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No matter how enthusiastic you are as a traveler, we all love to save money and score great deals when we travel around the world.
Travel budgets can add up quickly. We often find out the hard way when our credit card bills arrive after an epic trip.
Exchange rates change every day, but Conde Nast recently revealed the cheapest cities in the world by determining who is most supportive of the US dollar.
Get your passport ready and set the travel alerts in your bank account, because many of the world’s most affordable vacation destinations are spread across Asia. Shockingly, Thailand was not among the top 5.
According to Condé Nast, these are the 5 most affordable Asian countries:
5) Malaysia
What has become a digital nomad hotspot for a variety of temptations, affordability tops the list as one of the best value-for-bang destinations in Asia.
It’s not just nomads who appreciate saving some money; all travelers do that. Malaysia may not have been on your 2025 bingo card, but listen up.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places to treat yourself to 5-star hotels at rock-bottom prices.
While many still hover around $300 per night, you can easily find chic stays under $100, like Berjaya Times Square Hotel, ranging from $65 to $83 through spring.
Not to mention, street food is incredibly tasty and cheap at plenty of traditional markets, and entering the world famous markets Batu Caves is free!
1 US dollar is currently equivalent to approximately 4.5 Malaysian ringgit.
4)Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been up and down with travelers after becoming, what seems to be a general consensus, Asia’s trendiest country.
This culturally rich and naturally amazing island has captured the hearts of travelers in recent years, until an unfortunate travel advisory on terrorism issues was issued in 2024, which now seems less concerning.
Travelers don’t seem too concerned about visiting in 2025, especially since it’s one of the best destinations to experience new cultures, untouched nature and a must-do train journey, all at bargain prices.
Whether you explore the busy streets of Colombo, the paradisiacal beaches of Aragum Bay or tranquil lakeside temples outside Kandy, the only sweat you’ll break is the humidity of Sri Lanka, and not your looming credit card bill.
Even better: Sri Lanka has removed the visa requirement for a 30-day stay. Less bureaucracy = more savings.
1 US dollar is currently equivalent to approximately 295 Sri Lankan rupees.
3) Vietnam
Where do we start with such an enchanting country…
Between the sprawling metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, along with beautiful coastlines like Nha Trang, Southeast Asia’s best beach destination, Vietnam is the kind of place where you want to enjoy every aspect for as long as possible, which is great because it’s so crazy cheap.
Whether it’s a bowl of piping hot $1 noodle concoctions or… $50 Resortsyour dollar stretches far in Vietnam.
Condé Nast recommends Pho Quoc for a tropical escape, highlighting Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang as their “best places to go in 2025.”
1 US dollar is currently equivalent to 25,365 Vietnamese Dong.
2) Mongolia
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the list: Mongolia is one of Asia’s most overlooked countries. While this massive country, wedged between Russia and China, receives more visitors than Brunei and dare we say trendy Bhutan, Mongolia seems to be hidden in plain sight.
Similar to a junk mail coupon, regular travelers might need something enticing to take them to an unknown place, and what better way than being the second cheapest country in Asia?
You may be wondering what there is to do in Mongolia, and honestly you’ll probably want to venture beyond the capital Ulaanbaatar for unforgettable experiences ranging from mountainside yurts, breathtaking monasteries and the incomparable UNESCO-recognized Naadam Festival consisting of wrestling matches, archery competitions and horse racing.
Many travelers who have been lucky enough to visit this lesser-known wonder also enjoy spending time in nomadic villages to experience ancient traditions and customs, a far cry from the screen-glued American lifestyle.
1 US dollar is currently equivalent to 3,424 Mongolian Tugriks.
1) Cambodia
Surprise! Although Thailand is still very cheap across the board, Condé Nast puts Cambodia on the crown as the cheapest country in Asia.
Southeast Asia’s emerging ‘it’ destination is all the more enticing to explore with Siem Reap’s new international airport, a city home to the world-famous 12th-century Angkor Wat temple complex.
But there is so much more to do and see than this well-preserved time capsule. The capital Phnom Penh is super cheap and fun to explore bustling markets and intriguing museums, but don’t sleep on the coast of Cambodia either.
With Thailand’s popular beach destinations Phuket and Koh Samui facing heavy crowds and sustainability issues, why not give Cambodia’s slice of paradise a try?
Overlooked by Siem Reap and the affordable trek to Phnom Penh Sihanoukvillea city and province of the same name full of beautiful beaches and islands reminiscent of both neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam.
Here’s where you can score $30 beach resort deals all summer long on agoda.
1 US dollar is currently equivalent to 4,034 Cambodian Riels.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
