Intriguing and Cheap: Explore Eastern Asia for Less

26 August 2025

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through vibrant street markets, exploring ancient temples, and devouring mouthwatering street food—all without breaking the bank? Good news! Eastern Asia is packed with incredible destinations that offer adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences at surprisingly affordable prices.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly getaway, you're in the right place. Let’s dive into the best places to visit, pro tips for saving money, and hidden gems that will make your Eastern Asia trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience—without draining your wallet!

Why Eastern Asia Is Perfect for Budget Travelers

Eastern Asia might sound like an expensive region, but in reality, it’s one of the best places for travelers on a budget. From cheap but delicious street food to affordable public transport and budget-friendly accommodations, you can have the time of your life without spending a fortune.

Here’s what makes it a great pick for budget travelers:
✔ Affordable Accommodations – From hostels to guesthouses, budget stays are easy to find.
✔ Delicious Street Food – Some of the tastiest meals cost just a couple of dollars.
✔ Efficient Public Transport – Trains, buses, and even motorbikes make getting around cheap.
✔ Free & Low-Cost Attractions – Many temples, nature spots, and cultural experiences are free or very affordable.

Best Affordable Destinations in Eastern Asia

1. Vietnam – Where Every Dollar Goes a Long Way

Vietnam is a paradise for budget travelers. The country offers stunning landscapes, rich history, and some of the best street food in the world—all at incredibly low prices.

- Best Cheap Eats: A bowl of phở or a banh mi sandwich costs as little as $1.50!
- Budget Accommodations: Hostels start at just $5 per night.
- Must-Visit Spots:
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter – A maze of history, street food, and culture.
- Ha Long Bay – Stunning limestone islands; affordable cruises available.
- Hoi An – A picturesque town with lantern-lit streets and budget-friendly tailor shops.

Money-Saving Tip: Use sleeper buses for long travel distances instead of flights—it’s cheaper and saves you a night of accommodation!

2. Thailand – Beaches, Temples, and Wallet-Friendly Fun

Thailand has a reputation for being both stunning and incredibly cheap, especially if you stick to budget-friendly spots like Chiang Mai and Krabi.

- Best Cheap Eats: Pad Thai or mango sticky rice for just $1–$2.
- Budget Accommodations: Dorm beds in hostels start at $6 per night.
- Must-Visit Spots:
- Bangkok’s Grand Palace – A must-see for history and architecture lovers.
- Chiang Mai – Affordable elephant sanctuaries and temples.
- Koh Tao – A budget-friendly island with cheap diving courses.

Money-Saving Tip: Eat where the locals eat—street food in Thailand is not only delicious but also ridiculously cheap.

3. Cambodia – Ancient Wonders at Low Costs

Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, one of the most breathtaking temple complexes in the world, yet it remains one of the cheapest countries in Asia to visit.

- Best Cheap Eats: Khmer curry or amok fish for $2–$3.
- Budget Accommodations: Guesthouses for as low as $4 per night.
- Must-Visit Spots:
- Angkor Wat – A three-day pass is just $62, and it's totally worth it.
- Phnom Penh – Learn about Cambodia’s history at the Killing Fields.
- Koh Rong – A tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and budget-friendly cabins.

Money-Saving Tip: Rent a bicycle in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat instead of paying for a tuk-tuk!

4. Indonesia – The Budget-Friendly Island Getaway

Indonesia is more than just Bali. It’s a huge country with affordable islands, volcano hikes, and beautiful temple sites for travelers seeking adventure on a budget.

- Best Cheap Eats: Nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay skewers for $1–$2.
- Budget Accommodations: Hostels start at $7 per night.
- Must-Visit Spots:
- Yogyakarta – A cultural gem with ancient temples like Borobudur.
- Lombok – A cheaper, less crowded alternative to Bali.
- Mount Bromo – A breathtaking volcano hike that won’t break the bank.

Money-Saving Tip: Skip the expensive touristy parts of Bali and explore lesser-known islands like Nusa Penida.

5. Taiwan – A Hidden Gem for Budget Travelers

Taiwan isn’t always the first place that comes to mind for budget travel, but this island nation has a lot to offer for not much money.

- Best Cheap Eats: Bubble tea, beef noodles, and xiao long bao for under $5.
- Budget Accommodations: Hostels start at $10 per night.
- Must-Visit Spots:
- Taipei 101 – Skip the expensive observation deck and hike Elephant Mountain for a free view!
- Jiufen – A magical hillside town that inspired Spirited Away.
- Taroko Gorge – A stunning national park with free entry.

Money-Saving Tip: Get an EasyCard for cheap transport and discounts on attractions.

How to Travel Eastern Asia on a Budget

Now that you know where to go, here are some insider tips to make your dream trip even cheaper!

💰 Stick to Local Transport

Instead of taxis, hop on buses, metro trains, or even motorbike rentals for cheaper travel.

🍜 Eat Like a Local

Street food is not only cheap but also some of the best food you’ll ever eat. Fancy restaurants? Skip them!

🏠 Stay in Budget Accommodations

Hostels, guesthouses, and Couchsurfing will save you a ton of money compared to hotels.

🚶 Walk Whenever Possible

Many cities in Eastern Asia are pedestrian-friendly. Walking saves money and lets you soak in the local vibes.

🎟️ Look for Free Attractions

Parks, temples, markets, and even museums sometimes have free entry days. Take advantage of them!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a fat bank account to explore the beauty and culture of Eastern Asia. With the right planning, a bit of local know-how, and an adventurous spirit, you can have a rich, unforgettable experience on a budget.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, book that budget flight, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime—without spending a fortune!