When you’re looking for a cheap holiday, most people will head to Asia. Compared to Europe, Australia or America, Asia offers outstanding value. There are some places in Asia that are super cheap, but offer very little for the traveler to enjoy. We decided here at Trips123.com that it was more important to find budget destinations that offer a lot of value. We asked our expert on Asian travel to create a list of top 5 Asian budget destinations that pack their punch in things to do, and here’s what they came up with:
“Angkor Wat” by Steve Cornish on Flickr
Hoi An, Vietnam
Although compared to many parts of Vietnam, Hoi An is quite expensive, it has a lot to offer. There’s a gorgeous beach a mere bike ride away, a river that divides the town which is perfect for walking along at night when the lamps are out or cruising along in a boat during the day. The real reason people come to Hoi An is generally for the incredible tailoring on offer. Here you’ll get suits tailored for less than you’d expect to pay for a cheap, run-of-the-mill suit in your home country. Women will love the custom made shoes, dresses and coats. This is a city that is affordable for the budget traveler, but offers exceptional value in terms of tailoring. It’s also home to delicious food at very reasonable prices – what’s not to love about Hoi An?
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap offers one of the most outstanding sites in the world, Angkor Wat and is certainly a budget friendly city. If you fancy some 50 cent beers sitting atop one of the old Angkor ruins while watching the sun set, then this is the city for you. As with a lot of cities that have special tourist attractions, prices here are considerably more than other towns or villages in Cambodia, but still pocket change compared to any Western city.
“Chiang Mai, Market” by Marc Liberts on Flickr
Chiang Mai, Thailand
When people think of Thailand, most are drawn to the beaches down south and while they’re gorgeous, they’ve quickly become rather expensive. One of the cheapest places in Thailand is Chiang Mai which is a blessing as it is a sweet little town nestled in the beautiful highlands. Here you can easily do treks and be surrounded in natural and wildlife. The town itself is cheap, with local food starting from an affordable $1 a plate. There’s also enough western comforts here so if you’re starting to feel a little homesick, you can calm the nerves.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
If you’re an art lover, then Yogyakarta is the city for you. It is much cheaper than touristy Bali and offers a significantly more “local” experience. A few minutes away, Borobudur is thought to be the oldest Hindu temple in the world and is worth a visit. Head to Borobudur early in the morning to beat the crowds and watch the magic morning light trickle in through the temple complex.
