15 Affordable Cities in Asia for Food and Accommodation

I’ll never forget the first time I landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. The air was thick with the aroma of sizzling street food, and the streets buzzed with life.

I grabbed a steaming bowl of pho from a tiny stall, paid less than $2, and thought, “This is what travel dreams are made of.” 

Asia has a way of making you feel rich, even when you’re on a shoestring budget.

From mouthwatering street food to cozy guesthouses that cost less than a latte back home, Asia is a haven for budget travelers.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for an affordable adventure, these 15 affordable cities in Asia will fill your belly and your soul without emptying your wallet.

1. Hanoi, Vietnam

Why Hanoi?

Hanoi is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The city’s chaotic streets are lined with food stalls serving everything from banh mi to bun cha, and its charming Old Quarter is packed with affordable hostels and boutique hotels.

My Experience: A Street Food Feast

I spent an entire day eating my way through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. For less than $10, I devoured crispy spring rolls, slurped down pho, and sipped on egg coffee—a Hanoi specialty that tastes like dessert in a cup.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: October to April for cool, dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Noi Bai International Airport. A taxi to the city center costs around $15.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–3 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 10–10–20/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel ($10/night, social vibe).
  • Mid-range: La Siesta Classic ($50/night, boutique charm).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Pho (noodle soup).
  • Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich).
  • Egg coffee.
• Local Tips:
  • Learn the phrase “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much?).
  • Avoid eating near tourist hotspots for cheaper prices.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is a laid-back city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and some of the best street food in Thailand. It’s also incredibly affordable, making it a favorite among digital nomads and backpackers.

My Experience: A Temple and Food Tour

I spent a day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and ended with a food tour of the night market. For $5, I feasted on khao soi (curry noodle soup), mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: November to February for cool, dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport. A tuk-tuk to the city center costs around $3.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–2 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 10–10–15/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Hug Hostel ($10/night, modern and clean).
  • Mid-range: The Inside House ($80/night, luxurious and serene).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Khao soi (curry noodle soup).
  • Mango sticky rice.
  • Sai oua (northern Thai sausage).
• Local Tips:
  • Visit the Sunday Night Market for cheap eats and souvenirs.
  • Learn the phrase “Mai pet” (Not spicy) if you can’t handle heat.

3. Penang, Malaysia

Why Penang?

Penang is a food lover’s paradise, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. The island’s capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful street art and affordable street food.

My Experience: A Culinary Adventure

I spent a day wandering George Town’s streets, stopping at every food stall that caught my eye. For less than $5, I tried char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), laksa (spicy noodle soup), and cendol (a sweet dessert).

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: December to March for dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Penang International Airport. A bus to George Town costs around $1.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–3 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 15–15–25/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Reggae Penang ($15/night, lively and fun).
  • Mid-range: Ren i Tang ($50/night, boutique charm).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Char kway teow.
  • Penang laksa.
  • Cendol.
• Local Tips:
  • Visit Gurney Drive for a mix of street food and sea views.
  • Learn the phrase “Tambah nasi” (More rice, please).

4. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Why Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, but it’s also a budget-friendly city with delicious food and affordable accommodations.

My Experience: A Temple and Food Combo

I spent a day exploring Angkor Wat and ended with a feast at a local market. For $3, I tried amok (coconut curry), lok lak (stir-fried beef), and fresh spring rolls.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: November to February for cool, dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Siem Reap International Airport. A tuk-tuk to the city center costs around $2.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–2 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 10–10–20/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Lub d Siem Reap ($15/night, modern and social).
  • Mid-range: Jaya House River Park ($70/night, luxurious and eco-friendly).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Amok (coconut curry).
  • Lok lak (stir-fried beef).
  • Fresh spring rolls.
• Local Tips:
  • Buy a multi-day Angkor Wat pass for better value.
  • Learn the phrase “Som bay” (Delicious).

5. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Why Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is a cultural hub with stunning temples, traditional markets, and some of the most affordable food and accommodations in Indonesia.

My Experience: A Cultural and Culinary Journey

I spent a day exploring Borobudur Temple and ended with a feast at Malioboro Street. For $2, I tried gudeg (jackfruit stew), bakpia (sweet pastries), and es teh manis (sweet iced tea).

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: April to October for dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Yogyakarta International Airport. A taxi to the city center costs around $10.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–2 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 10–10–20/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: ViaVia Jogja ($15/night, social and eco-friendly).
  • Mid-range: Hotel Neo Malioboro ($40/night, modern and central).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Gudeg (jackfruit stew).
  • Bakpia (sweet pastries).
  • Es teh manis (sweet iced tea).
• Local Tips:
  • Visit Prambanan Temple for a stunning sunset.
  • Learn the phrase “Enak sekali” (Very delicious).

6. Luang Prabang, Laos

Why Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang is a charming city nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It’s known for its serene atmosphere, stunning temples, and affordable French-inspired cuisine.

My Experience: A Morning Alms Giving

I woke up at dawn to witness the daily alms-giving ceremony, where monks in saffron robes collect offerings from locals. Afterward, I treated myself to a fresh baguette from a street vendor—a legacy of French colonialism—for just $1.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: November to March for cool, dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Luang Prabang International Airport. A tuk-tuk to the city center costs around $5.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–3 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 10–10–20/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Downtown Backpackers Hostel ($10/night, cozy and central).
  • Mid-range: Villa Maly ($60/night, colonial charm).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Laap (minced meat salad).
  • French baguettes with pâté.
  • Khao soi (Lao-style noodle soup).
• Local Tips:
  • Visit Kuang Si Falls for a refreshing swim.
  • Learn the phrase “Sabaidee” (Hello/How are you?).

7. Kathmandu, Nepal

Why Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a vibrant city surrounded by the Himalayas, offering a mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, and affordable food and accommodations.

My Experience: A Momo Feast

I spent an afternoon exploring Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and ended with a plate of momos (dumplings) at a local eatery. For $2, I devoured a plate of steaming dumplings filled with spiced vegetables.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: March to May or October to November for pleasant weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport. A taxi to the city center costs around $10.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–2 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 10–10–15/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Zostel Kathmandu ($10/night, social and clean).
  • Mid-range: Hotel Shambala ($50/night, cozy and central).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Momos (dumplings).
  • Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice).
  • Sel roti (sweet rice doughnuts).
• Local Tips:
  • Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic views.
  • Learn the phrase “Dhanyabad” (Thank you).

8. Colombo, Sri Lanka

Why Colombo?

Colombo is a bustling coastal city with a mix of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and delicious street food. It’s also a great base for exploring Sri Lanka’s beaches and cultural sites.

My Experience: A Street Food Crawl

I spent an evening exploring Colombo’s Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade lined with food stalls. For $3, I tried isso wade (shrimp fritters), kottu roti (chopped roti with veggies), and fresh coconut water.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: December to March for dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport. A taxi to the city center costs around $20.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–3 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 15–15–25/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Clock Inn Colombo ($15/night, modern and central).
  • Mid-range: Cinnamon Red ($70/night, stylish and comfortable).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Kottu roti.
  • Isso wade (shrimp fritters).
  • Hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes).
• Local Tips:
  • Visit Pettah Market for cheap souvenirs.
  • Learn the phrase “Mata thel paara” (I need coconut water).

9. Manila, Philippines

Why Manila?

Manila is a bustling metropolis with a mix of Spanish colonial history, modern malls, and some of the most affordable food in the Philippines.

My Experience: A Lechon Lunch

I joined a food tour in Manila’s Binondo district, the world’s oldest Chinatown. For $5, I tried lechon (roast pig), pancit (noodles), and halo-halo (a colorful dessert).

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: November to February for cool, dry weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A taxi to the city center costs around $10.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 1–1–3 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 15–15–25/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Zula Hostel ($15/night, social and fun).
  • Mid-range: The Henry Hotel ($60/night, boutique charm).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Lechon (roast pig).
  • Pancit (noodles).
  • Halo-halo (dessert).
• Local Tips:
  • Visit Intramuros for a glimpse of Spanish colonial history.
  • Learn the phrase “Salamat” (Thank you).

10. Tbilisi, Georgia

Why Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is a hidden gem at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering a mix of ancient architecture, thermal baths, and affordable Georgian cuisine.

My Experience: A Khachapuri Feast

I spent an evening at a local supra (feast), where I tried khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and Georgian wine. The entire meal cost less than $10.

Essential Visitor Info

• When to Visit: May to October for pleasant weather.
• Getting There: Fly into Tbilisi International Airport. A taxi to the city center costs around $10.
• Costs:
  • Street food: 2–2–5 per meal.
  • Budget accommodation: 15–15–25/night.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Fabrika Hostel ($15/night, trendy and social).
  • Mid-range: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi ($80/night, luxurious and stylish).
• Must-Try Foods:
  • Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread).
  • Khinkali (dumplings).
  • Georgian wine.
• Local Tips:
  • Visit the sulfur baths in Abanotubani.
  • Learn the phrase “Gmadlobt” (Thank you).