Asia is home to some of the most epically beautiful and culturally amazing destinations on the planet. While some of Asia’s nations, including Japan and Singapore, are known for being pretty expensive places to travel, there are those at the other end of the spectrum that offer terrific opportunities for budget travellers to explore.
Vietnam's cheapest city for backpackers is also one that gets high marks from most visitors with its unique combination of French colonial and Asian post-communism. The food is also top-notch, especially when you are sitting amongst locals at one of the thousands of plastic-chair cafes throughout the city. Keep costs even lower by sticking with Bia Hoi, the world's cheapest beer.
Hostel beds are cheap, but private rooms are too, so don't automatically book a bunk.
Currency: Vietnamese dong
Daily Backpacker Index: VND422,430 = US$18.60/day
Pokhara, Nepal
Nepal is near and dear to shoestring travelers. The mountainous terrain is lined with guesthouses that appeal to every kind of visitor, whether you are a backpacker or more of a luxury traveler. Set out on the Annapurana Circuit trek and stop in Pokhara, where you can find gorgeous home rentals on Airbnb for an average of $24 per night.
Currency: Nepalese rupee
Daily Backpacker Index: NPR2,092 = US$20.31/day
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand's “capital of the north” is certainly one of the world's great travel bargain destinations. Filled with ancient temples and surrounded by a moat and city walls,
Chiang Mai is a major stop in the region and a highlight for many. Much less crowded than Bangkok, and quite a bit cheaper as well, this is also booming with expats and creative people living cheaply while they work.
Currency: Thai baht
Daily Backpacker Index: THB668 = US$20.44/day
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh, as it is still usually known, is far more sprawling and modern compared to Hanoi. Hotel and food prices tend to be a bit higher than elsewhere in Vietnam, but compared to almost anywhere else in the world, you can bargain in this city. Hostel beds can be quite cheap in Saigon, but
hotels are more expensive than almost anywhere in
Vietnam.
Currency: Vietnamese dong
Daily Backpacker Index: VND473,865 = US$20.87/day
Sri Lanka
After civil war ended in 2009, new visitors are flocking to Sri Lanka’s beaches and nature reserves. Visitors of Yala National Park, a hot spot for those interested in wildlife and adventure, receive admission, a safari car rental and driver $60 per full day with Yala Safari
Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's popular for its rich Buddhist culture, ancient sites, breathtaking terrain, beach destinations and fish curry dishes.
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Daily Backpacker Index: LKR4,570= US$29.81/day
Taipei, Taiwan
Nestled in the more expensive region of Asia-Pacific,
Taiwan stays budget friendly because of its low-key rep, particularly in Taipei. Unlimited full-day subway passes are less than $5, and you can enjoy heaps of delicious food at the endless night markets. Travelers boast about the budget-friendly cuisine, ranging from local Taiwanese to flavors from nearby
China and
Japan.
Currency: Taiwan dollar
Daily Backpacker Index: TWD992.65 = US$33.29/day
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