5 Cheapest Countries To Travel to Within Asia
Written by
Sarah Li Cain
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Travel isn’t exactly cheap, but it can be way more affordable than you think. And if you’re thinking about traveling to Asia, you’ll be able to find a ton of budget-friendly options. In fact, it could make up for the potentially long flight, assuming you’re flying all the way from North America.
Omio, a global travel booking company, has analyzed factors for Asian countries and ranked which ones are the most affordable for most travelers. You may or may not be surprised to learn that they’re all located in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia
Even budget hotels are way more affordable here compared to the rest of the world. On average, you can expect to spend around $20 USD per night. Airbnbs are also affordable if you have more people traveling with you, about $37 USD per night.
Whether you’re in the city or more rural areas, street food is plentiful and cheap, setting you back a few dollars for a meal. Transportation could add up, although even long distance travel by bus won’t set you back hundreds of dollars.
Indonesia
You can have your pick of the tens of thousands of islands in this Southeast Asian country. Whether you’re headed to Bali, the Komodo National Park or Gili Islands, your money can stretch pretty far in Indonesia.
According to Lonely Planet, a coffee costs about $1 USD, and meals for several dollars and activities like yoga classes can cost as low as $10. A room at a budget hotel can set you back as low as $18 per night.
Singapore
Singapore is most likely the priciest on this list, with prices closer to what you’d find in other destinations. You can most likely get by on $50 to $75 per person per day, but you probably won’t be able to stay at hotels or dine at nicer restaurants. If you’re willing to stay in hostels and eat at hawker centers, you can still have a nice time in this small country.
Thailand
You may be able to get by with spending around $20 to $30 USD per person per day, and still have a great time. Eating at street stalls and many restaurants is cheap and will set you back several dollars.
As for accommodations, you could find hostel stays as low as $5 per night, all the way to budget hotels from around $50. Transportation costs are low if you stick to public transportation and entry fees to parks and temples may be as little as $1.
Vietnam
Yes, you can travel to this country for around $40 USD per day for each peson, and that includes accommodation. According to Omio, one way public transportation tickets can cost as little as 30 cents.
Sure, you may not be staying at boutique hotels, but you can still take in the beautiful sights like Halong Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Plus, the street food in the country is impeccable and can cost less than a dollar per meal, not including drinks.
Like many of the other countries on this list, you can bargain at most markets, whether you’re hailing a rickshaw or purchasing a souvenir.
More From GOBankingRates
