10 Most Budget-Friendly Big Cities in Asia

Stretch your travel budget further with these 10 affordable cities across Asia, featuring cheap hotels, delicious local food, inexpensive transportation, and free attractions.Asia’s popularity with tourists is driven as much by its affordability as its unique cultures, addictive cuisine, throbbing cities, and sublime nature. Yet some of its cities can be surprisingly expensive—Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo to name a few. So, here are 10 Asian metropolises where your holiday funds will stretch on and on thanks to bargain accommodations, food, travel, and attractions. Plus, a few expert tips from someone who’s done 50 trips across Asia on how to save even more. Tourism is booming in Vietnam as quickly as it’s declining in nearby Cambodia and Thailand. Affordability is a key reason. Vietnam has long been arguably Asia’s best-value country. It’s even more appealing now that the U.S. dollar is worth 26,000 dong, up from 22,000 just four years ago.Even its graceful capital, Hanoi, is remarkably cheap. Four-star hotels abound for less than $50 a night for two guests in the prime tourist area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, which is flanked by the historic and attractive Old Quarter. Del Vostro Hotel and Spa, Hai Bay Hotel, and TrangTrang Luxury Hotel are three stand-out options.Endless local restaurants in this area charge $3 or less for generous portions of Pho noodle soup, Banh Mi sandwiches, or Banh Xeo savoury pancakes. Taxis and rideshare trips... EXPLORE THE WORLD LIKE A LOCAL Unlock exclusive content, tools and guides for your next unforgettable adventure. Members-only insider content Unlimited access to Fodor's AI assitant Instant, free e-Guidebook Unlimited AI Exclusive Content Early Access Everything included in the monthly version. A free e-guidebook as a gift (valued up to $26.99) each year.