Travel destinations in Asia
Asia is not merely the world’s largest continent. It also possesses the world’s most beautiful natural wonders and the world’s richest and most diverse culture.
Asia is a must-see destination for anyone’s bucket list, with its mystical temples and ancient sites, relaxing beaches and enchanting landscapes, breathtaking skyscrapers and sophisticated infrastructure.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular travel destinations in Asia.
Top Travel destinations in Asia
Asia is a vast continent with many interesting and varied travel destinations. Here are some of the most popular travel destinations in Asia:
Guilin, China
Credit: HALUK COMERTEL [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 39.21 Popularity: #80 (↑4)
After a surprising tumble last year, Guilin makes it back into the top 20 cheap places to travel for 2020.
Guilin’s breathtaking natural splendour makes it one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Guilin is a wildlife photographer’s dream, thanks to the magnificent limestone hills that surround it.
And, even though it has dropped this year, it is still rather inexpensive.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Credit: Azharsofii (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 39.10 Popularity: #38 (↓1)
Johor Bahru is a popular travel destination located at the southern edge of the Malay Peninsula.
Johor Bahru, like some of the other low-cost travel destinations we’ve highlighted, is located near a more expensive metropolis — Singapore. The hotel prices are among the top 20 in the globe, and the meal prices are among the top 10, making this an excellent home base from which to explore the entire region.
Johor Bahru is also convenient to some of Malaysia’s top beach resorts, making it a popular destination for many types of vacations.
One of the most interesting places to see on the globe.
Delhi, India
Credit: Tim Moffatt from Toronto, Canada (Red Fort, Delhi, India) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 30.94 Popularity: #13 (↓1)
Despite falling out of the top 15, Delhi’s exceptionally low hotel prices keep it in the top 20 of our ranking of the world’s cheapest travel destinations.
The city is likewise massive, with an estimated 29.5 million people residing in the metropolitan region. There are a crazy number of important spiritual and religious places in Delhi.
It’s also a good starting place for exploring the Taj Mahal, as it’s only 3.5 hours away by automobile. Make a point of visiting the Chandni Chowk bazaar and the Red Fort.
Krabi, Thailand
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Affordability Index: 37.76 Popularity: #99 (↑1)
On Instagram, you’ve probably seen some stunning shots of jagged limestone cliffs. The majority of the images are of Thailand, with many of them being from the Krabi province.
What’s more, Krabi is a super affordable vacation option, located just across the water from Phuket. While getting there may cost a few dollars, Krabi is in the top 20 for both meals and lodging.
Krabi has been put on our bucket list with those prices!
Pattaya, Thailand
Credit: Sergey S. Dukachev (Canon A-95) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 37.37 Popularity: #18 (↑7)
Sure, there are plenty of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy in Pattaya, Thailand.
The beach, on the other hand, is what draws people here. Pattaya, located on the Gulf of Thailand, has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
The area is also well-known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent shopping. Best of all, staying here will not cost you an arm and a leg.
Pattaya ranks 17th on our list of the cheapest places to stay and ties for 20th in terms of food costs.
Bangalore, India
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Affordability Index: 35.80 Popularity: #100 (Change: N/A)
Bangalore, India’s high-tech capital, is about more than just modern skyscrapers and business.
The city also has over 1000 Hindu temples, 400 mosques, and approximately 100 churches. Bangalore Palace is one of several palaces in India’s third-largest city.
Bangalore is the 13th most affordable destination for food, the 19th for lodging, and the 27th for beverages.
Cebu City, Philippines
Credit: Andrewhaimerl via Wikimedia Commons, [CC BY-SA] (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 32.64 Popularity: #77 (Change: N/A)
For those who are aware, the Philippines has long been regarded as a low-cost vacation destination.
However, no place in the Philippines had ever met our visitor criteria…until now. Cebu City is the 13th cheapest place to visit in our rankings.
This bustling port city is an excellent place to stay while exploring the area’s sugary white beaches. It’s also extremely affordable, ranking 19th for lodging and 6th for beer. That sounds like a good time!
Chennai, India
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Affordability Index: 35.67 Popularity: #36 (↑9)
Chennai is a popular tourist destination on India’s Bay of Bengal coast.
While there are numerous religious sites and historical monuments in the area, Chennai is best known for its beaches.
If you’re looking for deliciously cheap eats, look no further. Chennai is ranked third on our list of cities with the cheapest food prices.
Phuket, Thailand
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Affordability Index: 32.51 Popularity: #15 (↓4)
Do you enjoy low-cost vacation destinations with beautiful mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches?
Travelling to Phuket, Thailand, could be ideal for you. Although there are some luxury travel options available, one of the best aspects of this island is that you don’t have to mortgage your house to stay here.
One of the best places to travel in Asia.
There are numerous 3 and 4-star accommodations to choose from. In fact, of all the travel destinations we’ve researched, Phuket has the lowest hotel costs.
The nightlife here, like in other parts of Thailand, will not disappoint.
Batam, Indonesia
Credit: ProjectManhattan [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 32.13 Popularity: #91 (↑6)
With its incredible beaches, famous nightlife, and fantastic shopping, it’s no surprise that Batam has risen to the top 100 most visited places in the world this year.
Even though it dropped out of our top 10, it is still very affordable, ranking fourth in terms of hotel prices.
If you want to venture away from the resort while you’re there, Singapore is only a short boat ride away.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Credit: Panupong Roopyai (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 29.66 Popularity: #70 (↓6)
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most interesting travel destinations, as well as one of the world’s best value vacations.
Chiang Mai has the second-lowest food prices of any destination on our list, but its hotel prices dropped from first to 13th, nearly knocking it out of our top ten overall.
The city, which is located in the mountains of northern Thailand, is home to numerous Buddhist temples and sacred religious sites. Nature and wildlife tours are also popular Chiang Mai excursions.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Credit: Gunawan Kartapranata (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 29.48 Popularity: #57 (↑3)
Jakarta dropped three spots this year but remains in the top ten of our list of the world’s cheapest cities. Jakarta is a massive metropolis on the Indonesian island of Java, with a population of over 10 million people.
It also represents a cultural crossroads, fusing a variety of influences from Asia and Europe. Indonesia is well-known for its beaches, and Jakarta has plenty to offer in this regard.
It’s also a fantastic location for shopping and sightseeing.
Agra, India
Credit: Joel Godwin (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)
Affordability Index: 28.12 Popularity: #26 (↑3)
Agra, in northern India, is home to one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, the Taj Mahal.
Even though the Taj Mahal is unquestionably the area’s most popular attraction,
Other notable tourist attractions in Agra include the Agra Fort, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and others. It also has some of the most affordable hotel prices in the world, ranking as the eighth cheapest place to stay in our survey.
The Taj Mahal:
The Taj Mahal is India’s pride and joy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the northern Indian city of Agra.
This exquisite marble structure is regarded as the crown jewel of Muslim art in the Indian subcontinent.
The Taj Mahal generates much-needed foreign exchange gains for India, and it is estimated that 4 million tourists visit the Taj Mahal each year to marvel at its beauty.
The best time to see the Taj Mahal in India is in the early summer, from March to June.
During the winter months of November to February, you won’t be able to see the Taj Mahal in all of its beauty due to fog.
Even if you stand only a few meters away, you won’t be able to see it clearly, and you won’t be able to take any beautiful pictures.
Monday through Thursday are the ideal days to visit.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers, and weekends and public holidays are the busiest times to visit.
The Taj Mahal is best visited early in the morning when it is less busy.
Bangkok, Thailand
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Affordability Index: 27.15 Popularity: #2 (No Change)
Bangkok is the second most popular tourist destination in the world, and cheap hotels and food help the city land solidly inside our top ten for this year.
For that reason is one of the most visited travel destinations in Asia.
The only thing keeping it from rising further is the relatively high cost of beverages. Bangkok, known for its exciting nightlife and entertainment, is more than just a party town.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on the city’s incredible religious sites, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple.
You can also visit the Grand Palace, the Wat Arun Temple, and go shopping. One of the coolest places to visit in the world.
Hanoi, Vietnam
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Affordability Index: 26.14 Popularity: #52 (↓1)
Despite falling to 12th in hotel prices this year, Hanoi still manages to snag the number six spot on our list of cheap places to travel.
As the country’s capital, Hanoi is a cultural hotspot with numerous museums and historical sites. The frantic Old Quarter is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Tourists also flock to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Affordability Index: 25.94 Popularity: #31 (↑8)
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City rose eight spots in popularity, but rising prices knocked the city out of first place for the first time in two years.
Before the Vietnam War, the city was known as Saigon, and it has a thriving art scene as well as a plethora of French colonial architecture.
Many visitors enjoy spending time in the lively Ben Thanh Market, where street vendors serve up local flavours at affordable prices.
Those looking for peace will enjoy exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the war that stretches thousands of miles.
It’s also worth noting that Ho Chi Minh City is one of the top six cheapest places to visit in terms of food and beverage prices, while it’s just outside the top ten for cheapest places to stay.
Jaipur, India
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Affordability Index: 25.54 Popularity: #39 (↑3)
India is one of the most affordable countries to visit, and Jaipur is the most affordable destination on our list.
Jaipur, known for its famous pink-coloured buildings, is the fourth cheapest travel destination on our list.
Several notable palaces can be found in the city, including the pink “Palace of the Winds” and Jaipur’s City Palace.
While riding an elephant may be more exciting for some, there are also many forts and religious sites for tourists to visit.
A favourite among the travel destinations in Asia list.
Ha Long, Vietnam
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Affordability Index: 25.34 Popularity: #48 (↑5)
Ha, Long Bay in Vietnam is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, making it ideal for both nature lovers and adventure travellers.
It’s difficult to imagine a more beautiful place than here, with its towering limestone islands jutting up from the seafloor.
Aside from that, everything is incredibly cheap. Ha Long ranks in the top ten in all three of our categories, helping it to be the world’s third-cheapest travel destination.
This is, without a doubt, one of the coolest places to visit in the world.
Denpasar, Indonesia
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Affordability Index: 23.36 Popularity: #32 (↑1)
Have you ever heard of Denpasar?
It serves as the provincial capital of the Indonesian province of Bali. Do you recognize it now?
Although the beaches are undoubtedly the main draw, Denpasar also has several cultural attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular local activities.
Of course, if you choose to stay at a luxury resort, your costs will be significantly higher. Having said that, Denpasar ranks in the top five for both hotel and meal prices.
The only thing keeping this city from being the cheapest travel destination in the world is its 32nd-place ranking in beverage pricing.
Da Nang, Vietnam
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Affordability Index: 21.60 Popularity: #90 (Change: N/A)
We have a new cheapest place to travel, and it should come as no surprise that it is located in Vietnam. What may surprise you, however, is that our top spot goes to a complete newcomer.
Da Nang may have cracked our list for the first time, but that doesn’t mean it is lacking in offerings.
While not as well known as some other places on the list, visitors to Da Nang will enjoy the city’s beautiful sandy beaches, spectacular Marble Mountains, and gorgeous views from the Ba Na Hills.
The city is also ripe with history, museums, and architecture. With so much to do, and by earning a top-10 ranking in all 3 of our categories,
It is maybe the best of the travel destinations in Asia.
Conclusion
If you are looking for exotic destinations, history, new flavours and awesome nature, there is plenty of them in the travel destinations in Asia.
An Asian journey is going to change the way you look at the world.
More about World Travel Destinations.
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