23 Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit This Year
Want to travel to Asia on a budget? Here is the list of the cheapest Asian countries to visit plus the daily budget of each country.
Despite being the largest continent in the world and hosting some of the most expensive countries like Japan and Singapore, Asia is still one of the favorite destinations for backpackers who want to get the most bang for their buck.
Easy to travel to, it offers exceptional landscapes, amazing UNESCO sites, and a guaranteed cultural shock.
And good news everybody, it is one of the cheap travel destinations in the world!
So if you’re planning for your next budget-friendly trip, here is a quick guide on the cheapest Asian countries to visit.

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Quick note: Please note that the daily budgets described in this article correspond to a budget for backpacking on a shoestring, including food, accommodation, and activities.
The cost of your trip largely depends on how you travel; are you using public transport or a private driver, are you eating street food or dining at fancy restaurants, are you sleeping in dorm rooms or paying for private rooms, paying for guided tours, or self-guided tours?
All this has a huge impact on your budget… but don’t forget, the less you spend per day the longer you can travel.
But before we explore the cheap places in Asia, below are some Asia Travel essentials you’ll need.
QUICK TIPS TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ASIA
– Asia is a great continent but it can be overwhelming due to a number of scams.
To make sure you protect your valuables, purchase travel insurance before you go and Worldomads is the one I highly recommend.
– Since the idea is to travel to Asia on a budget, the best way to get the most out of it is by sleeping in hostels.
Hostelworld is the best website to find the best and cheapest hostels around Asia.
– It is certainly possible to enjoy Asia individually but if you want to opt for a tour, Klook has the best tours priced to fit your budget even as a backpacker.
– Stay connected on the internet while in Asia. Book your 4G Wi-Fi device before you go.
– For your transportation needs around Asia whether by train, bus, flight, or even ship, I recommend booking with 12.goAsia for the best prices and to have your tickets in advance.
Psst… Looking for cheap countries in Europe instead? Then check out my detailed post on the cheap European countries to visit.
Cheapest Countries in Asia
In no particular order, here is a list of the cheapest countries in Asia.
1. India

Welcome to the land of the mighty Taj Mahal! From its superb beaches in the south to the Himalayas in the north and the historical sites in the center, India is a world in its own right and a fascinating country to discover on a low budget making it the cheapest Asian country to visit.
Luckily it is also one of the cheap destinations in Asia, especially in the northern half of the country.
Though the south is more touristic and slightly more expensive, it also remains very affordable.
The cost of living is so low that you can fully enjoy your trip without the guilt of spending too much.
Transportation (rickshaw, taxis, buses, or trains) is incredibly cheap. For example, a 20-hour train ride will cost you less than $9.
To book all your transportation in India, I recommend booking with 12go. Asia, from bus tickets, and train tickets, to ferries.
Don’t be afraid to try street food as there is no better way to eat cheap than this. Veg-thali is less than $2, a glass of fresh fruit juice costs only a few cents, and classic restaurants are about $4- $7.
Accommodation in India is also cheap with a night in a dormitory varying between $2 and $5.
So if you were wondering whether it’s possible to live on less than $15 a day, then India is one of the cheap Asian countries to visit to experience just that.
But before you go, make sure you read these tips on how to survive in India as a tourist.
India’s daily budget: Between $10 and $15
Related post: Best places to visit in North India
2. Cambodia

Due to its central position, Cambodia is the perfect place to start your trip to Asia.
It is not only one of the best places to visit in Asia but also one of the cheapest places to backpack! No wonder Siem Reap is called the “backpacker’s world capital”.
The country, one of the cheap travel destinations in Asia, is most known for its famous Angkor Temples but it actually has much more to offer!
From taking a bike ride through the rice fields to relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Koh Rong Islands, there is a lot to do for all kinds of travelers.
Indubitably cheaper than its neighbor Thailand, everything here is at a very low price.
You will find superb hostels and guest houses for just $3 a night.
And if you’re not a fan of street food, even more traditional restaurants are affordable going for less than $5.
And while you’re there, make sure to try the delicious local food like the Amok, a fish cooked in banana leaves with coconut cream!
Public transportation especially buses and tuk-yuk are also very cheap and convenient.
A visit to the world-famous Angkor Temples will cost you extra but you can choose between this 1, 3, or 7-day Angkor Wat tourist pass to visit it on a budget.
I highly recommend getting the 3-day pass to fully explore the area which costs around $60.
It might seem a bit expensive but I guarantee that you will not regret it! But all in all, Cambodia is one of the cheap Asian countries to visit that won’t rob you of your arm or leg.
Cambodia’s daily budget: between $10 and $20
Pro tip* For all your transportation in Asia whether it is by train, bus, or ferry, use the 12go.Asia website to book all your tickets in advance.
3. Laos

Due to the lack of a coastline, Laos is often neglected but that’s a huge mistake!
This small and authentic country has a lot to provide. Both untamed and welcoming, life in Laos is slightly more expensive than in Cambodia, especially in touristy cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
But if you’re not too “greedy” and get off the beaten track you’ll get away with it for a cheap price.
Bus rides cost around $1 per hour and the classic fried rice that you can find everywhere costs roughly $2. There’s no reason not to enjoy it!
A three-course meal in a restaurant is approximately $10 and private rooms can be found at $20.
Laos also offers an opportunity to do outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, ziplining, and hot air ballooning at undeniably budget-friendly prices making it one of the cheap places to travel in Asia.
Laos’ daily budget: between $10 and $25
Related post: Bucket List destinations in Africa
4. Vietnam

Halong Bay, a World Heritage site, and its dozens of islands covered with a tropical forest is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Still protected from mass tourism, Vietnam is perfectly adapted to world travelers.
15 bucks a day will be more than enough to travel, eat, sleep, and discover this country which has managed to preserve its cultural heritage perfectly.
A pint of Bia Hoi, the cheapest beer in the world only costs a few dozens of cents, a meal will cost you less than $4 and you can easily find private rooms for under $10.
Renting a motorbike, which I highly recommend to truly explore the country, costs around $13 per day.
So whether it’s biking through the country or camping in the third world’s biggest cave of Hang En, Vietnam will definitely offer you some of the best cheap holidays in Asia.
Vietnam’s daily budget: between $10 and $25
5. Indonesia

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a land of contrast and variation.
From forests, volcanoes, and beaches to wildlife, Indonesia has so much to offer if you are willing to go off the beaten tracks.
Each island is different when it comes to food, language, religion, and culture.
So versatile, it is difficult to establish a budget for food, accommodation, or transportation as the cost of living differs from one region to another!
Bucket list destination Bali or Jakarta can be extremely expensive but once you get away from the most tourist areas, prices become lower.
As a rule of thumb, street food is the way to go to eat cheaply (between $3 and $5). You will also be able to find dorms for $5 and private rooms starting at $15.
Even though the daily budget immensely differs from island to Island, Indonesia is still one of the cheap countries to visit in Asia.
Indonesia’s daily budget: between $15 and $25
Read more: Best countries to visit in Africa
6. Myanmar (Burma)

You better hurry up and go to Myanmar! At first inaccessible, the country has been gradually opening up to tourists since the end of the dictatorship in 2011.
Still affordable, prices are rising from year to year and rumor has it that the government wants to make the country a luxury destination!
Nothing very surprising as the country has so many wonders to offer. The ancient city of Bagan, a UNESCO world heritage site, is alone a reason to visit Myanmar.
Even though the prices are skyrocketing, it is still possible to find cheap food.
The train is very affordable but the buses are a bit more expensive compared to other Asian countries but the comfort they provide makes up for it.
The main costs in Mynamar will be on accommodation as it is sometimes difficult to find dorms yet private rooms go for about $20 to $25.
Pro tip* Cut down the expenses by meeting other travelers and sharing private rooms – a tip that will make your stay in Burma one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Asia.
Myanmar’s daily budget: between $20 and $35
Related post: Best cities to visit in Europe
7. The Philippines

Palms trees, beautiful beaches, wonderful diving spots, and unforgettable sunsets make the Philippines the perfect country to indulge yourself and have a pleasant time while still traveling on a budget.
Even though visiting the country will cost you slightly more than the others mentioned above (especially since you will most likely be using domestic flights), it is quite possible to keep a reasonable budget if you avoid large cities.
A night in a dorm room will cost between $10 and $15. The boat offers a good alternative to the plane since it goes for a little under $10 but is also very slow.
As always, street food is cheap (between $3 and $7). Since beer is around $1, a parameter that is used by many travelers to determine whether a country is cheap to travel to or not, The Philippines qualifies to be on this list of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.
The Philippines’ daily budget: between $25 and $35
8. Thailand

With a country brimming with beauty, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.
With everything well organized compared to other cheap places in Asia, Thailand is an easy country to travel in by all kinds of travelers – no wonder it has become a popular destination for backpackers.
From the chaotic city of Bangkok, the underlying beauty of Chiang Mai, to incredibly beautiful beaches in Phuket, Thailand is a must-visit place if you’re looking for the cheapest country to travel in Asia without compromising on beauty.
Though some resorts are a bit more pricey than others, the best way to stay on a budget is to stick to the wide variety of street food, sleep in hostels, and use public transportation.
Sleeping in a private room at a hostel will cost you around $8 but can go as low as $5 if you opt for a shared dorm room.
You can expect to spend $3 on street food and around $5 on transportation within the city per day.
Since Thailand has a number of activities to do, you can expect to spend a little more and $10 would be a good average for a day.
With an average budget of $30 per day, Thailand truly qualifies to be one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia.
Thailand’s daily budget: between $25 and $30
Related post: Tips for staying in a hostel
9. Nepal

Home to the highest mountains in the world, Nepal has become a perfect hiking destination for many hikers.
And since it’s one of the cheap countries in Asia, the number of backpackers keeps increasing every now and then.
From the impressive views from a flight over Mount Everest, and incredible hikes to the Himalayas, to the beautiful views of rice terraces, there are so many things to do in Nepal.
Even though the flight over Mt. Everest is expensive, (which you can skip if your budget doesn’t allow it or make it that splurge moment), the general cost of living is low making it the cheapest country in Asia.
One tip to save money in Nepal is to stay away from organized guided hiking trips since the country is mostly about hiking.
If you can do it on your own or with other travelers, that would be great.
To give you a breakdown of some costs in Nepal, budget $5 for a dorm room and slightly more for a guest house private room.
Food is pretty cheap and that should set you behind by just $2. Expect to spend around $4 on a bus of 5 hours but transportation within one area can be around $1.5.
Since the country is majorly about trekking, trekking is the most expensive activity with most trekking permits going for around $20.
However not every day will be a hiking day, so you’ll save money on those days you won’t go hiking hence bringing down your overall budget.
Nepal’s daily budget: between $20 and $30
Related post: Hiking tips for beginners
10. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is ridiculously one of the cheap countries to travel in Asia despite the immense beauty that lies in the little gem.
Not so little though, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination among travelers especially backpackers due to its unbelievably low cost of living.
This Asian Island boasts over 8 Unesco World Heritage sites, incredible wildlife, amazing white sand beaches, and incredible landscapes that are picture-perfect.
From incredible Asian landmarks like Sigiriya, Adam’s Peak, and Ella, you’d think that you need a lot of money to enjoy Sri Lanka.
But with an average budget of $20 a day, you can expect to enjoy Sri Lanka to the fullest.
Food in Sri Lanka is really cheap, so you can expect to spend $2 on a meal, $7 on accommodation, $8 on activities, and $2 on transportation.
With that low cost of living, it’s undeniably true that Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.
Sri Lanka’s daily budget: between $20 and $30
11. Malaysia

Malaysia is a top holiday spot and one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia to visit.
Its strong economy and affluent areas like Kuala Lumpur have people thinking it’s an expensive country but that’s not the case.
Famous for its pristine beaches, enchanting islands, modern shopping malls, glorious national parks, theme parks, incredible landmarks, fishing villages, and hiking spots, there are many things for every type of traveler to enjoy.
For backpackers, peninsular Malaysia is way cheaper than Malaysia Borneo, but the overall cost of travel is relatively cheaper than the neighboring country, Thailand.
An average price of $25 per day is more than enough for your food, transport, and accommodation.
A hostel room in Malaysia will cost you about $6 per night, fish curry for $1.45, and street stall food is less than a dollar but a “proper” meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you $3.
Public transport is also cheaper, ranging from $0.19 – $1.90 but using a cashless TNG card (a contactless payment card accepted across all Malaysian public transport) is even way cheaper.
However, the price of alcohol is a bit high in Malaysia, with a local beer going for $4.
So if you want to have a little bit of everything from city life to national parks, Malaysia is one of the cheap countries in Asia that offers all that at under $25 a day.
Malaysia’s average daily budget: Between $20 and $25
12. Pakistan

Being the third cheapest country in the world, it’s no surprise that Pakistan is on this list of the cheapest countries in Asia.
Though many tourists have overlooked it as a tourist destination because of its decades of political instability, the country has improved its political and security stability, and travelers can visit it with no worries.
Known for its many rugged snow-capped mountains with 108 peaks above 7000 meters, beautiful valleys, beautiful beaches, and bustling cities, Pakistan has so much to offer for a budget traveler.
Cheap accommodation is available for backpackers, like a hostel in Lahore will cost you $5. A taxi ride will cost you about $4.59, and public transportation is even way cheaper.
Meals for the whole day can cost you $8, which can be cheaper if you try street foods.
Tickets to attractions, museums, and other sightseeing can cost $3.46, and alcoholic beverages go for $2.30.
With an average daily budget of $29, Pakistan is indeed one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia.
Pakistan’s daily budget: Between $25 and $30
13. Turkey

Famously known for its strategic positioning between Asia and Europe, Turkey is brimming with culture, history, and immense beauty that it’s even hard to imagine it as a cheap country in Asia.
Istanbul city divides the two continents, and you can get from Asia to Europe in less than an hour! Its geographical location not only makes it a cheap destination in Asia but also in Europe since it’s easily accessible by either train, flight, or sea.
With its striking coastal areas, spectacular beaches, beautiful landscape, and bustling cities, there are so many things to do in Turkey that all kinds of travelers will enjoy.
With a tight budget, Eastern Turkey will be more favorable as the cost of living is lower than in Western Turkey.
An average daily cost of $35 is enough to get you accommodation for $12, meals for $7, and transportation setting you back as low as $2 within the same city or $7 to different cities.
Turkey’s street food is the way to go if you are on a tight budget- it’s pretty tasty too. Sandwiches, desserts, and snacks are all less than $3. Lunch can range from $5- $8 depending on what you take. And don’t forget to taste the famous Turkish tea.
Overnight buses will save you money during intercity travel, and did you know that you can bargain the bus ticket price and hotel prices? Yes, so carry your bargaining powers with you!
So if you have always wanted to enjoy the mishmash of history and modernity that Turkey offers but were afraid of the budget, now you know that you can actually afford it since it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.
Turkey’s daily budget: Between $25 and $30
Related posts:
Best free things to do in Istanbul
How to travel to Istanbul on a budget
Important things to know before traveling to Istanbul
14. Kazakhstan

With an average cost of $10 a day per person, Kazakhstan is one of the cheap Asian countries to visit.
Located in central Asia, the country is the 9th largest globally and has five climatic zones and two time zones.
It is the world’s largest landlocked country and is famous for its geographical diversity.
Its seamless desserts, majestic canyons, hills, deltas, plains, colossal glaciers, UNESCO world heritage sites, dazzling towers, and futuristic skyscrapers attract travelers across the globe. The country is also famous for bird watching.
Everything here is cheap, starting from accommodation which you can get for as low as $2.86. Food is also affordable, and the most inexpensive means of transport is by bus.
If you’re a backpacker looking for cheap countries to visit in Asia, then Kazakhstan should top your Asian bucket list.
Kazakhstan’s average daily budget: Between $8 and $12
15. Bangladesh

Bangladesh may not be the most popular tourist destination but its low cost of travel is starting to change backpackers’ minds.
Known for harboring the largest mangrove swamp and the world’s longest beach, Bangladesh is a cheap Asian country that nature lovers, beach lovers, and cultural enthusiasts will find fascinating.
Getting around Bangladesh is cheap! An Uber can cost about $3 but using public transport like buses is even cheaper.
You’ll find street food on almost every corner for around $1 while a full-course meal at a local restaurant will cost less than $5. Accommodation is also super affordable and the same goes for visiting attractions.
With a daily budget of $23, you can find a place to sleep, eat, and explore Bangladesh, making it one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia.
Bangladesh’s average daily budget: Between $18 and $25
16. Uzbekistan

Although slightly more expensive than Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan is also among the cheap destinations in Asia.
It is one of the two double-locked countries and is famous for being home to 3 important Silk Road cities; Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
This historical, cultural, and architectural country will leave you in awe if you love beautiful Islamic architecture and historical sites.
All the Silk Road cities are connected by bus and train, making them easily accessible for budget travelers.
Tickets for some museums, mosques, madrasahs, and shrines are cheap, costing $2- $5. With $4, you can get food in an inexpensive restaurant, a local beer goes for $1.35 and a dorm room will set you back as far as $8 on average.
Of course, you might spend a bit more in Khiva than in other lesser-known places, but at an average of $25, you can be sure to have a fun stay in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s average daily budget: Between $25 and $30
17. China

The big cities of China and the Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City might make you think that China is expensive to travel to but it’s not.
Of course, it’s not the cheapest country in Asia but if you spend wisely and apply all the tips for traveling on a budget, you’ll be able to enjoy China at a bargain!
Famous for being the second most populated country globally with impeccable Asian natural wonders, like the adorable giant panda, and its varied cuisine, China offers a number of tourist activities.
China can be budget-friendly if you opt to stay in hostels. You only need to get a Hosteling International Card as most hostels in China offer discounts to guests with membership cards. Hostels range from $6 – $15 depending on the city.
The other way to minimize your budget is by eating street foods as it’s cheaper than sit-down restaurants. You will also get to enjoy excellent authentic Chinese food from the food market in all cities.
Local public transport is also affordable but fast trains are a bit on the higher end but the money you save on food and accommodation will make up for this.
Regardless, an average of $30 per day will be enough to cater for food, accommodation, activities, and transportation proving that if you budget your money well, China can also be a cheap country to visit in Asia.
China’s average daily budget: Between $30 and $35
18. Mongolia

Sandwiched between Russia to the north and China to the south, Mongolia is one of the cheap if not the cheapest country to travel in Asia.
It is a unique country situated on mountains and plateaus, and it’s known to be the world’s highest country with an elevation of 5280ft.
Its iconic mountains, rugged landscapes, and rich history attract thousands of tourists every year who want to enjoy its beautiful landscapes or even learn about its history by visiting its ancient Buddhist temples and shrines.
Restaurants here are reasonably priced, and you can get a pizza for as low as $3; local eateries have even cheaper foods.
Using local transport like buses and trains will help you get around Mongolia relatively cheaper at $3 while accommodation can range between $7-$10.
With an average budget of $20, it’s not hard to see why Mongolia is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit.
Mongolia’s average daily budget: Between $20 and $25
19. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a backpacker’s dream as it is one of the cheap places in Asia. Why you may ask? It is rich in both petrol and gas which makes the cost of transportation really cheap.
Also, fast foods in local eateries are very affordable with a satisfying meal going for about $3 while sit-down restaurants can go up to $10 and a beer for less than a dollar.
The country is bordered by Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Georgia, giving it a blend of both the East and Western cultures.
Also known as the secular republic, alcohol is widely available compared to other Islamic countries.
Soviet buildings, epic mountain ranges, and vineyards are some of the attractions that make Azerbaijan worth visiting.
While it’s a bit more expensive than some of the places we’ve looked at above, Azerbaijan is still one of the cheapest countries in Asia with an average daily budget of $30.
Azerbaijan’s average daily budget: Between $30 and $35
20. Armenia

Not yet overrun by tourists, Armenia is still one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.
The country is rich in history and offers stunning views of the peak of Mount Ararat. And if you love visiting churches and admiring their architecture, Armenia will not disappoint as it has some of the most beautiful churches in the world.
Hostels are affordable at as low as $4, $2 will be enough for public transport while meals will cost you $4.
A budget of $18 a day is enough to make you enjoy this beautiful country with all that it offers.
Armenia’s average daily budget: Between $15 and $20
21. Turkmenistan

One of the cheapest countries to travel in Asia is none other than Tajikistan in Central Asia.
Although it often flies under the radar compared to other cheapest places in Asia, it still offers unique experiences to budget travelers.
Nestled among some of the world’s highest mountains, this country offers natural beauty at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in more popular destinations.
A daily budget of around $30-$40 will take you a long way in Tajikistan. Accommodation in guesthouses can be as cheap as $10 per night, and a satisfying meal at a local restaurant will set you back only around $5.
Local transport is also inexpensive; expect to pay about $1 for short distances within cities.
For the adventurer in you, the Pamir Highway is a must-do. It’s one of the world’s most scenic drives, and while getting a vehicle can be a bit pricier, sharing costs with fellow travelers can make it quite affordable.
Bargaining is common in local bazaars, so bring your haggling skills to get the best prices on unique crafts and fresh produce. And don’t forget to try the local dishes like Shashlik and Plov!
If you’re keen on experiencing a mix of natural wonders and rich cultural history without emptying your wallet, Tajikistan should definitely be on your list of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia.
Tajikistan’s average daily budget: Between $30 and $40
22. Kyrgyzstan

If you’re all about exploring untamed natural landscapes and ancient cultures without breaking the bank, then Kyrgyzstan is one of the most affordable Asian countries to visit.
This country is a paradise for backpackers and adventure seekers on a budget. Accommodation, even in the capital city of Bishkek, is affordable; you can find guesthouses and hostels for around $10-$15 a night.
Meals at local eateries will cost you about $5, and public transportation is as cheap as it gets, usually less than a dollar for city rides.
But what’s really amazing about Kyrgyzstan (besides its affordability) is the natural beauty you get to enjoy.
The country is home to stunning alpine lakes like Issyk-Kul and lush green valleys that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. It’s a hiker’s dream come true with trails that won’t cost you a dime to explore.
You can even live like a local by spending a night or two in a yurt, which is often an affordable and unforgettable experience.
If you’re into horseback riding or want to try your hand at falconry, those are cheap options here as well.
Kyrgyzstan’s average daily budget: Between $40 and $50
23. Iran

If rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes are what you’re looking for, Iran offers it all, and guess what? It’s incredibly budget-friendly too.
You can have a full experience of Iran’s wonders without stretching your wallet too thin, with a daily budget ranging from $25 to $40.
Accommodation options like guesthouses and local inns in cities like Tehran and Shiraz can cost as low as $10-$20 per night.
Local cuisine is not just mouth-wateringly delicious but also very affordable; you can feast on kebabs, rice dishes, and local sweets for about $5-$7 per meal.
Iran is also home to a number of awe-inspiring architectural wonders, like the ancient Persepolis and the colorful mosques with intricate designs, which often have no entry fee or a very nominal one.
The country’s public transport network is both efficient and cheap, making it easy to hop from one city to another for just a few bucks.
But what truly sets Iran apart from other cheapest destinations in Asia is its warm and welcoming locals, unlike what is portrayed in the media!
You’ll often find yourself invited for tea or a homemade meal, making your trip not just budget-friendly but also enriched with authentic experiences.
Iran’s average daily budget: Between $25 and $40
Some FAQs About The Cheap Countries to Visit in Asia

What is the cheapest country to visit in Asia?
In my opinion, India is the cheapest Asian country to Visit. However, Kazakhstan can also easily take this spot.
Is Asia cheaper than Europe?
Generally speaking, Asia is cheaper than Europe! However, there are some countries in Asia that are more expensive than some countries in Europe. For example, countries like Japan and Singapore are more expensive than some European countries like say; Portugal or Greece.
Is Thailand cheaper than Malaysia?
If you go back to the breakdown of prices I gave you while talking about the cheapest countries in Asia, you’ll realize that Thailand is slightly more expensive than Malaysia considering that you’re traveling to both countries in the same way of budget travel.
Have more questions about the cheap destinations in Asia? Leave them in the comment section and I’ll answer them as soon as possible.
And What About The Not so Cheap Places to Visit in Asia

Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea… All these countries can be really expensive to travel to and are not budget-friendly at all.
Even if you travel as cheaply as possible doing hitchhiking, Couchsurfing, cooking for yourself, or even eating once a day, you will not be able to hide from the high cost of living.
And what about China? Well, China might not be the cheapest country in Asia but it is a particular case.
Just like the Philippines or Indonesia, some parts of the country can be very expensive and others relatively cheap.
The main expense will probably be transportation. China is such a vast country that you won’t be able to avoid taking the fast train, which is absolutely awesome but rather expensive.
But if you want to learn more about how to travel cheaply, check out my post on how to travel on a budget.
Final Thoughts on the Cheap Asian Countries to Visit
Just like traveling to any other place, you can still spend more money in these Asian countries if you travel lavishly or if you don’t manage your budget well.
But the rule of thumb that will help you stay on a budget while traveling in Asia is sleeping in hostels, eating street food which is very delicious by the way, and using local transportation instead of hiring private taxis.
If you follow all these, you’ll be able to enjoy Asia on a budget!
Now that you know most of the cheap Asian countries to travel to, you can start planning your trip around this incredibly amazing and diverse continent of Asia.
Have you been to any of these cheapest countries in Asia? How much was your average budget in that specific country? Let me know in the comments below.
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More posts to inspire you to travel to Asia
- Most beautiful cities to visit in Asia
- Famous landmarks to visit in Asia
- Best places to visit in India
- Most beautiful landmarks in China
- Important things to know before traveling to India
Was this post on the cheapest countries in Asia helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others
I love this article! It’s so informative and helpful for anyone who wants to travel to Asia on a budget. I’ve been to some of these countries and I agree that they are amazing and affordable. I especially enjoyed Vietnam and Nepal. Thanks for sharing your tips and insights!
I am glad you found the article helpful! They’re definetely the best countries to start with if you’re traveling on a budget.
Loved your article but I wanted to add that Pakistan is even cheaper than India when it comes to accommodation, travelling & food. I’ll be really glad if you’d give it a thought and edit the article.
God bless you, co
Thank you for the suggestion! I haven’t explored Pakistan yet but I am glad to know that it’s among the cheapest Asian countries to visit for backpackers. If I ever visit, I’ll definitely add it.
This is a really helpful post, Esther. With so many places to choose from in Asia, this narrows the choice down for budget travellers. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I am glad that you found this post helpful