No matter how bougie of a traveler you may be, we all love to save money and score incredible deals when galavanting around the world.
Travel budgets can rack up quickly. Oftentimes, we find out the hard way when our credit card bills arrive after an epic trip.
Exchange rates change every day, but Condé Nast recently revealed the cheapest cities in the world by who favors the American dollar most.
Get your passport ready and set your bank account travel notices because many of the world’s most affordable vacation spots are dispersed across Asia. Shockingly, Thailand was not among the top 5.
These are the 5 most affordable Asian countries, according to Condé Nast:
5) Malaysia
What’s become a digital nomad hotspot for a variety of enticements, affordability tops the list as one of Asia’s top bang-for-your-bang destinations.
It’s not only nomads who appreciate saving some serious moolah; all travelers do. Malaysia may not have been on your 2025 bingo card, but hear me out.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places to treat yourself to 5-star hotels at rock-bottom prices.
While many are still hovering around $300 per night, you can easily find ritzy stays under $100, like Berjaya Times Square Hotel, ranging from $65 to $83 through spring.
Not to mention, street eats are incredibly tasty and cheap at numerous traditional markets, and entering the world-famous Batu Caves is free!
1 U.S. Dollar equates to roughly 4.5 Malaysian ringgit as of this posting.
4) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been up and down with travelers after becoming what seems to be a common consensus as Asia’s trendiest country.
This culturally rich and naturally astounding island has been winning over travelers’ hearts in recent years until an unfortunate travel advisory regarding terrorism concerns was issued in 2024, which now seems to be less of a worry.
Travelers don’t seem terribly concerned about visiting in 2025 largely because it’s one of the best destinations to experience new cultures, untouched nature, and a must-do train ride, all at bargain bin prices.
Whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Colombo, the paradisal beaches of Aragum Bay, or tranquil lakeside temples outside Kandy, the only sweat you’ll break is from Sri Lanka’s humidity, not from you’re impending credit card bill.
Better yet, Sri Lanka dropped visa requirements for 30-day stays. Less bureaucracy = more savings.
1 US Dollar equates to roughly 295 Sri Lankan rupees as of this posting.
3) Vietnam
Where to even start with such a mesmerizing country…
Between the vast metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, along with stunning coastlines like Southeast Asia’s top beach destination, Nha Trang, Vietnam is the type of place you’ll want to soak up every aspect as long as you can, which is great because it’s so insanely cheap.
Whether it be a $1 bowl of piping hot noodle concoctions or $50 resorts, your dollar stretches far in Vietnam.
Condé Nast recommends Pho Quoc for a tropical escape while highlighting Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang for their ‘best places to go in 2025′.
1 U.S. Dollar equates to 25,365 Vietnamese Dong as of this posting.
2) Mongolia
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the list, Mongolia is one of Asia’s most overlooked countries. While this gargantuan nation sandwiched between Russia and China receives more visitors than Brunei and dare we say trendy Bhutan, Mongolia seems to be hidden in plain sight.
Likened to a junk mail coupon, mainstream travelers might need something enticing to bring them somewhere unknown, and what better way than to be Asia’s second cheapest country?
You might be wondering what there is to do in Mongolia, and honestly, you’ll likely want to venture outside the capital Ulaanbaatar for unforgettable experiences ranging from mountainside yurts, jaw-dropping monasteries, and the incomparable UNESCO-recognized Naadam Festival consisting of wrestling matches, archery competitions, and horse races.
Many travelers who have had the good fortune of visiting this lesser-known wonder enjoy spending time in nomadic villages too to experience old traditions and customs, a far cry from Americans’ glued-to-screens lifestyle.
1 U.S. Dollar equates to 3,424 Mongolia Tugriks as of this posting.
1) Cambodia
Surprise! While Thailand is certainly still very cheap across the board, Condé Nast gives Cambodia the crown as Asia’s cheapest country.
Southeast Asia’s up-and-coming “it” destination is all the more enticing to explore with Siem Reap’s new international airport, a city home to the world-renowned 12th-century temple complex Angkor Wat.
But there’s so much more to do and see than this well-preserved time capsule. The capital city Phnom Penh is super cheap and fun to explore buzzing markets and intriguing museums, but don’t sleep on Cambodia’s coastlines either.
As Thailand’s popular beach getaways, Phuket and Koh Samui, deal with heavy crowds and sustainability issues, why not give Cambodia’s slice of paradise a chance?
Overlooked by Siem Reap and the affordable draw to Phnom Penh lies Sihanoukville, a city and province of the same name teeming with beautiful beaches and islands reminiscent of both neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam.
Here, you can score $30 beach resorts through summer on Agoda.
1 U.S. Dollar equates to 4,034 Cambodian Riels as of this posting.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
