Part of travelling around the world is exploring new continents. While I haven’t made it to Asia yet, I certainly indent to do so in the near future (not this year, but at least in the next 5). Backpacking is so expensive, I’m talking long-term here, and I don’t know how so many people are able to save up enough money for round-the-world trips! I guess I still have a lot to learn about budgeting for trips.
Anyways, I thought I’d post this for those on their own backpacking trips or planning one, these are the cheapest cities to visit in Asia. Because who doesn’t like to see more… for less?! Now all I need now are some low cost flights to get me to Asia.
So here you have them!
Top 10 cheap cities in Asia
10. Kuta – Bali
Tourism is way up in Bali, thanks to the recent film Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts and the world-wide bestselling novel that its based on. Find a room in a guesthouse rather than a hotel, they’re cheaper and if you’re looking for am ore local experience, rent a room in a family home in a village, outside of the main tourist areas.
9. Phnom Penh – Cambodia
So many expats live here, it’s no wonder when you can visit for so cheap. The Cambodian capital has some sketchy districts that should be avoided. The cheapest hotels are located a few blocks away from the banks of the river, instead of the ones that look right out onto the water.
8. Luang Prabang – Laos
This city is quite colonial in style and while there are a lot of classy hotels and restaurants to lure tourists, you can still stay here for cheap if you stay away from these ritzy areas.
7. Chiang Mai – Thailand
You might be surprised when you arrive in Chiang Mai at the sheer number of expats living here. The life is sweet and cheap! The climate is also a lot nicer than in Bangkok, a big part of the appeal.
6. Manila – Philippines
For some reason the Philippines doesn’t rank too high on most traveller’s lists. Those that do happen upon Manila are usually surprised how affordable it is. Grab a charter plane to one of the islands if you want to really relax.
5. Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam
Also known as Saigon, this place is uber cheap when compared to other big cities in Asia. The city is constantly under development which is good news for Western travellers.
4. Vientiane – Laos
Compared to the other cities in this list, Vientiane is perhaps the most modern of all. It has the complete spread of amenities that a traveller would need. While quite modern on the outside, the city moves at the pace of a sloth. No one is in a hurry, I find this refreshing, don’t you?
3. Hoi An – Vietnam
While this little city is only known as a fishing town, it’s surprising popular on the traveller’s train in Asia. It’s quaint, has great food, is cheap… you can get a full meal for less than 1quid! There is also a nice beach closeby.
2. Goa – India
Goa is an entire state in southern India but the whole region is really cheap for backpackers. There are endless beach towns that put up crowds of backpackers during the peak travel months (December through April) when the weather is great for Westerners. Prices during this time also rise with the demand.
1. Hanoi – Vietnam
It’s safe to say that with three cheap cities on this list of ten Vietnam is a bargain country for travellers looking for a cheap trip. Hanoi, being a bigger city, can turn you for it or against it in a single taxi ride. Most foreigners you’ll meet are either teaching English in the city or just passing through.
Have you been to any of these cities before? How do they stack up to the list in terms of price?
