Travelers have long loved Asia for its stunning sights, captivating cultures, and, last but certainly not least, reasonable prices.
Unfortunately, though, some of the continent’s most beloved attractions have turned into chaotic, overpriced tourist traps, whereas the places that still maintain the type of tranquility, authenticity, and reasonable prices we’ve come to know and love are just too far off the beaten path to provide a proper touristy experience.
So where do you go when you want to see a city that’s just as interesting and trendy as it is affordable?
We’ve scoured the most recent studies on Asia’s cheapest destinations and cross-referenced them to the reports outlining the continent’s most popular cities (as of 2024).
That’s how we compiled the ultimate list of the 10 cheapest places in Asia you’ll actually want to visit, so if you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place!
Vientiane, Laos
As the only landlocked nation in mainland Southeast Asia, Laos tends to get overlooked by tourists, who, let’s face it, are mainly traveling to the region for world-class beaches.
What they don’t know is that what the country lacks in beachy allure is more than it makes up for in cultural attractions, natural sights, and unbeatable prices – and Vientiane, the capital, is the perfect example of all that.
Despite being home to roughly a million people, the city still manages to retain a sense of peace and tranquility, which is more than what can be said for other Asian capitals of its kind.
And while attractions like the majestic Pha That Luang, the Wat Si Saket temple, or the famous morning and night markets all contribute to Vientiane’s rising popularity as a must-see hub, what’s drawing in travelers the most is the unbelievably low cost of living.
Hotels that charge $15-$35 a night are the norm here, with some cheaper places costing as little as $5, and 5-star hotels renting out their rooms for just over $100.
Everything else (food, transportation, tickets to popular attractions, and so on) follows a similar pricing trend, so keeping your daily spending under $20 is pretty easy around here.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Otherwise known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City stands as the ever-evolving cultural heart of Vietnam.
One thing’s for sure – your itinerary here will be jam-packed.
Whether you’re a history buff eager to explore the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, a foodie waiting to see what the bustling street food stalls have in store, or just an avid sightseer looking to take some magazine-worthy pictures of Dong Khoi Street and Saigon River, the sheer number of things to experience will feel a bit overwhelming.
And to think that all that’s available for under $60 a day is mindblowing!
El Nido, The Philippines
Tucked away at the northern tip of Palawan Island, El Nido is the ultimate tropical paradise.
Seeing its gem-colored waters, untouched beaches, and limestone cliffs, you’d think that a trip to the municipality would cost an arm and a leg – luckily, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Budget Your Trip estimates that a one-week trip to El Nido costs around $276 for one person and $552 for two – that includes everything from food and accommodation to sightseeing excursions!
The only part of the experience that could make the trip a bit pricier is travel since plane tickets to the Philippines often surpass the $800 mark, but given that you’ll probably be paying less than $39 per person a day, it all balances out.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If there’s a ranking of Asia’s most visit-worthy destinations that doesn’t include a Thai hub, I’ve yet to see it.
And today, the country’s proud representative is Chiang Mai, a city famous for its ancient temples, busy markets, and naturally gorgeous countryside – in short, the ultimate authentic Thai experience.
Here, the average tourist can expect to pay roughly $45 a day, which gives you plenty of leeway in your budget to explore everything I mentioned thus far and more.
Canggu, Indonesia
This laid-back coastal village is one of Bali’s most stunning attractions and the ultimate proof that a getaway to the iconic island doesn’t have to break the bank.
For just under $50 a day (always assuming you don’t go all out on a luxury villa), you’ll get to experience Canggu’s bohemian vibe, otherworldly beaches, and unmistakable cuisine.
The Rest Of The Top 10
If you’ve yet to find that perfect budget-friendly destination, here are the rest of the places that made it to the top 10:
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Luang Prabang, Laos
- Pokhara, Nepal
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
While each has a distinctive flare, I can guarantee that every single one of these destinations has something to offer to everyone, and at a reasonable price, too.
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