Backpacks at the ready! Asia has long been a budget destination for British travellers, and with good reason. But which countries offer the best value? Let’s find out.
Beautiful beaches, incredible historic sights, and a mouthwatering array of food, is it little wonder that Southeast Asia remains so popular among Brits looking for a bargain holiday? Once the cost of getting there is out of the way, you’ll spend less here than almost anywhere else in the world.
But even in a region with such a bargain reputation, there are price fluctuations to be found. The cheapest countries in Southeast Asia are not necessarily the most popular, so there’s a balance to be found between sticking to the well-trodden path, and enjoying a truly bargain trip in an unfamiliar destination. Let’s get started!
Thailand
Seen by many as the doorstep of Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been a magnet for backpackers and other budget travellers, not just from Britain but from all across the world. The capital Bangkok can be reached by flights from across the globe, while regional budget airlines zip arrivals to every part of the region for very low rates.
Bangkok itself is a vibrant explosion of people, noise, sights, smells and chaos. Seen by many as the capital of the entire region, people flock here for the sensory overload and the street food experience. Accommodation varies from high-end chain hotels to some of the cheapest hostel beds on the planet, so adding a couple of nights in the city doesn’t have to bust your budget.
Koh Lanta in southern Thailand retains a mellow adventurous character despite being a tourist hotspot. Known by some as “Paradise Island”, Koh Lanta hits the sweet spot between touristy and quiet. As a tropical island, temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year but be wary of sudden rainfall.
Perhaps the biggest reason that places Thailand at the top of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia for Brits is the convenience. The country’s tourism infrastructure is experienced in dealing with and hosting budget travellers, and a surprising amount of people speak at least some English.
Cambodia
Few countries have experienced so much tragedy in the latter portion of the 20th-century, yet Cambodia of today has undergone a dramatic turnaround that makes it an attractive option for tourists. Despite the influx of money, locals struggle to make ends meet and meals are available for less than two quid.
Siem Reap in the northwestern region of the country has grown into a packed tourist town because of the nearby temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor THom, the most spectacular man-made structures anywhere in the world. Stretching over some hundreds of square miles, the temples of Angkor is home to the stunning remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire.
But Cambodia isn’t just a place to budget travellers. Because of the remarkably low prices, the country is a great place for a luxury trip that won’t break the bank. Head to the Gulf of Thailand coastline for some outstanding beaches, high-end resorts, or an overwater villa.
Like much of Asia, it’s easy to eat well for very little cash in Cambodia. The list of mouth-watering options is long and varied, and focuses very much on what’s available locally: spring rolls, vegetarian noodles, yellow chicken curry, fresh shrimp dishes, steam rice, coconut drinks, and more.
Laos
Along with Cambodia, Laos possibly ranks as the cheapest country to visit in Asia. As such, it’s popular with backpackers and has undoubtedly lost some of its remote charm. Get off the tourist trail though, and you’ll find remarkably underdeveloped villages and places that haven’t been ruined by tourism.
The UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang is a Buddhism-crammed place to walk, cycle and experience the religion, while capital city Vientiane has a surprisingly slow pace of life. If you’re not fussy about where you’ll sleep, accommodation all across the country is some of the cheapest in the world.
To really get to know the uniqueness of Laos, head away from the cities and resorts to the largely unexplored forests. Scientists discovered a new species of flying mammal here as recently as 2012. If trekking through a steamy jungle doesn’t sound too appealing, then how about hiking to some of the country’s many beautiful waterfalls?
Influenced by flavours from the region including Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai, Laos cuisine throws up some fascinating combinations of rice, noodles, meat, fish and vegetables. Noodle soup and crusty bread are a staple of food stalls nationwide, and cost next to nothing.
Indonesia
One of the biggest countries in the world with a population of around 260 million people, Indonesia is really a diverse set of more than ten thousand islands straddling the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As such, the diversity in experiences – and cost of those experiences – is staggering.
Even neighbouring islands can be as different as black and white, so where do you begin? You could spend weeks travelling between islands on local ferries and barely scratch the surface of what this transcontinental island nation has to offer.
The most popular tourist destinations of Bali, Java or Sumatra are popular for a reason, but look past the glitzy tourist brochures and swanky resorts to find the best value. Nearby locations can be just as fun, more authentic, and yet significantly cheaper. Check out Lombok, old Borneo, and Komodo to begin with.
Transportation costs are low but boats and ferries can be slow, so to make your travel cash stretch farther consider picking just one or two places in Indonesia to explore in more depth. Food and drink varies significantly across the islands, but generally speaking you can expect noodle and rice dishes with a local twist. Prices outside of Bali are rock-bottom.
Vietnam
To many of a certain age, Vietnam conjures up a certain image, but the country’s tourism industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. Of course, this investment and focus means prices have begun to rise, but the country still has many bargains just waiting to be discovered by curious Brits.
More than a thousand miles of tropical coastline mean there’s plenty of beaches for those seeking a relaxing holiday. Head southwest to the Mekong Delta to experience a world on the water. Boats, houses and even markets float on the rivers, canals and streams.
Shoppers with a taste for ethnic fashion and handicrafts will be in heaven, while coffee lovers are spoilt for choice s the country is the world’s second biggest coffee export. Take it black, or try your brew with condensed milk, coconut milk, egg yolk, or even yoghurt.
Finally, we can’t talk about Vietnam without mentioning motorbikes. It’s a dream of many bikers to hire a motorbike and travel the entire length of the country, following in the footsteps – or the tire treads – of many who went before. It’s a guaranteed way to see a more authentic Vietnam, but just make sure to be well-prepared, as the quality of the roads in some parts leaves a lot to be desired!
Other cheap places to visit in Asia
While these countries listed are our top picks for a value-packed Asian adventure, the reality is that any country in the region has its charms. The biggest name not on the list is Malaysia, and that’s not because it’s expensive.
While it’s pricier than the countries listed above, Malaysia still offers terrific value for British travellers wanting to sample Asian culture. It also offers more convenience, as transport is cheap and efficient, and a lot of people speak or at least understand basic English.
The main attractions on the peninsular include the jungle and topical beaches, while Georgetown on Penang is a more interesting city option than Kuala Lumpur. Out on the islands, visitors are spoiled for choice, although Borneo ranks high on the list of authentic experiences.
Tourism is relatively new to Myanmar (Burma) and even now British travellers are not heading there in big numbers. As one of the most Buddhist countries in the world, the glittering golden colours from the thousands of pagodas and temples around the country are a principal attraction for curious visitors.
Even though foreign investment is slowly building up a tourist infrastructure from scratch, budget accommodation and food options are everywhere. You’ll need plenty of cash though, as cards are rarely accepted and ATMs not at all common.
What’s your opinion on the cheapest places to visit in Asia?
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