Discover the Top 10 Cheapest Countries in Asia

If you’re considering a vacation but don’t want to break the bank, these 10 countries in Asia might be the perfect fit for you! Full of beauty and adventure without the hefty price tag, these destinations are some of the cheapest countries in Asia for travelers and tourists. You can explore the incredible culture, landscape, and food of Thailand, Nepal, and more, without blowing your life savings. For an adventure of a lifetime on a budget, check out these incredible locations!

1. Thailand

If you’re heading to Thailand, the chances are high that the most expensive part will be the plane ticket. Once you arrive, you can expect accommodations for anywhere between $8 and $25 a night. It depends a bit on location and quality, but overall, you’ll find much cheaper hotel rooms than in the United States and Europe. Food is another important part of travel. Inexpensive street food can be found for as low as $2.50, while nicer meals may reach up to $30-50.

Once you’ve arrived in Thailand, you’ll certainly want to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the nation. Thailand is home to many stunning national parks that will take your breath away. See waterfalls, lagoons, mountains, and more as you explore the gorgeous landscape of this incredible country.

2. Indonesia

Another one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travelers is Indonesia. This country is an oasis full of beautiful history, culture, and, of course, nature. Accommodation costs in Indonesia vary. While the country’s tourist hotspot, Bali, is more expensive, you can find hotel rooms in much of Indonesia for under $10. When you’re hungry, expect to grab a meal for around $5. For folks looking to explore beauty on a budget, Indonesia is a brilliant choice.

Travelers are most familiar with the island of Bali, but there are lots of other beautiful things to explore on this gorgeous island. See the home of the Komodo dragon at Komodo National Park, or check out the majestic temples in Yogyakarta. Indonesia is full of cultural opportunities and brilliant adventures for folks willing to explore.

3. Laos

Folks on a budget who are considering a natural vacation should check out the beautiful country of Laos. Laos is one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travelers. Once you arrive, though, like many of the countries on this list, flights may be expensive. Once you land in Laos, you can stay at a 5-star hotel for under $20 a night. Much of the country is even cheaper, though! As far as food goes, expect to pay a few bucks at budget restaurants and between $10 and $15 at more expensive establishments.

Like many of the countries on this list, Laos is a brilliant place to explore both culture and nature. While the country is known for its flora, there are many Buddhist historical sites worth checking out. You also need to head over to Kuang Si Waterfall to check out one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country.

4. Cambodia

Another one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travelers is Cambodia. Located directly on the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia is a beautiful country with accessible prices. As far as accommodations go, you can expect to spend $20 or less per night on a room. Food is also cheap in Cambodia, with cheaper meals being around $4 and more expensive spots being around $30. You can also snag a pint of beer for only a buck in Cambodia!

Cambodia boasts dozens of beautiful temples and historical sites. Consider visiting Angkor Wat, which sits along dazzling water, or the Ta Prohm Temple, which is covered in vines and natural life. If you’re looking for a more playful vibe, stop by Pub Street for some of those reasonably priced brews. There’s lots to do in Cambodia, and you won’t need too much of a budget to do it!

5. Malaysia

Malaysia is another beautiful spot for travelers on a budget. Accommodations vary considerably based on location, but in most areas, you can find a quality hotel room for under $30 a night. There are certainly spots in the country with even cheaper accommodations, though. Malaysia boasts some of the cheapest food prices on this list, with expensive restaurants costing around $25 per meal. That means if you’re really on a tight budget, you can snag casual dining options for only a few bucks.

The list of things to do in Malaysia is long. The country has a substantial coastline, so the beaches are easily accessible. Enjoy the turquoise water and the white sand beaches as you visit this affordable country! There are also some great metro hubs in the country, boasting some skyscrapers and cool city attractions. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers or the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to soak up the city life of Malaysia.

6. Sri Lanka

Another affordable country with brilliant sites for travelers is Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a small island off the south coast of India. Accommodations here are a bit more expensive than in the other countries, with rooms varying between $50-150 per night. Food, however, is still extremely affordable, with inexpensive restaurants offering meals for around $5. At mid-range restaurants, you can expect to pay closer to $15 per person.

There are many activities to enjoy in Sri Lanka, whether you’re most interested in the culture or the nature. We suggest taking a trip over to Udawalawe National Park to see the unique flora and fauna of the island. After that, head to one of the many magnificent Buddhist temples on the island. Or, if you’re interested in a cultural and floral experience, check out the Royal Botanic Gardens.

7. Nepal

For mega-adventurers who are exploring the world on a tight budget, Nepal might be your winner. Nepal is one of the cheapest countries in Asia but boasts some of the most incredible journeys for folks looking to make some serious memories. Accommodations in Nepal vary significantly in cost, depending on where you are looking to stay. Some spots are around $15, while others are closer to $50 and $100. Food in Nepal is very cheap, however, with most meals costing under $7.

The most well-known attraction in Nepal for visitors is Mount Everest. If you’re planning to hike this monstrous mountain, you won’t have to worry about accommodation or food costs for much of your trip! However, Nepal has a lot more than just Mount Everest. There are loads of Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as great national parks (with more approachable hikes).

8. Vietnam

The picturesque country of Vietnam is another one of the cheapest spots to visit in Asia for travelers. Vietnam is a gorgeous country, loaded with natural sights and fantastic cities. Accommodations in Vietnam aren’t the cheapest on the list and vary considerably based on location. Northern accommodations are cheaper, costing between $15 and $50 a night. However, much of Vietnam offers hotels that cost around $100-150 per night. Food in Vietnam is still very affordable. You can easily spend no more than $50 on food for an entire month of Vietnam exploration.

Vietnam is loaded with natural sights, historical landmarks, fascinating museums, and interesting cities. Check out Ho Chi Minh for a sense of metro life in Vietnam, or visit Phú Quốc for a taste of island life. Vietnam is known for its beaches, so you’d be remiss to skip out on laying on one of the shores of the country. It’s impossible to visit Vietnam without being amazed by the breadth of the country’s offerings.

9. Mongolia

Another fascinating country in Asia to visit if you’re exploring on a budget is Mongolia. Much of the travel in Mongolia is to the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. In Ulaanbaatar, you can book a 5-star hotel for $16 per night! Many accommodations are closer to $50 in cost, but you can definitely anticipate reasonable prices. Cheap meals in Mongolia cost around $3 apiece, and you can grab a local brew for under $2!

There are loads of monuments, museums, and temples in and around Ulaanbaatar. Check out the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum for only $2.30! You can also visit the Zaisan Monument, honoring soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. Mongolia is a beautiful country full of history, and if you’re on a budget, it’s a great place to check out.

10. India

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without a shoutout to one of Asia’s most beautiful and culturally significant countries: India. While India is one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries on Earth, it’s still affordable to visit. It’s a large country with variations in cost, but you can find rooms in much of the country available for under $20. Some portions of India are more expensive, however, with rooms around $60 or even $150 bucks per night. Food in India is very reasonably priced, with mid-range three-course meals costing around $14 for two people.

India is a giant country with loads to see. You could have many vacations to the same country and never see the same thing twice! Of course, some of the best-known attractions are the Taj Mahal, the Amber Palace, and the Golden Temple. Also, consider heading to Ranthambore National Park to check out some of the country’s natural life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Artem Kontratiev/Shutterstock.com