The Asia Backpacker Index debuted in 2011 and has been expanded and updated every year since then. The 2024 update continues to show that Asia is the best place for travel bargains in the world as a few great destinations are still under US$20 per day for a hostel bed, 3 meals, 3 drinks, 2 transportation rides, and one attraction each day. Laos now dominates the cheap part of the list as you can get dorm beds for under US$5 in the most interesting cities.
There was some inflation in most Asian countries in 2023 and food prices in particular have been adjusted accordingly, but overall prices are still very low compared to even other bargain parts of the world like Latin America and eastern Europe. Tokyo is no longer the most expensive as Singapore and Hong Kong are both pricier for backpackers these days.
Asia in 2024 updates
The 2024 update of the Asia Backpacker Index did not have many dramatic shifts in rankings, but it did continue to show how affordable so many of Asia’s top destinations are compared to pretty much everywhere else on earth. There was inflation of between 5% and 10% in most of the places listed so food and other prices have been adjusted accordingly. A few countries had no inflation at all, including China, which is actually dealing with deflation and a struggling economy.
The one surprise that continues is that Tokyo used to be by far the most expensive city on the Asia list for the first 9 years of this project until it was passed by Singapore a few years ago. Now Hong Kong has also passed it and Tokyo looks like a great bargain as their currency has weakened even more and prices have barely gone up.
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 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.
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Price of Travel's Asia Backpacker Index for 2024
Note: All prices converted to US dollars in January, 2024
1– Vientiane, Laos (cheapest)
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. Laos had pretty high inflation in 2023, but the currency came down quite a bit as well so the place is still unusually cheap for visitors. If you only have time for one stop in Laos it’s probably better to go straight to Luang Prabang (see #6 below), but the capital is an interesting stop if you have more than a few days in the country.
- Currency: Laos kip
- Best cheap hostel: Dream Home Hostel – 114,000/night
- Transportation: 30,000
- Meals: 164,400
- Drinks/Entertainment: 75,000
- Attractions: 10,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: LAK393,400 = US$19.03/day
2– Delhi (and New Delhi), India
Until recently, most of Delhi (and New Delhi at its heart) was not as cheap as you might expect, but there are now quite a few really good hostels to cater to the considerable backpacking community. In fact, there are now some good hostels with great reviews that are shockingly cheap, which is why Delhi is so high on this list for 2024. Hotels up to Western standards tend to be more expensive here, even in the infamous backpacker ghetto of Pahar Ganj, so it’s critical to research carefully before booking a cheaper place. The street food is cheap though and restaurants are pretty reasonable, although finding alcohol isn’t as easy as it could be.
- Currency: Indian rupee
- Best cheap hostel: Backpackers Heaven@Kuldeep Friends Hostel – 200/night
- Transportation: 40
- Meals: 720
- Drinks/Entertainment: 420
- Attractions: 250
- Daily Backpacker Index: INR1,630 = US$19.61/day
3– 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, 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. Some new hostels have opened recently and that competition has pushed prices down a bit at others. Many new hostels sell beds at very low prices in the hopes that you’ll book tours through them or at least buy drinks.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
- Best cheap hostel: Vy Da Backpacker Hostel – 98,700/night
- Transportation: 50,000
- Meals: 254,400
- Drinks/Entertainment: 75,000
- Attractions: 40,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: VND518,100 = US$21.10/day
4– Pokhara, Nepal
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, and those can be a huge drain on your budget. On the other hand, those are the main reason people come here at all. Watch out for the weather in Pokhara though as they have 4 or 5 really nice months each year and at least as many rainy and miserable ones.
- Currency: Nepalese rupee
- Best cheap hostel: Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara – 751/night
- Transportation: 100
- Meals: 924
- Drinks/Entertainment: 975
- Attractions: 100
- Daily Backpacker Index: NPR2,850 = US$21.43/day
5– Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is typically Vietnam’s cheapest big city (by just a bit) for backpackers and it gets high marks from most visitors with its unique combination of French colonial and Asian post-communism. But in 2024 the hostels in Saigon are a bit cheaper. 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. The city is filled with small 5-story family-run hotels that are amazing value and usually come with a generous breakfast included.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
- Best cheap hostel: Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel – 139,650/night
- Transportation: 50,000
- Meals: 236,400
- Drinks/Entertainment: 75,000
- Attractions: 30,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: VND531,050 = US$21.63/day
6– Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is noticeably more expensive than Vientiane, but for now it’s still very cheap for those who travel like a backpacker. Laos is one of the few countries in southeast Asia that has been dealing with inflation again in 2023, but the currency has dropped a bit as well so it’s still cheap. 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. This is another mellow city that can be good for longer stays, partly because you won’t feel like you are missing too much if you just work or hang out in your hotel or hostel most of the time.
- Currency: Laos kip
- Best cheap hostel: Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel – 122,000/night
- Transportation: 30,000
- Meals: 186,000
- Drinks/Entertainment: 90,000
- Attractions: 25,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: LAK453,000 = US$21.92/day
7– 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 with French and Japanese influences, and the city is as filled with great and cheap restaurants as it is with tailor shops. Hoi An used to lack traditional hostels with cheap bunk beds, but that is no longer true and backpackers can find dorms in the center of town at very low prices. But again it’s worth mentioning that hotel rooms are also very cheap here, so you can probably afford a private room for only a bit more than a bunk in a public dorm room. There are also new hostels on or near the lovely beach here, which is a short motorbike ride from town.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
- Best cheap hostel: Bed Station Hostel & Pool Bar Hoi An – 136,800/night
- Transportation: 50,000
- Meals: 210,000
- Drinks/Entertainment: 66,000
- Attractions: 80,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: VND542,800 = $22.11/day
8– 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. If you are a ‘digital nomad’ it’s pretty much compulsory to spend at least a few months here. The food in Chiang Mai is quite different from in the south and it’s a highlight for most who come here. You can probably afford a pretty nice hotel with a pool when visiting Chiang Mai so do yourself a favor and take advantage of that.
- Currency: Thai baht
- Best cheap hostel: Monkey Toe Guesthouse – 207/night
- Transportation: 40
- Meals: 264
- Drinks/Entertainment: 210
- Attractions: 100
- Daily Backpacker Index: THB821 = US$23.19/day
9– Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal’s capital is one of those cities most travelers just hustle through on their way somewhere else, like Pokhara (see above) 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. Most of the rest of Kathmandu struggles with tidiness, but at least it’s quite cheap.
- Currency: Nepalese rupee
- Best cheap hostel: WanderThirst Hostels – 577/night
- Transportation: 70
- Meals: 1,188
- Drinks/Entertainment: 960
- Attractions: 400
- Daily Backpacker Index: NPR3,195 = US$24.02/day
10– Manila, Philippines
It’s a bit unfair to use Manila as the only city example in the Philippines, because the country is loaded with far nicer beach resorts and more interesting colonial cities, most of which are even cheaper than Manila. In fact, you’ll see Boracay Island way down this list. 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. Cebu is another large city that is a bit cheaper and maybe a bit more pleasant. Several new hostels have opened recently in Manila and it’s now a cheaper place to visit for backpackers, but still perhaps not spending more than a couple days here anyway. The traffic in Manila is epic and a lack of comprehensive public transportation makes it difficult and slow to get around.
- Currency: Philippine peso
- Best cheap hostel: Ola! Hostel Manila – 497/night
- Transportation: 40
- Meals: 516
- Drinks/Entertainment: 225
- Attractions: 150
- Daily Backpacker Index: PHP1,428 = US$25.50/day
11– Jakarta, Indonesia
One of the most populated cities in the world, Jakarta is a major hub for anyone visiting Indonesia (except for Bali). The city itself gets mixed reviews as a tourist destination, with pretty much all of Indonesia’s charms being found elsewhere. The good news is that at least it’s quite cheap for budget travelers, and it should be interesting to anyone who likes booming Asian cities. Jakarta could be a good point to enter the country for onward travel, but it’s not the kind of place you want to focus on for more than a couple days.
- Currency: Indonesian rupiah
- Best cheap hostel: The Packer Lodge – 140,000/night
- Transportation: 7,000
- Meals: 144,000
- Drinks/Entertainment: 120,000
- Attractions: 10,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: IDR421,000 = US$26.92/day
12– 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
- Best cheap hostel: The Lost Hostels, Goa – Palolem Beach – 430/night
- Transportation: 60
- Meals: 984
- Drinks/Entertainment: 450
- Attractions: 390
- Daily Backpacker Index: INR2,314 = US$27.85/day
13– Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Few parts of Asia have undergone such tourist growth as Bali, even after the tragic bombings in 2002. 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. If you don’t like crowds and you want to see what Bali was like before all the concrete, head to Lovina along the northern coast.
- Currency: Indonesian rupiah
- Best cheap hostel: Celebest Kuta Hostel – 75,000/night
- Transportation: 16,000
- Meals: 176,400
- Drinks/Entertainment: 120,000
- Attractions: 50,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: IDR437,400 = US$27.97/day
14– 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. Khoasan Road is the main backpacker district and it’s a lot of fun as long as you don’t mind being surrounded mostly by other backpackers from all over the world. Bangkok is huge and sprawling, so pay close attention before booking a hostel or hotel. It’s better to pay a bit more to be close to attractions rather than save a little and have to spend an hour getting to something interesting each day.
- Currency: Thai baht
- Best cheap hostel: Born Free Hostel – 284/night
- Transportation: 40
- Meals: 192
- Drinks/Entertainment: 240
- Attractions: 250
- Daily Backpacker Index: THB1,006 = US$28.42/day
15– 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. That said, it’s probably not worth planning on spending more than a few days here.
- Currency: US dollar
- Best cheap hostel: Mad Monkey Phnom Penh – US$7.64
- Transportation: 2
- Meals: 10.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 3.00
- Attractions: 6.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: US$28.84/day
16– Siem Reap, Cambodia
One of the world’s great budget travel cities (and once 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. In fact, Siem Reap’s recommended ‘best cheap hostel’ is one of Asia’s cheapest well-reviewed hostels in general.
- Currency: US dollar
- Best cheap hostel: Siem Reap Pub Hostel – US$3.46/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 10.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 2.25
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: US$29.91/day
17– Colombo, Sri Lanka
NOTE: Sri Lanka had a rough 2022 with high inflation and political turmoil, but as of early 2024 we hear that things are pretty much back to normal again.
Colombo is one of those overcrowded and mostly charmless Asian capital cities that people often spend a day in on their way in and/or out of the country, and that’s about all it’s good for. If you are determined you can find plenty of interesting temples and such, but most people are better off staying only a day or so. Prices of the more scenic and interesting Sri Lankan cities are similar so this is a good guide for budget planning. The country still lacks hostels and good budget hotels, so sleeping here isn’t as cheap as in Southeast Asia, although most everything else is.
- Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
- Best cheap hostel: Colombo Beach Hostel – 3,500/night
- Transportation: 300
- Meals: 3,444
- Drinks/Entertainment: 2,700
- Attractions: 500
- Daily Backpacker Index: LKR10,444= US$32.33/day
18– Yangon, Burma (Myanmar)
When the informal travel boycott was lifted in 2014, this country wasn’t really ready for tourists. There were almost no hostels or budget hotels aimed at backpackers so things were more expensive than they really should have been. In the following years, that had changed and there are now plenty of good hostels and the competition has brought prices down. Yangon is where most people arrive, so it’s probably the best hub to consider for a trip to Myanmar. Food and drinks tend to be cheap, as you’d expect in this part of Southeast Asia.
Note: The military junta took control of the government again in early 2021 and visiting is still not recommended as of early 2024. We hope the situation gets better again soon.
- Currency: Burmese Kyat
- Best cheap hostel: HOOD Hostel – 36,700/night
- Transportation: 1,000
- Meals: 19,200
- Drinks/Entertainment: 6,000
- Attractions: 7,500
- Daily Backpacker Index: MMK70,400 = US$33.48/day
19– Mumbai, India
Mumbai is India’s financial capital and it has a famous movie industry, but it’s not actually a great tourism destination as it’s crowded and strangely expensive for India. At least there are some reasonably priced hostels that have popped up in 2024. 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. Mumbai isn’t really a tourist city even though it is quite impressive, so don’t plan on staying more than 2 or 3 days here either.
- Currency: Indian rupee
- Best cheap hostel: Locomo Stay Work Eat – 1,037/night
- Transportation: 60
- Meals: 792
- Drinks/Entertainment: 510
- Attractions: 500
- Daily Backpacker Index: INR2,899 = US$35.15/day
20– 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
- Best cheap hostel: Step Inn Guest House and Hostel – 23.11/night
- Transportation: 4.00
- Meals: 51.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 54.00
- Attractions: 40.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: MYR172.71 = US$36.83/day
21– Taipei, Taiwan
If you want to witness historic Chinese culture and artworks without the hassle of getting a visa and visiting the mainland, Taipei is a perfect stop. This is a huge and bustling city that isn’t really oriented for English-speaking visitors as much as most on this list, but all the important signs are in English so it’s not overly challenging. Taipei is known for its foodie culture, and fortunately the street stalls and even many local restaurants are as cheap as they are delicious. Hotels here are pricey for Asia, although still good value by international standards.
- Currency: Taiwan dollar
- Best cheap hostel: Fun Inn Taipei – 537/night
- Transportation: 40
- Meals: 243.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 210
- Attractions: 250
- Daily Backpacker Index: TWD1,280.60 = US$40.63/day
22– Boracay Island, Philippines
While Boracay Island has pretty much zero cultural sights, it’s still a popular stop for budget travelers in the area due to the gorgeous beaches and modest prices. The cheapest hotels and restaurants are in the Boat Station 3 area, while things can get expensive up north. The east side of the island is all about windsurfing and feels like a totally different place. A few new hostels with dorm beds have opened up in Boracay recently, and the whole island was closed to tourists for six months in 2018 to work on infrastructure. Now that it has reopened it is in much better shape than before.
- Currency: Philippine peso
- Best cheap hostel: Frendz Resort & Hostel Boracay – 802/night
- Transportation: 100
- Meals: 840
- Drinks/Entertainment: 270
- Attractions: 300
- Daily Backpacker Index: PHP2,312 = US$41.29/day
23– 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 at least a few blocks from any of the beaches. Until a few years ago it was necessary to stay in Phuket Town (in the middle of the island) to get a really cheap dorm bed, but now there are quite a few cheaper hostels in the lively Patong Beach area. The cheaper places are many blocks from the beach, so it may be worth it to spend a bit more for a closer place.
- Currency: Thai baht
- Best cheap hostel: BearPacker Patong Hostel – 566/night
- Transportation: 100
- Meals: 444
- Drinks/Entertainment: 240
- Attractions: 200
- Daily Backpacker Index: THB1,550 = US$43.79/day
24– 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. On the other hand, sit-down dinners in nice restaurants and 3-star hotels with good locations are quite expensive. Shanghai is far more visually impressive than Beijing and it’s far easier for English speakers, so this is a better stop to linger in than other Chinese cities. Our research in 2024 uncovered a few cheap, new hostels, so this year it’s actually a bit cheaper than Beijing for the first time. Check our Go Shanghai Card review as a way to save money if you are planning on doing the big attractions.
- Currency: Chinese yuan
- Best cheap hostel: Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel – 109/night
- Transportation: 10
- Meals: 97.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 60
- Attractions: 50
- Daily Backpacker Index: CNY326.20 = US$45.75/day
25– 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. The food here is amazing as well, assuming you like kimchee and their famous barbecued meat.
- Currency: Korean won
- Best cheap hostel: Time Travelers Party Hostel in Hongdae – 26,292/night
- Transportation: 2,500
- Meals: 19,440
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12,000
- Attractions: 10,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: KRW70,232 = US$52.53/day
26– Beijing, China
Beijing is one of those cities that you just have to visit at some point in your life, mainly to see the Forbidden City and a part of the Great Wall. Aside from those things this is a huge and sprawling city with less charm than you might guess. Hostel prices here have been going up although food and drinks are still quite inexpensive. Visiting China on a tour often tends to be cheaper than visiting independently, and you end up going to the same places anyway. Strangely enough, the hostels in Beijing in 2024 have shot way up in price for every date we checked. It seems unlikely that they will always be this expensive, but for the moment the capital seems to be quite a bit more expensive than it used to be.
- Currency: Chinese yuan
- Best cheap hostel: The Great Wall Box House – 241/night
- Transportation: 10.00
- Meals: 67.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 45.00
- Attractions: 60.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: CNY423.20 = US$59.35/day
27– Xi’an, China
China’s two main tourist cities are Beijing and Shanghai, and Xi’an is a solid number three on that list. This is where you come to see the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors, which is a key stop on most China itineraries. Hotels, hostels, food and drinks are cheaper in Xi’an than in the other cities, but seeing the Warriors isn’t cheap so on average this city is farther down the list than it might otherwise deserve. Lest you think this is a small town near the Warriors, it’s actually a booming city of over 8 million. Similar to Beijing, hostel prices in Xi’an went way up in 2024 and it’s hard to tell what is going on.
- Currency: Chinese yuan
- Best cheap hostel: Han Tang Inn Hostel – 256/night
- Transportation: 6.00
- Meals: 61.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 42.00
- Attractions: 75.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: CNY440.20 = US$61.74/day
28– 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). Since there are no hostels here, Macau is not a great choice for those on lower budgets. It’s easier to come on a day trip by ferry from Hong Kong to see the main sights.
- Currency: Macau pataca
- Best cheap hotel (private room for 2): Hou Kong Hotel (private double) – 238/night
- Transportation: 8.00
- Meals: 146.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 45.00
- Attractions: 50.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: MOP487.40 = US$62.41/day
29– Tokyo, Japan
This is the third time that Tokyo has NOT been the most expensive city the list and the first time it hasn’t been one of the bottom two. For many years now Tokyo has been about the same price as a mid-range European city even though it was tops in Asia. You won’t really find much street food here, but the food in the million or so 7-Elevens is famously good and cheap. Considering the quality of everything in Japan and how well organized it is, Tokyo is really a bargain by international standards. Hostels are cheaper lately, which might be because tourism was almost zero during the pandemic. Honestly, Japan is looking like a great bargain these days as it’s still one of the world’s most modern and tidiest places and yet it’s much cheaper than it was only a few years ago.
- Currency: Japanese yen
- Best cheap hostel: Hostel bedgasm – 3,000/night
- Transportation: 400
- Meals: 2,772
- Drinks/Entertainment: 2,100
- Attractions: 1,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: JPY9,272 = US$63.25/day
30– Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong used to be famously cheap, and it’s still somewhat reasonable 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. Since the recent crackdown by mainland China, many longtime residents have fled and many tourists are worried about visiting. Hotels can be quite expensive, though some hostels are still great value. Backpackers wanting to keep expenses low will have to suffer in terrible hostels and eat at local noodle shops in order to do it. Alcohol in bars in Hong Kong is extremely expensive, so backpackers usually prefer to buy from mini-markets and enjoy it somewhere else. If you really want to see the main attractions in a short time you might consider getting the Hong Kong Pass.
- Currency: Hong Kong dollar
- Best cheap hostel: Check Inn HK – 216/night
- Transportation: 5.00
- Meals: 170.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 120.00
- Attractions: 50
- Daily Backpacker Index: HKD561.40 = US$71.88/day
31– Singapore, Singapore
Easily one of the world’s most modern cities, Singapore can actually be quite expensive for most, and now even the hostels are super expensive by Asian standards as well. It could be a COVID thing that closed down hostels for one reason or another, but prices have doubled in the last year. That said, eating most meals from the famous hawker centers will keep your budget intact while letting you sample some excellent (and very hygenic) local specialties. The attractions here tend to be quite expensive, so this is still a tough place for backpackers. Singapore’s popularity has soared also due to the success of ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ but of course you won’t see much wealth flaunted at the hostels here.
- Currency: Singapore dollar
- Best cheap hostel: Betel Box Backpacker Hostel – 30.22/night
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 28.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 21.00
- Attractions: 15.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: SGD98.02 = US$73.15/day
hi Roger, I am going to Japan end of this year for about 2-3 weeks. I also want to visit vietnam, is it a silly idea to tack a week of vietnam onto a visit to Japan. then fly back to australia. I don’t want to end up doing things the most difficult or most expensive way. thanks for all the work you put in here, you obviously know your stuff!
Elizabeth,
I don’t think it’s a silly idea, especially at the end of the year when it’ll be cold in (nearly all of) Japan and still warm in Vietnam. If you’ve only got a week it’s probably best to spend 3 or 4 days in Hanoi, including a day or two in Halong Bay, and the remaining time in Ho Chi Minh City. If you’ve got even a day or two longer you could have time to take the train between them and stay for a couple days in Hoi An, which is my favorite place in Vietnam and I’m not alone. I’m happy to answer any questions if you have them. -Roger
I am somewhat offended with your description of Hoi An as a Chinese style fishing village. The uniqueness of this little trading post rooted in its eclectic mix of Japanese, French, Vietnamese and Chinese influences, all of which can be seen in their architectures and local cuisine.
Vi,
I’m a huge fan of Hoi An and I’m going to be updating this article for 2019 next week so I’ll take this opportunity to add a bit to my simple description. Thank you for that. However, if you are “somewhat offended” by something like this I can’t imagine how frustrating your life must be. You could have said, “Hey, I appreciate all the research and you might want to update your short description of Hoi An, which makes it sound even cooler.” I appreciate the comment though. -Roger
i desire to go to Danang Vietnam. Kindly give me idea on how to get there, minimal expense etc. Thanks!
Josh,
Danang is very close to Hoi An, which is on the list above. Danang also has a busy airport so flights should be reasonable. -Roger
Thank your for your article. It is so informative. I have to re read some of your suggestions in planning my next trip to Asia. I just came back from Yogyakarta and visited Barobudur, the largest Buddhist temple. You seemed to mention Angkor Wat a lot and since I haven’t been there, tell me what is so special about this place.
Next year, I have 8 days to spare in November. I have been to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. I prefer history and food (hate spicy stuff) and don’t mind going to beach to dip my feet in the water. Don’t care for shopping, but don’t mind doing if the price is cheap. Budget: USD80 to USD100 per day per person. If I can cover 2 countries in such a short amount of time, the better.
I like this website. This is now my website if I plan a trip to Asia. You are my “Rick Steves” of Asia.
Daisy,
I’m glad you find the site helpful, and I’m a big fan of Rick Steves myself. Angkor Wat is absolutely amazing and it’s by far the most impressive temple complex in southeast Asia, and probably the most impressive single sight in Asia for me. Siem Reap is the small town near it and it’s a very nice place to visit as well.
November is the end of the rainy season in most of southern Asia, so if you go early in the month you might get rained on. I’d still probably go to Bangkok and maybe one of the Thai islands, and Siem Reap if you haven’t been to that area before. Thailand is very well organized and easy to visit. The food can be spicy though, so you have to be careful ordering. But again, it can be wet early in the month, so if that’s when you are going you might go somewhere else. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
I have crossed check rates of guest house in Goa, Mumbai and Delhi. Rates of Guest houses for stay are much higher as compared to mentioned in Website as I am from Delhi India. Like this other expenses mentioned hare may be lower than actual.
Ravinder,
Thanks for your comment. We check these hotel rates and hostel rates at least once a year and we are about to do our annual update starting in November. It’s possible that prices have risen in the last 11 months and if so we will show the new prices. Also, we check rates for dates in April usually, which is shoulder season in most of the world. If you check rates for the peak season weeks or months you will definitely see higher prices. If you have specific information about what you found I’d love to hear it. I have nothing to gain by showing artificially low (or high) prices and I want to make them as accurate as possible. -Roger
Roger,
Can you give any feedback on any other major city in Thailand. I have been 5 times and enjoyed each trip greatly. I am considering either (a) taking a trip to Udon Thani or Chaing Rai or (b) spend 3-4 days of my Thailand trip to cross over into Cambodia to visit Ankor Wat. Do you have any advice on crossing the border? Thanks. WONDERFUL INFO!
Jake,
I’ve lived 3 months in Bangkok and 3 months in Chiang Mai, plus several other visits to both places, and I’ve spent a month or two on Phuket in addition to visits to Ko Samui and Hua Hin and Hat Yai, plus one night in Udon Thani. In my experience it’s a pretty big drop off in tourists after Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands. Those other cities all have small expat populations, but not much to see aside from a few temples and not much to do. English is also much more rare outside of the touristy areas. I’d definitely do the Siem Reap trip as it’s one of my favorite cities in Asia. Not on is Angkor Wat absolutely mind-blowing, but Siem Reap itself is really fun and chilled out. You’ve probably heard of Pub Street, which is like a super mellow Khosan Road-type area. I spent two weeks there and really enjoyed it.
From Bangkok you can take regular buses to the border or for a bit more you can take VIP buses with only three seats across or even ones that are like lounges on wheels. They take you to the border and then you walk across in a pretty efficient manner. Then you will meet lots of guys booking onward buses from there to Siem Reap. Those buses aren’t as nice, but they are nice enough and I don’t remember there being any delays. I hope this helps and that you enjoy Siem Reap. -Roger
can you give me a few pointers plz ..i am wanting to go in jan to (undecided)thailand,malaysia,vietnam ,etc with my mum she’s 70+ but still likes to party ,shopping sightseeing tho somewhat limited (e.g big treks) due to arthiritis and also beaches but she’s been to pattaya an bangkok many thx bro RESPECT
Rick,
If I were you I’d do either Vietnam OR Thailand and Malaysia. Vietnam is big enough for its own trip, with the highlights being Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north, and Hoi An and Hue in the central area, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Nha Trang is a nice beach town in the south and it’s quite fun and cheap as well. You could spend a month in Vietnam alone and not get bored. However, the tourism industry isn’t as slick as it is in Thailand and it takes a bit of getting used to. In Thailand you can walk into a travel agency and book a trip and pretty much assume they are being honest with you, but in Vietnam things are more competitive and some travel agents will over-promise and under-deliver. The prices are so cheap that you are better off booking things through your hotel or a nearby 3-star or 4-star hotel, where you should be able to trust that you’ll get what was promised.
If by partying you mean drinking, it’s worth noting that alcohol is really cheap in Vietnam, about double that price in Thailand, and quite a bit more expensive in Malaysia. Phuket has the most options in Thailand, but Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi could be good choices as well. On Phuket the main shopping town is Patong Beach, but that’s also dominated by adult-oriented entertainment districts, so your mum may not be happy there. I’m not sure what sort of tips you are looking for, but I’m happy to answer any specific questions. -Roger
Thanks for the interesting work, could you advise me please. I’m 48 and widowed and my daughter is 18 and a bit fearful of crowds. I’d like to have a base which we can explore from, ideally a month in an appartment. It would need to be safe for my daughter and ideally be a large town or city with beach access. We could travel for a few days or longer to a few destinations by air, while keep returning to the base appartment. I wish to keep a lid on spending so we can go again if we enjoy it.
Sean,
Thank you and I’ll be happy to try to help. Finding what you want on or near a beach is tricky. My first idea is Chiang Mai, Thailand because it’s a large city that isn’t too crowded, with generally good weather and it’s very easy to find a nice and cheap apartment for a month there. It’s also got a handy airport near the city center that has cheap flights all over, mostly on Air Asia, which is a fantastic airline that I’ve flown at least a dozen times. There is good hiking in the nearby hills and there’s a eco-friendly elephant park nearby. But, it doesn’t have a beach close by, although most apartments will have access to a nice pool. I lived there for 3 months and the area just northwest of the city walls is filled with expats and English speakers, so it’s an easy place to stay.
My only other suggestion that might work AND has beaches in Penang Island in Malaysia. The main town there is George Town, and it’s historic and fairly crowded, but there are loads of slightly suburban town centers that aren’t too crowded and many have beaches. Malaysia is actually a little easier than Thailand because English is one of the languages there. It would be more expensive than Chiang Mai, but still quite cheap by international standards. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Bangkok itself is not too far from some nice beaches, but Bangkok is a huge city that is usually very crowded so I don’t think your daughter would enjoy it.
Roger,
Thanks for your practical and accurate advises.
You are a god-send. Please keep on doing what you do.
Thanks !!!
It seems like the only familiar places in the Philippines are Manila and Boracay. However, I believe more tourists spend time in Palawan and Bohol. Maybe even Cebu. And to think, part of the title is “Backpacker Index for 2017.”
Monnette,
Thank you for the helpful comment. -Roger