There are 2 countries in East Asia that are affordable and very interesting, but completely the opposite of one another. This is the continent’s most visited region, but unfortunately, travelers mostly choose the other countries, which are more expensive. Yet these 2 countries have so much to offer for all types of travelers!
We shared the updated list of 40 best countries to travel to for less in 2025 and the beginning of the feature with a bit more details, by region.
We continue this important feature to give you an idea of what each destination has to offer and to give you an idea of accommodation prices (often the biggest expense once there).
Here are the 2 best cheap countries in East Asia.
Details of the best cheap countries in East Asia
For each of the 2 countries, this article includes:
- 2 short paragraphs providing an overview of the destination
- To give you a general idea of the country
- 2 examples of well-rated accommodation prices
- To give you a general idea of prices
- For both duo travelers and solo travelers
To be very clear, there are cheaper accommodations than the examples in this article if you want to save money with options that have lower ratings. All those in the examples have a rating of at least 7.5 out of 10 (the minimum threshold of what is usually considered “good”).
There are also luxury options and private accommodation rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo), obviously, and we’ll give concrete examples of those in a guide on each cheap country. The price of well-rated, more basic options gives you an idea of the prices for more luxurious options, even if the correlation is not always 100% perfect.
Infographic of the best cheap countries in East Asia
Here’s the infographic of the 2 best cheap countries among the 8 countries/territories in East Asia.
This is a region that is really more expensive outside of these 2 countries. That’s why it’s the only one in Asia with just 2 of the best affordable countries. You can read about the 6 different regions of Asia if you want to learn the definitions.
List of the best cheap countries in East Asia
Let’s look at each country ordered by the price of our hotel example for now (we’ll rank them according to total cost in the next part of the feature).
1. Mongolia 🇲🇳
Teaser of trips to Mongolia
Mongolia is truly one of the most unique countries in the world. Its exceptional nomadic culture and magnificent, untouched landscapes are what attract travelers who like to go off the beaten path. I can’t wait to go there.
It’s the least densely populated country in the world, so there’s a lot of space in its sublime natural state. There’s also variety given that it’s a large country (it’s larger than Québec), from pretty mountains to the famous Gobi Desert. It’s definitely a place favored by outdoor enthusiasts.
You’ll be able to check out our list of the best destinations soon.
Teaser of accommodations in Mongolia
There are hotels in Ulaanbaatar for $15 per night, so $8 per person per night with a companion.
There are hostels in Ulaanbaatar for $10 per night per person.
2. China 🇨🇳
Teaser of trips to China
The country is the 2nd most populous and the 4th largest in the world. So China obviously has something for all tastes. Its rich history and culture mean that there are plenty of attractions, and there’s also breathtaking nature in this very underrated country that can rival its more popular neighbors in many aspects.
After now making 3 trips to the country, I must say that I appreciate it a lot. There are really plenty of things to see, including delicious and affordable food. I love cities, so that helps to love China, but you can really find what you’re looking for, no matter your preferences.
You’ll be able to check out our list of the best destinations soon, but in the meantime, you can check out our guide on China visa-free travel.
Teaser of accommodations in China
There are hotels in Beijing for $19 (CNY 139) per night, so $10 per person per night with a companion.
There are hostels in Beijing for $28 (CNY 198) per night per person, which is more expensive than many hotels (because there aren’t many hostels).
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Summary
The 2 best cheap countries in East Asia allow you to travel for much less, while offering extraordinary experiences. It’s certainly one of the regions with the most variety among all those represented in our list of 40 best cheap countries, for as little as $40 total per day if you want.
What would you like to know about the best cheap countries in East Asia? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Infographic (image credit: Flytrippers)
