Thinking about travel to Asia? That’s a good idea for your holiday. Asia countries attract tourists for their stunning landscapes, unique cultures and tasty cuisines. There are many great and cheap destinations in Asia for you. For those who cares about budget travel, we provide you with top 5 cheapest destinations in Asia below. It can help you to have some advice and well-prepared trip in Asia.
Thailand – Top 5
Brief information
Thailand is the final country of top five cheapest Asia destinations. This country is located in southeast Asia. Thailand is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists, having seen the average amount of 12 million arrivals per year. The weather of Thailand is divided into 4 distinctive seasons: dry, hot, rainy and cold season. Visiting Thailand, you will definitely get a peaceful feeling in your soul as this is a country influenced profoundly by Buddhism religion. In addition, you probably are captured the attention by amazing sightseeing.
Island in Thailand
Average price
You can exchange your money into Thailand currency or you can use USD to pay your fee (100 Thailand Baht = 3,07 USD).
| Item | Price |
| Three stars hotel | 18 – 70 USD |
| Bed in motel | 3- 8 USD |
| Tuk Tuk (Vehicle) | 6 -9 USD / 8-10 km. |
| Street food | 3 – 8 USD |
Destinations in Thailand
Royal Palace
It is the most attractive destination of Bangkok. Insight the campus of the palace, there are a number of gilded temple powers with pictures showing the origin of Thailand people. In addition, tourist can visit The Queen palace to discover the tradition of costume, culture of Thailand’s Royal Family.
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
Entrance fee: 15 USD/person
Royal Palace in Thailand
Bangkok capital
It is a bustling capital with unique Golden Pagodas. Established in 1782 from now, Thailand has become a center of education, medicine, business, spirit, and culture of Thailand. Of course, it is an indispensable attraction for visitors whenever coming to Thailand. In the city of Bangkok, there are more than 400 magnificent, majesty andsplendour temples showing unique arts. Furthermore, if you are really into shopping, you can not miss this place. It is a place of large shopping centers for you to unwind. In conclusion, it is an ideal place for visitors.
Bangkok – the Capital of Thailand
Damnoen Saduak Floating market
Far over 100 km from the Capital of Thailand, Damnoen Saduak Floated market belongs to Ratchaburi Province. It is a market where a large number of tourists visit and enjoy the true life of people there. There are many kinds of goods delivered from traditional craft, agricultural product, fruits, spicy to flowers. As a result, it is a recommended place for you to learn about Thailand culture.
Damnoen Saduak Floating market in Thailand
Thailand Food you have to try
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
This is a spicier, fresh soup blended with fragrant lemongrass, chili, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. When enjoying this dish, it gives you the feeling of relaxation. Since there are all ingredients from nature, it makes people cannot forget the taste of this dish and absolutely always miss Thailand.
Gaeng Daeng
It is one of the most delicious foods of Thailand people, including red curry and smooth coconut milk. This dish is really attractive by red colour overall. Therefore, it gives the sense of freshness in your mouth. Are you interested in this sepcial Thailand food, let’s try it!
Pad Thai
One of the most popular Thailand food is Pad Thai. It is a traditional rice noodle and familiar with Thailand people. The main ingredients include rice noodle fried with eggs, soya-cake, chili, tamarind sauce, and fish sauce. If you come to Thailand but you miss Pad Thai, your trip isn’t worth it!
Top 4 – Cambodia
Brief information
The fourth of five cheapest Asia destinations is Cambodia. This country is not only a cheap country to travel in Asia, but also in the world. Cambodia is located in southeast Asia where the economics is still developing, so the cost to visit there is not high. With around 180$, you can have an amazing trip to Cambodia. The hotel in Cambodia is also cheap. You could find a suitable one with a great price. In addition, the local food and beer are also tasty and cheap.
Cambodia
Average price
You can use USD currency instead of changing your money to the real Cambodia currency- Riel
| Item | Price |
| Three stars hotel |
27 – 75 USD |
| Renting transportation in Phnom Penh( 3km) | 1- 2 USD |
| Renting transportation for all day | 20 – 25 USD |
| Street food | 2,5 – 5 USD |
Where to go in Cambodia
Being a cheap destination doesn’t mean that there are no attractions to go in Cambodia. There are many beautiful places that you should come.
Kratie – peaceful village with dolphin watching
Kratie is a small village in Cambodia. However, thanks to the Mekong river, Kratie has got a peaceful landscape with many interesting activities. Bird watching and dolphin watching are 2 popular services here. This kind of dolphin is in the red book and there are only a few ones in Cambodia.
Dolphin in Kratie – Cambodia
Sihanoukville – seaside town
Sihanoukville is a seaside village. Choosing this place to have a holiday is a wise choice. Beautiful landscape, cheap hotels under 20$ around are the reasons why you should consider visiting this place. Also, everyone loves taking kayak boat here.
Sihanoukville in Cambodia
Wat Phnom Pagoda – The Oldest Pagoda in Phnom Penh
Wat Phnom Pagoda is located in the centre of capital Phnom Penh. Built in 1373, it is the most historic and important pagoda in Phnom Penh. The architecture is really impressive. This one is considered to be sacred, so many people visit it to pray for happiness.
Wat Phnom Pagoda in Cambodia
What to eat in Cambodia
Street food in Cambodia is amazing and you don’t want to miss them. They are not only tasty but also cheap. That’s the reason why Cambodia become one of the cheapest Asia destinations.
Bai Sach Chrouk (rice and pork)
Bai Sach Chrouk (rice and pork) is one of the Cambodian’s favourite breakfast dishes. It contains rice and grilled pork. You will fall in love with this one at first bite because of its taste and smell. The key makes this dish famous is the grilled pork. It is marinated in a unique sauce. Then it is grilled at a suitable time to make it perfect. It is eaten with some vegetables.
Kdăm Chaa (fried crab)
Seafood is quite popular in Cambodia. Kdăm Chaa is one of the best seafood dishes in Cambodia. It is the traditional dish in Kep, Cambodia. People fry crab with Kampot green. Because of this special Cambodia taste, it becomes one of the most popular Cambodia food.
Red Khmer curry
Not spicy like curry in Thai, Khmer curry is made with coconut, so it is quite sweet and easy to eat for everyone. It can be used with different kinds of meat like beef, chicken or fish, and some vegetables. People usually use this special Cambodia dish with bread.
Top 3 – Laos
Brief information
Laos takes up top 3 of 5 cheapest Asia destinations. Located in the southeast Asia area which is increasingly developing, Laos still keeps a rare peace. Coming to Laos, you will definitely forget the busy life every day, the bustle of works to find out the peace in your soul.
Laos is a homeland of ancient, moss of pagodas, temples hiding in natural sightseeing. Furthermore, it is a land of the people who are plain, gentle and also honest. Taking a trip to Laos will help you to get the meaning of life- happiness.
Vieng Chan Laos
Average price
How cheap it is in Laos: You can exchange USD currency into Laos currency (10.000 Laos Kip = 1,25 USD) or you can use USD to pay your fee.
| Item | Price |
| 3 stars restaurant room | 26 USD – 65 USD |
| Bed renting in motels | 3 – 8 USD |
| Transportation renting for 3 km | 1,9 – 3,7 USD |
| Dorm room | 5 USD |
| Private rooms with ensuite bathroom | 10-14 USD |
| Entrance fee to attractions | 1.8 USD |
| Restaurant prices for Lao food | 2.5 USD |
| Restaurant prices for Western food | 5 USD |
| Street food | 1.8- 2.5 USD per dish |
| Public toilets | 0.2-0.6 USD |
| Dark beer Lao | 1.8 USD |
Destinations in Laos you shouldn’t miss
Vientiane capital
It is also called as a Moon city of Laos. The best thing you can do here is taking a drink and waiting to look at the sunset over from Mekong river. It will give you the feeling of tranquillity and warmness.Visitng Cambodia, you have to visit Vietntiane capital to fulfill your wonderful trip.
Vientiane capital of Laos
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom in the past. This Asian attraction is considered as a destination of choice with its combination of collapsing French architecture, sparkling temples, and spectacular beauty nature. See more things to do in Luang Prabang.
View from Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang
Pagoda
Buddhism entered into Laos quite early and had the profound impact on the lives of Laos people. Consequently, you can not miss visiting some pagodas here.
Wat Sisaket Pagoda is the oldest one in Vientiane. When coming here, you will definitely appreciate more than 2000 small and large Buddha statues made by the period from sixteen to nineteen century. Coming to Asia, you should come to some pagodas to know more about the culture here. Moreover, experience Buddhism practices in Laos will be interesting.
Check top 5 pagodas in Luang Prabang here.
Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda in Luang Prabang Laos
What to eat in Laos
Laos traditional food is known to be dry, spicy and yummy with the ingredients mostly from fish, buffalo meat, pork, poultry and herbs. The special feature is that these ingredients are always freshly prepared. Laotians enjoy vegetables and often use coconut oil to brown. In general, food in Laos is fresh and cheap ( from nature). That can be one of the reasons why Laos has become the third country of top five cheapest Asia destinations.
Khaipen (Fried Seaweed) with Jaew Bong
Kaipen, which is known as a common snack, is made of freshwater green algae, pepper with sesame seeds and sundries into paper-thin sheets. For serving the customers, the Kaipen sheets are flash-fried in a pan and usually provided with Jaew Bong (chili paste).
Khao Jee Sandwich (Baguette Sandwich)
You can find this food in almost every street corner as commonly, there are some street vendors selling this French-Lao mixture. Khao Jee (or baguette) is cut in half and filled with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, carrot, onion and optional cheese, pork lunchmeat, chopped ham and topped with paste or chili sauce. This kind of sandwich is a good option for guys loving enjoy meals with a cup of strong coffee.
Khao Piak Sen
It is popular for breakfast in Laos. Every morning on streets, you’ll see many food stores, sidewalk stalls delivering Khao Piak. Khao Piak can be eaten in two main styles of broth. A pork or chicken broth. It’s commonly provided with a sticky white noodle. It seems appetizing, isn’t it?
Top 2 – Nepal
Brief information
Rank second in the top 5 cheapest Asia destinations is Nepal – the paradise of mountains. It is in the south of Asia. As a country of Hinduism, Nepal remains its own unique culture. Therefore, this country has become a good option for people loving to discover newness.
Advantageously, the cost to visit Nepal is not expensive. With low living standard, the cost you have to pay forhotel, food, vehicle in Nepal is reasonable. A local’s meal runs around 1$-4$. The landscape may be the most “expensive” thing in Nepal. Surrounded by mountain, the view is extremely mind-blowing in Nepal.
Nepal-mountains
Average price
You can exchange your money into Nepal currency or you can use USD(100 Nepal Rupee = 1,01 USD)
| Item | Price |
| Three stars hotels | 18 – 65 USD |
| Renting bed in motels | 2,5 – 5 USD |
| Taxi (3km) | 1,1 – 1,5 USD |
| Bus | 4 – 6 USD |
| Bicycle renting | 1- 2 USD per day |
Destinations in Nepal
Pokhara
Pokhara provides tourists with reasonable service prices. This place is known as one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. When travelling to Pokhara, you could challenge yourself with the famous Annapurna Base Camp trekking. The food’s price is also low. In term of quality, it could be a good deal for travellers. The restaurants provide a lot of food from all over the world with only under 4$ dollar.
Pokhara in Nepal
Nagarkot – mountain village
Nagarkot is located in central Nepal. It’s famous for its view of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest – the roof of the world. Everyone loves striking here at sunrise or sunset. However, the way to travel there is not easy due to the mountain road. If you love adventurous trips, this destination is for you.
Nagarkot in Nepal
Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha
Lumbini is located in the South of Nepal, next to India. This is really famous for pagoda and it is where Buddha was born. If you are Buddhist and you want to go back to the origin of Buddism, make a plan for this trip now.
Lumbini in Nepal
Vietnam – Top 1 of 5 cheapest Asia destinations
Brief information
Ranking the first place in top five cheapest Asia destinations is Vietnam. It is a country of southeast Asia area with long-lasting tradition. Every year, this country attracts lots of tourist arrivals because it is a destination of choice. Coming to Vietnam, you have a chance to discover the culture, tradition, custom as well as find out a sense of hospitality. Besides, Vietnam will help you to get a real kick out of experiencing the natural beauty by spectacular views and peaceful landscape.
Try Coconut Boat in Cam Thanh Village in Hoian
Average price
| Item | Price |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 1,76 USD |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three courses | 17,62 USD |
| Domestic Beer |
0.88 USD |
| Imported Beer | 1,32 USD |
| Cappuccino |
1,65 USD |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0, 31 USD |
| Taxi 1 mile | 0,85 USD |
| Cinema, International Release, one Seat | 3, 96 USD |
Famous destinations in Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital of Vietnam, so it is seen as a modern and bustling city. In addition, Hanoi is also known to be a homeland of Vietnamese culture. It still remains many old towns and traditional custom of Vietnam like making Pottery, folk music called Love Duets, water puppetry. See more about Hanoi attractionshere.
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi (photo by Giang Trinh)
Hue
Hue, located in the centre of Vietnam, is an ancient town. Because Hue is a capital of Vietnam in the feudal regime, it remains old architecture of Nguyen Dynasty as well as tradition and ceremony of the Royal Family. Visiting Hue, you will definitely enjoy the fresh air and discover new knowledge of Vietnam country. Furthermore, Hue owns a paradise of food. You can’t miss Hue cuisine once you come here.
Bánh bèo Huế – Source: Cooky
Sapa
You fall in love the natural beauty, you are interested in spectacular scenery. You can not miss Sapa, which is located in the north of Vietnam. Sapa is known as a first attraction where it is snowy in winter. In the summer seasons, you can take delight in endless terraced fields. Being a mountainous area, Sapa is for those who love adventure and romance as well.
Muong Hoa Valley in Sapa
Food in Vietnam
Pho
Pho originates from the early of 20 century in Hanoi. It is also considered as a particularattractive Hanoi dish. The rice noodles are made from the best variety of rice. The broth for Pho is made by stewing the bones of cow and some spices like ginger, onion, cinnamon tree for a long time. Customers can enjoy many kinds of Pho such as beef noodle soup, chicken noodle soup, pork noodle soup or shrimp noodle soup but the best one is beef noodle soup.
Pancake
This dish is common in the central of Vietnam. The main ingredients include rice flour, water, turmeric powder, shrimp, pork or beef depending on your choice. Pancake can be eaten with vegetables. You can use rice paper to roll pancake with vegetables and then dip into fish sauce to get the best taste of this food.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is one of the best choices for people enjoying barbecue version of Vietnam. It is a combination of the smoky tangy and mildly sweet in meat, fish sauce, fresh herb, spicy garlic, pepper and pickled condiments. It is seen as a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine.
To sum up, Asia is attractive to the travellers because of its landscapes, culture and cuisine. It’s worth a visit. Hope that Top 5 cheapest countries in Asia can help you have a well-prepared trip to Asia. For more information, visit I love Asia – Asia travel with locals.