With around 130 million international visitors per year, Southeast Asia is a booming destination. Visitor numbers are forecast to increase and the main reason is this: Southeast Asia is simply an incredible place.
The best places to visit in Southeast Asia are all affordable, traveler-friendly, and culturally rich. A group of continental and island nations, this part of the world is brimming with tropical forests and clear water. It’s also one of the easiest places in the world to travel on a budget.
If you’re thinking of going for a thrifty adventure, read on!
Explore the Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia
The backpacker trail is well established throughout many of the countries in this area. Don’t think that this makes it more expensive, though. The popularity of some parts of Southeast Asia helps to keep costs down and travel cheap.
1. Peninsula Malaysia
Malaysia is a country of two halves, one being Peninsula Malaysia (or West Malaysia) and the other being Malaysian Borneo. Budget travelers will find Peninsula Malaysia the cheaper of the two, and it’s easy to reach with Kuala Lumpur on its western coast.
Malaysia isn’t the cheapest place to go for your Southeast Asia vacation compared to its neighbors, but it’s still much more affordable than Europe and the Americas. With extraordinary beaches, national parks, and delicious food, Malaysia should definitely be on your list.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best countries to visit in Southeast Asia if you want to keep your trip as cheap as possible. Accommodation can be as little as a few dollars a night, with hostels and guesthouses easy to find. Private rooms are still cheap, so you don’t have to book a dorm room if you’d prefer privacy.
Food is extremely low cost in Vietnam and delicious on every level. Street food is a great way to get the local vibe.
Hanoi is one of the cheapest cities in Vietnam, but traveling to rural areas is the best way to see the country.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has seen a huge rise in tourism over the last decade, but it’s remained very kind to the budget traveler. Rooms are cheap in popular places, with most being in guesthouses and homestays.
The island is easy to get around and even taxis and private cars are affordable. Rooms can book up quickly in high season, so bag your bed in advance using WorldRoamer and you won’t be disappointed.
4. Cambodia
Sandwiched between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, Cambodia is often cheaper than its neighbors and just as fascinating. Known for the Angkor Wat temple, a lot of backpackers forget that the rest of the country is beautiful too.
Traditional Cambodian food is exceptionally cheap and a window into the nation’s culture. Accommodation costs are rock-bottom and bus journeys won’t hurt your wallet.
5. The Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago nation with thousands upon thousands of islands. It’s a friendly country with more beaches than you could imagine and excellent surf. Street food is cheap and tasty and accommodation is low cost in the hostels.
Boat trips between islands are affordable and you could spend years exploring forests, beaches, and endless villages. Great for food and culture, the Philippines shouldn’t be missed.
Dive into the Magic of Southeast Asia
Rich in culture, landscape, and adventure, Southeast Asia is one of the best parts of the world to explore. Plus, it’s very easy on the wallet. With this list of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, you’ll have cash left over to buy everyone souvenirs.
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