Spenders and Savers Rejoice
Depending on where you go, a trip to Asia can either be the cheapest or most expensive vacation of your life. As a sprawling continent that spans about 30% of the world’s land area, it should come as no surprise that Asia is home to a diverse selection of vacation spots that greatly vary from one another, especially when it comes to affordability. So here are the 10 cheapest and most expensive countries to visit in Asia.
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1. Vietnam
Travelers regularly flock to Vietnam to visit bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as well as breathtaking natural wonders like Ha Long Bay. Luckily, visitors can also expect extremely affordable living conditions, with inexpensive food ($1-3), accommodations (under $15 a night) and transportation.
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2. India
Boasting incredible tourist destinations like the serene backwaters of Kerala, the bustling markets of Delhi, and the architectural brilliance of the Taj Mahal, India has a lot to offer prospective tourists. Those looking for a vacation that won’t break the bank should look no further, as India’s affordable accommodations are as cheap as $3-10 per night, with street food often being sold for under $2.
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3. Nepal
Nepal is a tremendous destination for tourists on a budget. Not only does the country feature unparalleled views of the Himalayas, but it also contains bustling tourist areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visitors can expect to spend very little in the country, with accommodations costing no more than $15 per night and equally cheap food ranging from $2-10 per meal.
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4. Cambodia
With loads of temples and natural beauty (including the famous Angkor Wat Buddhist temple), Cambodia has a lot to offer potential visitors. On top of that, most of these incredible attractions are either free or very inexpensive. When you combine this with the country’s affordable food, accommodations, and transport you have yourself a budget-friendly trip that’s simply too hard to pass up.
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5. Indonesia
Thanks to areas like Bali and Yogyakarta, Indonesia is a world-renowned travel destination — especially for those looking to travel on a budget. Asia’s southernmost nation consists of over 17,000 islands that include beaches, volcanos, and loads of cultural sites. Luckily, visitors can expect to spend very little in Indonesia as meals and accommodations are no more than $2 and $20 respectively.
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6. Sri Lanka
This budget-friendly island nation in the Indian Ocean is as affordable as it is remarkable. Boasting a litany of diverse experiences that include beaches and ancient temples, you’ll be happy to know that Sri Lanka also features incredibly cheap accommodations ranging from $5-20 per night.
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7. Laos
As one of Southeast Asia’s most inexpensive countries, Laos is a remarkable travel destination for any tourist on a budget. In addition to having world-renowned landmarks like the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River, Laos also boasts incredibly inexpensive living conditions that will only cost you a few dollars a day.
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8. Bangladesh
Bangladesh might not be the first place you think of when planning your next vacation, but you may soon change your mind after seeing these prices. With accommodations ranging from $5-15 per night and food going for less than $3 a meal, the streets of Dhaka and the natural beauty of Sundarbans are simply too cheap to pass up.
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9. The Philippines
Many tourists flock to the Philipines for its breathtaking beaches and stunning islands, not to mention popular locales like Palawan and Cebu. In addition to these sites, the Philipines also offers tourists incredibly inexpensive accommodations (especially outside of major cities) for as little as $10 a night.
10. Myanmar
Although Myanmar has recently experienced some stark economic changes, the country remains one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia. Tourists can expect to spend very little while visiting cultural and historical landmarks like Bagan’s temples and Inle Lake. Accommodations and meals can be found for as low as $10 and $1 respectively.
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1. Japan
Despite Japan’s penchant for delivering a travel experience unlike any other, potential visitors may quickly find themselves burning through money. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto in particular are known to be quite expensive, with hotels that will easily cost you hundreds of dollars per night.
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2. Singapore
Known for its impressive infrastructure, luxury shopping, and fine dining, this economic powerhouse of the country is sure to cost you a pretty penny if you decide to visit. The small island country’s cleanliness and safety comes at a price, as hotels go for at least $200 a night and meals will generally cost you around $20-50.
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3. Hong Kong
This global financial hub is known for its breathtaking skyline and unique mix of cultures. However, the former British colony does boast some of the highest prices in Asia, including food and accommodations which can easily cost you upwards of $50 and $300 respectively.
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4. South Korea
Known for trendy and happening districts like Gangnam and Myeongdong, South Korea offers visitors an unparalleled and eclectic mix of modern attractions and tradition. However, The Land of the Morning Calm is also known for its high standard of living, with pricier accommodations costing upwards of $200 per night and meals in the $30-50 range at high-end restaurants.
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5. Maldives
As a known hotspot for luxury resorts and lavish experiences, a trip to the Maldives is liable to cost you a fortune. Its world-renowned overwater bungalows and pristine beaches come with a hefty price tag and most tourists can expect to spend upwards of $500-1000 per night at one of these extravagant hotels.
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6. United Arab Emirates
The UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai are known hotbeds of glitz, glamor, and excess. High-end shopping malls, fine dining and opulent accommodations are the norm here, so most tourists can expect to spend a sizable chunk of change for the mere privilege of visiting the Gulf state.
7. Bhutan
Bhutan, a small Buddhist kingdom located in the Himalayas, offers breathtaking natural beauty and a truly unique cultural experience. Unfortunately, this all comes at a hefty cost, as Bhutan maintains a strict “high value, low impact” tourism policy which centers around a mandatory daily tourist tariff of up to $250 per person per night. However, this fee does include all necessary expenditures like food, transport and accommodations.
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8. Israel
Boasting ancient cities with rich historical and religious significance, Israel offers a cultural experience unlike any other. However, the steep cost of hotels, dining, and entrance fees can quickly rack up a colossal price tag that may dissuade some budget-minded travellers. Despite relatively inexpensive food options, tourists can expect to spend upwards of $100 per night on a decent hotel room in places like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
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9. Macau
This unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture is as known for its pristine colonial architecture as it is lavish casinos and high-end shopping. As such, you shouldn’t be shocked to find out that Macau is among the most expensive places to visit in all of Asia. Its accommodations can easily cost you upwards of $100-300 per night, with food options generally exceeding $100 at a fine dining establishment.
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10. Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its eclectic night markets, gorgeous natural landscapes, and rich history. But one thing it’s also known for is its high standard of living. Urban areas, particularly Taipei, can easily cost you a pretty penny when it comes to accommodations (upwards of $100 for a mid-range hotel).
