Cheap Asian Countries to Visit: 10 Budget-Friendly Options

If you're planning your next solo or family vacation in Asia and need to stick to a strict budget, no problem. We've found 10 cheap Asian countries to visit without sacrificing a memorable experience. We’ll also provide some useful tips, such as packing your luggage or selecting your holiday season wisely. These can help you experience an exotic trip at a lower cost than expected. Let's find out. How We Chose These Budget-Friendly Destinations Most believe Asia is a cheap place to travel to. But not necessarily; some cities, like Singapore or Hong Kong, are as expensive as Europe. That's why we specifically chose places that offer the best value for money without being entirely out of our budgets. This is how we did it: 1. Cost of Daily Expenses Well, as backpackers, here’s what we looked at: Affordable accommodations – Hostels, guesthouses, and low-cost hotels, from £3 a night. Cheap and delicious food – Street food and local eateries where a meal costs as little as £1. Low-cost transport – Public options, motorbike rentals, and ride-hailing apps to get around easily. Inexpensive activities – Exploring ancient towns and visiting historic temples, which are either free to enter or cost just £3. It might sound too good to be true, but in many places on our list of cheap Asian countries, you can cover all your daily expenses for just £20-£30. For example, in Vietnam, we found a clean hostel room for just £4 a night. In Thailand, a plate of freshly made Pad Thai costs only £1. Trains and buses cost just a few pounds, as is typical in Sri Lanka. A plate of Pad Thai usually costs around £1. Photo by Patrick Foto - stock.adobe.com 2. Value for Money: Affordability vs. Experience Planning a trip on a budget doesn't mean sparing on experiences. So, we did not consider cost alone. We looked for places where a pound counts a lot. Take the Philippines, for example. A dorm bed is just £5 per night, and a full meal from a street food stall typically costs less than £3. Yet our days were full of activity, from trekking the Banaue rice terraces to sunbathing on Boracay's white sand beaches. 3. Accessibility A place can be affordable once you arrive, but if flights are pricey or visas are tricky, it's not really a budget destination. Therefore, we focused on cheap Asian countries to travel to that are easy to reach with simple entry requirements. As we remember, we scored a one-way economy flight from London to Vientiane, Laos, for just £462. This was actually a lot cheaper than flying to Tokyo or Seoul. Visa-free or easy visa-on-arrival options also make a big difference. Thailand and Malaysia let US, UK, and EU travellers stay for 30 days visa-free, while India and Sri Lanka offer quick and simple e-visas. That means no paperwork nightmares or extra fees just to step off the plane. 4. Safety, Infrastructure & Ease of Getting Around Budget travel is only fun if you feel safe and can get around easily. Hence, we only picked destinations with low crime rates, decent infrastructure, and a stable social environment. So, which country is the safest and cheapest to live in? Take Malaysia and Vietnam. Both rank among the top 10 safest countries in Asia (Best Diplomats), and from our own experience, they felt welcome. Sure, the traffic can be a bit chaotic, and tourist scams exist (as they do everywhere), but overall, we never felt unsafe. Conversely, Myanmar is an incredibly cheap Asian country for travellers, but we left it off our picks due to its ongoing political instability and safety concerns. Gojek bikes, an affordable way to get around in SEA. Photo by Creativa Images on Adobe Stock For transport and convenience, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have reliable MRT, buses, ride-hailing apps like Gojek, and good airport connections for domestic and international travel. And these countries all have decent internet and ATMs, so you’re never stuck without cash or Google Maps. List of 10 Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit And now for the most exciting part. Let’s see the 10 destinations we’ve picked and discover what they have to offer. 1. Vietnam We expected Vietnam to be cheap, but honestly, we were still blown away by just how affordable everything is. Hostels, local food, transport, and even entry fees to attractions, most costs are between just £1 and £5. The twinkling beauty of Hoi An's old quarter in the evening. Photo by Kien on Adobe Stock So, why is Vietnam so cheap? Well, if you’re travelling with pounds, dollars, or euros, your money stretches a lot further here. Plus, Vietnam produces most of its own food, so fresh ingredients are super affordable. Not to mention, the country is also a solid pick for digital nomad communities. Even in the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, we still found incredibly cheap street food. Steaming bowls of pho, crispy banh mi, and plates of Com Tam with grilled pork cost as little as £1.50. For accommodation, we stayed in some amazing hostels for just £4–£12 a night, and some even had pools, games areas, and rooftop bars. Transport is also easy. The local buses cost just 30p, but we suggest renting scooters for around £5 a day. This way, you can explore Vietnam at your own pace, though navigating Vietnam's traffic requires some confidence. Average daily cost for one person: Between £25 and £45 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Strolling Hoi An's lantern-strewn streets at night. It’s magical and completely free. Cruising through the beautiful limestone islands of Halong Bay for approximately £10. 2. Thailand From the buzzing energy of Bangkok to the laid-back charm of Chiang Mai and the breathtaking beaches of Phuket, Thailand has something for everyone. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live?” this country should always be on your list. Trekking in Pai Canyon. Photo by Song_about_summer on Adobe Stock Here’s a pro tip: If you’re looking to stretch your vacation budget, head north. Northern Thailand is significantly cheaper than the central and southern regions. Accommodation is a steal, with private rooms in budget hotels starting at around £20 and dorm beds costing under £10. Just remember to pack the right clothes, as Thailand can be unbearably hot at times. And, of course, then there is the food. You can buy a plate of pad Thai, Panang curry, or a grilled meat dish for under £1 from a street stall. Restaurants are more costly but also good value. Even sightseeing won’t be expensive. Entry into museums and parks normally ranges from £1 to £4, while lively day excursions, including walking or visiting waterfalls, merely range from £12–£30. Average daily cost for one person: Between £30 and £50 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Trekking at Pai Canyon—Located in Pai, this offers breathtaking views of rugged landscape. When to go? Sunset, and it does not cost anything. Wakeboarding at Grand Canyon Water Park – An adrenaline sport for 550 baht an hour (~£12). 3. Cambodia With the US dollar widely accepted and a favourable exchange rate, Cambodia is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for budget travellers. Or, if you’ve ever wondered, “What country can you live like a king for cheap?”—this might just be the place. But what truly won us over wasn’t just the affordability; it was the incredible history, especially the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat. The time in Siem Reap was one of our most unique experiences. Entrance tickets to Angkor Wat start at just £25. Photo by SANCHAI on Adobe Stock When we visited, a one-day ticket to Angkor Wat was about £25. However, if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace, a multi-day pass, which costs around £50–£60, is well worth it. And about accommodation, dorm beds start at just £3 a night, while private rooms go for £10–£15. Getting around won’t cost much either; you can hire a tuk-tuk for the day to explore Angkor Wat for just £15–£20. Average daily cost for one person: Between £15 and £35 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Discovering the mythical Angkor Wat – a must-visit, from only £25. Visiting the Royal Palace and learning about Cambodia's past at the Killing Fields costs around £2.40 for entry, plus a further £1.60 for photos. 4. Laos This cheap Asian country to live in is peaceful and beautiful but often gets overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Vietnam and Thailand. While touristy spots like Luang Prabang and Vientiane can be a bit pricier, you can still travel on a budget if you stick to the more laid-back areas. Ride over Vang Vieng in a hot air balloon. Photo by Alvov on Adobe Stock Hotels start around £5 per night, but if you're not fussy about sharing a dorm, you can get a bed for £2. Dining out is also very affordable. Lao food, like Thai food, is fresh, aromatic, and highly flavoured, and it's not hard at all to eat for under £5 per day. Local buses cost just 50p per trip, and entry fees for parks, temples, and waterfalls range from £3 to £6. If you’re up for some adventure, outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and even hot air balloon rides are also surprisingly budget-friendly. Average daily cost for one person: Between £15 and £30 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Sipping in the scenery while enjoying a drink on a Mekong River boat trip – £20 per person. Soaring high over Vang Vieng on a hot air balloon for pure bird's-eye views – around £90 per person. 5. Indonesia When people think of Indonesia, Bali is usually the first place that comes to mind. But if you're looking for the cheapest Asian countries to backpack and want something different, you’re in luck: Indonesia has over 17,000 islands to explore. Lombok’s crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. Photo by jon_chica on Adobe Stock We chose Java, Sumatra, and Flores, and honestly, these lesser-known gems blew us away. One of our favourite moments? Seeing ancient Komodo dragons roaming freely in their natural habitat on Flores. If you're backpacking, you can get by on around £25 a day (as long as you skip Bali), while a more comfortable budget is around £50. Budget hotels start at just £10, but we found some lovely homestays and guesthouses for under £9. Some of the must-try street food here is gado-gado, nasi goreng, or sate skewers. You can eat them for as little as £1. Or, if you want something truly authentic, find a small warung (a family-run eatery), where the food costs around £2. Local buses are extremely inexpensive but not always punctual. Therefore, for increased mobility, scooter rental is by far the most convenient way to get around. Average daily cost for one person: Between £25 and £50 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Accessing the top of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, in Yogyakarta, for a mere £16. It's even more magical at sunrise. Steering clear of the throngs in Bali and travelling to Lombok instead, picture beautiful beaches, enormous waterfalls, and cheap lodgings. 6. India India is another fantastic answer to the question, “what is the world's cheapest country?” Whether exploring the majesty of Rajasthan's palaces or relaxing on Goa's shores, India has plenty of low-cost experiences to suit every kind of traveller. Be warned, though, travelling to India is unlike anything else you will experience. Enjoy a traditional Indian curry for just £1. Photo by nopsaran on Adobe Stock Accommodation in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai costs more than in smaller towns, but it’s still affordable. You can get a decent hotel room with basic amenities for as little as £6. If you want a bit more comfort and security, a three-star hotel will cost around £20 per night. And the food? For just £1, you can tuck into local favourites like curry, idlis, paratha, biryani, and Mughlai chicken. To save money on moving, just hop in an auto-rickshaw. It’s a fun way to explore big cities and usually costs around £2 for a group of four to six—if you’re good at haggling. Average daily cost for one person: Between £15 and £30 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Exploring Alleppey's beautiful lagoons and greenery, where you can stay for as low as £7. Traveling by scenic train to Goa, with its lovely beaches, bustling markets, and a blend of Indian and Portuguese architecture. 7. Nepal Known as the cheapest country to travel to in Asia without a visa, Nepal is a dream destination for hikers and thrill-seekers. It’s especially popular among those following the legendary Hippie Trail. While scenic flights over Mount Everest are pricey, overall travel costs here remain surprisingly low. Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu. Photo by jon_chica on Adobe Stock To keep everything in your budget, consider skipping expensive guided hikes. That said, safety always comes first, so we’d recommend teaming up with a few friends. As for accommodation, dorm beds start at just £2 a night, and private rooms in guest houses range from £6 to £8. Eating out is also reasonable, with many restaurants offering local meals for around £3. Here, people usually travel by bus or taxi. Buses are undeniably cheap. Meanwhile, taxis don’t use meters, so haggling is a must. And from our experience, you’ll need about £4 a day for transport. Average daily cost for one person: Between £20 and £35 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Wandering through Kathmandu and visiting the breathtaking Pashupatinath Temple for under £7. Going on a scenic bus ride to Pokhara, a lake resort town with spectacular Himalayan panoramas, for £5. 8. The Philippines With over 7,000 islands, lush palm forests, and stunning dive spots, the Philippines is a paradise of endless excitement. Luckily, it’s also the cheapest Southeast Asian countries to visit, so you can explore to your heart’s content without burning through your wallet. Tarzan zipline at Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor Island. Photo by HWL Photos on Adobe Stock To save money, avoid busy cities and opt for budget stays. A hostel night costs between £3 and £7, while a dorm bed is around £5. As is typical in Asia, street food is truly cheap, just between £1 and £3. Even beers are under £1, and bottled water is about 20 cents. The islands of Palawan, Coron, and Siargao are absolutely stunning. Once you get there, ferries are budget-friendly at around £10. If you're travelling further overnight, you can book a private cabin for just £12 to £15. Average daily cost for one person: Between £20 and £35 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Island-hopping in El Nido, with its 50 pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Budget hostel stays start at just 650 pesos a night (£8.78). Flying through the treetops on the Tarzan zipline and swimming in the clear blue waters of Cambugahay Falls. Entry is only 50 pesos per head (£0.68). 9. Malaysia We didn’t think Malaysia could be the good answer to “Which is the cheapest Asian country to visit?” Maybe the strong economy and the glitzy capital, Kuala Lumpur, threw us off. But guess what? There are loads of budget-friendly travel options here, from notable fishing villages like Kuala Sangga to epic hiking trails like Bukit Sri Bintang. The architecture of Dutch Square or Red Square in Melaka. Photo by navintar on Adobe Stock A little tip: West Malaysia is usually cheaper than East Malaysia. Dorm beds start at just £3 a night. Food is another win. Street food, influenced by Thai and Indian flavours, like nasi lemak, satay, or laksa, is typically under £1. However, alcohol prices are relatively high, with a pint of local beer costing around £2 in most bars and pubs. The public transport system is well-developed yet budget-friendly, with fares ranging from £0.12 to £1. A little extra for hiking to ancient temples and a day’s worth of travel will cost around £20. Average daily cost for one person: Between £25 and £40 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Hiking to Monkey Beach in Penang National Park – Observe macaques, black, dusky leaf monkeys, and multicoloured birds along the way. Admission price: £9 per person. Exploring Dutch Square in Melaka – Wander around the iconic red colonial buildings and visit St. Paul's Hill, all for free! 10. Sri Lanka It would be a huge omission if this list of the cheapest countries to live in Asia did not include Sri Lanka. With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, history buffs will love exploring places like Anuradhapura's ancient city and Polonnaruwa's sacred city. If you’re more into nature, Unawatuna’s golden beaches and Nuwara Eliya’s rolling tea fields will have you hooked. The train from Ella to Kandy winds through hill country and tea fields. Photo by Alekseev on Adobe Stock All the living conditions are as cheap as we expected. Guesthouses and hostel beds start at just £3 per night, while a comfortable three-star hotel can cost between £18 and £20. As for food, you can feast on local favourites like kottu roti and crab curry for just £1.50. Transport is cheap, too; buses and trains cost only a few pounds, and most attractions charge an entrance fee of £1 to £3. Average daily cost for one person: Between £20 and £35 Affordable experiences you’ll love: Whale watching in Mirissa – Catch a glimpse of majestic blue whales, then relax in this lively beach town. The cost starts at £23. Riding the scenic Ella to Kandy train – Wind through rolling tea plantations and misty mountains for as little as £1–£4, depending on your seat choice. Travel Tips for Budget-Friendly Asia Trips From our own experiences, the following are practical tips to travel to cheap Asian countries that are both memorable and budget-friendly: 1. Travel in the Off-Season If your cheap solo vacations are flexible with dates, avoiding the high tourist season can save you heaps on flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses. Thailand and Vietnam, for example, are cheaper (and less crowded) during the July-to-September rainy season. Sri Lanka is also much more affordable outside of the peak holiday periods. And fewer visitors mean a more relaxed vibe. 2. Pack Wisely Most low-cost airlines have restrictive baggage policies, and oversized luggage is expensive. Therefore, to avoid hassles, choose a bag that meets airline restrictions. A great option is the CabinZero under-seat bag (28L), which fits most airlines' personal item limits—perfect for travelling light without extra fees. Pack your essentials wisely with the CabinZero’s Classic Tech 28L Backpack (New Colours 2025) 3. Use a Travel Credit Card You might already know this, but just in case you don’t, a good travel credit card can help reduce foreign transaction fees. It also typically comes with perks like access to airport lounges and even free hotel stays. Just make sure to get the best one based on the rewards for your type of travel. Browse this guide for more details. 4. Opt for Road Travel If you have to stay within a budget of under £40 a day, avoid flights whenever possible. Local trains, buses, and motorbikes are much cheaper throughout these cheapest Asian countries and allow you to enjoy the scenery along the way. Even for journeys from one country to another, e.g., Vietnam to Laos, travelling by land instead of flying saves a lot of money. Or you could try an open-jaw flight. For instance, you could fly to Bangkok from your home country. Then make your way to Southern Thailand (Krabi, Phuket) via bus/train and catch a ferry to Langkawi. Travel overland to Penang, then Kuala Lumpur afterwards. Lastly, fly home from KUL. 5. Always Eat Like A Local Forget the fancy restaurants and eat local. In Malaysia and the Philippines, for example, you can enjoy a full meal for under £2. Be adventurous with new flavours, but trust your instincts. If a stall looks a bit dodgy, maybe skip it. Also, for insider advice on budget travel (and even scoring some freebies), check out our travel hacking guide. Get Set for an Adventure Through Asia No matter if you're food-, nature-, or culture-oriented, there are plenty of cheap Asian countries that offer incredible experiences without breaking the wallet. No matter where you choose to go, Southeast Asia generally provides amazing value at a fraction of the cost of many other destinations worldwide. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your essentials with the CabinZero backpack (lifetime guarantee), prepare your taste buds, and set off on your epic adventure across Asia. Quyen Pham