Cheapest countries in Asia

Introduction

Asia is a dream destination for budget travelers. With a mix of ancient cultures, natural beauty, mouthwatering street food, and welcoming locals, many Asian countries allow you to stretch your dollar (or rupee, baht, or dong) further than almost anywhere else in the world. This guide explores ten of the cheapest countries in Asia, offering insights on what makes each destination affordable and worth visiting.

Vietnam

Why It’s Cheap
Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Asia, offering delicious street food, cheap transportation, and low-cost accommodation.

Cruise through Ha Long Bay on a shoestring.
Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s French colonial charm.
Trek through the rice terraces in Sapa or chill on the beaches of Da Nang.

Budget Tips:

Eat at local street stalls for under $2 a meal.
Use sleeper buses for cheap long-distance travel.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses starting at $5–$10 per night.

Cambodia

Why It’s Cheap:
With affordable food, transport, and accommodation, Cambodia is ideal for backpackers.

Witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Explore the capital Phnom Penh’s Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.
Relax on the undeveloped beaches of Koh Rong.

Budget Tips:

$20–$30 a day covers food, a bed, and transport.
Use tuk-tuks for short travel—always negotiate the fare first.
Avoid high-priced foreign-owned establishments to keep costs down.

India

Why It’s Cheap:
India offers perhaps the best value for money in the world. Trains, food, accommodation—everything is affordable.

Marvel at the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan’s forts.
Trek in the Himalayas or chill in Goa.
Enjoy South Indian cuisine and explore Kerala’s backwaters.

Budget Tips:

Meals can cost as little as $1–$3.
Use second-class sleeper trains for cheap travel.
Budget hostels and guesthouses often cost $5–$15 per night.

Laos

Why It’s Cheap:
Laos remains less commercialized than neighbors like Thailand, making it one of the cheapest places in Southeast Asia.

Visit Luang Prabang’s temples and waterfalls.
Go tubing down the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng.
Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars.

Budget Tips:

Daily costs often stay under $25.
Shared minivans are the best way to travel between towns.
Stick to local eateries and markets.

Nepal

Why It’s Cheap:
Even though it’s home to the Himalayas, Nepal is remarkably inexpensive for trekking, sightseeing, and cultural immersion.

Trek to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.
Explore Kathmandu’s ancient temples and Durbar Square.
Go on a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park.

Budget Tips:

Permits are required for treks, but costs are still manageable.
Tea houses offer cheap accommodation and food in trekking regions.
Public buses and microbuses are cost-effective for getting around.

Indonesia

Why It’s Cheap:
Beyond Bali’s tourist traps, Indonesia is packed with budget travel opportunities across its 17,000 islands.

Visit Bali, Java’s temples, or Komodo Island.
Explore Sumatra’s jungles and see orangutans in Bukit Lawang.
Surf or relax in Lombok and the Gili Islands.

Budget Tips:

Eat at warungs (local eateries) for under $2.
Travel by ferry or economy flights between islands.
Budget stays start from $6–$10 a night in hostels or homestays.

Bangladesh

Why It’s Cheap:
Often overlooked by travelers, Bangladesh is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia, with a rich culture and untouched tourism sector.

Explore Dhaka’s chaotic beauty and historic architecture.
Visit the world’s longest natural beach in Cox’s Bazar.
Take a boat through the Sundarbans, home of the Royal Bengal tiger.

Budget Tips:

Local meals can cost less than $1.
Ride rickshaws and local trains for authentic, low-cost travel.
Stay in local guesthouses for under $10 a night.

Sri Lanka

Why It’s Cheap:
Despite inflation in recent years, Sri Lanka remains affordable with its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and rich wildlife.

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples.
Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations of Ella.
Relax on the beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna.

Budget Tips:

Eat at local eateries called “hotels” for cheap rice and curry.
Buses and trains are incredibly cheap, though slow.
Homestays and hostels offer budget rooms from $8–$15.

Myanmar (Burma)

Why It’s Cheap:
Political challenges have kept Myanmar off the tourist trail, but for those who do visit, it’s remarkably affordable.

Watch sunrise over the temples of Bagan.
Explore Inle Lake by boat.
Visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

Budget Tips:

Street food and local meals can cost less than $3.
Overnight buses connect major cities affordably.
Budget accommodations range from $8–$15.

Pakistan

Why It’s Cheap:
Pakistan is becoming increasingly popular among adventure travelers, with majestic mountains and genuine hospitality, all at very low costs.

Trek through the Hunza Valley and see Fairy Meadows.
Visit the ancient cities of Lahore and Taxila.
Explore the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s highest paved roads.

Budget Tips:

Street food is delicious and inexpensive.
Local buses and minibuses offer cheap transport.
Guesthouses and hostels start around $10 per night.

Things to Do in Asia

Explore Ancient Temples and Ruins

Asia is the birthplace of many of the world’s oldest civilizations and religions. The continent is rich with ancient temples, shrines, and ruins.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia): The largest religious monument in the world—sunrise here is magical.
Borobudur (Indonesia): A giant 9th-century Buddhist temple in Java.
Kyoto Temples (Japan): Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and hundreds more blend natural beauty with history.

Eat Your Way Through Asia’s Street Food Scenes

Asian street food is world-famous for being flavorful, diverse, and affordable.

Thailand: Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and tom yum soup.
Vietnam: Pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls on every corner.
India: Chaat, dosas, and samosas—each region offers something different.

Go Island Hopping in Southeast Asia

Asia is home to thousands of idyllic islands with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back vibes.

Philippines: Palawan, Cebu, and Siargao offer clear waters and hidden lagoons.
Thailand: Explore Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or Koh Tao.
Indonesia: Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands combine beach life with culture.

Hike or Trek the Himalayas

The Himalayas span five countries and offer some of the most breathtaking mountain experiences in the world.

Nepal: Trek to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.
India: Hike in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, or Sikkim.
Bhutan: Explore the scenic Druk Path or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Experience Asia’s Iconic Train Journeys

Train travel in Asia is an experience in itself—scenic, social, and surprisingly affordable.

Sri Lanka: The train from Kandy to Ella is famous for its views of tea plantations.
India: Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or take an overnight sleeper train.
Japan: The bullet train (Shinkansen) is fast, futuristic, and punctual.

Where to Stay in Asia

Bangkok, Thailand – The Backpacker & Digital Nomad Hub

Best Area: Khao San Road for backpackers, Sukhumvit for expats and nomads

Why Stay Here:
Bangkok offers ultra-budget hostels, stylish boutique hotels, and co-living spaces. Khao San Road is lively and cheap, while Sukhumvit and Ari are better for longer stays.