10 Cheapest Destinations in Asia for Budget Travellers

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring unique cultures, fascinating tourist spots, and mouthwatering food without spending much from your savings, then this post is for you. 

The reason for that is you will find out the ten cheapest destinations from this post in Asia for you to travel to in order to experience what you need.

Whereas Asia is one of the best continents for budget travellers, as a matter of fact. 

Speaking of which, when you start to travel here, you will come across affordability, diversity, and an endless list of things to see and do. 

Therefore, whether you’re backpacking as a solo traveller or planning a trip with friends, Asia will definitely make your trip interesting. 

So grab your notebook to jot down things that you think are worth writing, and let’s find out the cheapest destinations in Asia.

Why Travel Asia on a Budget?

Think of it like this, travelling Asia on a budget isn’t just about saving money. In fact, it’s about getting more fun from what you’ve got. 

Imagine sipping fresh coconut water at a beach in the Philippines for less than $1 or eating a bowl of pho in Vietnam for under $2. Sounds perfect, right?  

Plus, many Asian countries are quite welcoming to tourists by making it easy to spend your budget. 

Moreover, you can stretch your dollars further here than in most parts of the world. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love feeling like a millionaire while ordering street food or bargaining at markets?

But beyond the financial perks, Asia offers experiences that you can’t put a price tag on. 

For instance, from trekking through jungles to meditating in ancient temples, every corner holds a new adventure. And guess what? Most of these experiences don’t cost much at all. 

So why not make the most of it?

Top 10 Cheapest Destinations in Asia

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—the top 10 cheapest places to visit in Asia. 

Trust us, these spots are perfect for travelers who are looking to explore without spending much.

1. Nepal

Nepal is a dream paradise for adventurers who love mountains, spirituality, and culture—all on a bearable budget. 

Speaking of which, beyond the famous treks like Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp (which are surprisingly affordable if you plan wisely), there’s so much more to explore. 

For instance, in Kathmandu, you can walk through Durbar Square, where ancient temples and palaces tell stories of Nepal’s rich history. 

Note: Entry fees are low, and the photo ops are priceless in Durbar Square.

On the other hand, if hiking isn’t your interest, head to Pokhara, which is a serene lakeside town surrounded by snow-capped peaks. 

While here, you can rent a kayak or paddle boat on Phewa Lake for just a few bucks. Or chill at one of the many rooftop cafes with a view of the Himalayas while sipping masala chai for less than $1. 

Also, don’t skip Chitwan National Park. While safaris might sound expensive, shared jeep tours start at around $20 per person. Where you can look for rhinos, elephants, and maybe even tigers.

Check Nepal tour packages from Sri Lanka.

2. Vietnam

Ah, Vietnam—a country that feels like it was made for budget travellers. 

Anyway, to get started, start your journey in Hanoi, where you can walk around Hoan Kiem Lake for free and get all that energy from this busy capital. 

In addition to that, the Old Quarter is perfect for people-watching, and street food stalls sell steaming bowls of pho for under $2. 

Note: Want something unique? Then join a free walking tour led by locals where they’ll show you hidden spots and teach you about Vietnamese history.

Moving on, down south, Ho Chi Minh City offers cheap motorbike rentals so you can roam around like a local. 

With that in mind, visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering yet fascinating look at Vietnam’s past. And when you’re ready to escape the city, hop on a bus to Mui Ne or Da Lat. Whereas these towns offer dirt-cheap accommodations and fun activities, such as sandboarding in Mui Ne or exploring flower gardens in Da Lat.

Check Vietnam tour packages from Sri Lanka.

3. Cambodia

Cambodia is often overshadowed by its neighbours, but trust us, it’s a beautiful place. 

Specifically, Angkor Wat is obviously the main attraction, and while the entrance fee is $37 for a single-day pass, splitting it between multiple days makes it worth every penny. 

Pro tip: Arrive early to catch sunrise, as it’s breathtaking.

Beyond Angkor, Siem Reap has tons of free or cheap things to do as well. 

For instance, you can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Khmer dishes like amok curry, which typically includes a market tour and lunch for $10-$15. Or you could visit the Landmine Museum, which is a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s resilience ($5 entry).

Moving on, in Phnom Penh, you could spend hours by roaming around the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before heading to Sisowath Quay for riverside vibes. 

Note: Street food stalls fill the area by serving skewers, noodles, and fresh fruit shakes. Oh, and did we mention all the tuk-tuk rides across the city that rarely exceed $2? Well, talk about value!

Check Cambodia tour packages from Sri Lanka.

4. India

India is actually unique in the best possible way. 

To put it simply, Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market is simple but thrilling, whereas you could bargain for spices, fabrics, jewellery and many more while trying on crispy samosas for cents. 

With that, nearby, you can find Humayun’s Tomb, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rivals the Taj Mahal in beauty.

On the other hand, for beach lovers, Goa is a paradise on a budget. 

This is because you can rent a scooter for $5 a day and travel along palm-fringed roads. 

With that being said, to be more specific, North Goa is livelier, while South Goa offers calm vibes.

Therefore, either way, you’re in for a treat.

Check India tour packages from Sri Lanka. 

5. Laos

Laos might not be popular just like other Asian countries, but to be honest there are some perks you can get from here.

Speaking of which, Vang Vieng in Laos is famous for its tubing adventures down the Nam Song River. 

Whereas for just $5, you will get a tube rental and access to riverside bars that blasts music. 

Trust us, it’s epic though quieter spots allow you to have some quality time by your end.

Moving on, Luang Prabang is Laos’ cultural heart, that you can visit. 

However, to get this experience, wake up early to watch monks collecting alms, which is a sacred tradition—and then visit Kuang Si Waterfall to see some tourist attractions. 

Oh, and did we mention about Beer Lao? Well, it’s just 50 cents a bottle and it’s practically mandatory to grab a few during your stay.

6. Indonesia

Trust us. Bali gets all the attention, but Indonesia’s other islands are equally fascinating—and cheaper. 

This is because Gili Trawangan is car-free, so you can rent a bike for $2 a day and pedal around the island. 

On the other hand, snorkeling gear rentals start at $3, and turtles swim right offshore by giving you a paradise vibe.

Speaking of paradise, Lombok offers pristine beaches without Bali’s annoying crowd count. 

Plus, Selong Belanak Beach is great for beginner surfers, with lessons starting at a lower price

Furthermore, you could trek Mount Rinjani for epic views with all the instructions from a guide for a reasonable amount.

7. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with so many natural places. 

So, one of those is Mirissa Beach, which  is gorgeous, and you have the opportunity over here to go whale watching for just $30.

On the other hand, if you prefer land-based adventures, you can always climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress ($30 entry) for panoramic views of the jungle below.

Moreover, train rides from Kandy to Ella are legendary, which you might have already seen on reels. 

Anyway, as for this, you can expect the tickets to cost around $2-$5 depending on class. 

Also, while you are enjoying your ride, make sure to stop in Nuwara Eliya to sip Ceylon tea straight from the plantations. 

That is because leaving Sri Lanka without trying out a fresh tea would be a waste.

Check Sri Lanka tour packages.

8. Philippines

The Philippines is like a tropical area where you can spend time. 

Specifically, Siargao, nicknamed as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” is gaining popularity but remains affordable. 

Speaking of which, surfboard rentals start at $5, and island hopping tours to Sugba Lagoon or Naked Island cost $15-$20.

On the other hand, Palawan may be pricier, but Bantayan Island offers similar beauty without the crowd count that you can find elsewhere. 

With that being said, as for the activities, you could swim in crystal-clear water, lounge on white sand, and feast on grilled seafood, which may cost only $2 per plate.

9. Myanmar

Oh Myanmar, speaking of which Shwedagon Pagoda is the main attraction over here that shines in gold and is well worth the $10 entry fee. 

On the other hand, Mandalay offers sunset views atop Mandalay Hill, while Bagan’s thousands of temples are quite similar to Angkor Wat that you can visit in Cambodia. 

As for the fun part, e-bike rentals start at $5 by making temple-hopping easy and eco-friendly.

Moreover, Inle Lake, which is famous for its floating villages, is accessible via longtail boats for $15-$20 shared among passengers. And street food that you can find here is perfect, and meals rarely exceed $2. 

10. Bangladesh

Over here, Dhaka might overwhelm first-timers, but wait until you go outside, and see its treasures. 

In other words, Sundarbans Mangrove Forest offers boat tours for $10-$15, by letting you spot Bengal tigers and crocodiles. How scary is that, right?

Well, conversely, Srimangal is Bangladesh’s tea hub. Where you can cycle through plantations or join guided tours for a reasonable price. 

And finally, floating markets in Barisal highlight the rural life, and ferry rides along the Padma River are scenic to be this real. 

Tips for Saving Money While Traveling in Asia

Now that we’ve covered where to go, let’s talk about how to save even more when you are travelling. 

• Eat like a Local: Skip touristy restaurants and go for street stalls or mom-and-pop shops. Trust us, these are not only cheap, but they’re usually tastier too.

• Use Public Transport: Trains, buses, and tuk-tuks are your best options. This is because they’re affordable and give you a taste of local life.

• Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses: Forget fancy hotels. Whereas hostels have comfy beds, friendly staff, and sometimes even free breakfast. So, it’s a win-win situation.

Best Time to Visit These Cheap Asian Countries

Always plan properly when it comes to budget travel. 

For instance, visiting during peak seasons means higher prices and crowdy spots. Instead, aim for shoulder seasons. 

For example:

• Nepal: October-November (post-monsoon) or March-May (pre-monsoon).

• Vietnam: February-April or September-November.

• India: November-February (cooler weather).

• Philippines: November-April (dry season).

Note: Most Asian countries have wet and dry seasons, so check the weather before your bookings. 

Tip: Off-peak times often mean cheaper flights and accommodations.

Safety and Travel Tips for Budget Travelers

Let’s face it—traveling on a budget can sometimes feel risky. But don’t be afraid of it! This is because with a few precautions, you can stay safe and sound:

• First of all, research your destination beforehand. Understand local customs, dress respectfully and stay out of trouble. Also, keep copies of important documents like passports and visas. 

• Secondly, blend in. As in avoid flashy jewelry or gadgets. Whereas this helps you to avoid unwanted attention. Lastly, invest in travel insurance. Yes, it costs money upfront, but it’s a lifesaver in emergencies.

So there you have it—a guide to Asia’s cheapest destinations for budget travelers. 

From Nepal’s towering peaks to Vietnam’s busy streets, these countries prove that amazing adventures don’t have to come with a price tag. 

Whereas all it takes is a bit of planning to embrace the moment.

Therefore, whether you’re slurping noodles in Cambodia or watching the sunset in Sri Lanka, remember that the best memories often come from the simplest moments. 

So plan your itinerary, grab your essentials, and hit the road. Asia is waiting for you!

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