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The new year has finally arrived! While many of us convince ourselves that we will trigger a hard reset around midnight with a sudden passion for the TrapMastertravel goals are always the most achievable.
Supported by a recent one report With the best destinations in the world to start 2025 with your budget in mind, Asia stands out the most.
The truth is, winter is a great time for globetrotting, and not just around the Caribbean islands and Mexico’s hotspots.
Asia may seem like a far-flung land of bucket-list wonders, and it is, but let’s not take for granted how connected our skies have become.
You can travel from the US to most Asian metropolises with just one stop. Thailand, for example, has no direct flights (for now), but still remains the tourism titan of Southeast Asia.
They offer visitors cheap stays and rich cultural experiences, in no particular order 4 Asian metropolises ensure perfect sunny city trips instead of shivering in your skivvies at home:
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s fascinating urban sprawl
How does it work? 80 degrees in January sound?
Kuala Lumpur may not be a beach city, but it is a sprawling metropolis packed with beautiful sights, bustling markets and, perhaps most notably, the Batu CavesThe steep 272-step walk explores a vast cave system, hidden Hindu temples and breathtaking views of the city.
Malaysia’s capital is known for its safety, affordability and phenomenal architecture, ranging from towering wonders to preserved structures from the former British colonization.
Immediately average price of $62 per nightyou’ll find cheap places to stay regardless of the style of your accommodation.
Luxury travelers can enjoy great rates at 5-star properties, for example Amari Kuala Lumpur for $71, and even the Ritz Carlton is only $160 Priceline in February – unheard of!
If you opt for opulence, check out the rooftop pool amenities like Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
Bangkok: Real estate may be growing, but hotels are still affordable
To be honest, I’ve been eyeing the Bangkok apartment market as an Airbnb investment, and I think I missed my chance to score dirt-cheap apartments.
The good news for travelers, however, is that Bangkok still offers a range of luxury hotels and high-rise apartments at an incredible price.
Of temperatures in the high 70s This time of year Bangkok is a beautiful destination before the summer humidity takes over.
Between floating markets, night markets, rooftop bars, endless temples and an incomparable nightlife, travelers never have trouble finding their spot in Bangkok.
My personal favorite neighborhood, however, is Chinatown (Yaowarat) for action-packed people watching, sensational food and cheap shopping to bargain for.
The Border Telegraph reports that hotels in Bangkok cost an average of $65 per night, so visitors can easily treat themselves to luxurious stays such as the five-star hotels Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium better than the average of $61.
Ho Chi Minh City: an insanely cheap gateway to The wonders of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vast urban jungle full of sensory overload from the smells of street food vendors, the sounds of an endless sea of scooters and dazzling sites like Notre Dame and intriguing museums like War Remnants Museum (only $1.57 admission)
There will never be a dull moment exploring this city, but most travelers choose to explore the entire spectrum as there are so many more attractive destinations, from the beaches of Da Nang to the cultural delights of Hanoi.
Whatever your reason for travel, Ho Chi Minh is incredibly cheap, with sunny 78-degree days.
Like Bangkok, hotels average $65 per nightbut you can score great deals that are below average, like the four-star Odys Boutique Hotel for $36 or a 5-star stay at the Windsor Plaza Hotel for just $57 in February.
Phnom Penh: the emerging city of Southeast Asia
Perhaps the least known on this list, Phnom Penh is the enormous capital of Cambodia, but is usually overshadowed by the tourist hotspot Siem Reap, a much smaller city full of history and impeccably preserved sites such as the world-famous Angor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, Phnom Penh is ready to take center stage as the Los Angeles Times just wrote an article about Cambodia’s renewed fame as an emerging destination.
The prices here are breathtaking. This city of traditional markets, grand palaces and more than affordable luxury is an excellent base to discover Cambodia’s lush nature, immaculate ruins and temples.
The weather is hovering around 78, and hotel rates average as much as $50 per nightbut believe it or not, you can score luxury hotels like this Snowdrop Hotel for just $37 at www.agoda.com.
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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.
