Travel Tips

Cheapest Asian countries to visit in 2025

Discover the cheapest countries to visit in Asia with flight prices, daily budgets, and must-know budget travel tips.

Asia is home to some of the most affordable travel destinations for US explorers. Cheap Asia vacations and budget-friendly cities are all on offer, mainly due to the incredible exchange rate from the US dollar. One such example is Nepal, which costs, on average, over 60% less to live in than the USA.

With low-costs like these, budget-friendly accommodations, delicious street food, and extensive public transportation, you can explore breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant cultures throughout Asia without overspending.

If you’re planning a lower-cost adventure in 2025, here are the cheapest countries to visit in Asia, including estimated daily costs, flight prices, and money-saving travel tips.

In this article

Vietnam

The modern collides with the historical in Ho Chi Minh City. Source: Canva

Vietnam is a budget traveler’s paradise. Offering world-famous cuisine and several Michelin-star restaurants and street food stands – like those in the popular city of Hanoi, Vietnam packs a punch!

Whether visiting the serene waters of Ha Long Bay or walking the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit while still delivering a rich cultural experience:

Average daily budget: $25–$40
Return flights: Depending on the season and departure city, flights can cost around $600- $900.
Why it’s cheap:
Affordable street food: A bowl of pho or banh mi can cost as little as $2.
Low-cost accommodations: Some guesthouses and hostels start at $5 per night, depending on their star rating.
Budget-friendly transportation: Public buses, sleeper trains, and domestic flights are inexpensive.
Must-visit spots:
- Hoi An: Wander for free through a UNESCO-listed ancient town
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels

Cambodia

The famous Khmer Architecture Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, is a must for all travelers to Asia. Source: Canva

Famous for its ancient temples, stunning beaches, wide use of the US dollar, and stellar exchange rate, Cambodia is also one of the most affordable Asian countries to visit. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a cheap Asian vacation in a place with rich history, such as the UNESCO heritage sites like Angkor Wat and lush natural beauty:

Average daily budget: $25–$40
Return flights: Flights can cost between $600 and $900, depending on the season and departure city.
Why it’s cheap:
Budget-friendly accommodations: Accommodation can start from as little as just $9 per night.
Low-cost attractions: A full-day pass to Angkor Wat costs $37.
Cheap food and transport: Delicious local meals cost as little as $2, and tuk-tuks are an affordable way to get around.
Must-visit spots:
- Siem Reap: Home to the iconic Angkor Wat, visit this famous destination while not exceeding the average daily budget of $40.
- Phnom Penh: Visit the Royal Palace and learn Cambodia’s history at the Killing Fields.

Nepal

Walk the streets of Kathmandu and immerse yourself in its rich culture. Source: Canva

Long considered to be one of, if not the cheapest, countries in South Asia, Nepal is a hotspot for trekking and adventure travel—especially for devotees of the famous “Hippie Trails” from Europe to Asia. It offers stunning Himalayan views, ancient temples, and vibrant culture on a tight budget.

Whether you’re hiking to Everest Base Camp or exploring the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal continues to be one of the most affordable Asian countries to visit:

Average daily budget: $25–$35
Return flights: Flights can cost around $700–$1000, depending on when you choose to travel.
Why it’s cheap:
Low-cost accommodations: Guesthouses start at just $5 per night.
Affordable trekking experiences: While some treks around the world, such as in France or Hawaii, can cost thousands, permits and guide costs in Nepal are significantly cheaper, often coming in under $1,000.
Cheap food and transport: Taking local transport like buses and enjoying street food as opposed to eating at touristy spots or taking private transport can keep costs down.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Kathmandu: Explore the city on foot and visit the magnificent Pashupatinath Temple for just under $8
- Pokhara: A lakeside town with incredible views of the Himalayas accessible by bus for around $6

Indonesia

Visit the awe-inspiring Borobudur and come up close to the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Source: Canva

Indonesia is a budget-friendly destination known for its lush tropical beaches, rich and diverse island cultures, and colorful cities. From Bali to Lombok, this country offers some of the cheapest Asian vacations for travelers who love nature and adventure. Even when eating out for every meal, costs can accumulate to as little as $5-$10 per day:

Average daily budget: $25–$45
Return flights: Flights can cost around $700–$1,000, depending on off-peak and peak pricing.
Why it’s cheap:
Cheap accommodation options: Homestays and guesthouses can start from as little as $9 per night.
Affordable food: Local dishes like nasi goreng cost just $2.
Budget-friendly transport: Scooters and public buses are inexpensive.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Yogyakarta: Home to Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a thriving university town, adventurers can visit the temple for a low cost of around $20
- Lombok: A less touristy alternative to Bali with beautiful landscapes and cheaper accommodation and food options

India

Meals in India can cost as little as $1-2. Source: Canva

India is also an incredibly cheap vacation option for travelers, with $10 converting to nearly 875 Rupees. The country offers widely diverse regions and landscapes and a famous and rich history – just think yoga and ashrams, all at incredibly low prices.

Whether exploring Rajasthan’s palaces, cruising through Kerala’s backwaters and savoring their local cuisine for $1-$2, or relaxing on Goa’s beaches, India offers a diverse range of budget-friendly adventures for every type of traveler:

Average daily budget: $15–$30
Return flights: Flights can cost between $700–$1,100, depending on what time of the year you choose to fly.
Why it’s cheap:
Extremely affordable food: A full meal at a local restaurant costs as little as $1.
Low-cost transportation: India’s train network is one of the cheapest in the world.
Budget accommodations: Guesthouses and hostels start at just $5 per night.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Alleppey: Visit this countryside wonder’s lagoons and landscapes and stay in accommodation for as little as $9
- Goa: Travel the inexpensive way by train to this picturesque destination filled with fantastic beaches and architecture.

Sri Lanka

Discover the lush tea fields and famous Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka. Source: Canva

Last but certainly not least, Sri Lanka is another of the cheapest Asian countries to visit. It offers a perfect mix of tropical beaches, lush tea plantations, rich history, and vibrant cities like Colombo and Kandy, all at a budget-friendly price. With accommodation costs averaging just $15–$25 per night, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for backpackers and budget travelers looking for an affordable yet unforgettable adventure.

Sri Lanka proves that a low-cost trip can still be packed with incredible experiences, from savoring mouthwatering curries at street-side eateries to spotting elephants in national parks and sanctuaries and relaxing on pristine beaches:

Average daily budget: $20–$40
Return flights: Flights can cost between $700–$1,000, depending on the time of year.
Why it’s cheap:
Affordable and delicious food: Sri Lankan rice and curry meals can cost as little as $2–$4 at local eateries
Low-cost accommodations: Budget hotels and guesthouses can start at $6 per night, with beachfront stays for under $20.
Cheap public transport: Train and bus rides cost just a few cents to a couple of dollars, which makes getting around incredibly affordable.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Ella: A tea and hill country paradise with lush green tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. The famous Ella to Kandy train ride, often called one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, takes you through misty mountains and rolling tea estates for just $1–$5, depending on the ticket class.
- Sigiriya: Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 660 feet (200 meters) above the surrounding jungle, this UNESCO-listed fortress was once the palace of King Kashyapa in the 5th century. The hike to the top takes around 30–45 minutes.
- Mirissa: A laid-back coastal town known for its stunning golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cheap accommodations. It’s also one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, with whale-watching tours costing around $30–$40 – a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.

General budget travel tips for visiting Asia

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing experiences—it means being smart about where and how you spend your money. While Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, and India are among the cheapest Asian countries to visit, making the most of your travel budget requires local knowledge and strategic planning.

Below are some of the more specific money-saving tips to remember to travel for less in 2025:

Use budget airlines: AirAsia, VietJet, and Scoot offer affordable flights across Asia.

Book flights early: The cheapest Asian country to fly to depends on your departure city, but booking flights 3–6 months in advance can help to secure the lowest prices.

Use public transport: To save money, take buses, tuk-tuks, or trains instead of taxis or private cars.

Know when to go: If you’re not traveling for a specific cultural event or local festival, vacationing during the shoulder seasons (March-May and September–November) could best secure lower overall prices.

Stay connected for less with Holafly: Unlimited data, no hassle

Exploring Asia’s most budget-friendly destinations—from the streets of Vietnam to the landscapes of Nepal—shows that incredible travel experiences don’t have to come with a high price tag. With affordable accommodations, cheap street food, and low-cost transport, you can stretch your budget further while immersing yourself in the region’s diverse cultures.

To make your journey smoother, stay connected effortlessly with a Holafly Asia eSIM—starting at just $2.44 daily. Enjoy unlimited data, easy activation, and seamless coverage across multiple countries so you can navigate, book, and share your adventures hassle-free.

With a quick and easy setup and the ability to connect across multiple destinations, Holafly ensures you’ll never be stranded without internet. Some of the other Holafly features users can take advantage of are:

Unlimited data: Stream, browse, and chat as much as you want without worrying about top-ups.
Fast and reliable internet: Stay connected with 4G/5G speeds, even in remote areas.
No more roaming charges: Avoid expensive fees and save more for your cheap Asia vacation.
Share your data: Create a WiFi hotspot and share up to 500 MB of data daily with family, friends, or fellow travelers. No one gets left behind.
Immediate delivery: Already on the move? No problem. Your eSIM is delivered instantly via email so that you can activate it in seconds.
24/7 customer support: Holafly offers its users round-the-clock chat support.
Keep your WhatsApp number: Stay in touch like you never left home. Call and message all your contacts without switching numbers.
Customize your plan: Need data for a week, a month, or longer? Choose the plan that best suits your trip, and never worry about running out of coverage.