Top places for traveling on a budget in Asia

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture. Despite its status as a capital city, Hanoi is surprisingly affordable.

Accommodations in Hanoi range from as low as $10 per night for a basic hostel room to around $50 for a decent hotel room. Eating out is also quite cheap, with street food meals costing around $1-2 and a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing about $5-10. Transportation within the city is also inexpensive with bus fares as low as $0.30 and taxi fares averaging around $0.50 per kilometer.

Visitors to Hanoi should not miss the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital, is another budget-friendly destination in Asia. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara offers breathtaking natural beauty. It serves as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trekking trail.

Accommodations in Pokhara range from around $5 for a basic guesthouse to about $30 for a comfortable hotel room. Eating out in Pokhara is also affordable, with street food costing around $1-2 and a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing about $4-7. Public transportation is not very common in Pokhara, but taxis are available and typically cost around $0.70 per kilometer.

Luang Prabang in Laos is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture and religious sites. It is famous for its Buddhist temples and colonial architecture. While in Luang Prabang, visitors should take the time to visit the Royal Palace Museum and the numerous Buddhist temples scattered throughout the city.

Accommodations in Luang Prabang can be found for as low as $6 for a hostel room and up to $40 for a more upscale hotel room. The cost of eating out in Luang Prabang is also quite reasonable with street food costing around $1-2 and a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing about $5-10. Transportation within the city is cheap with tuk-tuk fares averaging around $2-3 per ride.

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is primarily recognized for its proximity to the world-renowned Angkor Wat. With daily entrance fees at $37, it's an affordable way to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But beyond this ancient temple complex, Siem Reap offers markets, museums, and natural sites like the Tonle Sap Lake and Phnom Kulen National Park.

Accommodation in Siem Reap varies from budget guesthouses for around $10 per night to more upscale hotels from $50 and up. Eating out is also reasonable, with local meals costing around $2-5. Transportation, primarily by tuk-tuk, ranges from $1-3 for short trips.

Bali, an Indonesian island known for its lush landscapes and serene beaches, offers a range of affordable experiences. From exploring ancient temples such as Tanah Lot and Uluwatu to surfing on Kuta Beach or hiking up Mount Batur, there's plenty to do without breaking the bank.

Accommodation in Bali varies widely, with budget rooms available from around $10 per night and mid-range hotels from $20-50. Eating out can be incredibly cheap if you stick to local warungs (local eateries), where meals can cost as little as $1-2.

Public transportation is limited in Bali, so many tourists opt for renting a scooter at around $5 per day or hiring a driver for around $20-40 per day.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, offers a blend of modernity and tradition. The iconic Petronas Twin Towers dominate the city skyline, while the historic district of Merdeka Square showcases the city's colonial past. Entrance fees to most attractions are under $10, with public spaces like the KLCC Park and Perdana Botanical Gardens free to enter.

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur can be as cheap as $10 for a budget room, while mid-range hotels range from $20-50. Eating out is very affordable, with street food starting at around $1-2 and meals at mid-range restaurants from $5-10. Public transportation is efficient and cheap in Kuala Lumpur, with a single journey on the LRT or monorail costing less than $1.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is known for its historic sites and bustling markets.Kathmandu is known for its temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Despite the occasional traffic congestion and pollution, it remains a rewarding destination for budget travelers.

Accommodation prices range from $5 to $20 per night for budget options, while mid-range hotels cost around $20 to $50. Eating out is also economical, with meals at local restaurants costing around $2 to $5. Public transportation, mainly buses and taxis, is inexpensive, with fares typically less than a dollar.

Chiang Mai in Thailand is famous for its traditional temples and night markets.

Accommodation costs range from $10 to $40 per night. Street food costs about $1-$3 per dish. Transportation costs are low, with options including songthaews (shared taxis), tuk-tuks, and bicycles. Songthaews (shared taxis) are commonly used with fares starting from $0.60. Tourists can explore the Old City and Doi Suthep Temple.

Chiang Mai is home to several temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. While it's less bustling than Bangkok, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere and affordability.

Yogyakarta in Indonesia is known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. It is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan.

Budget accommodations start from $10 to $30 per night, while mid-range options range from $30 to $60. Local meals cost around $1 to $3 at local eateries. Public transportation includes buses and becaks (pedicabs), with fares typically less than a dollar.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of Spanish colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Places worth visiting include Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the Manila Ocean Park. The city's traffic can be challenging, but the low cost of living makes it an attractive destination for budget travelers.

Budget accommodations start from $10 to $30 per night, while mid-range options range from $30 to $60. The cost of eating out is affordable, with local meals priced around $3 to $6. Jeepneys and tricycles are common forms of public transportation and fares are usually less than a dollar.

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences without breaking the bank, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.