The Cheapest Countries to Visit in Southeast Asia

This Alternative Airlines travel guide looks at the cheapest countries to visit in Southeast Asia, with affordable public transport, cheap hotels and well-priced goods. Explore the world on a budget when you visit these affordable destinations.

Philippines

Cheap and cheerful

Not only is the Philippines ridiculously cheap in terms of travelling and living costs, but the Filipino people are truly some of the friendliest people on the planet. The Philippines, which is made up of over 7,000 islands, boasts breathtaking beaches, active volcanoes, the Chocolate Hills and of course the famous Palawan, often cited as the most beautiful island in the world.

Getting there by air: 

AirAsia is one of the cheapest airlines that serve the Philippines. Other airlines that fly to the Philippines include Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, the national flag carrier airline.

Vietnam

The cheap destination to experience history

When you visit Vietnam, you can't avoid its gorgeous natural landscapes or its fascinating history, but it's incredibly popular with backpackers looking for a cheap Southeast Asian experience. Vietnam is getting more expensive every year but still relatively cheap compared to other, more luxurious destinations nearby like Singapore or the Philippines. If you're after some of the best food on Earth, you'll find it pretty much anywhere in Vietnam, from Ho Chi Minh city all the way to Hanoi. The best sights to see in Vietnam include Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Ha Long Bay and the Hoi An Ancient Town.

Getting there by air: 

Vietnam Airlines is the main carrier for Vietnam, but you can also fly with Cambodia Angkor Air and Bamboo Airways. Direct flights to Vietnam from outside of Asia are sparse, so you might need to catch connecting flights.

Laos

The cheapest country lacking mass tourism

Laos is a country which has escaped mass tourism, making it the perfect destination for a quieter and calmer experience. Although it lacks tourists, it is by no means inaccessible due to the improved infrastructure projects in recent years. There’s the modern capital city of Vientiane with the Golden Stupa, but also traditional rural Laos, where you can find mountainous terrain and hill tribe settlements. Be sure to check out the cheap UNESCO city of Luang Prabang too, and Luang Namtha in the north where you can get adventurous with kayaking, trekking and cycling (you can limit these activities to keep costs down). You can also travel cheaply in the south, enjoying the Mekong River, waterfalls and island-hopping.

Getting there by air: 

Lao Airlines is the national airline of Laos, operating both domestic flights and international flights to nearby China, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. You can also fly into Laos with airlines such as Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.

Cambodia

Luxury travel for budget prices

Cambodia is great for its long history and fascinating landscapes. Perhaps the most famous monument in Cambodia is Angkor Wat which is a religious structure dating back to the Angkor Empire in the 12th century. Cambodia often stands out as an alternative to the more famous and touristy Thai Islands, with remote islands such as Koh Thmei, Koh Totang and Koh Ta Kiev remaining authentic yet still luxurious. Because accomodation is so cheap in Cambodia, you can also upgrade and treat yourself to more extravagant hotels which are a quarter of the price compared to the equivalent in neighbouring countries.

Getting there by air: 

The national flag carrier of Cambodia is Cambodia Angkor Air, but you can also travel with other airlines such as AirAsia or Air Cambodia.

Indonesia

The cheap destination to experience island life

Although Bali is the most well-known and popular destination in Indonesia, the country is actually an archipelago made up of over 17,000 islands, making it a great country to experience island life on a budget. Although Bali is still cheap compared to western standards, there are many lesser-known islands in Indonesia where you can get a lot more value for money. Slightly cheaper and less touristy, but still as enchanting as Bali, is the island of Lombok, whose features include volcanoes, waterfalls, rural villages and mountains. Java and Flores (for Komodo National Park) are also definitely worth a visit, and are particularly cheap.

Getting there by air: 

The national airline of Indonesia is Garuda Indonesia. You can also travel with airlines such as Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air and Citilink.

Thailand

The cheapest country for great food

Although the daily cost to travel in Thailand is very similar to that in Malaysia, Thailand is well known for its tasty food, at both fancy restaurants and its street food. When in Thailand, make sure to enjoy some traditional dishes such as pad thai or noodle soup dishes (featured on our blog: best street food in Asia) and some refreshing fruit and smoothies. When choosing where to travel within Thailand, you'll find that the north is much cheaper than central and southern Thailand. The north also offers a different experience; from nature and the jungle, to more authentic cultures in a traditional night market. Head to Bangkok to experience the bustling city, or the south for beautiful beaches such as Ko Phi Phi Island.

Getting there by air: 

Thai Airways is the national flag carrier of Thailand. Other Thai airlines you can fly with include Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet Air. If you are planning to visit many locations within Thailand, be sure to check out our page on domestic flights in Thailand.

If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out our similar blogs and guides:

Cheapest Countries in Europe
Cheapest Countries in South America
Cheapest Airlines in the World
Cheap Alternative to the Most Popular & Expensive Destinations
Cheapest Places to Visit in the UK
Book Flights from USA to Asia