitant amount for the seat assignment. Was traveling as a family end up being assigned to different seats as a result. Will never use underpricer again.

Not many selections for entertainment. Bulk head seats are no longer available with out fee at the counter. That’s pretty lame.

Everything was efficient. Good leg room. Food was good. Staff were friendly.

I would have liked to know how to order a special meal (for medical purposes) before the flight.

Very good , the weather was terrible, but i admired the professionality and politeness and care from the crew, and the excellent contition of the plane

Comfort was left wanting due to such a long flight, made the wife and I wish we could upgrade the seats to Business class or First Class, but did not have that option. Food was good but had very limited options and I have a dietary restriction which was difficult for the staff to accommodate since everything provided came with cheese on it. (Cheese could potentially kill me) Did not have an option to inform the staff until we were already in the air about the restriction and was not provided another option before flight departed.

Decent flight, staff was very good, especially with the turbulence during the flight due to weather. Comfort was about par with other airlines but since it was a quick flight, was not much of an issue for us.

It was a 2 hour flight to Taiwan. Lunch was served. China Airlines goes above and beyond for their passengers.

They were helpful, considerate with asking us for standby preboarding with our infant, gave us toys and excellent service onboard. They were always on time, even early boarding once! All our luggage arrived intact, and they even brought our baby car seat to oversized for us. We love China Airlines!

Staff is friendly, great variety of entertainment, check in a little messy but due to people not listening. Overall a pleasant experience. Would use again in the future.

Overall good experience, convenient Changi Airport, even the layover was long.

I had to change a flight date and it cost me $800.00 dollars. In the past, if there was room on the flight(which there was), Singapore Airlines simply re-booked me. This might have occurred because the office in Bali where I could interface with a human face to face is now closed since COVID. I naively figured the ability to change my flight into my decision to go with Singapore Airlines as it does cost a bit more. I will still fly on them as they are superior to the other carriers by a fairly large margin, especially for my needs.

I was traveling with my 3 minor children, one leg I was seated two aisles behind them. On the longest leg I would have preferred sitting across the aisle from them, not behind. My youngest is 4yos. I understand airplane seating configurations are not the airlines problem but seating the one adult with a reservation apart from the minors was very difficult.

Awesome! Was impressed with the hospitality and the thoughtful services. The cabin attendants were superb.

They ran out of food for breakfast They did not offer tea or coffee The staff appeared very inexperienced The cabin was very cold, even with a blanket

Leg room and flight sound insulation is very bad. They broke 3 of my bags with bad handling

Crews were great but food not much selection just all tailored for Asian passengers.

I had a great experience with Singapore airlines as always. The partner airline, Scoot was fine except my bag was misplaced during the shuffle. Ultimately, my baggage arrived intact. Attempting to inquire about my baggage was impossible.

The Premium economy class is not the same as some other airlines because there are no economy seats on these planes. Basically you’re getting an economy seat that’s a little wider. The seats are not that much more comfortable. The service and food experience is similar to economy class on other Asian airlines. There aren’t enough toilets for the entire plane therefore we are forced to share the business class toilets that are closed off with curtains.

I commend the flight attendants on our SFO-SIN flight who went above and beyond to provide us with extra snacks and food. This type of service makes the flight experience personal and awesome.

Flight was delayed and caused us to miss our connection. American Airlines did nothing to compensate us and they lost 2 out of 4 of our checked baggage. They have not returned inquiries into customer service and have not offered us compensation. Terrible.

They were two hours late!! Threw everything else planned off.

First and foremost it was a Philippine Airlines.my experiences ,number one non- stop flight no lay over not other airlines,number two ,boarding they calling by ground letter.number 3 stay on time no delay flight

Worst airline. They had 3 security checks just to get onboard and no notification prior. Had to throw away any liquid bought at duty free because one of the security checks was prior to boarding the plane. My onboard media console was not working, the flight attendant said they will check on it but did nothing. Pretended we did not ask for it to be rectified for a 17hr plane ride. Horrible experience. My first and last time taking Philippines Airlines.

Poor check in attitude , terrible food , movies selection poor, food came out cold , service terrible , entertainment system also broke so we had to use a iPad , worst biz class I have ever been on

Check-in was tedious. They could just have used the electronic boarding passes and counter checked the passengers’ names in their manifest. What’s the use of the early checkin if we still have to queue at the only 1 functioning checkin counter!

We did booked shorter layovers but flights changed and layovers are too long good thing Philippine Airlines give us a hotel in manila but here Vancouver to Calgary too long layovers and there is enough sets to wait closer to air canada and they will open 4am.we were here 1 am .our flights schedule for air canada 8:10am.we paid expensive flights but not happy of lay over Vancouver to Calgary.

Everything could better always late always rescheduled flight is worse and costs me a hotel room! The dirtiest planes I’ve ever flown on slowest to board . Just awful will never fly again with them

My biggest concern was with all the schedule changes. Both inbound and outbound flights times were changed, including a time change less than two days before the scheduled departure.

The flight itself was good, however, the disorganization of boarding and the sheer amount of baggage STUFFED into the over head compartments in what appear to be an outdated plane was not okay. The plane was outdated. I walked into the restroom and a panel underneath the sink was on the floor. I called the attention of the stewardess and she quickly put it back into place. The entertainment system had to be rebooted in order to “work,” but even after rebooting, the sound was off. For the amount of money my wife and I paid, we expected a little bit more. Sad to say, but Phillippines Airlines missed the mark on many things going all the way to sectioning off such a small area for all the passengers to wait for boarding. Everyone was on top of each other. They also made you throw away your water, even after the initial security check. So the water you bought after the first security check wasn’t allowed onto the plane, but they didn’t offer a refill station or another place to buy water. Will definitely need to think again about booking with Philippine Airlines.

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23 Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit This Year

Want to travel to Asia on a budget? Here is the list of the cheapest Asian countries to visit plus the daily budget of each country.

Despite being the largest continent in the world and hosting some of the most expensive countries like Japan and Singapore, Asia is still one of the favorite destinations for backpackers who want to get the most bang for their buck.

Easy to travel to, it offers exceptional landscapes, amazing UNESCO sites , and a guaranteed cultural shock.

And good news everybody, it is one of the cheap travel destinations in the world!

So if you’re planning for your next budget-friendly trip, here is a quick guide on the cheapest Asian countries to visit.

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Quick note: Please note that the daily budgets described in this article correspond to a budget for backpacking on a shoestring, including food, accommodation, and activities. The cost of your trip largely depends on how you travel; are you using public transport or a private driver, are you eating street food or dining at fancy restaurants, are you sleeping in dorm rooms or paying for private rooms, paying for guided tours, or self-guided tours?

All this has a huge impact on your budget… but don’t forget, the less you spend per day the longer you can travel.

But before we explore the cheap places in Asia, below are some Asia Travel essentials you’ll need.

QUICK TIPS TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ASIA – Asia is a great continent but it can be overwhelming due to a number of scams. To make sure you protect your valuables, purchase travel insurance before you go and  Worldomads  is the one I highly recommend. – Since the idea is to travel to Asia on a budget, the best way to get the most out of it is by sleeping in hostels.  Hostelworld  is the best website to find the best and cheapest hostels around Asia. – It is certainly possible to enjoy Asia individually but if you want to opt for a tour,   Klook   has the best tours priced to fit your budget even as a backpacker. – Stay connected on the internet while in Asia.  Book your 4G Wi-Fi device  before you go. – For your transportation needs around Asia whether by train, bus, flight, or even ship, I recommend booking with  12.goAsia  for the best prices and to have your tickets in advance.

Psst… Looking for cheap countries in Europe instead? Then check out my detailed post on the cheap European countries to visit .

Cheapest Countries in Asia

In no particular order, here is a list of the cheapest countries in Asia.

Welcome to the land of the mighty Taj Mahal ! From its superb beaches in the south to the Himalayas in the north and the historical sites in the center, India is a world in its own right and a fascinating country to discover on a low budget making it the cheapest Asian country to visit.

Luckily it is also one of the cheap destinations in Asia, especially in the northern half of the country .

Though the south is more touristic and slightly more expensive, it also remains very affordable.

The cost of living is so low that you can fully enjoy your trip without the guilt of spending too much.

Transportation (rickshaw, taxis, buses, or trains) is incredibly cheap. For example, a 20-hour train ride will cost you less than $9.

To book all your transportation in India, I recommend booking with 12go. Asia , from bus tickets, and train tickets, to ferries. Don’t be afraid to try street food as there is no better way to eat cheap than this. Veg-thali is less than $2, a glass of fresh fruit juice costs only a few cents, and classic restaurants are about $4- $7.

Accommodation in India is also cheap with a night in a dormitory varying between $2 and $5.

So if you were wondering whether it’s possible to live on less than $15 a day, then India is one of the cheap Asian countries to visit to experience just that.

But before you go, make sure you read these tips on how to survive in India as a tourist.

India’s daily budget: Between $10 and $15 

Related post: Best places to visit in North India

2. Cambodia

Due to its central position, Cambodia is the perfect place to start your trip to Asia.

It is not only one of the best places to visit in Asia but also one of the cheapest places to backpack! No wonder Siem Reap is called the “backpacker’s world capital”.

The country, one of the cheap travel destinations in Asia, is most known for its famous Angkor Temples but it actually has much more to offer!

From taking a bike ride through the rice fields to relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Koh Rong Islands, there is a lot to do for all kinds of travelers.

Indubitably cheaper than its neighbor Thailand, everything here is at a very low price.

You will find superb hostels and guest houses for just $3 a night.

And if you’re not a fan of street food, even more traditional restaurants are affordable going for less than $5.

And while you’re there, make sure to try the delicious local food like the Amok, a fish cooked in banana leaves with coconut cream!

Public transportation especially buses and tuk-yuk are also very cheap and convenient.

A visit to the world-famous Angkor Temples will cost you extra but you can choose between this 1, 3, or 7-day Angkor Wat tourist pass to visit it on a budget.

I highly recommend getting the 3-day pass to fully explore the area which costs around $60.

It might seem a bit expensive but I guarantee that you will not regret it! But all in all, Cambodia is one of the cheap Asian countries to visit that won’t rob you of your arm or leg.

Cambodia’s daily budget: between $10 and $20 

Pro tip* For all your transportation in Asia whether it is by train, bus, or ferry, use the  12go.Asia website   to book all your tickets in advance.

Due to the lack of a coastline, Laos is often neglected but that’s a huge mistake!

This small and authentic country has a lot to provide. Both untamed and welcoming, life in Laos is slightly more expensive than in Cambodia, especially in touristy cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

But if you’re not too “greedy” and get off the beaten track you’ll get away with it for a cheap price.

Bus rides cost around $1 per hour and the classic fried rice that you can find everywhere costs roughly $2. There’s no reason not to enjoy it!

A three-course meal in a restaurant is approximately $10 and private rooms can be found at $20.

Laos also offers an opportunity to do outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking , ziplining, and hot air ballooning at undeniably budget-friendly prices making it one of the cheap places to travel in Asia.

Laos’ daily budget: between $10 and $25 

Related post: Bucket List destinations in Africa

Halong Bay, a World Heritage site, and its dozens of islands covered with a tropical forest is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world .

Still protected from mass tourism, Vietnam is perfectly adapted to world travelers.

15 bucks a day will be more than enough to travel, eat, sleep, and discover this country which has managed to preserve its cultural heritage perfectly.

A pint of Bia Hoi, the cheapest beer in the world only costs a few dozens of cents, a meal will cost you less than $4 and you can easily find private rooms for under $10.

Renting a motorbike, which I highly recommend to truly explore the country, costs around $13 per day.

So whether it’s biking through the country or camping in the third world’s biggest cave of Hang En, Vietnam will definitely offer you some of the best cheap holidays in Asia.

Vietnam’s daily budget: between $10 and $25 

5. Indonesia

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a land of contrast and variation.

From forests, volcanoes, and beaches to wildlife, Indonesia has so much to offer if you are willing to go off the beaten tracks.

Each island is different when it comes to food, language, religion, and culture.

So versatile, it is difficult to establish a budget for food, accommodation, or transportation as the cost of living differs from one region to another!

Bucket list destination Bali or Jakarta can be extremely expensive but once you get away from the most tourist areas, prices become lower.

As a rule of thumb, street food is the way to go to eat cheaply (between $3 and $5). You will also be able to find dorms for $5 and private rooms starting at $15.

Even though the daily budget immensely differs from island to Island, Indonesia is still one of the cheap countries to visit in Asia.

Indonesia’s daily budget: between $15 and $25

Read more: Best countries to visit in Africa

6. Myanmar (Burma)

You better hurry up and go to Myanmar ! At first inaccessible, the country has been gradually opening up to tourists since the end of the dictatorship in 2011.

Still affordable, prices are rising from year to year and rumor has it that the government wants to make the country a luxury destination!

Nothing very surprising as the country has so many wonders to offer. The ancient city of Bagan, a UNESCO world heritage site , is alone a reason to visit Myanmar.

Even though the prices are skyrocketing, it is still possible to find cheap food.

The train is very affordable but the buses are a bit more expensive compared to other Asian countries but the comfort they provide makes up for it.

The main costs in Mynamar will be on accommodation as it is sometimes difficult to find dorms yet private rooms go for about $20 to $25.

Pro tip* Cut down the expenses by meeting other travelers and sharing private rooms – a tip that will make your stay in Burma one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Asia.

Myanmar’s daily budget: between $20 and $35 

Related post: Best cities to visit in Europe

7. The Philippines

Palms trees, beautiful beaches, wonderful diving spots, and unforgettable sunsets make the Philippines the perfect country to indulge yourself and have a pleasant time while still traveling on a budget .

Even though visiting the country will cost you slightly more than the others mentioned above (especially since you will most likely be using domestic flights), it is quite possible to keep a reasonable budget if you avoid large cities.

A night in a dorm room will cost between $10 and $15. The boat offers a good alternative to the plane since it goes for a little under $10 but is also very slow.

As always, street food is cheap (between $3 and $7). Since beer is around $1, a parameter that is used by many travelers to determine whether a country is cheap to travel to or not, The Philippines qualifies to be on this list of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines’ daily budget: between $25 and $35

8. Thailand

With a country brimming with beauty, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.

With everything well organized compared to other cheap places in Asia, Thailand is an easy country to travel in by all kinds of travelers – no wonder it has become a popular destination for backpackers.

From the chaotic city of Bangkok, the underlying beauty of Chiang Mai, to incredibly beautiful beaches in Phuket, Thailand is a must-visit place if you’re looking for the cheapest country to travel in Asia without compromising on beauty.

Though some resorts are a bit more pricey than others, the best way to stay on a budget is to stick to the wide variety of street food, sleep in hostels, and use public transportation.

Sleeping in a private room at a hostel will cost you around $8 but can go as low as $5 if you opt for a shared dorm room.

You can expect to spend $3 on street food and around $5 on transportation within the city per day.

Since Thailand has a number of activities to do, you can expect to spend a little more and $10 would be a good average for a day.

With an average budget of $30 per day, Thailand truly qualifies to be one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia.

Thailand’s daily budget: between $25 and $30 

Related post: Tips for staying in a hostel

Home to the highest mountains in the world, Nepal has become a perfect hiking destination for many hikers.

And since it’s one of the cheap countries in Asia, the number of backpackers keeps increasing every now and then.

From the impressive views from a flight over Mount Everest, and incredible hikes to the Himalayas, to the beautiful views of rice terraces, there are so many things to do in Nepal.

Even though the flight over Mt. Everest is expensive, (which you can skip if your budget doesn’t allow it or make it that splurge moment), the general cost of living is low making it the cheapest country in Asia.

One tip to save money in Nepal is to stay away from organized guided hiking trips since the country is mostly about hiking.

If you can do it on your own or with other travelers, that would be great.

To give you a breakdown of some costs in Nepal, budget $5 for a dorm room and slightly more for a guest house private room.

Food is pretty cheap and that should set you behind by just $2. Expect to spend around $4 on a bus of 5 hours but transportation within one area can be around $1.5.

Since the country is majorly about trekking, trekking is the most expensive activity with most trekking permits going for around $20.

However not every day will be a hiking day, so you’ll save money on those days you won’t go hiking hence bringing down your overall budget.

Nepal’s daily budget: between $20 and $30

Related post : Hiking tips for beginners

10. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is ridiculously one of the cheap countries to travel in Asia despite the immense beauty that lies in the little gem.

Not so little though, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination among travelers especially backpackers due to its unbelievably low cost of living.

This Asian Island boasts over 8 Unesco World Heritage sites , incredible wildlife, amazing white sand beaches, and incredible landscapes that are picture-perfect.

From incredible Asian landmarks like Sigiriya, Adam’s Peak, and Ella, you’d think that you need a lot of money to enjoy Sri Lanka.

But with an average budget of $20 a day, you can expect to enjoy Sri Lanka to the fullest.

Food in Sri Lanka is really cheap, so you can expect to spend $2 on a meal, $7 on accommodation, $8 on activities, and $2 on transportation.

With that low cost of living, it’s undeniably true that Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.

Sri Lanka’s daily budget: between $20 and $30

11. Malaysia

Malaysia is a top holiday spot and one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia to visit.

Its strong economy and affluent areas like Kuala Lumpur have people thinking it’s an expensive country but that’s not the case.

Famous for its pristine beaches, enchanting islands, modern shopping malls, glorious national parks , theme parks, incredible landmarks , fishing villages, and hiking spots, there are many things for every type of traveler to enjoy.

For backpackers, peninsular Malaysia is way cheaper than Malaysia Borneo, but the overall cost of travel is relatively cheaper than the neighboring country, Thailand.

An average price of $25 per day is more than enough for your food, transport, and accommodation.

A hostel room in Malaysia will cost you about $6 per night, fish curry for $1.45, and street stall food is less than a dollar but a “proper” meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you $3.

Public transport is also cheaper, ranging from $0.19 – $1.90 but using a cashless TNG card (a contactless payment card accepted across all Malaysian public transport) is even way cheaper.

However, the price of alcohol is a bit high in Malaysia, with a local beer going for $4.

So if you want to have a little bit of everything from city life to national parks, Malaysia is one of the cheap countries in Asia that offers all that at under $25 a day.

Malaysia’s average daily budget: Between $20 and $25 

12. Pakistan

Being the third cheapest country in the world, it’s no surprise that Pakistan is on this list of the cheapest countries in Asia .

Though many tourists have overlooked it as a tourist destination because of its decades of political instability, the country has improved its political and security stability, and travelers can visit it with no worries.

Known for its many rugged snow-capped mountains with 108 peaks above 7000 meters, beautiful valleys, beautiful beaches, and bustling cities, Pakistan has so much to offer for a budget traveler.

Cheap accommodation is available for backpackers, like a hostel in Lahore will cost you $5. A taxi ride will cost you about $4.59, and public transportation is even way cheaper.

Meals for the whole day can cost you $8, which can be cheaper if you try street foods.

Tickets to attractions, museums, and other sightseeing can cost $3.46, and alcoholic beverages go for $2.30.

With an average daily budget of $29, Pakistan is indeed one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia.

Pakistan’s daily budget: Between $25 and $30 

Famously known for its strategic positioning between Asia and Europe, Turkey is brimming with culture, history, and immense beauty that it’s even hard to imagine it as a cheap country in Asia.

Istanbul city divides the two continents, and you can get from Asia to Europe in less than an hour! Its geographical location not only makes it a cheap destination in Asia but also in Europe since it’s easily accessible by either train, flight, or sea.

With its striking coastal areas, spectacular beaches, beautiful landscape, and bustling cities, there are so many things to do in Turkey that all kinds of travelers will enjoy.

With a tight budget, Eastern Turkey will be more favorable as the cost of living is lower than in Western Turkey.

An average daily cost of $35 is enough to get you accommodation for $12, meals for $7, and transportation setting you back as low as $2 within the same city or $7 to different cities.

Turkey’s street food is the way to go if you are on a tight budget- it’s pretty tasty too. Sandwiches, desserts, and snacks are all less than $3. Lunch can range from $5- $8 depending on what you take. And don’t forget to taste the famous Turkish tea.

Overnight buses will save you money during intercity travel, and did you know that you can bargain the bus ticket price and hotel prices? Yes, so carry your bargaining powers with you!

So if you have always wanted to enjoy the mishmash of history and modernity that Turkey offers but were afraid of the budget, now you know that you can actually afford it since it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.

Turkey’s daily budget: Between $25 and $30 

Related posts: Best free things to do in Istanbul How to travel to Istanbul on a budget Important things to know before traveling to Istanbul

14. Kazakhstan

With an average cost of $10 a day per person, Kazakhstan is one of the cheap Asian countries to visit.

Located in central Asia, the country is the 9th largest globally and has five climatic zones and two time zones.

It is the world’s largest landlocked country and is famous for its geographical diversity.

Its seamless desserts, majestic canyons, hills, deltas, plains, colossal glaciers, UNESCO world heritage sites, dazzling towers, and futuristic skyscrapers attract travelers across the globe. The country is also famous for bird watching.

Everything here is cheap, starting from accommodation which you can get for as low as $2.86. Food is also affordable, and the most inexpensive means of transport is by bus.

If you’re a backpacker looking for cheap countries to visit in Asia, then Kazakhstan should top your Asian bucket list .

Kazakhstan’s average daily budget: Between $8 and $12 

15. Bangladesh

Bangladesh may not be the most popular tourist destination but its low cost of travel is starting to change backpackers’ minds.

Known for harboring the largest mangrove swamp and the world’s longest beach, Bangladesh is a cheap Asian country that nature lovers, beach lovers, and cultural enthusiasts will find fascinating.

Getting around Bangladesh is cheap! An Uber can cost about $3 but using public transport like buses is even cheaper.

You’ll find street food on almost every corner for around $1 while a full-course meal at a local restaurant will cost less than $5. Accommodation is also super affordable and the same goes for visiting attractions.

With a daily budget of $23, you can find a place to sleep, eat, and explore Bangladesh, making it one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia.

Bangladesh’s average daily budget: Between $18 and $25

16. Uzbekistan

Although slightly more expensive than Kazakhstan, Uzbekista n is also among the cheap destinations in Asia.

It is one of the two double-locked countries and is famous for being home to 3 important Silk Road cities; Samarkand , Bukhara , and Khiva .

This historical, cultural, and architectural country will leave you in awe if you love beautiful Islamic architecture and historical sites.

All the Silk Road cities are connected by bus and train, making them easily accessible for budget travelers.

Tickets for some museums, mosques, madrasahs, and shrines are cheap, costing $2- $5. With $4, you can get food in an inexpensive restaurant, a local beer goes for $1.35 and a dorm room will set you back as far as $8 on average.

Of course, you might spend a bit more in Khiva than in other lesser-known places, but at an average of $25, you can be sure to have a fun stay in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s average daily budget: Between $25 and $30

The big cities of China and the Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City might make you think that China is expensive to travel to but it’s not.

Of course, it’s not the cheapest country in Asia but if you spend wisely and apply all the tips for traveling on a budget , you’ll be able to enjoy China at a bargain!

Famous for being the second most populated country globally with impeccable Asian natural wonders , like the adorable giant panda, and its varied cuisine, China offers a number of tourist activities.

China can be budget-friendly if you opt to stay in hostels. You only need to get a Hosteling International Card as most hostels in China offer discounts to guests with membership cards. Hostels range from $6 – $15 depending on the city.

The other way to minimize your budget is by eating street foods as it’s cheaper than sit-down restaurants. You will also get to enjoy excellent authentic Chinese food from the food market in all cities.

Local public transport is also affordable but fast trains are a bit on the higher end but the money you save on food and accommodation will make up for this.

Regardless, an average of $30 per day will be enough to cater for food, accommodation, activities, and transportation proving that if you budget your money well, China can also be a cheap country to visit in Asia.

China’s average daily budget: Between $30 and $35

18. Mongolia

Sandwiched between Russia to the north and China to the south, Mongolia is one of the cheap if not the cheapest country to travel in Asia.

It is a unique country situated on mountains and plateaus, and it’s known to be the world’s highest country with an elevation of 5280ft.

Its iconic mountains, rugged landscapes, and rich history attract thousands of tourists every year who want to enjoy its beautiful landscapes or even learn about its history by visiting its ancient Buddhist temples and shrines.

Restaurants here are reasonably priced, and you can get a pizza for as low as $3; local eateries have even cheaper foods.

Using local transport like buses and trains will help you get around Mongolia relatively cheaper at $3 while accommodation can range between $7-$10.

With an average budget of $20, it’s not hard to see why Mongolia is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit.

Mongolia’s average daily budget: Between $20 and $25

19. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a backpacker’s dream as it is one of the cheap places in Asia. Why you may ask? It is rich in both petrol and gas which makes the cost of transportation really cheap.

Also, fast foods in local eateries are very affordable with a satisfying meal going for about $3 while sit-down restaurants can go up to $10 and a beer for less than a dollar.

The country is bordered by Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Georgia, giving it a blend of both the East and Western cultures.

Also known as the secular republic, alcohol is widely available compared to other Islamic countries.

Soviet buildings, epic mountain ranges, and vineyards are some of the attractions that make Azerbaijan worth visiting.

While it’s a bit more expensive than some of the places we’ve looked at above, Azerbaijan is still one of the cheapest countries in Asia with an average daily budget of $30.

Azerbaijan’s average daily budget: Between $30 and $35

20. Armenia

Not yet overrun by tourists, Armenia is still one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.

The country is rich in history and offers stunning views of the peak of Mount Ararat. And if you love visiting churches and admiring their architecture, Armenia will not disappoint as it has some of the most beautiful churches in the world.

Hostels are affordable at as low as $4, $2 will be enough for public transport while meals will cost you $4.

A budget of $18 a day is enough to make you enjoy this beautiful country with all that it offers.

Armenia’s average daily budget: Between $15 and $20

21. Turkmenistan

One of the cheapest countries to travel in Asia is none other than Tajikistan in Central Asia.

Although it often flies under the radar compared to other cheapest places in Asia, it still offers unique experiences to budget travelers.

Nestled among some of the world’s highest mountains, this country offers natural beauty at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in more popular destinations.

A daily budget of around $30-$40 will take you a long way in Tajikistan. Accommodation in guesthouses can be as cheap as $10 per night, and a satisfying meal at a local restaurant will set you back only around $5.

Local transport is also inexpensive; expect to pay about $1 for short distances within cities.

For the adventurer in you, the Pamir Highway is a must-do. It’s one of the world’s most scenic drives, and while getting a vehicle can be a bit pricier, sharing costs with fellow travelers can make it quite affordable.

Bargaining is common in local bazaars, so bring your haggling skills to get the best prices on unique crafts and fresh produce. And don’t forget to try the local dishes like Shashlik and Plov!

If you’re keen on experiencing a mix of natural wonders and rich cultural history without emptying your wallet, Tajikistan should definitely be on your list of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia.

Tajikistan’s average daily budget: Between $30 and $40

22. Kyrgyzstan

If you’re all about exploring untamed natural landscapes and ancient cultures without breaking the bank, then Kyrgyzstan is one of the most affordable Asian countries to visit.

This country is a paradise for backpackers and adventure seekers on a budget. Accommodation, even in the capital city of Bishkek, is affordable; you can find guesthouses and hostels for around $10-$15 a night.

Meals at local eateries will cost you about $5, and public transportation is as cheap as it gets, usually less than a dollar for city rides.

But what’s really amazing about Kyrgyzstan (besides its affordability) is the natural beauty you get to enjoy.

The country is home to stunning alpine lakes like Issyk-Kul and lush green valleys that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. It’s a hiker’s dream come true with trails that won’t cost you a dime to explore.

You can even live like a local by spending a night or two in a yurt, which is often an affordable and unforgettable experience.

If you’re into horseback riding or want to try your hand at falconry, those are cheap options here as well.

Kyrgyzstan’s average daily budget: Between $40 and $50

If rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes are what you’re looking for, Iran offers it all, and guess what? It’s incredibly budget-friendly too.

You can have a full experience of Iran’s wonders without stretching your wallet too thin, with a daily budget ranging from $25 to $40.

Accommodation options like guesthouses and local inns in cities like Tehran and Shiraz can cost as low as $10-$20 per night.

Local cuisine is not just mouth-wateringly delicious but also very affordable; you can feast on kebabs, rice dishes, and local sweets for about $5-$7 per meal.

Iran is also home to a number of awe-inspiring architectural wonders, like the ancient Persepolis and the colorful mosques with intricate designs, which often have no entry fee or a very nominal one.

The country’s public transport network is both efficient and cheap, making it easy to hop from one city to another for just a few bucks.

But what truly sets Iran apart from other cheapest destinations in Asia is its warm and welcoming locals, unlike what is portrayed in the media!

You’ll often find yourself invited for tea or a homemade meal, making your trip not just budget-friendly but also enriched with authentic experiences.

Iran’s average daily budget: Between $25 and $40

Some FAQs About The Cheap Countries to Visit in Asia

What is the cheapest country to visit in Asia?

In my opinion, India is the cheapest Asian country to Visit. However, Kazakhstan can also easily take this spot.

Is Asia cheaper than Europe?

Generally speaking, Asia is cheaper than Europe! However, there are some countries in Asia that are more expensive than some countries in Europe. For example, countries like Japan and Singapore are more expensive than some European countries like say; Portugal or Greece.

Is Thailand cheaper than Malaysia?

If you go back to the breakdown of prices I gave you while talking about the cheapest countries in Asia, you’ll realize that Thailand is slightly more expensive than Malaysia considering that you’re traveling to both countries in the same way of budget travel.

Have more questions about the cheap destinations in Asia? Leave them in the comment section and I’ll answer them as soon as possible.

And What About The Not so Cheap Places to Visit in Asia

Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea… All these countries can be really expensive to travel to and are not budget-friendly at all.

Even if you travel as cheaply as possible doing hitchhiking, Couchsurfing, cooking for yourself, or even eating once a day, you will not be able to hide from the high cost of living.

And what about China? Well, China might not be the cheapest country in Asia but it is a particular case.

Just like the Philippines or Indonesia, some parts of the country can be very expensive and others relatively cheap.

The main expense will probably be transportation. China is such a vast country that you won’t be able to avoid taking the fast train, which is absolutely awesome but rather expensive.

But if you want to learn more about how to travel cheaply, check out my post on how to travel on a budget .

Final Thoughts on the Cheap Asian Countries to Visit

Just like traveling to any other place, you can still spend more money in these Asian countries if you travel lavishly or if you don’t manage your budget well.

But the rule of thumb that will help you stay on a budget while traveling in Asia is sleeping in hostels, eating street food which is very delicious by the way, and using local transportation instead of hiring private taxis.

If you follow all these, you’ll be able to enjoy Asia on a budget!

Now that you know most of the cheap Asian countries to travel to, you can start planning your trip around this incredibly amazing and diverse continent of Asia.

Have you been to any of these cheapest countries in Asia? How much was your average budget in that specific country? Let me know in the comments below.

NEVER TRAVEL ANYWHERE WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip is to forego Travel Insurance! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s  NOT  that expensive! There are many Travel Insurance companies out there, but I love  World Nomads ! They cover almost every single thing you might face/do while traveling, it is easy to request a quote, and if you ever need to claim, the claiming process is not a rat race! I’ve used World Nomads on all my trips, and I am confident and happy to recommend it to you! No worries if you’re not yet ready to book your trip, you can request a  free quote from World Nomads here  and see if it suits your personal needs!

More posts to inspire you to travel to Asia

• Most beautiful cities to visit in Asia
• Famous landmarks to visit in Asia
• Best places to visit in India
• Most beautiful landmarks in China
• Important things to know before traveling to India

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I love this article! It’s so informative and helpful for anyone who wants to travel to Asia on a budget. I’ve been to some of these countries and I agree that they are amazing and affordable. I especially enjoyed Vietnam and Nepal. Thanks for sharing your tips and insights!

I am glad you found the article helpful! They’re definetely the best countries to start with if you’re traveling on a budget.

Loved your article but I wanted to add that Pakistan is even cheaper than India when it comes to accommodation, travelling & food. I’ll be really glad if you’d give it a thought and edit the article. God bless you, co

Thank you for the suggestion! I haven’t explored Pakistan yet but I am glad to know that it’s among the cheapest Asian countries to visit for backpackers. If I ever visit, I’ll definitely add it.

This is a really helpful post, Esther. With so many places to choose from in Asia, this narrows the choice down for budget travellers. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you, I am glad that you found this post helpful

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Top 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Asia That Won’t Break the Bank

Who doesn’t love a good vacation? A break from everyday life can be refreshing. But it is not always easy on the wallet. In that case, Asia can be the perfect place for budget travelers ! It is a fascinating continent with so many countries to explore.

This article lists the Top 15 Cheapest Countries to visit in Asia that fit into any budget! If you wanted to read about world Best Cheapest Countries to Visit read here . Asia, in general, is a culturally rich region of the world. There are so many countries with different cultures to explore. It can be challenging to know where you should start when planning your trip! If you are looking for the cheapest way, the below discussion will help you make the decision! When travelling all over Asia, it is best to have travel insurance for your safe journey. Find out How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance here.

Disclaimer: The countries listed in this article as affordable travel destinations are based on factors like budget accommodations and street food options. However, individual experiences can vary. It’s important to research and plan accordingly before traveling to any destination.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

The Most Affordable & Cheapest Countries to Visit in Asia

1. cambodia.

To start your backpacking tour or simply visit Asia, consider heading to Cambodia first. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is an easy and affordable starting point for your journey. A budget of $20 to $35 per day is sufficient for a comfortable stay.

Despite being one of the cheapest countries in Asia, Cambodia is rich in unique experiences. Travelers flock to Cambodia for its stunning temples and friendly locals. Siem Reap is the most visited and budget-friendly destination, home to iconic sites like Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. Other must-visit places include the Royal Palace and bustling Phnom Penh, the capital city.

Cambodian street food offers a variety of delicious options, including seafood, meat skewers, fried chicken, and vegetables. Popular dishes include Amok (fish in banana leaf), Fish Amok (fish curry), and Samlor (soup). A full meal can cost as little as $5, ensuring you can enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Laos is another cheapest country in Asia to visit, with daily expenses typically under $20 to $35. As Laos becomes more popular each year, it attracts travelers with its jungles, waterfalls, and rustic charm—not to mention its friendly locals! Adventurous travelers enjoy white-water rafting, hiking, kayaking, and exploring Laos’ dense forests. Popular attractions include Kuang Si Waterfall, Phousi Hill, and the Golden Temple.

Laos is also known for its cheap but delicious street food. Popular dishes include Khao Jee (fried rice), Khao Tom (soup), Lab Pib (spicy grilled skewers), Sai Our (spicy sausage), and more. All these items are available at very affordable prices.

3. Myanmar (Burma)

Burma is rich in natural beauty and Buddhist art, architecture and culture. It has a lot of historical sites to explore, but people travel to Burma for its friendly locals rather than the attractions. 

Its ancient city Bagan is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site which can be the sole reason to visit Myanmar. Despite its recent history, Burma remains a beautiful country with many attractions, such as gorgeous temples and palaces, awe-inspiring landscapes and, most notably, it’s incredibly kind people. 

Burmese food is generally very spicy, but it’s delicious as well. The most popular dishes are Mohinga (rice noodles), Ohn No (coconut milk soup), Lahpet (pickled tea leaves) and many more. You can have food for less than U$1.00 But the transportation and accommodation can be a bit expensive than in other countries in Asia. It may cost you $20.00 to $35.00 a day to live on in Myanmar.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia has uncountable gems for tourists. Your Asia tour would be incomplete without visiting the historical, cultural, and natural beauty of Malaysia. Its capital state Kuala Lumpur contains so many histories and architectural landmarks that you can explore. And there are more incredible states and cities like Selangor, Pahang, Perak, Putrajaya, Melaka and many others, which have numerous underrated jewels.

Malaysia is a budget-friendly country, and it is cheaper than its neighboring country Singapore or even Thailand. You can get by on under $25. to $40 a day. Food, transport, and accommodation are all very affordable here. You can book a Klook Pass for all the best places in Kuala Lumpur at a reasonable price.

Malaysia is also very safe for solo female travelers . The locals are generally amiable, which makes Malaysia one of the best countries in Southeast Asia to visit. Batu Caves, i-City, Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Mount Kinabalu, Langkawi, Kinabalu Park and many more are the most exciting attractions in Malaysia. 

SEE ALL TOP ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES TO VISIT IN MALAYSIA HERE

5. Thailand

Whenever we plan to have a tour of Asia, Thailand is the top-listed country that comes to our mind. From its vibrant city of Bangkok to the fascinating beaches in Phuket, all turn the country into a must-visit destination. 

Thailand is well-known worldwide to be a budget tourist spot. The country used to be more expensive than it is today. From $30 to $50, you can spend a day in Thailand.

Thailand has become one of the cheapest places in Southeast Asia to visit – especially if you travel on a shoestring budget! The Grand Palace, Railay Beach, Wat Phra Kaew are the most-visited tourist destinations in Thailand.

Thailand is famous for its delicious, spicy food. If you love seafood, Thai cuisine may be for you since it uses so much fresh fish! You don’t have to spend more than $3.00 on food in this country. 

6. The Philippines

The Philippines is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, delicious food, and friendly locals who are always keen to chat with you or play music for you! The country offers you so many places to visit and things to do that are beyond imagination. Especially its capital Manila is a vibrant city which so many hidden gems.

If you’re going to the Philippines, expect to spend about U$25 to $40 a day. Chocolate Hills, Malapascua Island, Boracay Island, Siquijor Island are the must-visit tourist attractions in the Philippines. 

Most popular dishes include Adobo (meat or vegetables cooked in soy sauce), Pancit Palabok (noodles), Inihaw na Manok (grilled chicken) and many more that can satisfy your appetite. If you eat street foods, your food cost would be less than $5.00, which is quite affordable.

Accommodation can be expensive here. Try to find a dorm room that will cost you between $10.00 to $15.00

7. Indonesia

Indonesia has plenty of diversity with thousands of islands to explore, each with its own unique culture and beauty. The budget of the country is significantly different from Island to Island. So, it is pretty challenging to say a day’s budget, but within $25 to $45, you can make your day.

It’s a cheap country to visit, and it’s also a great way for solo female travelers to meet new friends! Borobudur Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple and many more historical sites are the popular tourist destinations of this country.

Food in Indonesia is generally cheap and delicious, with popular Indonesian dishes including Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Rendang (spicy meat stew), Mi Goreng (fried noodles) and so on. Try to spend $3 to $5 on food so that you can balance your budget.

Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. The divine sights, waterfall, islands, and hills make this country the top destination to visit in Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a paradise for city lovers. From iconic buildings to golden temples, modern skyscrapers, to quaint cafes, there is so much to see and do here that you will not get bored! 

Cu Chi Tunnel, Temple of Literature, Notre-Dame Cathedral are the top tourist attractions in Vietnam. Some of their most popular dishes are pho, banh mi, and bun cha that you must try. There are many more delicious foods found in this great country so find your next favourite!

The best part about this country is how cheap it can be. With a daily budget of just $25 to $40 per person, including accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, you can have a very affordable trip to Vietnam.

India is the third-largest country in Asia, just after China. But according to the budget, you can’t imagine how cheap and affordable this country is! 

India has a mixture of attractions, from religious sites to natural scenery – and fast-developing modern cities. Not in every country of Asia, you’ll see the combination of desert, beaches, mountains, jungle, and cities. From Darjeeling to Kashmir , every part of India has a touch of beauty.

India is the top destination for backpackers because it offers many wonders at less than $25 to $35 a day. Accommodations are cheap, especially if you opt for a good hotel not in the touristy areas. It may cost you $2 to $5. India’s famous historical places are the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Palace, Guwahati, etc.

Make yourself comfortable to have street food because it comes less than $3. The transportations are also very reasonable in price. 12GoAsia can help you to check the right price and book transportations such as buses and trains.

Nepal is not as cheap as it once was, but it’s still more affordable than many other countries in the world. You can still get by on less than $30 a day. Nepal has always been famous for its mountains and incredible mountain views everywhere you go – especially around Pokhara! 

Travellers come here to enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity or experience the famous Mustang district near the Himalayas – one of the last untouched areas in Asia (and maybe even in the world!). Boudha Stupa, Chitwan National Park, Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the must-visit destinations in Nepal. 

The country is famous for hiking, but to save your budget, avoid organised guided trips. Other expenses like food or transportation come by $3 and $1.5 respectively.

11. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka might not be the first place you think of visiting, but it’s becoming more popular with budget travellers. While Sri Lanka is still developing as a tourist destination, its neighbouring countries are already very developed and expensive. That makes Sri Lanka an ideal alternative for those on smaller budgets who want to explore South Asia! 

Yala National Park Safari, Sri Pada, Sri Dalada Maligawa and many more are the most interesting attractions in Sri Lanka. You can expect to live on $25 to $40 a day, which is remarkably cheap and affordable.

Accommodations start from as cheap as $7 a night, while food will set you back at less than $5 for a tasty meal. Seafood is plentiful and cheap, while Sri Lanka’s delicious street food is also very affordable.

12. Bangladesh

Bangladesh may not be the top tourist destination in Asia, but backpackers find it an incredible place to visit. Often tourists skip this country, but the country offers a lot of history and culture that you can explore. 

The star attraction of Bangladesh is Sundarban , the most extensive mangrove forest in the world. Not only that, but the country is also the home of the world’s largest sea-beach, Cox’s Bazar. Rangamati is a city with endless beauty, which you can only explore by visiting Bangladesh. And the good news is you can explore all of these places with a daily budget of $15 to $30. 

13. Pakistan

Often travellers avoid Pakistan because of its political problem. But now, the country has overcome this problem and increased its security system. So, for budget travellers, Pakistan is a great destination.

It is said that “if there is heaven on earth, then it is in Kashmir, Pakistan”. The old-style streets and buildings and Islamic culture make the country fascinating.

You can expect to spend less than $20 to 35 a day in Pakistan. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Margalla Hills National Park, Thatta Kedona are the most-visited tourist attractions.

14. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is famous and widely known as ” The Land of Fire” because of its natural gas reserve. And as the country is rich in both petrol and gas, the transportation cost is meagre here. 

Azerbaijan is a country worth exploring if you’re looking for some great architecture. It has many gorgeous buildings, especially in Baku. You are welcome to head down to the city for its photo opportunities and quaintness. 

There are also amazing places to visit like Sheki, Gebele, Nakhchivan, Quba and Khinalig. Travellers can visit Azerbaijan for $30 to $45 a day.

The cuisine that connects Azerbaijan is famous noodles called Khingal. Although it is thought that the origin of Khingal is Armenia, it is actually an Azerbaijani cuisine. The exquisite dish is served with browned onions and ground lamb as toppings.

You can also choose mushrooms as toppings instead of lamb if you are a vegetarian. The dish is served in almost every restaurant and cafe of Azerbaijan. You can also buy the ingredients and try the recipe yourself.

. The food price starts from $3 to $10.

15. Armenia

Placed in the middle of two continents of Asia and Europe, Armenia is a country that has a unique history. This country contains cultures of both continents, Europe and Asia. 

Despite being a small country, Armenian offers you stunning architecture, rich history, thrilling adventure, delicious food, and warm hospitality. And all of these come with budgets that fit you.

Travellers, especially history buffs, are drawn to the ancient temples and Churches in Armenia. You can explore its vibrant capital Yerevan, along with Lake Sevan, Lake Arpi, and several other places without breaking the bank.

Food available at Armenian takeaways are usually delicacies such as Lavash (bread), Khorovats (Armenian BBQ) or Kebab. You are expected to spend $4 to $6 on food in Armenia. 

Moreover, hostels and transport are also affordable and come in $4 and $6, respectively. So, within $25 to $35 a day, you can enjoy this prettiest country with all that it offers.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

Although these countries offer highly affordable prices, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. First, check the current exchange rates for U.S. dollars and the local currency before booking or arriving at your destination. This will help you budget properly for expenses and understand how much money you’ll have left when you leave.

Another important tip is that the cheapest time to visit these countries is usually during their monsoon seasons, typically between June and September. While the weather can make it more challenging to get around, prices drop significantly during this period. Similarly, the winter season (December to February) often offers lower prices, but be aware that some activities and transportation might be more difficult during this time.

These beautiful countries are perfect destinations for backpackers! Make sure to check them out and share your travel stories with us.

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Khinkali is Georgian, not Azerbaijani. Besides, it is eaten plain without sour cream and vinegar, not to be confused with Russian Pelmeni.

Khinkali is Georgian, not Azerbaijani. Besides, it is traditionally eaten plain without sour cream and vinegar, that is Russian Pelmeni!

Thanks for the information. I was confused between Khingal and Khinkali. I’ll fix it.

Its highly appreciate information.

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16 Cheapest Asia cities to fly into from the US

As more people from the United States and Canada come to realize the amazing travel bargains and opportunities all over Asia, more of us are going. One of the challenges is that it’s such a huge part of the world and there are so many very different options to select from. Especially if you are planning on visiting more than one country, it can be confusing where to start and where to end.

The good news is that most of the flights from the US and Canada are probably cheaper than you’d guess, at least as long as you know about typical international airfares. Even though part of Asia (India, specifically) is literally on the opposite side of the world from the US and Canada, fares are often cheaper than much shorter flights to Europe.

We decided to run tests to see which cities are the cheapest for round-trip flights starting in the United States, and the results are below.

How the test was run

The fares listed below are the cheapest round-trip flights for the dates we tested. If a lower fare was possible on a long and complicated itinerary that wouldn’t be worth the savings, it was discarded. In other words, the fares below are all on flights that most value-conscious travelers would be happy to book.

Los Angeles is used as a hub, but the order should be nearly identical no matter the starting point

There are some nonstop flights from a few major airports in the US and Canada, but Los Angeles is the most popular hub for North American flights to Asia. As a result, flights starting in other cities will usually be at least a bit more expensive, but the order of the destinations below should be very similar or identical.

Depending on your starting point, you might get the best fare with a change in Vancouver, Seattle, or San Francisco.

The cheapest cities in Asia once you arrive

Needless to say, getting a cheap flight into Asia is nice, but prices once you land are extremely varied. Click on the link below for our list of how much you should expect to pay per day in all major tourist cities of Asia.

>>> 31 Asian cities ranked by price for travelers

16 Cheapest Asia cities to fly into from North America

1 – shanghai, china.

• Summer: US$591
• Autumn: US$550
• Winter: US$479
• Average: US$540

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the main international facility in this part of China, with many non-stop flights from major cities around the world. Most people fly into Shanghai to tour around China rather than tour around Asia, so it may not be an ideal hub for people exploring several countries.

>>> Shanghai prices and weather

2 – Beijing, China

• Summer: US$561
• Autumn: US$659
• Winter: US$500
• Average: US$573

Beijing Capital International Airport is the busiest airport in Asia and among the busiest in the world. It’s obviously an ideal hub for anyone touring China because Beijing is the most popular starting point.

>>> Beijing prices and weather

3 – Bangkok, Thailand

• Summer: US$631
• Autumn: US$591
• Winter: US$558
• Average: US$593

Suvarnabhumi Airport is the new and main airport serving Bangkok, with abundant non-stop flights from major cities all over the world. The city of Bangkok itself is an excellent hub for trips all over Asia, although most of the cheapest flights go through Don Mueang International Airport, which is one of the main hubs of Air Asia.

>>> Bangkok prices and weather

4 – Tokyo, Japan

• Summer: US$683
• Autumn: US$621
• Winter: US$554
• Average: US$619

Narita International Airport is the main international hub for Japan, even though it’s not even the busiest airport in Tokyo. Considering that Toyko is easily the closest major Asian city to North America, it’s a bit surprising that it’s so far down the affordability list. On the other hand, Tokyo remains as Asia’s most expensive city for tourists, still slightly ahead of Singapore.

>>> Tokyo prices and weather

5 – Seoul, South Korea

• Summer: US$667
• Autumn: US$686
• Winter: US$544
• Average: US$632

Incheon International Airport is the main international airport serving Seoul, and this is another that always gets rave reviews from passengers. Unfortunately, Seoul is quite remote among major Asian destinations, so it’s much better for a stopover coming or going rather than a base for a tour around Asia.

>>> Seoul prices and weather

6 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Summer: US$784
• Autumn: US$569
• Winter: US$556
• Average: US$636

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam’s busiest airport and the main hub serving Ho Chi Minh City (commonly still known as Saigon). Especially since fares tend to be on the high side, it’s probably not a great choice for a hub to start a tour around Asia.

>>> Ho Chi Minh City prices and weather

7- Hong Kong

• Summer: US$808
• Winter: US$550
• Average: US$650

Hong Kong International Airport almost always has the best fares for those starting in the US or Canada, and it also makes an excellent starting point and/or hub for a trip deeper into Asia. The city is extremely modern in many places, yet quite exotic in many others, and most people you encounter will speak English. This is Cathay Pacific’s busy main hub, and one of the world’s highest rated airport facilities as well.

>>> Hong Kong prices and weather

8 – Hanoi, Vietnam

• Summer: US$764
• Autumn: US$545
• Winter: US$649
• Average: US$653

Noi Bai International Airport is the major international facility for Hanoi, which is in the far north of Vietnam. Even though it has a fairly central location, this is really best for starting tours of Vietnam heading south to Ho Chi Minh City, and not an ideal hub for much else. Hanoi itself is fascinating and amazingly cheap, by the way.

>>> Hanoi prices and weather

9 – Manila, Philippines

• Summer: US$812
• Autumn: US$519
• Winter: US$633
• Average: US$655

Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is obviously an ideal hub for trips to the Philippines, including the wonderful resort  island of Boracay . But it’s probably not a great choice for people who are going to be touring around Asia by air. The city of Manila itself is known as a bit of a disappointment compared to most of the others on this list.

>>> Manila prices and weather

10 – Singapore

• Summer: US$743
• Autumn: US$590
• Winter: US$666
• Average: US$666

Singapore Changi Airport deserves its reputation as the favorite airport of nearly every traveler who passes through, so it’s a shame that longhaul flights from North America tend to be pricey. The city itself is wonderful, if crowded and a bit expensive. Better still, there are many low-cost carriers flying into Singapore, so it’s an ideal hub to explore other cities on this list.

>>> Singapore prices and weather

11 – Taipei, Taiwan

• Summer: US$1005
• Autumn: US$645
• Winter: US$537
• Average: US$729

Taoyuan International Airport is the main international airport serving Taiwan, and it’s served by nearly every larger airline in Asia and many from North America and Europe. Taiwan itself is sometimes a forgotten destination, so the cheap flights should be enough to encourage more people to visit and use it as an incoming hub for Asia.

>>> Taipei prices and weather

12 – Bali, Indonesia

• Summer: US$916
• Autumn: US$666
• Winter: US$694
• Average: US$759

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali’s capital city of Denpasar, and it has really good connections from within Asia, but very few longhaul flights from anywhere else. Bali also has a surprising number of cheap flights from other cities on this list, so it’s quite easy to do a cheap stop on the island as part of a larger trip.

>>> Bali prices and weather

13 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Summer: US$926
• Autumn: US$702
• Winter: US$664
• Average: US$764

Kuala Lumpur International Airport has a lot in common with the Singapore Airport (above), except that the airport itself isn’t special enough to inspire songs and poems. Still, Kuala Lumpur is an underrated city and it makes a perfect hub for those wanting to also head almost anywhere else on this list.

>>> Kuala Lumpur prices and weather

14 – Mumbai, India

• Summer: US$984
• Autumn: US$828
• Winter: US$918
• Average: US$910

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is on the other side of the earth from North America, so it’s not surprising that it’s one of the more expensive places to fly directly into. And being on an edge of the touristy part of Asia, it’s not an ideal hub for anything except trips within India itself.

>>> Mumbai prices and weather

15 – New Delhi, India

• Summer: US$1154
• Autumn: US$798
• Winter: US$933
• Average: US$959

Indira Gandhi International Airport is a new and pleasantly modern facility, so it makes for a perfect starting point for those about to tour around India. It’s also a base for quite a few low-cost airlines, although not all of them have the kind of solid reputation you’d like.

>>> New Delhi prices and weather

16 – Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Summer: US$1024
• Autumn: US$989
• Winter: US$941
• Average: US$985

Bandaranaike International Airport is the primary airport for Sri Lanka, and it feels like a trip back in time compared to pretty much every other facility on this list. Sri Lanka itself is an excellent and upcoming destination, so it’s unfortunate that longhaul flights in are as expensive as they are.

>>> Colombo prices and weather

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16 Cheapest Asia cities to fly into from the US " --> All Comments

I agree with Roger Wade. I’m already here in Siem Reap, having spent time in Thailand. Cambodian people rock! The hotels hire the best young people to give you energy and sensitivity in their welcoming spirit and overall hospitality.! Just GET OVER HERE! Take your time seeing Angkor Wat with a three day pass. Use a translate app on your device and a money changer app as well. Or just use US dollars! I’m a senior lady pushing 70… If I can do it, anybody can. You may write to me and I shall respond. GOOD LUCK P.S. Everybody is fearful until they get a bit of momentum.

I, too, am flying solo about that time and in SE Asia. I would welcome meeting up and sharing common interests. I am not sure how to make contact?

I am a female in my 40’s and looking to travel alone. I am interested in South America, Asia or Africa. I will be traveling during the last week of December. What countries/places are safe for solo females? Not looking for beach destinations but rather cultural explorations.

Most of Asia has a reputation for being safe for solo females, although India has had a few problems so I wouldn’t go there. The last week of December is very popular in southeast Asia because so many people have time off in the colder climates. If you have about a week I’d recommend Bangkok and then a side trip to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat. You can take a bus between them or fly and you’ll have plenty of company either way. Bangkok really is a fascinating city and it’s got plenty of temples and other cultural attractions to go along with the shopping centers that attract so many other people. Bangkok is also a very large and fairly crowded city, so it gets a bit frustrating after a few days, and that makes a trip to Siem Reap all the nicer. First off, Angkor Wat is one of the most amazing cultural sights in the world, and the town of Siem Reap is a lovely little place on its own. It sounds like this will be your first trip to Asia, and those two places are really the best introduction, especially that time of year. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Thanks for the list! I’ve been finding recently that what you say is true – flights to Asia are often cheaper than flights to Europe, even though I live on the East Coast. With cheaper costs on the ground once you get there, a trip to Asia is pretty much a no brainer. Granted, it takes longer to get there, but since most of the flights are during the day, I don’t find the jet lag to be too bad in comparison to Europe.

Best & Worst Times to Visit Southeast Asia 2024/2025

Southeast Asia lies within the tropics, with southern areas close to the equator, and so it's warm all year round. Average temperatures are around 27°C (80°F).

The climate varies significantly across the region of Southeast Asia. This makes it a year-round travel destination. The best time to visit will really come down to which country you would like to visit and what you want to do.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit most places in Southeast Asia is from November to February when the weather is dry (driest) and warm (on average) . Wet-season monsoon rains fall from June to October in most SE Asian countries.

• Weather Guide
• Best Times for Beaches
• Worst Times to Visit
• Travel Guide by Country
• Travel Guide by Month

Southeast Asia Weather Guide

Not all countries in Southeast Asia share the same seasons at the same time. There are some regional differences. They are roughly divided into two weather patterns.

There are three main seasons in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines :

• Dry season: November to February
• Hot season: March to May
• Rainy season: June to October

There are two main seasons in Malaysia, Indonesia (Bali), and Singapore :

• Dry season: April to September
• Rainy season: October to March

Most travelers choose to visit mainland Southeast Asia during its dry season as it's not so hot with little rain. During this time, go to the busy places as early or late in the peak season as you cann to avoid the crowds, such as the Grand Palace in Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The weather in the hot season, consistently getting to around 38°C (100°F). But it is a good time for the water fun at the beach. 

The rainy season is not so good, but you will find fewer crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodation. Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer: Places to Go, Costs, Weather

Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia >>>

Best Times for Beaches in Southeast Asia

• Thailand and Vietnam : November to early April
• Indonesia and Malaysia : April to October

If you hope to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the sea , generally speaking, the best time to visit Southeast Asia's beaches is from November through early April when the weather is usually sunny and dry, and it's not too hot or too cool. The beaches in many countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are at their best during this period.

But if you would like to enjoy your beach vacation in Indonesia (like in Bali) or Malaysia's east coast (like on the Perhentian Islands or Tioman Island), the best time to go is between April and October .

If you're traveling to the beaches during the wet season, you should expect some rainy days, but there will also be days where it only rains for a short while and then the sun comes out. You'll find that hotel and resort prices are considerably cheaper during the rainy season .

Worst Times to Visit Southeast Asia

June to October is the rainy season and is generally considered to be the worst time to visit Southeast Asia. There will be some discomfort or inconvenience if you travel during these months. 

However, these worst times for the travel trade have benefits. You can enjoy very reasonable price and less-crowded beaches and temples. In addition, as  the rain in Southeast Asia is so predictable (it usually rains in the afternoon and at night) , it's easy to plan around the weather. This means there's not so much of a problem in traveling to Southeast Asia during the off-season, as long as you know what to expect and plan well.

If you are visiting northern Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines) and particularly concerned about the weather, we would like to suggest you avoid April (the hottest month) and September (the wettest month). For dry experiences, you could visit Singapore and Bali  instead, which enjoy the best time from April to October.

Further reading:  How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore >>>

Best Times to Visit Different Countries in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a large region. It is warm all year round. No matter when you visit, you will find a place that matches your interests and preferences.

Click the country name below to check the best travel time.

Best Times to Visit Thailand

Generally, the most popular time to visit Thailand is between November and early April when it is the cool and dry season. Northern and Southern Thailand experience different climates.

Southern Thailand :Southern Thailand is a perfect destination if you are looking for an excellent vacation on beautiful beaches, such as Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi on the west coast, or Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui on the east coast. The best time to visit Southern Thailand is from February to April when the weather is nice and sunny.

Northern Thailand :If you are going to visit Northern Thailand – including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Pattaya – you can consider visiting from October to January .

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Best Times to Visit Vietnam

The weather varies in northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Although the best time for travel depends on the region you visit, November to April are the best months to travel in most places of the country.

North Vietnam : North Vietnam includes Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and other great destinations. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is warm and dry. In the mountainous regions, it can be covered in ice from December until January.

Central Vietnam : If you are planning to visit Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hue in Central Vietnam, you can travel in the period from January to April . You can expect perfect beach weather — blue skies, warm sun, and gentle sea breezes.

South Vietnam : If you are traveling to South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne), the ideal time is from November to March . It can be hot from March to May, with an average temperature of up to 32°C/90°F.

Best Times to Visit Singapore

Singapore is a wonderful year-round destination with good weather. Unlike many destinations in Southeast Asia, there isn't that much of a difference between the wet season (October to March) and the slightly drier summer season (April to September).

You might find it strange that the peak season is from November to early January even though there is some rain and it is a little wet. Singapore is crowded with travelers, particularly during Chinese New Year.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit between February and May when the country is not overloaded with too many tourists and the weather is slightly hot. June to August is the driest time although it is unavoidable to encounter flash thunderstorms and stifling humidity.

Best Times to Visit Cambodia

Weather-wise, the best time to go to Cambodia is between November and April when it is sunny and dry. It is perfect if you are going to spend some time on a beach or hike through the jungles of Cambodia.

If you want to experience the country's fresh and lush greenery and quiet temples , the wet season (May to October) can be a good time. Heavy rains can occur but they only last for 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon.

• 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights
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Best Times to Visit Myanmar (Burma)

The best time to visit most of Myanmar is from November to February when there are warm and dry days.

If you intend to visit areas in and around Mandalay and Bagan , which are the hottest and driest regions of Myanmar, you'd better avoid March to May as temperatures can rise to over 40°C/104°F. The wet season from June to October is considered a good season even though there is a bit of rain and it is good to avoid the winter crowds.

• 14-Day Myanmar and Thailand Essence Tour

Best Time to Visit Laos

Laos, a small and landlocked country in Southeast Asia, has a dry season (October to late April) and a wet season (May to late September).

If you are looking for warm and dry weather and want to enjoy outdoor activities, the ideal months to travel in Laos are from November to January , with temperatures ranging from 14–26°C (57°–79°F). This is also an excellent time for exploring the Mekong River.

• 17-Day tour to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos

Best Times to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has a classic equatorial climate with plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and wet months throughout the year.

The best month to visit Malaysia depends on which side of the country you are going to visit. The seasons on each side of the peninsula are different.

The best time to visit the western islands is from December to February, while the perfect time to visit the east coast is from June to August.

• 32-Day Grand Southeast Asia Expedition: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia Tour

Best Times to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia is a year-round destination with warm tropical temperatures averaging 28°C/82°F throughout the year. The dry season in Indonesia spans from May to September and the wet season is between October and April.

If you plan to dive off the coast of Bali, Lombok, and Komodo National Park or want to plan to climb one of Indonesia's many volcanoes, the dry months from April to September are a great time.

If you are looking for good weather as well as fewer crowds, you can visit Indonesia in May, June, and September.

>>>Read about how to plan a trip to Thailand, Singapore and Bali

• 19-Day Vietnam, Thailand, and Bali Tour: Discover Southeast Asia Treasures
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Southeast Asia Travel Guide by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

January Travel in Southeast Asia

January is one of the most popular travel periods for Southeast Asia. It's warm and dry in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines, with temperatures hovering between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.

Many visitors choose to spend their Christmas and New Year holidays on the sunny beaches. Diving and snorkeling are at their best during this period. Avoid the east coast of Malaysia and Bali, though, as it's the rainy season peak there.

You might like to join in Lunar New Year celebrations in (the Chinatowns of) these countries. In 2024, Lunar New Year is observed on February 9nd.

Reveal the top January destinations in Southeast Asia >>>

February Travel in Southeast Asia

Explore lively Bangkok in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam in February before the heat of March. The temperature ranges between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.

You are likely to experience rainfall only every four or five days, so you can spend the rest of your time trekking in the national parks, tasting yummy foods in the night markets, or listening to the holy chanting in the temples.

Book your hotels and flights 2–3 months in advance to ensure their availability and for better prices. Contact us for hotel recommendations.

Discover the must-visit spots in Southeast Asia this Febuary >>>

March Travel in Southeast Asia

The hot season arrives in March. Good deals for hotels and flights and fewer crowds make March a good month to travel for some.

With temperatures hitting the mid-30s °C (the 90s °F) on most days , March is a good time to swim in the sea, bath the elephants in a sanctuary or cruise on Halong Bay.

Start your touring/activities in the early morning to find some coolness.

Check more weather details, best places to go and costs in Southeast Asia in March >>>

April Travel in Southeast Asia

April is the hottest month in Southeast Asia. In some places, afternoon temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F).

A welcome chance to cool down comes with the water fights of Songkran Festival in Thailand from April 13th to 15th.

Laotians also celebrate their New Year from April 14th to 16th. It is a good opportunity to soak in Laos traditions, including washing Buddha statues, painting temples, candlelight processions around the temples, and splashing water on each other.

If you can handle the hot weather, April travel in Southeast Asia is full of traditional festivities. Find more weather details, best places to go and costs in Southeast Asia in April >>>

May Travel in Southeast Asia

May is the last month before the rainy season in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Temperatures in many areas are 35–40°C (95–104°F) . But, compared to April, May sees a welcome drop in temperature in some regions.

Rainfall starts to increase towards the end of the month, with more than half of the month seeing short thunder showers that last for about an hour. For most of the day touring is not affected.

For sunny beaches, Indonesia and the east coast of Malaysia are great options.

Find more travel-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia in May >>>

June Travel in Southeast Asia

June is the shoulder season in mainland Southeast Asia as it's in the monsoon season. The average daily maximum reaches around 33°C (91°F) and the average daily minimum is around 26°C (79°F) .

Thailand can expect an average of 15 to 22 days of rain in June. However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening.

Indonesia and Malaysia provide visitors more dry days and ripe fruits in June.

Compared with the summer holiday crowds in July and August, June is still a good time to go.

July Travel in Southeast Asia

Though still in the rainy season, in mainland Southeast Asia, you will encounter more visitors in July than in June , as July is school holiday time for many countries.

The short-lived rains usually occur in the afternoon or evening. The average temperature is around 29°C (84°F) , and there is not a big temperature difference between day and night.

July is the peak season for Malaysia's east coast and Indonesia because of their dry (drier) weather and the summer holidays.

Typhoons happen frequently in Halong Bay in Vietnam . Your cruise might be canceled for safety. Always get insurance if you wish to cruise at this time.

Get some ideas about the best destinations to go in Southeast Asia in July >>>

August Travel in Southeast Asia

Like July, August is still in the rainy season in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The rains can be sporadic and unpredictable. The average temperature in August is 29°C (84°F) . Indoor activities are more advisable.

You're suggested to buy insurance if you plan to take a Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam as typhoons are likely to stop some cruises.

Indonesia and Malaysia's East Coast could be a better choice if you are seeking boat trips on the sea and sunny beaches.

Make tour reservation at least 3 months in advance for better deals.

See the best destinations to go in Southeast Asia in August >>>

September Travel in Southeast Asia

September is the wettest month in most areas of Southeast Asia. Heavy downpours are expected in the afternoon and evening with daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime temperatures about 25°C (77°F) .

You will see much lower traveler numbers in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand in September as the rainy season peaks and the summer crowds have gone. The harvesting of the terraced rice fields in Sapa in north Vietnam begins. The golden yellow views and farmers working in the fields make a Sapa trek even more rewarding.

It is still hot and dry in Indonesia. With better hotel deals than in July and August, September is good time to relax on the sunny beaches of Bali.

October Travel in Southeast Asia

From October, the rain starts to increase in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, while northern Southeast Asian countries are ready to welcome their dry season. The average daily maximum and minimum temperatures in October for most areas are around 31°C (88°F) and 24°C (75°F) respectively .

The cooler temperatures, clearer views, and fewer travelers make October one of the best times to visit Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

November Travel in Southeast Asia

From November, the rainy season sets in for Indonesia, while the dry season really begins in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. November sees the start of Thailand's cool (warm) season. Days are usually hot (but not too hot) with balmy evenings. The average daily maximum is 31°C (88°F) and the average daily minimum is 24°C (75°F) .

Because of the pleasant weather and the Loy Krathong Festival (November 27th to 28th, 2023) , Thailand's peak travel season starts in November.

Avoid Koh Samui if you prefer sunny beaches. Unlike in Krabi or Phuket, November is the peak rainy month in Koh Samui and its side of the peninsula.

Unlock the best places to explore in Southeast Asia during November >>>

December Travel in Southeast Asia

December is good time for a trip to reward yourself for a year's hard work (before your accrued holiday is left untaken).

The temperature range is 24–32°C (75–89°F) on average . Pleasant weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays make travel businesses in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia reach their busiest point in December. You're suggested to make reservations 3 months in advance for better prices and to ensure availability.

Near to the end of the year, hotel/flight rates will increase a lot (1.5 times or even double) based on the large demand. Christmas or New Year dinners are usually fully booked in popular hotels/restaurants. Book that early too!

Singapore and Thailand are two best places to experience the atomaspheric festivals. Check how to plan a trip to Singapore and Thailand

For more weather details, check Southeast Asia Weather in December

Travel in Southeast Asia Your Way

Southeast Asia is a beautiful year-round destination and you're bound to have a good time no matter when you visit. We take everything, including the weather, into consideration when designing the best possible itinerary for you.

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Circle Indochine 16 Days - Thailand /Vietnam/Cambodia and Laos

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• Christmas & New Year
• Explore the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Sail across the majestic Halong Bay
• Discover the ancient temples of Angkor Wat

“Every single guide exceeded our expectations. The tour company Prestigo Asia handled all the connections and transport - always on time smooth, polite fantastic!”

• Watch Hoi An's outdoor show with 500 performers
• Tour the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat
• Kayak in the serene waters of Halong Bay

“We visited some great temples and other sites which were well run and our tour gides were really knowledgeable.”

• Spot Wild Dolphins and Snorkel with Turtles
• Experience stunning sunsets and amazing nightlife
• Delve into culture and discover ancient temples

“The trip was so well done and nothing was left uncertain. I would start again if I could!”

• In-depth Cultural
• Laze on tropical islands and picturesque beaches
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• Explore the serene countryside of Kampot

“Truly a wonderful experience. Would recommend Intro to anyone and would go to Cambodia again!”

• Learn to surf in Kuta and stroll through markets in Ubud
• Visit amazing temples - Tanah Lot and Pura Taman Ayun
• Meet the locals and indulge in traditional Balinese cuisine

“You had good contacts for the additional activities we wanted to do, like jewellery making, which really made it!”

• Savor local flavors on a Siem Reap food crawl
• Meet your group in vibrant Bangkok
• Cruise the Mekong River to a homestay experience

“The whole trip was amazing, I got to see, learn and do lots of different things.”

• Sightseeing
• Take a boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat
• Cycle in the countryside and cook Vietnamese meals
• Go back in time and explore the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels

“Saw and learnt a lot. All hotels were good not too big or too small. All food was amazing.”

• Bike through Bangkok's historic sites
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“A fantastic mix of locations and cultures.”

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“Lots of fun activities to explore the area and learn about the culture. The Island hopping in El Nido offers some spectacular views and the snorkeling on the tour is fantastic.”

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15 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Jul 13, 2022

The countries that fall in the Southeast Asia region have so much going for them, it's almost impossible to keep them off anybody's travel bucket list . From white, soft beaches and major cities to the rich history, culture, and the must-try food, this part of the world has something for everybody.

While some destinations, such as Thailand's beaches and islands and the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia, are known everywhere, some places in Southeast Asia remain more elusive and off the main tourist radar. This gives visitors a chance to mix things up – to go with the crowds to see the most popular spots, but also make time to discover new and different corners of Southeast Asia.

Whatever your heart is set on, here is a list of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Located in northwestern Cambodia, the city is best known for being the gateway to the Angkor region, but Siem Reap has much to offer on its own. A mix of Chinese and colonial architecture gives the city a unique vibe, where countryside residents and old motorbikes blend with a vibrant café culture and a modern club scene.

Siem Reap is home to two important museums: The Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center , which offers a chance to learn more about landmines and their ongoing impact on Cambodia and other Asian countries, and the War Museum , which covers the involvement of Cambodia in several wars.

There are also a number of massive markets in the city, including Psah Chas, which caters to both locals and tourists with a variety of souvenirs, fresh food, and more.

Angkor Wat , the largest religious monument and one of the top World Heritage Sites , lies less than six kilometers north of Siem Reap. The ruins of this 12 th -century temple complex cover a space of over 162 hectares, with hundreds of structures built using sandstone blocks. There are a number of other temples, also built in Khmer style, in the area, including Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Pre Rup.

• Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap

Ha Long Bay consists of a group of islands and limestone karsts that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Many of the islands are actually tall monolithic cliffs that cannot be walked on, covered in green, lush jungle. Some of these are hollow and house beautiful caves. Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stake Cave) is a good example, a massive cave with three main chambers, multicolored stalagmites, and rock paintings. Many of the islands also have their own enclosed lakes.

Of the almost 2,000 islands here, less than 40 have permanent residents, often in the form of small communities that live in floating houses and fishing villages.

Ha Long Bay's largest island, Cat Ba , is the most common overnight stop for tourists coming to Ha Long Bay for cruises and tours. Kayaking the turquoise-green waters of the bay is a popular activity here, as well as cruising the bay in traditional junk boats.

• Read More: Things to Do in Halong Bay

While Koh Samui has always been a beloved destination for sun worshippers and snorkelers, the crowd the island attracts has changed over the years.

Once a favorite of backpackers, Koh Samui has undergone a remarkable transformation. It now boasts high-end resorts, posh spas, and some of the whitest palm-fringed beaches in Thailand. Chaweng and Lamai beaches attract the bulk of the travelers and are well developed, clean, and full of activities, including opportunities to sail, scuba dive, and swim.

While most visitors come to Koh Samui for the beach , there's much more to see and do. Take time to explore the mangroves and hidden lakes of Ang Thong Marine National Park ; the 12-meter-tall golden Buddha at the hilltop Big Buddha shrine; and the Na Muang waterfalls, reached after a trek uphill through thick tropical forest.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Koh Samui

The tiny island of Boracay is just across the water from Panay Island, one of the Philippines' largest islands. Despite being only 10 square kilometers in size, Boracay attracts thousands of visitors a year, who come here for the four-kilometer-long beach and its powdery white sands that wash right into the turquoise waters and the sailboats rocking away on the waves. This is one of the best beaches in the Philippines .

In addition to scuba diving and snorkeling, Boracay is well-known for its parasailing, kiteboarding, and swimming-and, perhaps more unexpectedly, its cliff diving . Diving boards ranging from three to 15 meters high over the water are placed on certain parts of the island, with lifeguards waiting and watching as divers fly up in the air over the mirror-like waters below.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in the Philippines

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the ancient city of Bagan was once the capital of the first kingdom of Myanmar. Between the 11th and 13th century, over 10,000 pagodas and Buddhist temples were built here. Over 3,500 still stand today in the area known as the Bagan Archaeological Zone, which spreads over 41 square kilometers.

One of the most famous temples in Bagan is the Ananda Temple , a Buddhist temple built in a unique fusion of Mon and Indian styles. Dhammayangyi Temple , the largest religious structure in Bagan, is visible from all corners of the city and is famous for its mysterious bricked up interior.

The Bagan Archaeological Museum , located within the Archaeological Zone, is home to artifacts recovered from the area, such as stucco works, lots of lacquer and metal artifacts, and stone sculptures, including a Rosetta Stone dating back 1,000 years.

Just outside the Bagan Archeological Zone sits the sleepy village of Myinkaba, famous for the ancient art of lacquerware. Visitors can stop by workshops to see items being painted by hand, and then grab some souvenirs at the many shops around.

For the most famous sunset-viewing spot in town, head to the white Shwesandaw Paya pagoda. Here, you can climb part of the building to catch the 360-degree views over the hills and other temples around.

Malaysia's capital is a city of contrasts: the cultural and financial heart of the nation, with magnificent skyscrapers and three of the world's largest shopping centers-but also a great example of colonial architecture, Malay Islamic details, and old Chinese shophouses. Walking through the city is a great way to appreciate the eclectic look of this relatively new Asian capital and see the different cultures and styles melting into each other.

KL is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world , the Petronas Towers – architectural marvels of steel and glass that stand 452 meters tall. The towers are surrounded by a large urban park and are home to a massive shopping center with over 350 stores, a theater housing the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and even an underwater aquarium.

KL is a very green city, with many parks, gardens, and open spaces everywhere you go. The 92-hectare Lake Gardens is a major urban park that contains a butterfly park, the world's largest aviary bird park , and an orchid garden. You'll also find three forest reserves within the city, perfect for trekking and catching sight of rare fauna.

The limestone Batu Caves (which contain several Hindu shrines); the Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations ; and the colorful town of Malacca, established by Portuguese settlers, are all great day-trip destinations from Kuala Lumpur.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Malaysia

Thailand's capital has lots going for it. Not only is this the main gateway for all major destinations within the country, but this cosmopolitan city also has much to offer on its own. With over 24 million visitors arriving here every year, this is also one of the top cities in the world to visit .

Sitting right on the Chao Phraya River and full of stunning skyscrapers that share the sidewalk with major Buddhist temples and popular cafés and hangouts, Bangkok's multi-faceted sights will please a wide range of visitors, from those looking for excitement and shopping opportunities, as well as those wanting to dive into cultural and historical landmarks.

Even tourists who are only here briefly on their way to the islands should make time to visit the Grand Palace , a former royal residence converted into a museum. For those with more time in the capital city, the royal Vimanmek Mansion (the largest teak building in the world) and the Jim Thompson House, a museum dedicated to the American businessman who revolutionized the local silk industry, are also worth a visit.

For a completely different view of the city, get on a classic tuk-tuk taxi or jump on a water bus.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

Singapore is a unique spot in Southeast Asia. This island city-state is modern and cosmopolitan , a place where multi-story shopping centers mix with stunning and unexpected natural attractions.

The Marina Bay Sands , an integrated resort, is a good example of that-it offers not only a hotel, but also a museum, art-science exhibits, and the best terraced views over the city and bay from the infinity pool set on their roof.

Sentosa Island is another example, an entertainment complex that includes everything from a two-kilometer-long beach and a restored coastal fort to Southeast Asia's first 4D theater, a Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, and even a Universal Studios Singapore theme park.

Singapore's airport has been named the best in the world, and it's an attraction all in itself, home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a five-story tall indoor garden, a mirror and haze maze, and a massive butterfly garden with over 1,000 species flying free in tropical greenery.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Singapore
• Best Beaches in Singapore

Up until 2011, Myanmar offered only limited access to tourists because of the five-decade-long military dictatorship that commanded the country-so now that it's finally possible to visit, and before it becomes crazy busy with tourists, you definitely should see this fascinating destination.

Yangon was the capital of Myanmar (or Burma) until 2006, when the military government moved it somewhere else. Since the country was under military dictatorship for so long, the city suffered a lot of issues and still boasts a lot of buildings in decay and with inadequate infrastructure.

Still, Yangon is full of beautiful architecture in the form of colonial-era buildings centered around the 2,600-year-old Sule Pagoda . It is the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda (also known as the Golden Pagoda) that dominates the skyline of the city, however-the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country, believed to contain relics of the last four Buddhas.

Visitors should make time to visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market , where stalls sell everything from antiques and local handicrafts to Burmese jade, local delicacies, and even natural medicine products. Another great must-do is the Yangon Circular Train , which runs on a 46-kilometer-long loop around Yangon, offering a unique insight into the real daily life of Burmese people.

This northern city in Laos is surrounded by a number of villages that together form the UNESCO Town Of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site . Recognized for its mix of rural, French colonial, and religious architecture and heritage, the city is one of Laos' most visited and certainly most beautiful.

Luang Prabang sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and is home to many temples-including Wat Chom Si shrine, located at the top of Mount Phou Si and overlooking the town. Alms ceremonies (where monks take to the streets to ask for food) are so common here that in the early morning, the entire town is covered in streams of orange as the monks make their way through the streets.

Just outside the city, the Bear Rescue Centre (which specializes in helping sun bears rescued from poachers) and the multi-tiered Kuang Si Falls are both worth a visit. If you're up for some trekking, head out to the Pak Ou Caves , famous for their hundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Laos

Palawan has been named one of the most beautiful islands in the world so many times, it's hard to ignore its beauty. Technically speaking, Palawan remains under-developed, which means fewer high-end hotels but also slow, sustainable growth to protect the virgin forests, green jungle mountains, and wonderful wildlife.

Palawan is surrounded by quiet turquoise waters that are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. Lots of smaller islands dot the ocean around Palawan, and you can spend an entire day island-hopping and still not see all the amazing beauty the area has to offer.

Miniloc Island , a rustic escape northwest of Palawan, is home to a number of lagoons and soft sandy beaches you can reach on your own or via a motorized water taxi.

For those who prefer underwater adventures, the waters around Palawan hold six shipwrecks of coral-encrusted Japanese ships sunk during WWII. Divers can slip in and out of the engine rooms, bomb holes, and portholes, swimming with fish and turtles-some of the wrecks are as deep as 42 meters.

• Read More: Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Say "Bali" and people think soft white beaches, corals, and snorkeling-and while it's true that Bali has plenty of beautiful destinations on the sand (including the Nusa Penida beach, with cliffs that resemble the head of the T-Rex), that's not all you can see here. In fact, the lush, green, terraced rice fields in the province of Ubud are just as stunning.

Bali's farmers have been setting rice paddies on terraces for centuries to deal with the hilly terrain of the area-and these areas make for stunning landscapes.

For a donation entry fee that equals pennies, visitors can walk the terraces here for hours, as the green fields extend far beyond what the eye can see. Those who arrive early in the morning will have the place almost to themselves, the soft sound of the rice fields swishing in the wind.

Visitors to Ubud can also check out the Ubud Monkey Forest ; a macaque sanctuary; the traditional royal palace Puri Saren Agung; and the gardens of Pura Taman Saraswati, a water temple famous for its lotus pond and volcanic tuff sculptures of deities.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bali

Komodo Island is more than "just one" of the over 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. This rugged island of just under 400 square kilometers is home to the world's largest lizard , the Komodo dragon. In fact, the population of Komodo dragons here is double the population of permanent human inhabitants, making for a unique sight as you walk through the island's volcanic hills and forests.

Komodo Island is also home to a wide variety of wet ecosystems, including mangrove forests and coral reefs, both of which attract lots of travelers looking to explore, dive, or kayak around the island.

The main sightseeing attraction here, however, is Pantai Merah , one of only seven pink-sand beaches in the world. The cotton-candy sands are the result of an interesting natural phenomenon-when microorganisms, called foraminifera, that live in the coral die, their bright red shells are washed out on the beach and mix in with the white sand, creating the beautiful hue that attracts so many visitors.

Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai is often referred to as the cultural capital of the country. Once the seat of the former Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is teeming with centuries-old temples, jungle-shrouded sanctuaries, and mountains in every direction.

A smaller and less chaotic city than Bangkok, Chiang Mai still attracts travelers from all over the world who come for the low-key lifestyle, nature, history, culture, restaurants, and budget-friendly hotels.

Backpackers often make Chiang Mai a main stop on their Thailand travels, as prices are much more attractive than down south on the beaches, and Chiang Mai is a jumping-off point from which to explore the various smaller hill communities that dot the mountains.

One of the must-see temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden hilltop shrine that overlooks the entire city below. One of the most sacred spots in Thailand, this temple complex is simply stunning. Visit just before sunset when the monks begin to chant. It is the most magical time to be at the temple.

From Chiang Mai, travelers often set out to explore Mae Hong Son province to the northwest, one of Thailand's most historic provinces, known for its smaller villages and ancient tribal communities.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Vietnam's capital sits at an unusual precipice between historic and modern. The thriving city only opened to tourism as recently as the 1990s. Today, Hanoi is a buzzing, chaotic, energetic, beautiful amalgamation of ancient history, a war-torn past, and a modern future. It's one of the best places to visit in Vietnam to really learn about what makes the country tick.

Start in the old quarter, where you will find a heady mix of street vendors, cafés, restaurants, and more motorbikes than you can possibly count. But in between the zipping, zooming, pulsing chaos are pockets of tranquility and peace. Take Hoan Kiem Lake, for example, a 12-hectare lake in the heart of the historic city center. Around the lake are beautiful pagoda gateways, one of which is How Phong Pagoda, one of Hanoi's must-see sites .

The Temple of Literature is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, too. It is a Confucian temple that was built as a university that dates back to the 11th century. Hanoi is also the city where visitors will find the tomb of Ho Chi Minh, the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Military History Museum.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Great Destinations in Southeast Asia: When it comes to choosing the best places to visit in SE Asia, the list is long and the decision can be tough. If you are traveling through Thailand , consider heading up to Chiang Mai or head over to the Andaman Sea to explore places like the Phi Phi Islands or Phuket , and the beautiful beaches in Krabi .

More on Thailand

17 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

This post may contain affiliate links.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure. In 2024, you can explore vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisines without breaking the bank.

From Southeast Asia’s sun-soaked beaches to Eastern Europe’s historic streets, countless destinations offer incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the 17 cheapest places to travel this year!

Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, from rice terraces to stunning coastlines, provide a backdrop for unforgettable adventures. The vibrant street food culture offers delectable dishes at incredibly low prices. With friendly locals and a rich history, Vietnam is a must-visit destination that won’t strain your wallet.

Portugal is known for its picturesque beaches, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage. You can indulge in local wines and traditional pastries with affordable accommodations and eateries without overspending. Explore the historic streets of Lisbon or relax in the scenic Algarve on a budget.

Mexico is an adventurer’s paradise with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and mouthwatering gastronomic delights. Enjoy low-cost transportation and accommodations while exploring ancient ruins and stunning beaches. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor authentic tacos and discover the warmth of Mexican hospitality.

Thailand welcomes travelers with its stunning islands, bustling markets, and serene temples. Known for its exceptional affordability, visitors can embrace the local culture through street food and all-inclusive resorts. Experience the energetic vibe of Bangkok or the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui without breaking the bank.

Hungary offers an enchanting blend of history, art, and thermal baths at budget-friendly prices. Wander through the stunning architecture of Budapest and indulge in rich Hungarian cuisine at local restaurants. With public transport being both efficient and economical, it’s easy to explore this beautiful country without overspending.

India’s vast landscape is rich with history, spirituality, and diverse culinary experiences. From urban centers to rural villages, there’s something for every traveler. Accommodation and meals are also remarkably low-priced, making India a perfect destination for budget-conscious adventurers.

Greece has stunning islands and ancient ruins and is increasingly affordable, especially outside the peak tourist seasons. Relish delicious Mediterranean cuisine and soak up the sun while visiting historical landmarks. Explore the beautiful villages of the Cyclades without the hefty price tag.

Romania is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, known for its gorgeous castles, medieval towns, and stunning natural landscapes. With low-cost dining and accommodation, it’s an ideal destination for travelers exploring rich folklore and history.

Colombia has diverse ecosystems, including tropical beaches, mountainous terrain, and a lively culture. Visitors can experience world-renowned coffee and warm hospitality at budget prices. Explore the vibrant streets of Medellín or relax on the Caribbean coast without burning a hole in your pocket.

Indonesia, consisting of thousands of islands, offers breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture at affordable prices. Whether you indulge in delicious local cuisine or immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, there’s something magical at every corner. Experience Bali or the rugged beauty of Sumatra while sticking to your budget.

Nicaragua is a lesser-known Central American destination with beautiful landscapes, colonial cities, and rich culture. From volcano hiking to relaxing on pristine beaches, experiences abound at pocket-friendly prices. Savor local dishes and engage with friendly locals while exploring this charming country.

Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and pristine beaches, all at a low cost. Visitors can explore stunning national parks and indulge in flavorful cuisine without overspending. Enjoy the warmth of its rich culture while discovering breathtaking landscapes on a budget.

Turkey offers a mesmerizing blend of different cultures, rich history, and stunning landscapes—all at affordable prices. Experience the enchanting streets of Istanbul or relax in the beautiful coastal towns of the Aegean. Enjoy delicious local cuisine without straining your budget while exploring this fascinating country.

Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for its beautiful mountains, beaches, and rich cultural heritage. With cheap accommodations, travelers can explore historical sites and enjoy local delicacies at minimal costs.

Morocco beckons with its vibrant souks, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, all at budget-friendly prices: Experience Marrakech’s bustling markets or the Sahara Desert’s tranquil beauty. With delicious tagines and friendly locals, Morocco is a vibrant destination that offers unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.

South Africa

South Africa invites travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences. While the major cities can be pricier, many smaller towns and rural areas offer low-cost attractions. Explore the beauty of Cape Town’s Table Mountain or experience a safari at a fraction of the price.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is an undiscovered treasure in Southeast Asia. With stunning temples and pagodas, bustling markets, and delicious street food, it’s a budget traveler’s dream. Accommodations are also reasonably priced, making it easy to explore this beautiful country without overspending.

10 Big Things Non-Americans Believe All Americans Have in Their Homes

Having the perspective of someone on the outside looking in can make you rethink what you’re accustomed to every day. This can be as simple as your specific life to the lives of a country as a whole. People who don’t live in America share their thoughts on what every American has in their homes on an online forum. Whether these ten items are genuinely in every household in the US is up to you to decide.

10 Big Things Non-Americans Believe All Americans Have In Their Homes

10 Popular Places in the US That Have Tent Cities Today

The US is dubbed the land of opportunity and abundance, but not everyone has a roof over their head. While the number of homeless people has increased in the last decade, tent cities are a growing reality, especially in larger states, a sobering reminder of the deep-seated issues of homelessness, poverty, and lack of affordable housing in the US.

10 Popular Places in The US That Have Tent Cities Today

Airbnb Must-Haves: Insights From a Well-Traveled Airbnb Guest

Drawing from our experiences, this article offers valuable insights and tips to help hosts create an unforgettable Airbnb experience. Let’s delve into the Airbnb essentials and must-haves that will delight guests.

18 of the Most Dangerous Small Towns in America

The truth about the most dangerous towns in America is surprising. They differ from the towns you would expect or where you think they should be.

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This Country Was Named the Best Place to Retire in Southeast Asia for Health Care, Housing, and Cost of Living

Thailand also boasts over a thousand picture-perfect islands.

R.M. Nunes/Getty Images

Retiring abroad is becoming a reality for more and more Americans. Whether seeking a more affordable lifestyle or just a new adventure, the number of retirees receiving their social security checks abroad has more than doubled since 2008 to 760,000 in 2022 . And while some opt to relocate to a European country like Spain or Portugal , others focus on far-flung locales like Southeast Asia. If this sounds like you, consider spending your golden years in Thailand.

The country was recently named the best for U.S. expats to retire in the region, and the 16th best overall by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS). The company ranked countries in three categories: quality of life, acceptance and integration, and economics. Thailand was second in the economics category and seventh for overall quality of life. GCS compared consumer prices in Bangkok and New York City, and pointed out that the cost of living in the Big Apple is 149 percent higher than in the Thai capital.

"Rent is notably steeper in New York, at 503.5 percent higher than in Bangkok. Restaurant prices also show a substantial difference, being 420.1 percent more expensive in New York compared to Bangkok. Grocery items follow this trend, costing 122.1 percent more in New York," GCS's report states . The company also pointed out that rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok costs, on average, $615.35.

Another benefit of relocating to Thailand is that retirees get access to one of the world's best and most effective health care systems . The Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited 62 hospitals in the country, the fourth-most in the world . JCI is a non-governmental organization that measures best practices in patient care and safety globally. GCS noted that procedures like "MRIs, hip replacements, and dental services are offered at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries."

As part of the application process for a non-immigrant visa "O-A" granted to people 50 or older — the most popular type among retirees — the country now requires proof of health insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000. 

"The cost of living in Thailand is significantly lower than in many Western countries, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and stretch their pensions further. Additionally, Thailand's favorable tax regime exempts foreign-sourced income from local taxation if not remitted within the same year, which is particularly beneficial for retirees who receive their pensions from abroad," Laura Madrid, leader of GCS' research team within the Global Intelligence Unit, told Travel + Leisure.

Of course, a significant draw for seniors is Thailand's weather , delicious food, and many islands, which offer white-sand beaches, lush views, and a laid-back lifestyle. "The allure of Thailand is also tied to its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, providing retirees with numerous opportunities for exploration and enjoyment," Madrid added.

The country's lowest scores on GCS's report are in English proficiency (the company states that Thailand was 101st out of 113 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index ) and Migrants Acceptance sub-categories. Its security score was in the mid-range as its Global Peace Index score is 92nd out of 163 countries.

Malaysia is the only other Southeast Asian country on Global Citizen Solutions's ranking of best countries to retire. You can see the complete list on globalcitizensolutions.com .

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The Top 7 Tourist Destinations in Southeast Asia You Must Visit

Southeast Asia is a region filled with vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes and diverse attractions. Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or seeking relaxing time in paradise, this region has something for everyone.

With 11 countries to visit in Southeast Asia, it can be overwhelming to narrow down where to visit. The good news is: you really can’t go wrong choosing!

Here are the top 7 tourist destinations in Southeast Asia that should be on your must-visit list.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is a city that offers a mix of old and new. Historical sites sit side by side with modern skyscrapers.

The city is famous for its lively street markets, vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage. It’s one of the best cities to begin a journey through Southeast Asia as the city can connect you with any part of Thailand, as well as Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Must-visit sites include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its massive Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Bangkok’s dynamic energy, combined with its world-class street food, makes it one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly for solo travelers .

• Explore the opulent Grand Palace, the former royal residence.
• Watch a match of Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand.
• Dive into Bangkok’s street food scene , sampling dishes at places like Chinatown and Khao San Road.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring the city.

How to Get There

• By Air: Bangkok has two major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK), both with international connections. Suvarnabhumi is the main international gateway, while Don Mueang is used for low-cost carriers.
• By Train: Bangkok is connected by train to major cities in Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Hua Hin.
• By Bus: Buses from neighboring countries and within Thailand arrive at Bangkok’s various bus terminals.

2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat , the largest religious monument in the world, is Cambodia’s crown jewel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed in the early 12th century, is a stunning example of Khmer architecture.

Some people know Angkor Wat as the Tomb Raider temple because the movie was filmed there. But there’s so much more to it!

Originally built as a Hindu temple and later converted to a Buddhist site, Angkor Wat is surrounded by a vast complex of ruins, each telling a part of Cambodia’s history. The temple is especially magical at sunrise when its silhouette contrasts beautifully against the morning sky.

Needless to say, the architecture is awe-inspiring. Anyone who loves history or culture must visit this destination in Southeast Asia. There are more things to do in Siem Reap , too, aside from Angkor Wat.

• Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the hauntingly beautiful Ta Prohm and the enigmatic Bayon Temple.
• Take a guided tour to delve deep into the history of the temple complex.
• Watch the beautiful colors of sunrise over Angkor Wat.

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier.

• By Air: Fly into Siem Reap International Airport, which has connections to major cities in Southeast Asia. From the airport, Angkor Wat is about a 20-minute drive.
• By Bus: Siem Reap is well-connected by bus from other cities in Cambodia and neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
• By Tuk-Tuk: Once in Siem Reap, tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable way to reach Angkor Wat. It’s also recommended to travel through the ruins by tuk-tuk.

3. Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

The Ha Giang Loop is Vietnam’s ultimate adventure, offering a rugged yet breathtaking journey through the northernmost part of the country. The loop, best experienced by motorbike, takes you through dramatic limestone mountains, deep valleys and terraced rice fields.

If you can’t ride a motorbike, don’t worry. There are plenty of companies in Ha Giang that offer “easy riders” – the opportunity for you to sit on the back of a bike driven by an experienced local.

There’s a lot of hype and expectations around the Ha Giang Loop as it’s grown in popularity, especially on social media. That said, the scenery is definitely worth the hype.

The Ha Giang Loop is about more than scenery though—it’s also an opportunity to connect with the ethnic minority communities who live in this remote region.

• Ride through the Ma Pi Leng Pass, renowned for its stunning vistas.
• Stay with local families in traditional homestays to experience authentic Vietnamese culture.
• Discover hidden gems like the Lung Cu Flag Tower and Dong Van’s ancient town.

Best Time to Visit Ha Giang Loop

September to November, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush after the rainy season.

• By Air: The nearest major airport is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can take a bus or private car to Ha Giang (about 6-8 hours).
• By Bus: Buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang are available daily. The journey takes about 7-8 hours.
• By Motorbike: Many travelers rent motorbikes in Hanoi and ride to Ha Giang. The loop itself is best explored by motorbike.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, often called the “Island of the Gods,” is Indonesia’s most famous tourist destination for a reason. This island is known for its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture and luxury on a budget.

Bali offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to surf, relax, explore ancient temples or sample new foods. It’s impossible to deny that the island is crowded – however, locals are incredibly kind and can help you find some off-the-beaten-path activities.

There are many towns in Bali known for different things. For example, Ubud is a cultural hub, famous for yoga retreats, art galleries, and traditional dance.

• Visit the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, where you can watch a traditional Kecak dance at sunset.
• Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces for some of Bali’s most iconic scenery.
• Unwind on the beaches of Seminyak, Kuta, or Nusa Dua, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Bali

April to October, during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

• By Air: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), which has direct flights from many international destinations. From the airport, most major tourist areas are within a 30-60 minute drive.
• By Ferry: Bali is connected by ferry to neighboring islands such as Java and Lombok .
• By Bus: If you’re coming from other parts of Indonesia, buses connect Bali to major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya via ferries.

5. Vang Vieng, Laos

Vang Vieng, once known as a party town, has transformed into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestled along the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by mountains, caves, and lush landscapes.

The town offers a range of activities, from tubing down the river to exploring hidden caves and trekking through the countryside.

Getting around Vang Vieng can be an experience in itself. The city is large enough so walking isn’t always an option, meaning you’ll get to experience tuk-tuks and motorbikes firsthand. These aren’t intimidating – in fact, transportation in Southeast Asia is easy when you get the hang of it.

Vang Vieng’s serene environment and adventure opportunities make it a must-visit destination in Laos.

• Go tubing or kayaking on the Nam Song River, taking in the stunning limestone cliffs.
• Explore Tham Phu Kham Cave, home to a lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue.
• Fly high on a hot air balloon ride.

Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng

October to March, during the dry season, when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Vientiane, Wattay International Airport. From Vientiane, Vang Vieng is about a 4-hour drive.
• By Bus: Buses and minivans run regularly from Vientiane and Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, taking about 4-6 hours depending on the route. Note that some of the roads in Laos can be very bumpy.
• By Train: The Laos-China Railway has a stop in Vang Vieng, making it accessible from Vientiane and Luang Prabang by train.

6. Singapore

Singapore is a dynamic city-state that blends modernity with tradition.

Known for its cleanliness, efficiency and multicultural population, Singapore offers a variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers.

From the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to the historic enclaves of Chinatown and Little India, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Its culinary scene, known for its mix of street food and high-end dining, is another highlight that draws food lovers from around the world.

• Visit Marina Bay Sands, including its SkyPark and the ArtScience Museum.
• Stroll through Gardens by the Bay, home to the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest.
• Discover the diverse neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

February to April, during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and many cultural festivals take place.

• By Air: Changi Airport is Singapore’s main international gateway, consistently ranked among the best airports in the world. It has extensive global connections.
• By Train: The KTM Shuttle operates between Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Singapore, offering a quick and convenient way to travel between the two.
• By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Singapore with various cities in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.

7. El Nido, Philippines

El Nido , located on the island of Palawan, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning seascapes and pristine beaches.

With its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and hidden lagoons, El Nido is often ranked among the most beautiful places in the world. The area is ideal for island hopping, snorkeling and diving, with an abundance of marine life and coral reefs to explore.

El Nido’s natural beauty and relaxed vibe make it the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

• Take an island-hopping tour to explore hidden lagoons, secluded beaches and limestone cliffs.
• Snorkel or dive in Bacuit Bay, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Relax on Nacpan Beach, often considered one of the best beaches in the Philippines.

Best Time to Visit El Nido

November to May, during the dry season, when the seas are calm and perfect for island hopping.

• By Air: The nearest major airport is Puerto Princesa International Airport. From Puerto Princesa, it’s about a 5-6 hour drive or van ride to El Nido. Some airlines offer direct flights from Manila to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport), which is just a short drive from town.
• By Ferry: Ferries from Coron to El Nido are available, taking about 4 hours. This is a scenic route if you’re coming from another part of Palawan.

Southeast Asia is a region of endless discovery. No matter which location you choose, you’re guaranteed to have new experiences you’ll remember forever.

While this list of top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia is a great start, there’s so much more to explore across the region. As you plan your journey, I hope you’ll be able to include some of these destinations.

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