If you always wanted to visit Asia and you want to get the most out of your buck, these countries should instantly be added to your bucket list. Even if Asia is known to be the home of the most expensive destinations, such as Japan and Singapore, we are still talking about the largest continent in the world.
There must be (and there are!) plentiful options for budget travelers, too. So we have decided to find all of them. Needless to say, it didn’t take too long since we managed to scrape a list with 10 of the cheapest countries in Asia, where you can definitely find unbeatable food, rich culture, as well as unforgettable scenery for an amazing price tag. Before you grab your passport, there are a couple of points you need to consider first, which could make the trip a bit more expensive:
- Exchange rates: Before you rush to book a flight, make sure you check the current exchange rates. It can help you plan a budget and work out how long you get to stay in the country.
- Weather: cheap flight? Is the accommodation price way too good to be true? You need to double-check to see if you didn’t book during the Monsoon season. In Asia, for instance, the Monsoon season is generally between June and September, which can truly do wonders for your budget, especially since prices might get slashed. However, it can also cause expensive cancellations and delays.
- Visas: Even if these are the cheapest countries in Asia, some of them have some pricey visa fees. For example, China’s visa is $140. This can even get more expensive than your flight, so you might want to double-check visa rules before you book.
- Travel style: If you travel as a pair, you might want a private room instead of dorms. If you’re going by yourself, you should go on group tours. Do you prefer sit-down restaurants and street food? Could you backpack Asia only with a piece of hand luggage? Your travel style can greatly impact the cost of your trip, so you might want to consider this as you dive into research.
Thailand
When you’re thinking of a cheap country worth visiting in Asia, Thailand is probably the first thing that comes to mind. You should look a bit beyond the full moon parties and their bucket cocktails, since this Southeast Asian country has so much to offer.
There are so many unforgettable experiences worth living. From world-famous diving sites, and the way to stomping in the Thai jungle with elephants, and temples to turquoise waters, Thailand has plenty of priceless experiences at quite an affordable price.
Also, don’t forget the food. Their food is amazing, with all the famous traditional Thai treats like Pad Thai, Mango sticky rice, and Beef Panang Curry that cost as little as $1 from street vendors. No wonder Thailand is one of the most popular and cheap places you can travel to in Asia!
The Philippines
Up to this day, the Philippines is known to be one of the cheapest places in Asia, with over 7,000 islands (2,000 of which are fully inhabited). However, if you wish to visit everything, it would take a considerable amount of money.
Luckily, you can still enjoy the majority of it for a very small budget. To keep costs as low as possible, we recommend you fly to Manila, but bear in mind that the capital is considerably more expensive. Before, Boracay was the ideal place for budget travelers, but it was forced to close recently due to over-tourism.
Instead, Coron boasts a plethora of stunning, untouched islands, just one hour’s flight from Manila. Siargao Island is also another cheap destination, and it’s even a favorite among adventure seekers.
Also, Siquijor is a wonderful budget destination since it is still developing as a tourist one. If you’re not really a beach baby, you can head to the dense jungles of Bohol and visit the beautiful Philippine tarsier.
Laos
Even if it’s one of the cheapest countries in Asia, Laos is increasingly growing in popularity due to its dense jungles, welcoming locals, and astounding waterfalls. Since more and more people hear about its wonders, the costs are also growing.
Nevertheless, it is still an affordable destination, where you can get by on as little as $15 a day, with accommodation, food, and activities. The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, it’s not the ideal destination for beach lovers, but it’s definitely one for the foodies.
Laos is still famous for its cheap but amazing street food. Popular dishes also include the Khao Tom soup, the rice dish Khao Jee, as well as Sai Our, which is a spicy sausage. All of them can be easily bought for a couple of dollars.
One of the best ways to work off those calories is to explore Laos’ dense forests, swim in Kuang Si Waterfall, or hike Mount Phou Si (which is also known as Mount Phu Si).
India
Even if some people say that it’s by far the cheapest country in Asia, India will still require proper budgeting. It is known to have one of the richest cultural histories in the world, as well as friendly locals and amazing food.
All the way from tigers to temples and Goan beaches to the Ganges banks, India is really a bucket list destination. Whether you like the usual pilgrims in Pushkar, or admire the pink city of Jaipur, party in Goa, or simply tour a couple of Bollywood sets in Mumbai, this incredible country offers something for everyone.
The south is perceived to be a bit more touristy and expensive, but overall, India is, up to this day, one of the cheapest countries in Asia. After all, no offense, but the Taj Mahal tour costs only $ 14 USD!
Mongolia
Mongolia is the world’s highest country as far as delegation goes. It is also one of the most unique and welcoming countries, with a fascinating landscape that spreads from the Gobi Desert all the way to the Altai Mountains.
Nestled between Russia and China, Mongolia should be at the top of your list when it comes to cheap countries to visit in Asia. There are very few hotels here, with the exception of Ulaanbaatar. Instead, the Mongolian nomadic tribes live in yurts, because they are easy to carry and they’re wind resistant.
Nepal
Even if Nepal is not as affordable as before, it is still one of the cheapest countries in Asia. The jewel in the country’s crown is definitely Mount Everest, a destination widely reserved for the ones who have enough money.
But budget travelers can still enjoy the charm and tranquility of the country, as well as the astounding mountain views, especially those around Pokhara. Other highlights also include the famous Mustang district, close to the Himalayas, which is seen as one of the last untouched areas in Asia.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts more than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, but also wonderful wildlife and white sandy beaches that could easily rival the Maldives. All of them can be experienced at quite a reasonable price tag, which makes Sri Lanka yet another underrated destination in Asia.
It’s worth mentioning that some of the best landmarks include the City of Sigiriya, an ancient settlement carved into a 660-foot-tall rock, as well as Adam’s Peak, one of the holiest tourist destinations in the country, and Ella, well-known for its jungles and waterfalls.
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