There are 7 magnificent countries in Southeast Asia that are extremely affordable — and extremely enjoyable most importantly! It’s one of the cheapest regions in the world, and it’s honestly one of the favorites of pretty much all the seasoned travelers I know. It’s one of our favorites too, without any hesitation (after visiting 70+ countries each).
We’ve shared the updated list of 40 best cheap countries to travel to in 2025.
Now we continue this important feature with a bit more details, by region. To give you an idea of what each destination has to offer and to give you an idea of accommodation prices (which is often the biggest expense at the destination).
Here are the 7 best cheap countries in Southeast Asia.
Details of the best cheap countries in Southeast Asia
For each of the 7 countries, this article includes:
- 2 short paragraphs as an overview of the destination
- To give you a general idea of the country
- 2 price examples for well-rated accommodation
- To give you a general idea of prices
- For both solo travelers and duos
To be very clear, there are cheaper accommodations than the examples in this article if you want to save 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 for what is usually considered “good”).
There are also luxurious options and private accommodation rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo), of course, and we’ll give concrete examples of those in a guide for each cheap country. The price of well-rated, more basic options gives you an idea of prices for more luxurious options, even if the correlation isn’t always 100% perfect.
Infographic of the best cheap countries in Southeast Asia
Here’s the infographic of the 7 best cheap countries among the 11 countries in Southeast Asia.
This is the ideal region to start these overviews of the 40 countries, because it’s really one of the best!!! And you can read about the 6 different regions of Asia if you want to learn the definitions.
Let’s look at each country ordered by the price of our hotel example for now (we’ll rank them by total cost in the next part of the feature).
1. Indonesia 🇮🇩
Teaser of trips to Indonesia
With 17,000 islands, Indonesia boasts so many absolutely incredible destinations and is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, which means it is among the richest in terms of biodiversity. The world’s 4th most populous country has a rich culture and many things to discover.
Bali is obviously the most popular (and touristy) island, and despite this, I still found it very interesting both times I went (including a few months ago). But Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea are other huge islands and generally have even lower prices.
You can check out the 14 best destinations in Indonesia.
Teaser of accommodations in Indonesia
There are hotels in Bali for $7 (IDR 119,953) per night (so $4 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Bali for $6 (IDR 100,000) per night per person.
2. Vietnam 🇻🇳
Teaser of trips to Vietnam
The 15th most populous country in the world, Vietnam has a tumultuous recent history but offers so many beautiful places to discover from north to south, including over 3,000 kilometers of coastline. Flytrippers’ other cofounder, Kevin, enjoyed all the places he’s been to in the country.
The metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are very dynamic. The country also has magnificent national parks, such as the famous Ha Long Bay, and other pretty little towns too, such as Da Nang and Hoi An.
You’ll be able to check out our list of best destinations soon, but in the meantime, you can see 8 stops to discover Vietnam (itinerary from North to South) by a Flytrippers guest blogger.
Teaser of accommodations in Vietnam
There are hotels in Ho Chi Minh for $9 (VND 243,700) per night (so $5 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Ho Chi Minh for $4 (VND 99,000) per night per person.
3. Cambodia 🇰🇭
Teaser of trips to Cambodia
Cambodia is another country with a peculiar recent history, but this one is relatively sparsely populated for this region, giving it a different vibe. Kevin also recommends this country, which he visited for 1 month. I just visited there briefly in March 2025, and I loved it too.
The capital, Phnom Penh, is interesting, but most travelers spend more time visiting the famous Buddhist temples, including the gigantic and impressive Angkor Wat. The quiet rural regions can be interesting too.
You can check out the 6 best destinations in Cambodia.
Teaser of accommodations in Cambodia
There are hotels in Siem Reap for $10 per night (so $5 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Siem Reap for $4 per night per person.
4. Laos 🇱🇦
Teaser of trips to Laos
The least-known country and the only one without access to the sea in this beautiful region of the world, Laos, is less populated than Québec! It’s the most authentic and least touristy country of the 7, it’s really ideal for nature and tranquility.
Its capital, Vientiane, is far from being the most popular destination. However, this country has some very charming small villages and a much more attractive city, Luang Prabang, and the pretty little town of Vang Vieng, which is a hub for outdoorsy activities.
You’ll be able to check out our list of best destinations soon.
Teaser of accommodations in Laos
There are hotels in Vang Vieng for $14 per night (so $7 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Vang Vieng for $7 per night per person.
5. Thailand 🇹🇭
Teaser of trips to Thailand
Thailand is Southeast Asia’s best-known country. The Land of Smiles attracts a huge number of travelers in search of a change of scenery and heavenly beaches. Kevin has been there a dozen times and loved it. The country is among those with the best touristic infrastructure in the region given the very high number of visitors.
There’s no shortage of variety here: Bangkok is certainly one of the world’s most iconic cities, and Chiang Mai literally plunges you into the jungle. The islands are mostly in the south, including the pretty popular Phuket and so many others (Koh Phangan, Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, etc.).
You’ll be able to check out our list of best destinations soon, but in the meantime, you can see 18 things to know before a trip to Thailand by a Flytrippers guest blogger.
Teaser of accommodations in Thailand
There are hotels in Bangkok for $14 (THB 480) per night (so $7 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Bangkok for $5 (THB 182) per night per person.
6. Malaysia 🇲🇾
Teaser of trips to Malaysia
Possibly the most underrated destination in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has been a favorite of mine and has sublime natural attractions. It’s another one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is fantastic.
There are other destinations worth exploring on the peninsular part and on the island of Borneo (the 2 regions are quite distinct). These happen to be the cheapest in the country. Smaller islands like Penang and Langkawi are also worth a visit.
You can check out the 11 best destinations in Malaysia.
Teaser of accommodations in Malaysia
There are hotels in Penang for $15 (MYR 65) per night (so $7 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Penang for $8 (MYR 36) per night per person.
7. Philippines 🇵🇭
Teaser of trips to the Philippines
An archipelago of 7641 islands, the Philippines is a favorite destination for many explorers. Its people are extremely welcoming and its nature is second to none, not even countries where everything is 5 times more expensive!
City fans will love Manila, but the most popular spots are generally quieter islands such as Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Coron, and the El Nido archipelago.
You’ll be able to check out our list of best destinations soon, but in the meantime, you can see 10 photos that will make you want to go to Cebu.
Teaser of accommodations in the Philippines
There are hotels in Palawan for $17 (PHP 984) per night (so $9 per person per night with a companion).
There are hostels in Palawan for $9 (PHP 505) per night per person.
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Summary
The 7 best cheap countries in Southeast Asia allow you to travel for much less, while offering extraordinary experiences. It’s certainly one of the best regions among all those represented in the list of 40 best cheap countries (for as little as $29 (CAD 40) if you want).
What would you like to know about the best cheap countries in Southeast Asia? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Infographic (photo credit: Flytrippers)
