Plan Your Next Vacation to Asia: Explore the Wonders of the World's Largest Continent

1. Hanoi, Vietnam

In general, most places in Vietnam are quite affordable, catering to the "backpacker budget." Hanoi is no exception. Offering a more traditional atmosphere than Saigon in the south, Hanoi is filled with interesting, small streets and delicious food.

There is plenty of beautiful French-inspired architecture and transportation to wonderful Halong Bay and Sapa. Keep an eye out for the plastic-chair cafes and the 25 cent bia hoi (fresh beer). Four-star hotels start at about $30 per night and full meals at restaurants cost as little as $3.

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia

About 20 minutes in a tuk tuk from the gates of Angkor Wat is the town of Siem Reap. It's the famous home to some of the world's cheapest hostel beds, but this historic town offers accommodation for any budget.

Enjoy the inexpensive nightlife scene on the infamous Pub Street and make sure to sample as much Khmer cuisine as possible. Four-star hotels will set you back about $27 per night. A budget dinner will cost between $4 to $6 and a three-day pass to explore the temples of Angkor Wat costs $40.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Often overlooked for neighbouring Singapore, Kuala Lumpur offers a fantastic assortment of cheap accommodations, inexpensive activities to do in town and some of the best food in the world.

Explore Chinatown or the Petaling Street night market to pick up souvenirs, or anything you might've left at home for a fraction of the cost. Dinner at a local restaurant will cost about $5 and four-star hotels start at approximately $30 per night.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Everyone who heads to Thailand should spend time in Bangkok and the islands in the south. If you're looking to maximise your budget, head north to Chiang Mai. Explore the ancient temples, get in touch with the artist community in town, take advantage of the natural beauty and enjoy the less-crowded atmosphere.

If you're looking to spend your time at a four-star hotel, prices start at about $25 per night. Food is inexpensive, with budget dinners costing less than $5.

5. Pokhara, Nepal

Nepal is home to some of the most stunning hiking opportunities in the world and Pokhara is a fantastic place to start. Whether you're looking to splurge on a paragliding experience, or save some money and enjoy some trekking on your own, Pokhara has exactly what any nature lover is looking for.

Four-star hotels are a bit more expensive, with prices starting at approximately $50 per night, but meals will only set you back a few dollars, and basic necessities are incredibly inexpensive as well.

6. Colombo, Sri Lanka

If you're in the mood for monkeys—and the road less traveled—spend some time in Colombo. Sri Lanka is in a strategic location, whether you're coming from Europe, India, or the Southeast Asian peninsula.

There are plenty of affordable tours, national parks and fantastic markets. There are western-style four-star hotels available start at $35 per day. A budget dinner will set you back between $4 to $7.

7. Bagan, Myanmar

Perhaps the least-traveled and most mysterious country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar (formerly Burma) offers a very different vibe than its neighbors. After decades of isolation, this country has opened its doors to tourism at very affordable rates.

Bagan has nearly twice the amount of temples as Angkor Wat, and for those with larger budgets, you can even opt for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Four-star hotels start at about $42 per night and a traditional Burmese meal will cost less than $4.

8. Luang Prabang, Laos

Looking for the perfect combination of architecture, stunning temples and European-Asian fusion? Pack your bags and head to Luang Prabang! There are gorgeous waterfalls, intriguing caves, boat cruises down the Mekong River and world-class spas in this charming city.

Laotian food revolves around sticky rice and spiced meats, with meals costing just a few dollars and four-star hotels starting at just $40 per night.

9. Goa, India

India is great for budget travellers. Once known to be a backpacker's haven, Goa is still a fantastic and affordable budget beach destination. There are ancient forts and ruins, as well as a fantastic nightlife scene.

If you're not afraid to barter, you can stretch your budget to the max. Delicious meals start at $3 and a four-star hotel will run about $32 per day.

10. Denpasar, Indonesia

Located on the beautiful island of Bali, Denpasar offers fabulous beaches, jungles and prices. Take a yoga or cooking class, enjoy a sunset boat cruise and soak up the incredible culture while admiring the sacred and religious sites.

Denpasar is an excellent place to spend time at a great price. With four-star hotels starting at less than $30 per night and delicious meals costing less than $5, what's not to love?

The Middle East

Western Asia (the Middle East) offers travel destinations such as Israel, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Qatar, or Turkey (Turkiye). The climate is mainly dry and hot, the landscape rather barren with stone and sand deserts. A vacation in Jordan also has an incredible amount to offer. Tourist highlights are, for example, the oriental flair of the Orient, bazaars, historical and holy sites. The region is ideal for beach vacations (Turkey), cultural and adventure trips.

A particularly interesting travel destination is Lebanon. The country combines both snow-covered mountains in the hinterland and fantastic beaches on the Mediterranean - and Beirut is considered a stronghold of culture and nightlife.

East Asia

East Asia (the Far East) scores with typically Asian travel destinations such as China, Japan, and South Korea. There are diverse climate zones from tropical to temperate and beautiful landscapes. Examples of tourist highlights are cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Seoul, the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and tea ceremonies. The epitome of the Far East is China with its culture that is more than five thousand years old, with calligraphy, lanterns and pagoda roofs, temples and a fascinating flora and fauna. You can travel to East Asia ideally in the form of road trips, river cruises (Yangtse River), cultural, and city trips.

South Asia

South Asia boasts popular travel destinations such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and India. The exotic region is known for a rather hot tropical climate. At high altitudes (Nepal) you will also find a cool mountain climate. The landscape ranges from tropical rainforest to grassland to tundra areas. Tourist highlights include Mount Everest, the Taj Mahal, cities such as Bombay or Calcutta and paradisiacal beaches. South Asia is perfect for hiking and trekking vacations (Nepal), culture, bathing, and active vacations.

North Asia

North Asia with Russia and Mongolia is known for a slightly harsher climate. The Black Sea coast, on the other hand, has a warm, Mediterranean climate. The landscape in the sparsely populated countries is characterized by forests, steppes and mountains. Tourist highlights include the Hermitage in St. Petersburg with its colorful onion domes, the Russian ballet, Red Square in Moscow and seaside resorts on the Black Sea. You can discover North Asia well with cultural tours, road trips, and active vacations.