Top 6 budget-friendly destinations for travellers in Asia

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.

Ha Noi, Vietnam

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

Source Internet

5 best overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay

Staying in overnight cruises is one of the most popular activities in Ha Long Bay. There are many cruises for tourists to choose, but these 5 cruises are our recommendations for a perfect trip in Ha Long Bay.

1. Paradise Luxury Cruise

Inspired by the traditional Vietnamese junk boat, Paradise Luxury Cruise features a dining area and spacious sun deck with sun beds and lounge beds offering views of Ha Long Bay. The Paradise Luxury Classic is the only ship in Halong Bay to offer royal banquets- don the robes of a dignitary and feast on a menu of delectable Vietnamese cuisine fit for a king. 

2. Orchid Ha Long Cruise

Orchid Ha Long Cruise is  a luxury 5-star cruise in Ha Long Bay & is a totally brand new one with the highest level of ship's friendship environment as well as finest cruise. Boasting a sun terrace, Orchid Ha Long Cruise offers itinerary cruising along Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Orchid Ha Long Cruise has 14 cabins with the most luxury facilities & professional crew which will provide you the beyond-expectation services.

3. Secret Halong Cruise

Featuring a shared lounge, Secret Halong Cruise offers rooms in Ha Long, 366 m from Tuan Chau Harbor. In a prime location in the Tuan Chau district, the property is located 17.7 km from Vincom Plaza Ha Long and 19.3 km from Queen Cable Car Station. Staying in Secret Halong Cruise will grant tourists the best 5-star service expected from a luxury cruise.

4. Bhaya Halong Cruises

Bhaya Cruises feature Oriental-style luxury cruise ships in Ha Long Bay. It has air-conditioned cabin rooms and a restaurant. Bhaya offers a variety of onboard activities, such as Vietnamese cooking classes.

5. Halong Paloma Cruise

Housed in a traditional wooden boat, Halong Paloma Cruise offers cabins with stunning views of the well-known Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a New World Wonder 2011. It has a rooftop sun terrace and provides free Tai Chi lessons on-board.

See more: Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Source: Internet

Best luxurious resorts in Vietnam

Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from simple dorm accommodation in backpacking hostels to world-class resorts, both in large cities and in popular coastal and rural destinations.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Situated right outside the very center of Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is within a 10-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake and the National Museum of Vietnamese History. The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool. Wellness facilities include a Turkish steam bath, a jacuzzi and a spa bath and a relaxing massage session can be requested. Family-friendly rooms are available, big enough to accommodate guests traveling with kids.

Park Hyatt Saigon

The Park Hyatt is situated on Lam Son Square in Ho Chi Minh City providing guests with easy access to such attractions as the Saigon Opera House and the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater. The 252 guestrooms available at the Park Hyatt Saigon include amenities such as air-conditioning, cable television, and high-speed Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, a fitness center and a full-service spa, which offers a selection of massages and beauty treatments.

See more: 4 romantic getaways in Vietnam

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang

Situated at Nha Trang’s beachfront, the Evason Ana Mandara offers stunning views of Nha Trang Bay. Featuring luxury, elegant design and decor, the luxury resort offers guest rooms that are either situated in the lush tropical gardens or with spectacular views of the sea. Each unit is provided with a Jacuzzi and has free internet access. There are several dining options, from the Pavilion Restaurant that offers Vietnamese and International specialties to the Beach Restaurant where visitors can taste freshest local seafood by the infinity swimming pool.

Bai Tram Hideaway Resort

Properly, peaceful hideaway Bai Tram is a place of such rare beauty you can't believe that you haven't heard before. A sandy bumpy track leads past shacks within roofs aflame with bougainvillea, past a wide mouth of blue water and a rickety bamboo bridge; past shrimp farms and velvet-eyed cows. The road ascends to the entrance, where you climb out of the car to take in the view: a 100-hectare sweep of creamy white sand and green bush encircled by hills, remote and stunning.

See more: 5 most luxurious resorts in Quy Nhon

Pilgrimage Village

The Pilgrimage Village is located 4 miles from Hue’s city center and offers guests a rustic village setting. The luxury resort was renovated in 2007 and offers a blend of local culture, modern art concepts, and traditional Vietnamese style elements. A total of 99 accommodation units are available including 72 deluxe units, 15 honeymoon bungalows, 5 honeymoon pool huts, and 3 traditional Vietnamese pool houses.

Princess d'Annam Resort & Spa

Facing a century-old French lighthouse and placed in a picturesque surrounding amidst magnificent sceneries, the Princess d’Annam Resort is Vietnam’s first all-villa luxury boutique resort. The hotel is situated on the pristine bay of Ke Ga about a 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh city. Overlooking the South China Sea, it is features stunning mountains, red canyons, sand dunes and a rich ecosystem. Guests can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities from four-wheel exploration on dirt roads or spectacular mountain raids, to playing at one of Vietnam’s best golf course.

La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa

Located in the heart of Hue, the La Residence Hue Hotel is made up of 122 spacious guestrooms. All of these accommodations are gracefully appointed with a wide array of modern amenities. Enjoyable local, regional, and international cuisine can be appreciated in hotel’s restaurant and guests can sip on their favorite drink at the cozy bar. Visitors can work out in the gymnasium, take a dip in the swimming pool, soak in the sauna or enjoy a variety of spa services.

Source Internet