Asia on a Shoestring: The Cheapest Countries to Travel Without Sacrificing Experience
So let’s dive into the top destinations in Asia where your dollar (or euro, or pound) stretches the furthest—without skimping on the experience.
6 The Cheapest Countries in Asia to Travel
1. Vietnam – Street Food, Motorbikes, and Natural Beauty
Vietnam is arguably one of the best-value destinations in Asia, if not the world. From the bustling chaos of Hanoi to the serene rice terraces in Sapa, the country offers an unmatched mix of culture, cuisine, and nature.
You can find delicious street food meals like pho or banh mi for less than $2. A bed in a clean hostel dorm? Around $5–$8. Local buses or trains connect major cities, and domestic flights are dirt cheap if booked in advance.
Don't miss Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters and limestone karsts, or the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An. Want adventure? Rent a motorbike and ride the Hai Van Pass like a local.
Daily budget: $25–$35
Sure, Bali has its share of luxury resorts, but it’s also home to $10 hostels, $2 meals at warungs (local eateries), and scooter rentals for under $5/day. If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds, consider Nusa Penida, Lombok, or Flores, where the prices drop and the authenticity rises.
Indonesia is a paradise for nature lovers—surfing, volcano trekking, diving with manta rays, and exploring ancient temples like Borobudur are all within reach for shoestring travelers.
Daily budget: $20–$30
The iconic Everest Base Camp and Annapurna treks can be done for $25–$30 per day, including food, lodging, and permits. Many villages along the trekking routes offer cozy tea houses with simple meals and even Wi-Fi (yes, at 4,000 meters!).
In Kathmandu, a filling meal costs under $3, and dorm rooms go for around $5–$7. Plus, Nepalese hospitality is second to none, making every dollar go a little further.
Daily budget: $20–$30 (more if you hire a guide or porter)
You can cruise down the Mekong River for days, explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, or go tubing (and floating bars!) in Vang Vieng. Local guesthouses can cost as little as $5 a night, and laap (a local minced meat salad) with sticky rice will fill you up for about $2.
Laos is perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel and deeper cultural immersion without breaking the bank.
Daily budget: $20–$30
Where else can you take a cross-country train for under $10, or stay in heritage guesthouses for under $15 a night? Indian street food is legendary, and even a restaurant meal might set you back only $3.
From the Himalayas in the north to the beaches of Goa and the backwaters of Kerala in the south, India offers more diversity than many continents, all on a modest budget. Just be ready for the adventure—it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Daily budget: $20–$35
A day pass to Angkor Wat is around $37, but after that, you can easily live on $20/day or less. Street food like lok lak (stir-fried beef) or amok (coconut fish curry) costs just a few bucks. Hostels are plentiful and cheap, and the backpacker scene is welcoming.
Beyond the temples, Cambodia’s countryside, floating villages, and coastal towns like Kampot and Kep provide a peaceful contrast to the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh.
Daily budget: $20–$25
The key is to be flexible, open-minded, and do your homework. Look for local buses instead of tourist shuttles. Eat where the locals eat. Stay in guesthouses rather than hotels. Learn a few words in the local language—it goes a long way.
So pack light, bring a sense of adventure, and get ready to experience Asia on a shoestring—without sacrificing a single moment of magic.
You can find delicious street food meals like pho or banh mi for less than $2. A bed in a clean hostel dorm? Around $5–$8. Local buses or trains connect major cities, and domestic flights are dirt cheap if booked in advance.
Don't miss Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters and limestone karsts, or the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An. Want adventure? Rent a motorbike and ride the Hai Van Pass like a local.
Daily budget: $25–$35
2. Indonesia – Island Hopping on a Budget
Most people only think of Bali when they hear “Indonesia,” but this archipelago of over 17,000 islands offers so much more—and often for less.Sure, Bali has its share of luxury resorts, but it’s also home to $10 hostels, $2 meals at warungs (local eateries), and scooter rentals for under $5/day. If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds, consider Nusa Penida, Lombok, or Flores, where the prices drop and the authenticity rises.
Indonesia is a paradise for nature lovers—surfing, volcano trekking, diving with manta rays, and exploring ancient temples like Borobudur are all within reach for shoestring travelers.
Daily budget: $20–$30
3. Nepal – Trekking the Himalayas for Less
Trekking in the Himalayas sounds expensive, right? Surprisingly, Nepal is one of the most budget-friendly places to get high—altitude-wise, of course.The iconic Everest Base Camp and Annapurna treks can be done for $25–$30 per day, including food, lodging, and permits. Many villages along the trekking routes offer cozy tea houses with simple meals and even Wi-Fi (yes, at 4,000 meters!).
In Kathmandu, a filling meal costs under $3, and dorm rooms go for around $5–$7. Plus, Nepalese hospitality is second to none, making every dollar go a little further.
Daily budget: $20–$30 (more if you hire a guide or porter)
4. Laos – Underrated and Unforgettable
Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Laos is Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. It has everything—lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and a relaxed, almost timeless pace of life.You can cruise down the Mekong River for days, explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, or go tubing (and floating bars!) in Vang Vieng. Local guesthouses can cost as little as $5 a night, and laap (a local minced meat salad) with sticky rice will fill you up for about $2.
Laos is perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel and deeper cultural immersion without breaking the bank.
Daily budget: $20–$30
5. India – A Subcontinent of Savings
India is a sensory overload—in the best way. It’s chaotic, colorful, overwhelming, and incredibly affordable.Where else can you take a cross-country train for under $10, or stay in heritage guesthouses for under $15 a night? Indian street food is legendary, and even a restaurant meal might set you back only $3.
From the Himalayas in the north to the beaches of Goa and the backwaters of Kerala in the south, India offers more diversity than many continents, all on a modest budget. Just be ready for the adventure—it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Daily budget: $20–$35
6. Cambodia – History, Hospitality, and Value
Cambodia is more than just Angkor Wat (although that alone is worth the trip). This country offers deep cultural experiences, kind locals, and some of the lowest prices in Southeast Asia.A day pass to Angkor Wat is around $37, but after that, you can easily live on $20/day or less. Street food like lok lak (stir-fried beef) or amok (coconut fish curry) costs just a few bucks. Hostels are plentiful and cheap, and the backpacker scene is welcoming.
Beyond the temples, Cambodia’s countryside, floating villages, and coastal towns like Kampot and Kep provide a peaceful contrast to the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh.
Daily budget: $20–$25
Final Thoughts: More Experience, Less Expense
Traveling on a budget doesn't mean cutting corners. In fact, it's often the opposite. Budget travel in Asia can mean more street food, more interaction with locals, and more spontaneous adventures you’ll never forget.The key is to be flexible, open-minded, and do your homework. Look for local buses instead of tourist shuttles. Eat where the locals eat. Stay in guesthouses rather than hotels. Learn a few words in the local language—it goes a long way.
So pack light, bring a sense of adventure, and get ready to experience Asia on a shoestring—without sacrificing a single moment of magic.
