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Travelers have long loved Asia for its stunning scenery, fascinating cultures and last but certainly not least, reasonable prices.
Unfortunately, however, some of the continent's best-loved destinations have turned into chaotic, overpriced tourist traps, while those that still maintain the tranquility, authenticity and reasonable prices we know and love are far from over. Off the beaten path to provide a proper tourist experience.
Where would you go if you wanted to see an interesting and trendy city at an affordable price?
We've scoured the most recent studies on Asia's cheapest destinations and cross-referenced reports outlining the continent's most popular cities (up to 2024).
We've compiled the ultimate list of 10 cheap places to visit in Asia, so if you're looking for inspiration, you've come to the right place!
Vientiane, Laos
As the only landlocked nation in mainland Southeast Asia, Laos tends to be overlooked by tourists who, let's face it, mainly travel to the region for its world-class beaches.
Little do they know that what the country lacks in beach glamor it more than makes up for in cultural attractions, scenery and unbeatable prices – and the capital, Vientiane, is a perfect example of all that.
Despite being home to nearly a million people, the city still retains a sense of peace and tranquility, which is more than can be said for other Asian capitals.
While attractions such as the majestic Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket Temple or the famous morning and night markets all contribute to Vientiane's rising popularity, what attracts travelers most is the incredibly low cost of living.
Hotels here typically charge $15 to $35 per night, some of the cheapest places start at $5, and 5-star hotels rent their rooms for over $100.
Everything else (food, transportation, tickets to popular attractions, and more) follows a similar pricing trend, so it's pretty easy to keep your daily spending under $20 here.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the ever-growing cultural center of Vietnam.
One thing is for sure – your itinerary here will be jam-packed.
Whether you're a history buff keen to explore the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, a foodie waiting to see what's in store at the bustling street food stalls, or a visitor eager to snap some press-worthy pictures of Dong. Coi Street and the Saigon River are a bit too much to enjoy.
And all for under $60 a day is mind blowing!
El Nido, Philippines
Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, El Nido is the ultimate tropical paradise.
With its jewel-colored waters, untouched beaches and limestone cliffs, you'd think that visiting the municipality would cost an arm and a leg – luckily, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Budget your trip A one-week trip to El Nido is estimated to cost $276 per person and $552 for two – and that includes everything from food and lodging to sightseeing excursions!
The only part of the experience that might make the trip a bit pricey is the trip, as plane tickets to the Philippines often exceed $800, but you'll be paying less than $39 per person per day, and it all balances out.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If there's a ranking of Asia's most must-see destinations that doesn't have a Thailand hub, I haven't seen it yet.
Today, the country's proud representative is Chiang Mai, a city famous for its ancient temples, busy markets and naturally beautiful countryside – in short, the ultimate authentic Thai experience.
Here, the average tourist can expect to pay around $45 per day, which gives you plenty of options within your budget to explore more of everything I've mentioned so far.
Canggu, Indonesia
This quiet beach village is one of Bali's most stunning destinations and the ultimate proof that a visit to this iconic island doesn't have to break the bank.
For less than $50 a day (assuming you never end up in a luxury villa), you'll enjoy Canggu's bohemian vibe, otherworldly beaches and impeccable cuisine.
The rest of the top 10
If you still haven't found the perfect budget-friendly destination, here are other destinations that made the top 10:
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Luang Prabang, Laos
- Pokhara, Nepal
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Although each has a unique scope, I can guarantee that each of these destinations caters to everyone and is reasonably priced.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of the companies included in the post.