Southeast Asia is a popular travel spot with luxury travels and budget backpackers alike these days. But what if you could have the best of both worlds: elegant accommodations and fun excursions at an affordable rate? Here is a list of Southeast Asian holidays on a budget.
Southeast Asian Holidays on a Budget
Even though the American dollar is still not as strong as it once was, the exchange rates remain great in this region. With that in mind, here are some spots where having a luxurious vacation at a discounted rate is certainly possible, as long as you don’t hit up the most expensive clubs in town or go on a wild shopping spree, of course.
Phuket
Long a haven for travelers with a limited budget, numerous hotels and resorts line the island’s powdery white shores. Although the area’s beaches are the main draw for travelers, a wide variety of activities are available here such as shopping and clubbing. Phuket has long been considered one of the best places to spend your Southeast Asian holidays on a budget. The island scenery is quite beautiful on its’ own, but travelers can also take advantage of affordable sights like the local markets and temples. As an additional bonus for those uncomfortable with unfamiliar languages, English is widely spoken at this destination.
Boracay
Located in the Philippines just an hour north of Manila, this tropical island paradise is known for its’ beautiful beaches and plentiful outdoor activities. Swimming is possible on either side of the island at various times of the year but, in order to avoid the admittedly rare chance of a typhoon wrecking your vacation, it is probably best to visit this destination between the months of November and May. While the main attraction here is the sandy shoes, travelers may also want to check out the caves around the island that are home to large numbers of bats.
Langkawi
This Malaysian beach destination may not have the world’s clearest water, but it quickly makes up for that fact. Travelers who come to this spot will find themselves with a good selection of mid range hotels as well as tax free shopping. Chocolates and alcoholic beverages are also much cheaper than they are in the surrounding areas. There are plenty of affordable activities on Langkawi, such as hiking the island’s tallest mountain or visiting the nearby rice paddies. Various tour companies are also available to take travelers to see all the local highlights.
Lombok
Although the tropical island of Bali gets more press for its’ beauty, this unspoiled Indonesian island shows visitors what that destination might look like without all the hype. Lombok is a wonderful place to spend your next Southeast Asian holidays on a budget Not only does the island have gorgeous beaches, it is also home to an assortment of spectacular waterfalls. The spicy local cuisine is yet another reason to visit. Despite the fact that most villagers in the area still maintain their traditional ways of life, there are a numerous, modern accommodation choices available ranging from hostels to eco-lodges and five-star hotels.
Hoi An
While this Vietnamese city isn’t famed for its’ beach, the former fishing village has been rated as one of the most affordable 3-star destinations on Price of Travel’s list for 2015. The city’s scenic old town has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a good place to wander around and take photographs but it can be touristy at times. Travelers are additionally advised against dining in the Old Town area where food can cost more than triple what it might at other places. However, this is still a great spot to visit and is one of the best places to spend a Southeast Asian holidays on a budget.
Of course, airfare from neighboring countries such as Australia and New Zealand will be more affordable than what can be found in other spots around the world. Travelers from places like the United States and Canada should probably sign up for sales alerts to get the best possible deals on airfare. Even so, the savings at your destination of choice will more than likely make up for the cost of plane tickets. After all, there is no vacation destination in the world quite like Southeast Asia.
Have you visited any of these Southeast Asian destinations? Would you like to? Share your experiences with us!
