Top 5 Most Affordable Places to Visit in Asia
The world’s largest continent, Asia is packed with diverse, vibrant and inexpensive tourist attractions. The region is home to mega cities, beautiful beaches, and ancient temples that can suit any traveler’s passion.
The good news is that; many of the populated Asian destinations are not expensive; thus, one can have a good vacation regardless of the amount of money they have to spare. Here are the top five cheapest destinations to travel to in Asia.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
The first place that could be suggested by anyone, who is planning a trip to Asia and is looking for a cheap destination, is Bangkok. Although Bangkok can be on the pricier side with some of its luxury attractions, it offers cheap accommodation and food for backpackers and is filled with amazing street food, free temples, and markets.
Transportation is well developed in Bangkok and it is not difficult to travel around this city using BTS Skytrain and river ferries that are quite cheap. Services like Thai massage, cooking lessons and night bazaars are usually cheaper compared to the ones you’d find back home.
Hailed as the most cosmopolitan city in Thailand is Bangkok; where you will enjoy the vibe of modern city and rich culture for the least amount of spending.
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap provides the entry point for visiting the enigmatic temples of Angkor Wat which are widely considered to be among the oldest and most captivating historical monuments in the whole world.
However, competition in terms of affordability is perhaps an even bigger success of Siem Reap because even outside of temples this is one of the cheapest towns in Asia.
From dorm beds for as little as a few dollars a night to 1-dollar noodles, and 50 cents for a beer, it is hardly possible to get a better deal. If after visiting temples you get bored, Siem Reap also offers great night life, cultural shows and other sightseeing options such as Cambodia War Museum where you can extend your Khmer experience at a reasonable cost.
3. Luang Prabang, Laos
If you want to relax in a more laidback Southeast Asian setting, Luang Prabang, the northern city of Laos is the place to visit. This former Annamese capital lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, in magnificent scenery of mountains.
Luang Prabang is a gem of a town with disappearing colonial architecture and ageless Buddhism manifested in temples like Wat Xieng Thong or Wat Visoun.
A cheap option, although it is still a few dollars over $50, is a riverside guesthouse or a basic room in a hotel. All of the superb Lao dishes ranging from noodle soup to sticky rice with grilled Mekong fish are offered at eateries, including roadside ones for as little as two dollars per head.
Due to its numerous attractions, enchanting appeal and numerous opportunities for cultural experience, Luang Prabang is hard to rival for backpackers.
4. Penang, Malaysia
Penang – an island situated in Malaysia – is a perfect blend of cultural heritage, delicious food, and beautiful sand and sea without the steep costs tourists may encounter in neighboring countries.
For less than $30-40 per night, you can sleep in skylit rooms of converted heritage buildings that are now boutique hotels; walk around the street stalls that sell everything from souvenirs to the famous Malaysian hawker fare of laksa noodle soup, roti canai breads, and fresh tropical fruits.
Visiting beaches of Batu Ferringhi one can feel the charm of the place which is not spoiled by construction of high risers like in Phuket. From the artsy district of Georgetown to the Kek Lok Si Temple, which is recognized as the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Penang has something that would interest any type of traveler and would suit any pocket.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Despite having its share of exclusive luxury hotels, Bali, an Indonesian island, is actually very affordable, particularly where the northern and eastern shores are concerned.
As one would expect, it is easy to find a wide range of low-cost lodging options ranging from cheap guesthouses to surfcamps, yoga-shacks and luxury villas for groups that can be rented for less than $100 per night. Order nasi goreng or mie goreng noodles at about $1.50 per portion as a packed meal.
At less than a dollar for each leg of the journey, tourists can take public transport to get to important attractions such as the ancient Hindu sea temples. Boasting of stunning beaches, picturesque rice terrains, unique culture, and Asia’s magnificent sunset backdrop, Bali still offers a backpacker-friendly experience.
Conclusion
Filled with various colors in culture, food, and topographies, Asia remains as people’s travel bucket list destination for many years.
Fortunately for those who want to travel to Asia but don’t have deep pockets, it is possible to get your Asian fantasies without having to spend a lot of money. Bangkok, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Penang and Bali are among the places that are cheap and interesting for a visit in the entire of the given continent.
Whether one is interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, or even if cash is tight, traveling to Asia will provide not only a bang for your buck, but also memories that will last a lifetime. Well then, grab your luggage and get ready to take a journey through the wonders and enchantment of Asia at a fantastic price!
