Asia is one of the best regions in the world for budget travel. From $1 street food meals to $10 hostel beds and $30 boutique hotels, you can explore ancient temples, tropical islands, mountains, and megacities-without draining your savings.
If you’re searching for cheap destinations in Asia, this detailed guide covers:
- The cheapest countries to visit
- Average daily travel costs
- What you’ll spend on food, transport, and accommodation
- The best time to visit cheaply
- A country comparison table
- A sample 7-day budget breakdown
- Smart travel tips to save even more
Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, student traveler, or planning a budget couple’s trip, this guide will help you plan smarter.
How We Chose These Cheap Destinations in Asia
To make this list genuinely useful, destinations were selected based on:
- Average daily budget (backpacker to mid-range)
- Affordable accommodation availability
- Cheap local food options
- Budget-friendly public transportation
- Visa accessibility
- Safety for travelers
- Strong tourism infrastructure
Cost estimates are based on average prices from platforms like:
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
- https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/
- https://www.skyscanner.com/ (for flight comparisons)
Budgets assume comfortable but economical travel — not ultra-luxury and not extreme penny-pinching.
Top 12 Cheap Destinations in Asia
1. Vietnam – One of the Cheapest Countries in Asia
Average daily budget: $25–$40
Why it’s affordable:
- Street food meals: $1–$3
- Hostel dorm beds: $6–$12
- Budget hotels: $20–$35
- Intercity buses: $10–$20
Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. From Hanoi’s old quarter to Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City, you get incredible value for money.
Best for:
Backpackers, food lovers, motorbike travelers
Cheapest time to visit:
May–September (except central Vietnam rainy season)
2. Cambodia – Ultra Budget Friendly
Average daily budget: $25–$35
- Guesthouses: $10–$20
- Local meals: $2–$4
- Angkor Wat pass (3 days): $62
Cambodia is extremely affordable, especially outside tourist-heavy Siem Reap. Accommodation and transport remain cheap, and US dollars are widely accepted.
Best for:
Temple exploration, slow travel
Cost tip:
Avoid overpriced tuk-tuk tours — negotiate beforehand.
3. India – Diverse and Extremely Affordable
Average daily budget: $20–$40
India offers huge regional price differences, but overall it’s one of the cheapest Asian countries.
- Budget hotels: $15–$30
- Street food: $1–$3
- Train travel: $5–$20
Best for:
Culture, food, spiritual retreats, backpackers
Cheapest time:
Avoid peak winter (December–January) for lower prices.
4. Nepal – Budget Mountain Adventures
Average daily budget: $25–$40
- Guesthouses: $8–$20
- Meals: $2–$5
- Local buses: very cheap
Nepal is ideal for affordable trekking. Even Everest region travel can be done on a reasonable budget compared to global mountain destinations.
Best for:
Trekkers, nature lovers
5. Indonesia (Beyond Bali)
Average daily budget: $30–$45
While Bali can be tourist-priced, many Indonesian islands remain very cheap.
- Local food: $2–$4
- Guesthouses: $10–$25
- Domestic flights: affordable with AirAsia
Best for:
Island hopping, diving, volcano hikes
6. Laos – One of Southeast Asia’s Hidden Bargains
Average daily budget: $25–$35
Laos remains less commercialized than Thailand or Vietnam.
- Hostels: $6–$12
- Meals: $2–$4
- Scenic bus rides: very affordable
Best for:
Slow travelers, nature, river towns
7. Sri Lanka – Budget Beaches and Wildlife
Average daily budget: $30–$45
Sri Lanka offers great value outside peak tourist months.
- Guesthouses: $15–$30
- Local rice & curry: $2–$4
- Train rides: incredibly cheap
Best for:
Beach lovers, train journeys, safaris
8. Thailand – Affordable If You Travel Smart
Average daily budget: $35–$50
Thailand can be cheap if you avoid resort islands and luxury zones.
- Street food: $2–$5
- Hostels: $8–$15
- Local buses: very cheap
Budget tip:
Stay outside main tourist strips.
9. Philippines – Budget Islands
Average daily budget: $30–$45
Flights between islands can increase costs, but accommodation and food remain affordable.
Best for:
Island hopping, diving
10. Malaysia – Great Infrastructure, Low Cost
Average daily budget: $30–$50
Malaysia offers excellent transport systems and cheap local food.
- Hawker meals: $3–$5
- Budget hotels: $20–$40
11. Mongolia – Cheap for Adventure Travel
Average daily budget: $30–$50
Outside Ulaanbaatar, costs drop significantly.
Best for:
Off-grid adventure and nomadic culture
12. Taiwan – Affordable East Asia Option
Average daily budget: $35–$55
Compared to Japan or South Korea, Taiwan is significantly cheaper.
- Night market meals: $3–$6
- Budget hotels: $30–$50
Cheapest Countries in Asia Ranked (Backpacker Budget)
- India – $20/day
- Vietnam – $25/day
- Cambodia – $25/day
- Nepal – $25/day
- Laos – $25/day
- Sri Lanka – $30/day
- Indonesia – $30/day
- Philippines – $30/day
- Thailand – $35/day
- Malaysia – $35/day
- Mongolia – $35/day
- Taiwan – $40/day
Cost Comparison Table
| Destination | Daily Budget | Hostel Price | Street Food Meal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $25–$40 | $6–$12 | $1–$3 | Food & Backpacking |
| India | $20–$40 | $5–$15 | $1–$3 | Culture |
| Cambodia | $25–$35 | $6–$12 | $2–$4 | Temples |
| Nepal | $25–$40 | $8–$15 | $2–$5 | Trekking |
| Indonesia | $30–$45 | $8–$15 | $2–$4 | Islands |
| Thailand | $35–$50 | $8–$15 | $2–$5 | Beaches |
| Sri Lanka | $30–$45 | $10–$20 | $2–$4 | Wildlife |
7-Day Sample Budget: Vietnam Example
Flights
Round-trip from US/Europe: $600–$900 (check https://www.skyscanner.com/)
Accommodation (7 nights)
$15 average x 7 = $105
Food
$10 per day x 7 = $70
Transport
Buses, taxis, airport transfers = $40
Activities
Tours & entrance fees = $80
Total (excluding flight):
~$295 for one week
That’s under $45 per day including activities.
Budget Travel Tips for Asia
1. Travel During Shoulder Season
Avoid peak months. Prices drop significantly in:
- May–June
- September–October
2. Use Budget Airlines
Check:
3. Eat Local
Street food is not only authentic but far cheaper than restaurants.
4. Use Public Transport
Trains and buses cost a fraction of taxis.
5. Withdraw Larger Cash Amounts
Avoid multiple ATM fees.
6. Avoid Tourist Traps
Book tours locally instead of through hotel desks.
7. Use Travel Insurance
Compare affordable plans at:
https://www.worldnomads.com/
Is Southeast Asia Cheaper Than South Asia?
Generally:
- South Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) is slightly cheaper overall.
- Southeast Asia offers better tourism infrastructure and convenience.
For absolute lowest daily costs, India and Nepal win.
For balanced cost + comfort, Vietnam and Thailand are ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest country in Asia to visit?
India and Vietnam are typically the cheapest for international travelers.
How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Asia?
Budget travelers: $400–$700 (excluding flights).
Mid-range: $800–$1,200.
Is Asia safe for budget travelers?
Yes, most countries listed are generally safe. Always check travel advisories at:
https://travel.state.gov/
What is the cheapest month to travel in Asia?
May and September are often cheapest due to shoulder seasons.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Go?
If your priority is:
- Lowest possible cost: India or Vietnam
- Best mix of value and comfort: Vietnam or Thailand
- Nature and trekking: Nepal
- Island life on a budget: Indonesia or Philippines
Asia remains the best region in the world for affordable international travel. With smart planning, you can explore stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and world-class cuisine — all for less than many domestic trips in Western countries.
If you’re planning your next trip, compare flight deals early, travel during shoulder season, and focus on destinations where your money stretches the furthest.
Cheap travel in Asia isn’t just possible — it’s one of the smartest ways to see the world.