10 Cheap Places to Travel in Asia

We share the best cheap places to travel in Asia, from budget-friendly beach escapes to vibrant cultural cities, we share the best Asia has to offer.

We have now lived in Asia for 8 years and there is so much to love about this incredible continent. Asia is varied, fun, cheap and exciting and there are so many amazing destinations to visit.

Whether you’re dreaming of street food feasts in vibrant capitals, white-sand beaches on a backpacker budget, or cultural experiences that cost just a few dollars, this guide highlights the best cheap places to travel in Asia where your money goes further and the experiences feel priceless.

Why Asia?

A land brimming with rich and diverse cultural heritage, where magnificent civilizations have left their marks on the sands of time. Exploring mystical Asia, a continent with 48 countries, home to the most vibrant and exotic cultures, is an experience to cherish for a lifetime; nothing beats backpacking in Asia.

The drool-worthy culinary treats, the breath-taking nature, UNESCO sites and an exotic, avant-garde aura awaits you here in the largest continent of the world – the bucketlist destinations in Asia are a must for many travellers.

Still, what draws most tourists to this fascinating continent are the vast options for budget-friendly vacations, with plenty of cheap and exciting destinations to visit. Most Asian countries offer a mix of both luxury and backpacking opportunities. So let us dig into a list of the most economical holiday destinations in Asia!

Cheap Places to Travel in Asia

1. The Philippines

One of the most renowned tourist attractions for those on a budget is the Philippines. It is home to myriad natural sites including beaches and bounteous coral reefs; there are so many beautiful places in Philippines to visit.

Studded by a plethora of churches, rice fields, volcanoes, strange animals, 7000 islands, hidden lagoons and a warm environment that welcomes you with arms wide open. The happy-go-lucky people here will not refrain from going theextra mile to put a smile on your face. 

You can plan a holiday in the Philippines for a perfect getaway from November to April. Major tourist magnets include Manila, Cebu, Boracay and the Palawan islands. The serene cyan waters and moderate temperature will surely feel like paradise.

You can easily access the remote island areas for trekking and sightseeing. The water sports mainly include kayaking and scuba diving, with Boracay Paraw Sailing being a fun, exciting option for adventure travellers. Other activities include canyoneering and mountain biking.

Exotic seafood and inexpensive liquor are sure to flood in your way! The real ice breakers are the plethora of festivals that are celebrated all year round in the Philippines. The affable locals will invite you delightfully to partake and rejoice. The nightlife is just as vibrant and registers karaoke as its main element.

Manila is a fantastic city to begin your travels in, with its markets, historic sights and the popular Manila Ocean Park; ideal for those visiting with families.

Average expenditure per day is 36 to 45 USD (inclusive of stay, travel and food!)

2. Indonesia

A lavish exotic amalgamation of historic highlights and nature’s glory at its very best. Gorgeous islands, lakes with clear blue waters and rich coastlines are truly a sight for sore eyes.

Borobudur is a must-visit stop for the most jaw-dropping temple and iconic, splendid stupas. Visit Balangan Beach or explore the majestic Bali beaches and Sumatra islands flaunt their own historic charm.  

For cutting the expense further, usage of local transportation is advisable. It also proves as an ice-breaker and if it’s your lucky day, may as well provide you with a glimpse into the rich culture and everyday festivities of the local folks.

Safari rides, snorkelling, Bali sea walker are the activities you can indulge yourself in. If you are longing to explore underwater life and have a thirst for marine exploration head to Tatawa islands, Batu Bolong and the Merah beach. If you want to explore a stunning national park, visit local villages and spot some volcanoes, make sure to enjoy the many things to do in Flores Island.

There are secluded beaches as well as romantic resorts on the islands if you are looking for a romantic getaway or honeymoon on a budget. This heavenly vacationing spot is worth exploring.

Average expenditure per day is 30 to 35 USD (inclusive of stay, travel and food.)

3. Thailand

A dreamy paradise which is the most visited tourist destination for light-budgeted vacationing. Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Pattaya,Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan are the highlighted tourist spots. The outstanding hospitality of the people here is like icing on the cake.

Asia’s most famous landscapes and monasteries are just a few hours away from beautiful beaches, forests and coral reefs. Plus the delicious, worldwide famous cuisine will leave you yearning for more!

The rich culture of Thailand can be tasted in its diverse, heavenly local food with warm satiating curries and herbs to bless the palate. There are open night kitchens for late-night food cravings as well. Apart from this, street food vendors are present almost at every nook and corner of the place.

Attracting bachelors from all over the world, it is the party destination of Asia. The night-life is as wild and happening as it can get. There are bars, cabarets, beach parties and not to mention, the Full Moon Party! This may sound like a perfect getaway for bachelors but it is also the most frequently visited tourist destination for newly-weds for their honeymoon.

Secluded islands and romantic destinations are scattered all over the place and are a real treat for a couples’ getaway.

Average expenditure per day is 42 to 49 USD (inclusive of stay, travel and food.)

4. Nepal

One of the most economical getaway destinations, serene, soothing and unfathomably beautiful, that’ll literally make you feel like you are on ‘Top of the world!’ In this ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, the scenic beauty, landscapes, mountains, rich cultural heritage and monasteries fill the soul like none other.

Apart from the tallest mountain in the world, the stairway to Heaven, Mount Everest, there are a plethora of lush green or snow-clad mountains according to the month you visit, in this country.

Apart from treks, you can indulge in exploring and learning about Hinduism and Buddhism religions via plenty of pilgrimage sites established in this religious hub with a rich cultural history. The weather is pleasant here throughout the year.

Main trekking areas include Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna hills, Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse and Mount Cho Oyu whereas other areas that top the charts in tourists’ lists are Kathmandu, Janakpur, Pokhara are Nagarkot.

Plus, you can explore the best places to visit in Kathmandu. There are jatras for pilgrims worshipping their deities. The food here is warm, mild and satiating such as vegetable-filled momos (dumplings) with beer, lentils and boiled rice, tropical and subtropical fruits.

Nightlife here is starred with pubs, bars, discotheques, drive-in theatres, cafes and restaurants. However, this may not be an ideal option for partying and adventurous nightlife due to restrictions and early closing hours for bars as well as pubs.

Average expenditure per day is 28 to 35 USD (inclusive of stay, travel and food.)

5. Laos

Laos was one of the first places that made me realize how far a dollar can stretch in Asia — think $15–$30 per day for food, transport, and a basic room in towns like Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng. 

Wandering through Luang Prabang’s golden-temple streets at sunset or cooling off under the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall feels like something out of a travel dream, yet costs almost nothing. Take a sunset cruise down the Mekong River for pocket change, rent a bicycle cheaply to explore quiet villages, and fill up on hearty Lao dishes for just a few dollars — it’s the kind of place where even long stays don’t break the bank. 

Activities here are as cheap as they are unforgettable: hike jungle trails, float by karst scenery, and start your day with sticky rice and Lao coffee without ever glancing at a high price tag.

6. Vietnam

Vietnam might be one of the most iconic budget destinations in Asia, and for good reason — $25–$40 a day will cover street-food feasts, guesthouses, scooters, and entrance fees.

Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City buzz with energy, historic sights, and coffee carts serving robust brews for under $2. A big bowl of pho in Hanoi can cost less than a snack back home, (there are some amazing restaurants in Hanoi to choose from) and renting a scooter lets you explore rice paddies, riverside towns, and national parks on your own schedule. 

Hoi An’s lantern-lit lanes and afternoon bike rides to the beach are a personal favorite — guesthouses can be as cheap as $10–$15 per night, and eating like a local means you’ll rarely spend more than a few dollars per meal.

Whether you’re cruising Ha Long Bay on a cheap tour or just sipping bia hoi in a backstreet bar, Vietnam feels rich in experience and light on expenses.

7. India

India feels like a sensory explosion — huge markets, golden palaces, Himalayan foothills, and coastal beaches — all with daily costs from around $15–$30 if you stick with local trains and cuisines. From Delhi’s historic Red Fort to Jaipur’s majestic Amber Palace, the many things to do in Mumbai and the serene backwaters of Kerala, there’s an endless array of experiences that feel priceless but won’t cost you much. 

Dining on local thali plates for under a few bucks or hopping trains between cities is part of the adventure — and it’s one of those trips where the memories far outweigh the modest price tags.

8. Malaysia

Modern, multicultural, and easy to navigate, Malaysia still surprises budget travellers as being one of the cheapest countries to visit.

Daily costs can be a bit higher than some neighbours (around $30–$50), but you’ll be rewarded with world-class street food, efficient transport, and cheap intercity buses that make getting around a breeze. Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is impressive, but the food markets and Penang’s hawker stalls are where you’ll see just how cheap delicious meals can be. 

I’ve spent entire afternoons tasting laksa, nasi lemak, and roti canai for just a handful of dollars — good luck resisting seconds.

9. Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka feels like a compact version of everything — beaches, wildlife safaris, ancient ruins, and misty hill country — all packed into one relatively small island, making planning a trip to Sri Lanka an exciting adventure.

The cost of travel in Sri Lanka is affordable and works well for all budgets. Daily budgets can sit around $25–$40, depending on how many activities you squeeze in, but food and local buses remain very affordable, making it easy to visit Sri Lanka on a budget. Rice and curry spreads are filling and often just a few dollars, and train journeys through the tea plantations are both scenic and inexpensive.

Climbing Sigiriya at sunrise, spotting elephants on safari, or relaxing on the southern beaches gives you such variety for the cost. I remember sitting on that famous train route to Ella, watching endless green hills roll past the window, thinking how surreal it was that such an iconic experience costs less than dinner back home; it really is one of the more romantic destinations in Asia.

10. Mongolia

Mongolia isn’t always the cheapest in terms of tours, but once you’re there, it can still be explored on around $30–$50 per day, especially if you join small group trips. Staying in traditional ger camps, eating simple hearty meals, and traveling across wide-open landscapes feels adventurous and authentic.

Riding horses across the steppe or watching the sunset over the Gobi Desert is unlike anywhere else in Asia. It’s not a luxury trip — it’s a raw, back-to-basics kind of experience — and that simplicity often keeps costs reasonable while delivering unforgettable memories.

Cheapest Destinations in Asia

Cheap Places to Travel in Asia – FAQ

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