26 Asian cities by price: Backpacker Index for 2013

Now it its third year and completely updated for 2013, the Asia Backpacker Index again reveals that the continent is crawling with bargain destinations. The entire top half of the list costs less per day than the cheapest cities in Europe ranked in the same way.

While the cities below are ranked from cheapest to most expensive, it’s worth noting the Index price for each (converted into US dollars) so you realize that the differences between most of them are minor. In at least a few cases you can actually share a hotel room between two people for less than a hostel bed, so the optimum strategy can vary from city to city as well.

It’s also worth nothing that (except for Tokyo), most of these Asian tourist cities are fairly bunched together in price. The more expensive ones also tend to be the more modern ones, but even then they are almost all very affordable once you get there.

How the Backpacker Index works

Prices for most things are fixed and certain, but prices for a “budget lunch” or a bottle of beer can vary depending on whom you ask. Still, our estimates are based on a lot of research, and should be very close if not right on.

Costs for each city

• One night in the cheapest bunk at the least expensive hostel with a good location and good reviews, or half the price of a double hotel room in places where there are no hostels
• Two public transportation rides per day
• One paid/famous attraction per day (Every city is loaded with free things to do for budget-conscious travelers, but here we take the average cost of a major attraction in each city for each day.)
• Three “budget” meals per day (We took our minimum meal price and added 20% to make it more realistic for a longer trip.)
• Three cheap, local beers (or two large beers) each day as an “entertainment fund.” Non-drinkers might have dessert and coffee or attend a local music performance instead, so this is a general benchmark that should be proportional for each city.

Price of Travel’s Asia Backpacker Index for 2013

Note: All prices converted to US dollars in early January, 2013.

1 – Pokhara, Nepal (cheapest)

While Kathmandu is where most visitors land first, it’s fairly hectic and its sights can be seen in only a couple days. So most people head quickly to Pokhara, which is Nepal’s tourism hub and the starting point of many fabulous treks. Fortunately, it’s not only more pleasant than the capital, but also cheaper in most respects, so it’s a great place to linger if you have time. Guided treks in the nearby mountains can be expensive, so it’s nice that just lingering in town is dirt cheap.

• Currency: Nepalese rupee
• Cheap/good hostel: North Face Inn – 259/night
• Transportation: 80
• Meals: 384
• Drinks/Entertainment: 450
• Attractions: 100
• Daily Backpacker Index: NPR1,273 = US$14.39/day

>>>Pokhara prices and weather

2 – Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam’s cheapest city for backpackers is also one that gets high marks from most visitors with its unique combination of French colonial and Asian post-communism. The food is also top-notch, especially when you are sitting amongst locals at one of the thousands of plastic-chair cafes throughout the city. Keep costs even lower by sticking with Bia Hoi, the world’s cheapest beer. Hostel beds are cheap, but private rooms are too, so don’t automatically book a bunk.

• Currency: Vietnamese dong
• Cheap/good hostel: Moonshine Palace Hotel – 93,700/night
• Transportation: 40,000
• Meals: 144,000
• Drinks/Entertainment: 36,000
• Attractions: 30,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: VND343,700 = US$16.51/day

>>>Hanoi prices and weather

3 – Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal’s capital is one of those cities most travelers just hustle through on their way somewhere else, like Pokhara or other trekking centers in this case. But it’s a fascinating and unusual place that’s worth a look for a few days anyway. The backpacker zone of Thamel is a classic traveler neighborhood, brimming over with cheap hotels, restaurants, and bars.

• Currency: Nepalese rupee
• Cheap/good hostel: Hotel Silver Home – 150/night
• Transportation: 80
• Meals: 576
• Drinks/Entertainment: 440
• Attractions: 300
• Daily Backpacker Index: NPR1,546 = US$17.48/day

>>>Kathmandu prices and weather

4 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Saigon, as it’s still usually known, is far more sprawling and modern compared to Hanoi, and it’s quite a bit more lively as well. Hotel and food prices tend to be a bit higher than elsewhere in Vietnam as well, but compared to almost anywhere else in the world this is a bargain. Hostel beds can be quite cheap in Saigon, but hotels are costlier than almost anywhere in Vietnam.

• Currency: Vietnamese dong
• Cheap/good hostel: My My Arthouse – 126,000/night
• Transportation: 30,000
• Meals: 158,000
• Drinks/Entertainment: 45,000
• Attractions: 25,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: VND382,000 = US$18.35/day

>>>Ho Chi Minh City prices and weather

5 – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand’s “capital of the north” is certainly one of the world’s great travel bargain destinations. Filled with ancient temples and surrounded by a moat and city walls, Chiang Mai is a major stop in the region and a highlight for many. Much less crowded than Bangkok, and quite a bit cheaper as well, this is also booming with expats and creative people living cheaply while they work.

• Currency: Thai baht
• Cheap/good hostel: Jaidii House – 100/night
• Transportation: 40
• Meals: 162
• Drinks/Entertainment: 180
• Attractions: 100
• Daily Backpacker Index: THB582 = US$19.11/day

>>>Chiang Mai prices and weather

6 – Delhi (and New Delhi), India

In what might be a surprise until you’ve actually visited yourself, Delhi (and New Delhi at its heart) is not as cheap as we might otherwise expect. Hotels tend to be far more expensive here, even in the infamous backpacker ghetto of Pahar Ganj, so even while dining on food from street stalls, this is not an ideal place for budget travelers, especially considering the other headaches of visiting. Recently, some good and cheap hostels have opened up, so conditions are getting better and cheaper for the backpacker set.

• Currency: Indian rupee
• Cheap/good hostel: Nirvana Hostel – 300/night
• Transportation: 16
• Meals: 312
• Drinks/Entertainment: 180
• Attractions: 250
• Daily Backpacker Index: INR1,058 = US$19.16/day

>>>Delhi prices and weather

7 – Goa, India

India, in general, is a great travel bargain, as long as you are outside of its huge cities. Goa is actually a small state, rather than a city, so it’s a collection of beach and inland towns that have long been associated with hippie and electronic-music culture. Not all of Goa is this cheap, of course, but those on a budget can stretch their travel funds almost indefinitely in Goa if they have to, or are just motivated to hang around for a few months. It should be noted that the cheapest hotels in Goa (and throughout India) are in a class below “1-star” so paying for a nicer place might be wise.

• Currency: Indian rupee
• Cheap/good hostel: Asterix Hostel – 300/night
• Transportation: 20
• Meals: 432
• Drinks/Entertainment: 210
• Attractions: 100
• Daily Backpacker Index: INR1,062 = US$19.23/day

>>>Goa prices and weather

8 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh might be visited less if not for the fact that it’s a handy stop between Siem Reap and the Mekong Delta, but its convenient location has helped it develop a large tourist infrastructure, and it’s an interesting stop for sure. The main attractions are all quite cheap, as are the happy-hour beers at the pleasant restaurants lined up along the river.

• Currency: US dollar
• Cheap/good hostel: The White Rabbit – $4.00
• Transportation: 2
• Meals: 7.20
• Drinks/Entertainment: 2.25
• Attractions: 4.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: US$19.45/day

>>>Phnom Penh prices and weather

9 – Hoi An, Vietnam

Until you are actually planning a trip to Vietnam you’d be excused for never having heard of Hoi An, which is just south of Danang on the central coast. But Hoi An is a very popular stop for those touring the country, and it ends up being the trip highlight for a great number of those. The old town is a perfectly preserved Chinese-style fishing village, and the city is as filled with great and cheap restaurants as it is with tailor shops. Since there are no real hostels with dorm beds in Hoi An, the city appears lower on this list than it deserves to be. It’s cheaper than Saigon, except that you have to stay in a hotel instead of a hostel.

• Currency: Vietnamese dong
• Cheap/good hostel: Sunflower Hotel – 187,000/night
• Transportation: 30,000
• Meals: 144,000
• Drinks/Entertainment: 36,000
• Attractions: 30,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: VND427,000 = $20.51/day

>>>Hoi An prices and weather

10 – Vientiane, Laos

Landlocked and sometimes forgotten, Laos generally only tends to get visitors who are spending time touring the whole region, but those who make it are rewarded with a fascinating culture, and low prices. Laos’ capital city is so low key that it feels like a small-town river resort, though modern development is starting to creep in. Thanks to a new hostel opening recently, Vientiane is cheaper than Luang Prabang.

• Currency: Laos kip
• Cheap/good hostel: Vientiane Backpackers Hostel – 44,130/night
• Transportation: 30,000
• Meals: 62,400
• Drinks/Entertainment: 30,000
• Attractions: 6,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: LAK172,530 = US$21.72/day

>>>Vientiane prices and weather

11 – Luang Prabang, Laos

Prices for many things in Luang Prabang have gone up more recently than in just about any other tourist city, mostly due to its fast-growing popularity, but for now it’s still very cheap for those who travel like a backpacker. The local attractions are all practically free, and the ice-cold Beerlao is sold at the same low price at nearly every restaurant in the city. Hotel prices are relatively high in Luang Prabang so for most travelers it would be further down this list.

• Currency: Laos kip
• Cheap/good hostel: Khammany Inn Guest House – 49,000/night
• Transportation: 20,000
• Meals: 66,000
• Drinks/Entertainment: 20,000
• Attractions: 25,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: LAK180,000 = US$22.66/day

>>>Luang Prabang prices and weather

12 – Bangkok, Thailand

Southeast Asia’s main entry point and most notorious destination continues to be a budget traveler’s dream, with plenty of cheap hostels and hotels plus excellent street food that costs almost nothing. It’s only the relatively high price of alcohol that pushes Bangkok down the cheap list a bit, so teetotalers are even better off than the rest of us.

• Currency: Thai baht
• Cheap/good hostel: New Road Guesthouse – 160/night
• Transportation: 40
• Meals: 138
• Drinks/Entertainment: 180
• Attractions: 200
• Daily Backpacker Index: THB718 = US$23.58/day

>>>Bangkok prices and weather

13 – Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Few parts of Asia have undergone such tourist growth as Bali, even after the tragic bombings. The Kuta beach area is now a nearly solid block of guesthouses, travel agencies, and restaurants, but fortunately it’s also still quite cheap, and an excellent travel bargain in general. Those wanting less commercialism can find it elsewhere in Bali, but those wanting a great beach party can find it in Kuta.

• Currency: Indonesian rupiah
• Cheap/good hostel: BIG Pineapple Backpackers – 108,000/night
• Transportation: 10,000
• Meals: 44,400
• Drinks/Entertainment: 50,000
• Attractions: 20,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: IDR252,400 = US$26.20/day

>>>Kuta, Bali prices and weather

14 – Siem Reap, Cambodia

One of the world’s great budget travel cities (and home of the world’s cheapest hostel beds), Siem Reap was built as a staging area for daytime trips to the Angkor Wat temples just to the north, yet on its own this city is also about as pleasant and fun as they come. Interestingly, Siem Reap would be well up this list, in the super-cheap territory, if we didn’t calculate in a substantial amount for Attractions, since the amazing temple complex itself is justifiably not cheap. Everything but the temples is amazingly cheap all things considered.

• Currency: US dollar
• Cheap/good hostel: Advisor Anchor Villa Siem Reap – 4.51/night
• Transportation: 2.00
• Meals: 7.20
• Drinks/Entertainment: 1.50
• Attractions: 12.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: US$27.21/day

>>>Siem Reap prices and weather

15 – Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is another strange example on this list, since it’s not a city but a rather large island filled with beach resort towns. This is definitely the most expensive part of Thailand, but still cheapskates can have a good go of things if they are careful, though of course that means staying well away from any of the beaches in the process. Staying in the heart of any of the resort areas will at least double lodging prices, while Phuket Town itself remains quite cheap. For backpackers, there are better beach areas in Thailand that are also cheaper.

• Currency: Thai baht
• Cheap/good hostel: Pineapple Guesthouse – 200/night
• Transportation: 60
• Meals: 300
• Drinks/Entertainment: 180
• Attractions: 100
• Daily Backpacker Index: THB840 = US$27.59/day

>>>Phuket prices and weather

16 – Beijing, China

Even with its Olympics boom, Beijing continues to be a great budget travel destination, with prices that are suitable to nearly anyone. The backpacking set can stay cheaply and see the Forbidden City and Great Wall for just small change, and those with larger wallets can find a bit of luxury and class for not too much more money.

• Currency: Chinese yuan
• Cheap/good hostel: Kings Joy Hostel – 40/night
• Transportation: 4.00
• Meals: 50.40
• Drinks/Entertainment: 36.00
• Attractions: 45.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: CNY175.40 = US$28.15/day

>>>Beijing prices and weather

17 – Mumbai, India

Even more expensive than Delhi, Mumbai feels like a shock this far down the list, but perpetually expensive hotels and no real hostels make this city pricier than you might expect. Fortunately, one can see the main sights in a few days or less, so it’s a good idea to minimize time in Mumbai and then head out to someplace less insane as quickly as possible.

• Currency: Indian rupee
• Cheap/good hostel: Anjali Inn – 800/night
• Transportation: 36
• Meals: 312
• Drinks/Entertainment: 240
• Attractions: 250
• Daily Backpacker Index: INR1,638 = US$29.66/day

>>>Mumbai prices and weather

18 – Manila, Philippines

It’s a bit unfair to use Manila as the only example in the Philippines, because the country is loaded with far nicer beach resorts and more interesting colonial cities, many of which are even cheaper than Manila. Still, many sun-seekers and cultural tourist head here every week, so it’s good to know that it’s very affordable for short stays on your way somewhere else.

• Currency: Philippine peso
• Cheap/good hostel: Where 2 Next Manila Hostel – 500/night
• Transportation: 20
• Meals: 372
• Drinks/Entertainment: 180
• Attractions: 150
• Daily Backpacker Index: PHP1,222 = US$29.89/day

>>>Manila prices and weather

19 – Taipei, Taiwan

Another destination that is often forgotten, partly due to its remote location, Taipei still gets high marks from most visitors, and the rest of the island is even more interesting. The tourist infrastructure is well built, so things do tend to be fairly easy, and the city is quite cheap by international standards.

• Currency: Taiwan dollar
• Cheap/good hostel: Guest House Taiwanmex – 300/night
• Transportation: 40
• Meals: 204
• Drinks/Entertainment: 150
• Attractions: 200
• Daily Backpacker Index: TWD894 = US$30.80/day

>>>Taipei prices and weather

20 – Shanghai, China

Far more modern than Beijing, and also more designed for business travelers, Shanghai is still a relative bargain for backpackers. Most things are a bit more expensive here, so budget travelers have to seek out the cheaper options, but again, compared to a similar modern city in another part of the world, Shanghai is a steal.

• Currency: Chinese yuan
• Cheap/good hostel: Old West Gate Hostel – 30/night
• Transportation: 6
• Meals: 54
• Drinks/Entertainment: 60
• Attractions: 54
• Daily Backpacker Index: CNY204 = US$32.74/day

>>>Shanghai prices and weather

21 – Macau, China

Yes, it’s true that nearly everyone who visits Macau does so to gamble at one of its new and huge casinos, but it’s also long been an interesting destination for cultural visitors, offering a parallel tourist infrastructure in and near the old town itself. Many continue to stop over for a day or two on a Hong Kong side-trip, and bargains are still there for those who look (and don’t gamble).

• Currency: Macau pataca
• Cheap/good hostel: Motel168 Zhuhai NingXi Road Inn – 73/night
• Transportation: 6.40
• Meals: 122.40
• Drinks/Entertainment: 30.00
• Attractions: 25.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: MOP256.80 = US$33.14/day

>>>Macau prices and weather

22 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia, in general, tends to be forgotten by many, with the huge capital of Kuala Lumpur often mostly remembered as once having the world’s tallest buildings. That’s a major shame because Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating mix of new, old, and exotic, that’s also extremely easy to access since English is widely spoken. If visiting Singapore it’s worth taking the train up for a short side trip. Hostel beds tend to be cheap here, but hotel rooms will cost a bit more so for non-backpackers it would be down a few places on this list.

• Currency: Malaysian ringgit
• Cheap/good hostel: Step Inn Guest House Hostels – 15/night
• Transportation: 2.00
• Meals: 22.80
• Drinks/Entertainment: 24.00
• Attractions: 38.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: MYR101.80 = US$24.83/day

>>>Kuala Lumpur prices and weather

23 – Seoul, South Korea

These days Seoul seems to be known mostly for its lightning-fast internet connections, and its professional videogame culture, not to mention its pop stars, but there’s obviously a lot more to it than that. Fortunately, the city is still quite reasonably priced for this kind of technology, although its remote location and less-than-perfect climate will keep most people away.

• Currency: Korean won
• Cheap/good hostel: Big Choi’s Guest House – 10,000/night
• Transportation: 2,000
• Meals: 10,800
• Drinks/Entertainment: 6,000
• Attractions: 10,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: KRW38,800 = US$36.50/day

>>>Seoul prices and weather

24 – Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong used to be famously cheap, and it’s still quite reasonably by international standards, but there are now so many rich people and business travelers coming through here that backpackers have to really search for the bargains. Hotels can be quite expensive, though some hostels are still great value.

• Currency: Hong Kong dollar
• Cheap/good hostel: YesInn @ Fortress Hill – 149/night
• Transportation: 4.60
• Meals: 69.60
• Drinks/Entertainment: 72.00
• Attractions: 36
• Daily Backpacker Index: HKD331.20 = US$42.74/day

>>>Hong Kong prices and weather

25 – Singapore, Singapore

Easily one of the world’s most modern cities, Singapore can actually be quite expensive for most, but fortunately there is still a decent collection of hostels that keep sleeping prices down. Also, eating most meals from the famous hawker centers will keep your budget intact while letting you sample some excellent (and very hygenic) local specialties.

• Currency: Singapore dollar
• Cheap/good hostel: Society Backpackers Hostel – 15/night
• Transportation: 1.60
• Meals: 18.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 6.00
• Attractions: 10.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: SGD52.60 = US$42.76/day

>>>Singapore prices and weather

26 – Tokyo, Japan

No surprises at the most expensive end of the list, and thanks to a drop in its currency, Tokyo isn’t as bad as most made it out to be from a budget perspective. It’s still not outrageous compared to the most expensive cities in Europe, and this is truly an amazing city that everyone should try to visit at least once, but be prepared for it to drain your travel funds quickly.

• Currency: Japanese yen
• Cheap/good hostel: JGH Tokyo – 1,325/night
• Transportation: 320
• Meals: 2,520
• Drinks/Entertainment: 1,800
• Attractions: 1,000
• Daily Backpacker Index: JPY6,965 = US$79.73/day

>>>Tokyo prices and weather

Do you need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is cheaper than you might think and it provides great peace of mind for many people, but it’s not right for everyone. You might be better off skipping it. Judge for yourself by reading:

>>>8 Reasons you should or should not get travel insurance

Also check out:

• Africa and Middle East Backpacker Index for 2012
• Australia/New Zealand Backpacker Index for 2012
• Europe Backpacker Index for 2013
• North America Backpacker Index for 2012
• South and Central America Backpacker Index for 2013