Traveling in Asia can be a fantastic experience, rich in culture and natural beauty, and always a gastronomical delight. There are plenty of beautiful places to see and discover, delicious dishes, and things to do. Here are the best Asian countries to visit on a budget.
Thailand
Thailand is full of budget travelers, and it’s no wonder why. It has a lot to offer, such as beautiful scenery, amazing things to see and do, and great food, and travelers meet other backpackers here. Accommodation can be anything from low-budget hostels to budget-priced guesthouses for a little over $10. Walking down any street, you can find delicious street food (usually in front of 7 11 because it’s cheaper) for incredibly cheap, 10 – 30 bhat.
Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its great food, natural landscapes, and rich history. Vietnam is also a popular place for people to visit because it is inexpensive. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two of the biggest cities in Vietnam, are unique places to stay while in Vietnam. Hanoi is known as the “backpacking capital of the world,” here, you can find hostels for as little as $2 and a little more if you want your room; a cheap room is about $8.
Cambodia
Many tourists visit Cambodia to see the magnificent temples in the Angkor Wat temple complex. However, Cambodia offers a great deal more that will attract budget-conscious tourists. Budget hotels and guesthouses abound in significant cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, allowing backpackers and other budget-conscious travelers to keep their cash flow strong.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast archipelago famous for its stunning beaches, beautiful jungles, and diverse culture. Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia for beginners on a budget. You will have no problem traveling the island on $20 a day—this covers accommodations and food and will leave you enough to buy a few beers! The street food is delicious and cheap as chips. Plus, most of the activities on the island are free or inexpensive, so you have plenty to do!
India
India is just perfect for backpackers who are on a budget. There is so much diversity in landscapes, cultures, and experiences in India; thus, there is always something for everyone. Local traveling through the country is very cheap, not to mention there are several different ways to travel too! Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to heritage homestays, which can always come in handy for a couple of nights on your travels. Local traveling around India couldn’t be easier with auto-rickshaws, buses, and trains being cheap and convenient.
Nepal
Nepal is known for having the world’s most imposing Himalayan mountains, with ancient temples. The best tourist spots in Nepal are Kathmandu, where most of the festivals take place, and where you can see the other side of Nepal where civilization is not only the ancient city Nagarkot in the eastern part of the country, and Pokhara, the beautiful town set near a lake in the western part of the country. Raise your heartbeat with a trek into the famous mountains, or relax and enjoy the views.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has about 1,600 km of beautiful palm-edged beaches, which attract budget travelers looking to save. The country’s public transport is cheap and affordable – trains and buses – and fares will range between DLK100-500. The trains have routes from the south to the hills in the tea country, so be sure to check the train timetable before planning your trip. Buses are, however faster but crazier.
The Philippines
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, meaning certain natural perks come with the territory. Your money will also go a long way here, with cheap accommodation, transportation, and food costs. If you love the beach, this is the perfect destination for you. As an added perk, if English is your native language, there is no need to learn a local language!
Laos
If you like tranquility in landlocked countries, ancient temples, and a laid-back atmosphere – Laos is for you! An affordable place to stay is Citi’s, like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, where transportation via local buses or rented bicycles is also cheap. Find the peace of waterfalls, discover the Buddhist Monasteries, and grab a bite on the street or via a local market offering Laotian cuisine.
Myanmar
Located in Southeast Asia next to Thailand and Laos, Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a wonderland for budget travelers looking for adventures off the beaten path. Your pesos can go a long way in this country, where cheap guesthouses range from $8 to $15 per night. Despite its turbulent human rights history, the government has become more democratic and accessible to everyone. Besides that, Myanmar offers an adventure trip to explore the ancient temples at Bagan, Irrawaddy River Cruise, a trekking trip in northern Kachin State, magic Ngapali Beach, and the country’s second most significant city, Mandalay, with cultural and traditions.
Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most iconic places on earth, offering a little something for everyone. Regardless of your preferred climate, somewhere in Malaysia is always hot. If you ever want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and wind down with a book on a tropical beach, Malaysia is the place for you. Malaysia offers everything from cheap, delectable street food to affordable, clean, comfortable accommodation and transport. Malaysia is straightforward to get around. The notoriously cheap stand-alone flight company AirAsia covers main SE Asia flights.
Singapore
Singapore may make three visits worth of money disappear into thin air (3 days to see everything). Still, nothing can beat the cultural diversity with its hawker food centers or the diversity of tourism infrastructure like Formula 1 and Universal Studios. Although it is believed that a completely different style of travel is required to those remaining islands in SE Asia, Singapore still comes with its dirt-cheap hawker’s food courts. Chilli Crab is a must-eat dish in Singapore
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, while not the typical place to go for a holiday, offers a budget traveler an incredible and unique experience. Bangladesh is affordable, with excellent accommodations in the main cities such as Dhaka or Chittagong, starting from around 500 to 1000 Taka and even lower if you stay in a hostel or guest house. However, as a budget traveler, it is recommended to ride the local transportation to your destination area, such as bus services in the city, instead of a taxi, which can be pretty costly for a budget traveler.
Pakistan
For budget travelers, Pakistan is a perfect destination offering stunning natural landscapes, rich history and heritage, and the warmth of the local people. Hotels are cheap in cities like Islamabad and Lahore, and transportation around the country via package deals and bus or train services is inexpensive. Tour ancient forts and mosques, trek through the lush green valleys of Hunza, and dine in small local restaurants, tasting the delicious Pakistani food.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan smacked into the middle of central Asia, is a great destination. It is very cheap, with cheap lodging and food, and getting around can be accessible on buses. Kyrgyzstan is great for outdoor sports, and you can swim in their alpine lakes, climb their mountain passes, and experience living like a nomad. Turkey: Turkey is located between Europe and Asia.
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