6 Budget-Friendly Asian Destinations To Visit In 2018
130 places to go, millions of possibilities.
What’s the best thing about living in Australia? Beaches, you say? The laid-back vibes? The awesome coffee? The quokkas? They’re all great things…but let’s get real – one of the best things about life Down Under is that we’re so gloriously close to Asia.
Asia is home to some of the most epically beautiful and culturally amazing destinations on the planet.
It’s also famously generous on the back pocket. To help you get the most bang for your buck on your next Asian jaunt (and pack more unforgettable memories into that long-haul vacay), we’ve put together a hotlist of some of the most awesome and bank balance-friendly Asian hotspots that you need to go to now.
From India to Indonesia, Vietnam and beyond, 2018’s the year to get that Asian holiday dream off the ground.
#1 India
Where else on this wild ball of spinning rock can you uncover so much amazing culture and have so many out-of-this-world experiences without spreading yourself too thin than India?
Overall, India is a massive bargain for the thrifty traveller – your rupee goes far in Delhi and Mumbai against other South and South East Asian capitals, and it only gets better when you move on from the major hubs.
Seaside town Goa is always a buck-friendly favourite, with its awesome beach parties and nightlife and choice of cheap hostels and guesthouses. And don’t miss the other budget-happy attractions of the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey, French-colonial Pondicherry, the tranquil beach town Gokarna, and Himalayan paradise Sikkim.
#2 Malaysia
Sushi, Singapore noodles, dumplings and kung pao chicken have their place in our hearts (and stomachs), but any foodie worth their salt knows that Malaysian cuisine is some of the absolute best food in Asia – and it’s budget-friendly, too. Char Kuay Teow, that delicious hawker dish of prawns, flat rice noodles and dark soy, the dish that haunts flavour-fuelled dreams. It’s worth flying to Malaysia for.
For the very best Kuay Teow and Malaysian hawker-food experiences, head stomach-first to KL and its culinary showpiece Penang. Typical of Malaysia’s food scene, the city offers gastronomic wonders on the cheap, so you can try limitless local delicacies without breaking the bank.
Like its food, Malaysia flies under the radar all-too-often – the landscapes here are absolutely stunning: the white sand-laden Perhentian Islands – the perfect mix of party and chill, the amazing Cameron Highlands and Selangor, the lush rainforests and delicate wildlife of East Malaysian Borneo and beyond. See it, live it, eat it. You won’t forget it (or regret it).
#3 Indonesia
Into mythic white sand beaches, lush jungles, volcanoes and natural rainforests? Then Indonesia is your deal. Though it’s hands-down one of the most spectacular countries in the region, so much of it is overlooked by folks bee-lining for tried and true beach nooks like Bali and Lombok.
Indonesia is actually a hundred worlds in one: did you know that it comprises over 17,500 islands? Or that 300 different ethnic groups live here together, speaking over 700 different languages? Get amongst it and find something new – the common entry point of Jakarta might be a hectic intro, but your Aussie buck flies well here against the rupiah.
From there, consider the Gili Islands, the Komodo Islands of East Nusa Tenggara (home of the Komodo Dragon), the “Paris” of West Java in Bandung, and the Dieng Plateau in Central Java: just a few amazing starting points to get your Indonesia vacay on the right track. If you’ve got the time, throw Borneo, Sulawesi and Papua on the list – all equally magical, and all deserving of a budget-friendly trundle.
#4 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has heaps of stuff to offer, from surfing hotspots (yep, really) to delicious food and centuries-old sites that are perfect for a dose of history (and your Instagram feed).
First-time visitors should fly into Colombo to get right to the heart of things. As the nation’s largest city, it’s bursting with history (check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort for a taste), irresistible street food (you haven’t lived ‘til you’ve tried hoppers, samosas and kottu roti here) and is only a drive away from Mount Lavinia, Hikka, Una and other popular beaches.
Best of all, while the country is certainly on the rise with people in the know, prices are still pretty reasonable – it’s a destination perfect for those after affordable luxury. What more could you ask for?
#5 Vietnam
Food mad gonzo writer-chef Anthony Bourdain calls Vietnam his spiritual home, and it’s the tantalising food here that keeps him, and millions like him worldwide, coming back time and again every year.
Discerning foodies will find the planet’s most delicious pho here: time and again, on the street, where you’ll slurp the good stuff on a little plastic chair and knock it all back with a sweaty bottle of beer (every day, and every meal if that’s your vibe).
Food aside, Vietnam is also one of the most fascinating and naturally spectacular countries on earth. Best of all, it’s still very affordable: bustling hubs Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City are some of the cheapest cities in Asia, with a huge supply of budget accom choices.
Country-wide, food, drinks, transport and attractions will barely make a dent on your savings, while the very best deals (and awesome times) can be found on its amazing beaches, namely Cua Dai, City Beach in Nha Trang, and Long Beach on the island of Phú Quốc.
#6 Cambodia
This diverse, culturally rich nation draws droves of tourists every season for its wallet-friendly deals and life-changing moments.
Capital Phnom Penh is one of the cheapest main cities in Asia, while beach towns like Sihanoukville and the whole southern Kep province ought to keep your trip going for as long as you like soaking up sun, sand and chilling out on a hammock.
Oh, and check out Koh Tonsay and Koh Rong while you’re down south – they’re some of the most spectacular islands you’ll ever come across. Then, of course, there’s Siem Reap and the mysterious ancient temples of Angkor Wat (do we really need to tell you how unforgettable all that is?).
(Lead image: Louie Martinez)
Only AirAsia flies to 130 stunning places across Asia. And with so many amazing places to explore, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Start your adventure and book your flights at airasia.com now.
AirAsia. 130 places to go. Millions of possibilities.