For first time travellers on a budget, getting to the right place that gives real value to money is the biggest concern. Don’t worry, because Asia, aside from being the biggest continent, is a traveller-friendly region. Asia would not be called a travel bargain for no reason at all. A lot of cheap flights connect Asia from the rest of the world. Cheap yet delicious street foods literally line the streets. And the region is also home to world-class natural wonders, beaches, pristine islands, and a lot of architectural wonders, just to name a few.
Now, the only question left is what countries in Asia are the best options if you are travelling on a budget for the first time? Read on for the answer.
Also read: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations Outside Southeast Asia for Filipinos
1. Thailand
Among the many Asian travel bargains, Thailand is easily one of the best. This is because the country is dotted with amazing ancient temples, tourist-friendly people, lively nightlife, and most especially, affordable authentic Thai foods lining the streets. Not all places in Thailand though are ideal for first-timers. Bangkok, for example, is almost entirely crawling with tourists all year round. And if this is not your thing, your best option is to go up north to Chiang Mai.
Dubbed as the country’s “Capital of the North,” Chiang Mai is a bit more affordable and a lot less crowded compared to Bangkok. And when in Chiang Mai, don’t forget to drop by Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and of course, the Chiang Mai Night Safari.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with many historical sites, to begin with. It is all the more made a tourist magnet by its beautiful natural wonders, which include pristine white sand beaches, and amazing rock formations and cliffs. When in Vietnam, don’t hesitate to include Hoi An on your itinerary. This humble coastal town along the Eastern Vietnam Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning that strolling around town with its many heritage sites will give you your money’s worth, not to mention the cheap hotel accommodations you can easily get.
Another great destination in Vietnam is Hanoi, the cheapest place in the country so far, especially if you are into food and budget accommodations. Thousands of cafes line the city streets. There you can try mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisines, such as the Mien Tron and Pho, the most famous food in Hanoi. You can easily have these affordable treats from food stalls around the city. And eating them alongside locals will surely make your Vietnam experience more exciting.
3. Cambodia
Cambodia is still a less travelled country compared to its Asian neighbours. Many who go there head straight either to Siem Reap or the Mekong Delta because of its maze of rivers, floating pagodas, and scenic countryside views.
To have a more enjoyable first-time visit, however, Phnom Penh is an interesting pit stop. The country’s capital offers a mix of French and Khmer attractions, which are considerably cheaper than the rest of the country. The city has a lot of historical attractions to visit, including the Royal Palace, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the National Museum of Cambodia. Parks, restaurants, and bars also line the riverfront. Spending time in this laid-back city is worth everything.
4. Indonesia
Are you surprised to see Indonesia on this list? You can shake that surprised look now. Despite its reputation as a traveller’s hub in Asia, Indonesia, specifically, Jakarta, has remained quiet cheap. This makes Jakarta, Indonesia a great leap forward for first-time travellers on a budget. The city is also an ideal place for travellers who like the urban vibe. Jakarta, like many other Asian cities, has a mix of influences. Malay, Javanese, Arab, Indian, and European cultures are the most evident in the city, giving its visitors a diverse cultural experience, from arts to food.
Jakarta is home to many exciting theme parks and rides as well as magnificent architectural marvels. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Istiqlal Mosque, and Dunia Fantasi are only some of the most fascinating attractions in Jakarta worth visiting. And of course, there are a lot of other beautiful things that you can discover in Jakarta just by exploring it on foot.
5. Malaysia
Considering that you are travelling on a budget, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia should be on your travel bucket list as well. Aside from many cheap airfare promos that you can avail online, the food scene in this city is a thing to beat. This is due to the mixture of cultural ethnicities living in the city. Kuala Lumpur will let you taste and experience Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine and culture all in one stop.
No Malaysian experience would be complete without trying the invigorating bakuteh, the creamy sang har kwey teow, and the mouth-watering meat-on-stick called sentul satay. Kuala Lumpur is a city with a lot of English speakers, too. So going around the city is no sweat.
6. India
Generally, many travellers consider India as a crowded place. But not if you stay outside the big Indian cities. When planning a trip to India, Goa is the best choice for first-time travellers. Aside from its cheap hotels, Goa’s hippie culture has long been attracting tourists along with its coastlines facing the Arabian Sea. The Portuguese, who once ruled the state, has left an indelible mark in this place making this Indian destination more pleasing to visitors.
Places to visit while in Goa apart from its long stretch of beaches are the Museum of Christian Art, Dudhsagar Falls, and Fort Aguada, a 17th-century fortress. Unlike any other costly destinations in Asia, stretching your travel funds in Goa is really attainable due to the cheaper cost of living in the place.
7. Nepal
Nepal is arguably one of the best options when travelling in Asia on a budget. Why? Because the country is an ideal jump-off point for many breathtaking treks. Although the country’s capital, Kathmandu, is somewhat promising for more seasoned travellers, Pokhara, on the other hand, is an ideal playground for first-timers. Not only is it cheaper to go around in Pokhara, but it is also less crowded and more pleasurable than Kathmandu.
When in Pokhara, never miss the opportunity to visit the mesmerising Barahi Temple located on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake. The temple will give you a stunning sweeping view of Pokhara itself. Also, find time to visit Mahendra Gupha, a cave famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Also read: How Filipinos Can Get a Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival
8. Laos
If your idea of a great travel is experiencing more of a countryside than the concrete jungles of a city, you will not go wrong in Laos. The countryside scenery in Laos is what draws different kinds of travellers to the country, specifically to Luang Prabang. The area has a charming environment thanks to the many existing Mekong riverside manors, remnants of the French presence in the country, where you can actually stay.
On the other hand, if you want to see the historical side of Laos through, Vientiane has a lot to offer you. Pha That Luang, Patuxai, and Wat Si Saket should definitely be on your must-see bucket list while in Vientiane.
9. Taiwan
Taiwan is ultimately a foodie’s haven. For a complete street food adventure, don’t hesitate to drop by Tonghua Night Market, where you can taste most of Taiwan’s gastronomic delights, such as the liu sha fritter, sheng jian bao, or the soupy and meaty xiao long tang bao.
Aside from cheap and delicious Chinese foods, Taiwan is also a mecca for Chinese artworks. Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and Taipei Fine arts Museum will surely make you appreciate Chinese art with another set of eyes! In addition, find time to visit the world-famous Kenting National Park and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. And to top it all off, Alishan National Scenic Area will give you a chance to see its wonderful Taiwanese sakura in full bloom if you visit Taiwan from January to March this year without even going to Japan! And as a bonus, residents from the Philippines can enter the country without a visa until July 2018. Read about the Taiwan visa-free updates here.
Also read: How I Travelled 30 Days to 5 Southeast Asian Countries Under ₱50k Budget
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. The ones listed here are only some of the cheapest Asian destinations. Have you chosen one already? Don’t forget that an exciting and memorable first-time travel starts from proper research and planning!
