Envision yourself sitting by the ocean, and watching the sunset before you.
Better yet, you’re climbing mountains in search of the next breathtaking view. All of it is possible, even if you’re on a budget. Travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune or break the bank.
Here are the 3 best countries to visit on a budget, with the cheapest countries to travel to displaying first, sorted by our Daily Budget Index, representing the sum of accommodation costs per day, 3 meals per day, and public transportation costs.
Your next budget destination awaits!
- Cambodia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
1. Cambodia
There’s something magical about Cambodia that captivates travellers every time.
Cambodia is the contemporary state of what was once the Khmer Empire, which existed during the Angkorian period.
Many parts of that empire still remain within the country’s streets.
Cambodia is home to several ethnic minorities who reflect much of the Cambodian spirit and generosity that have travellers longing to stay.
Why you should go: Cambodia is a culturally-rich destination where you can stretch your budget without missing out on great travel experiences.
By eating and drinking like a local in Cambodia, you’ll get a taste of delicious Khmer food without starving your wallet.
If you are comfortable with street food, this is your least expensive option. This country has also some of the cheapest beer in the world at about USD 1 per bottle.
Travelers will easily find cheap but decent dorm beds, guesthouses, boutique hotels and private rooms in Cambodia.
For a more local feel, homestays and couch surfing is also available.
Accommodation prices can get as low as USD 2 to USD 15 a night. Moreover, getting around Cambodia is a breeze with public transport to count on.
Long distance buses are available to move you around from one town to another or to get in and out of Cambodia to and from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam.
For example, you can get from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh for as low as USD 26. As soon as you’re in your destination in Cambodia, tuk tuks will be among the most common and cheapest form of transport for your epic journey.
Renting a tuk tuk with driver for a day to should cost you around USD 15 for a whole day.
Furthermore, exploring the towns of Cambodia by bike is not only a good for the heart and the environment, but good for the wallet, too.
Budget travelers who want to escape touristy settings and dive into cultural immersion can easily do so in Cambodia’s numerous countryside scenes.
Best time to travel: May to October.
2. Vietnam
Walk through rice terraces and among thousand-year-old trees, explore caves and get lost in the chaotic cities and rural villages of this Southeast Asia gem.
Vietnam is a land of staggering beauty, complex cultures and compelling history - and it has a place for everyone.
The country’s diverse cultures, ancient temples, Buddhist shrines and French remnants have travelers coming back time and time again.
Best time to travel: February to April / August to October.
3. Thailand
Royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples are only some of the few notable draws of Thailand.
This Southeast Asian nation’s culture of generosity, warmth and devotion to its people is the heart of the country.
The contemporary cityscape, riverside communities, narrow shop houses, bustling markets and sandy beaches will stun the curious but will slowly grow on you.
Why you should go: This country is popular for many, many reasons. Its affordability of travel is unravelled, the cultural richness that the Thailandese people provide you as a tourist is palpable wherever you walk, making you feel at home either being in the deep jungle of Chiang Mai, or a paradisiac beach in Phuket.
Aside from the richness of local culture, Thailand has welcomed several other cultures, where you will be able to find world-known brands if you want to have a day at a mall centre or if you prefer, you can go to a local store where you can find beautiful ornaments to take home.
All-in-all, Thailand puts heart into making their tourists feel like home, but they will not leave you alone (nor you will want to), until you try their food.
At an average of 10 USD per person you can have a fantastic Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup) with a refreshing beer or many, many other dishes that Thailand is known for.
Accommodation average price per room would start from 28 USD (hostel or standard hotel), So in short, there are thousands of reason why Thailand is, and will always be one of the most popular destinations worldwide.
Best time to travel: December to March.