Back to grid

Best places for budget travelers in Asia

Back to grid
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Sri Lanka is compact so travelers spend little time and money on transport. Slow trains and local buses link the main sights at very low fares. Guesthouses run by families offer good value in every region. Beaches, ruins and tea country all lie within a short journey of each other.
Highlights:
  • 🚂 Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • 🐘 Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • 🪨 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
Bangladesh
Mangrove tigers, tea hills and a long beach
5.2
Bangladesh is one of the cheapest countries in South Asia and sees very few tourists. Guesthouses, local restaurants and buses all cost little. Rickshaws and river ferries make short trips easy and cheap. Travelers who pack patience find a friendly country where money goes a long way.
Highlights:
  • 🚶🏻 Stroll through Dhaka’s chaotic and colorful Sadarghat river port
  • 🏛️ Visit the ancient terracotta Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur
  • 🚤 Cruise through the serene backwaters of the Sundarbans mangrove forest
Cambodia
Angkor temples, riverside cities and quiet coast
7.1
Cambodia is a long time favorite of backpackers because everyday costs stay low. Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful in every tourist town. US dollars are widely used so travelers rarely lose money on exchange. Buses and shared vans link the main sights at low fares.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise along Tonlé Sap Lake and visit floating villages
  • 🌿 Explore the jungle-covered ruins of Ta Prohm Temple
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the ancient temples of Angkor Wat
Georgia
Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi
7.2
Georgia combines low prices with a welcoming visa policy for many nationalities. Hostels and family guesthouses are easy to find in cities and mountain villages. Minibuses called marshrutkas link almost every town at low fares. Free walking tours and open landscapes keep sightseeing costs down.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Walk through the historic Old Town of Tbilisi
  • 🕳️ Explore the ancient Uplistsikhe cave city carved into rock
  • ⛪ Climb Gergeti Trinity Church overlooking Mount Kazbek
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
7.5
India is one of the most affordable countries for long trips. A huge rail network links cities at low fares and offers overnight berths that save on hotels. Simple guesthouses and local eateries are found in every town. Travelers can stretch a small budget across months.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Sail on the serene backwaters of Kerala
  • 🛺 Take a colorful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal
Indonesia
Volcanoes, temples, rice terraces and coral reefs
8.5
Indonesia offers low prices across a chain of thousands of islands. Homestays and hostels are common from Java to Bali and beyond. Buses, ferries and shared boats connect the main islands at modest fares. Local eateries and markets keep daily food costs low. Travelers can stay for weeks without spending much.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel with manta rays around Nusa Penida
  • 🏄‍♀️ Relax on Bali’s white-sand beaches and surf perfect waves
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo’s smoking crater
Feedback