In an era where budget-conscious travelers are constantly on the lookout for the next affordable travel destination, the quest for cheap travel has never been more relevant. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a novice explorer, finding the cheapest places to visit can significantly enhance your travel experience.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the world of affordable travel in 2023, highlighting the top 10 cheapest countries to visit. From the lush landscapes of Laos to the bustling streets of Vietnam, these destinations offer a wealth of experiences that won’t break the bank.
We’ve compiled a list of countries where you can enjoy rich cultural experiences, stunning natural beauty, and delicious local cuisine, all without straining your wallet. Each destination is broken down by average daily costs, including accommodation, food, and attractions, to give you a clear idea of what to expect.
So, if you’re planning your next adventure and looking for the most affordable travel destinations, read on.
These are the top 10 cheapest countries to visit in 2023, offering you the chance to explore the world without spending a fortune.
1. Laos – $30/day
Laos offers a budget-friendly travel experience with accommodation slightly more expensive than most places in Southeast Asia. However, activities like visiting beautiful waterfalls, tubing along the Vang Vieng river, and getting a tiger balm massage are quite cheap. Meals range from $3 to $9 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $5 and $10 per night. Transportation, such as renting a motorbike for the day, can cost between $6 and $15.
2. Vietnam – $35/day
Vietnam is known for its healthy and cheap street food. Transportation is also affordable, especially if you’re comfortable riding a motorbike.
Accommodation is pleasant and affordable, with hostels costing between $5 and $10 per night.
Meals can range from $5 to $12 per day.
3. Cambodia – $30/day
In Cambodia, you can easily spend a month with just $1000. Dorms are very basic but can be dirt cheap, the same goes for food and alcohol.
Meals range from $5 to $10 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $5 and $15 per night.
4. Northern Thailand – $32/day
Northern Thailand is easy on a tight budget. As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple.
Meals range from $5 to $15 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $5 and $10 per night.
5. Indonesia – $35/day
Indonesia can be really cheap or quite expensive, depending on transportation.
Food and drinks are cheap throughout the country, not to mention absolutely delicious too!
Meals range from $5 to $15 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $7 and $15 per night.
6. The Philippines – $37/day
The Philippines can still be affordable if you travel during shoulder seasons, book your flights and plan your journey way in advance.
Meals range from $5 to $15 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $7 and $20 per night.
7. Malaysia – $40/day
Malaysia is often perceived as expensive.
However, an overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands costs as little as $15.
Meals range from $5 to $10 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $7 and $15 per night.
8. Sri Lanka – $35/day
Sri Lanka can be done on closer to $30 per day on the days that you donโt pay for expensive activities.
Meals range from $5 to $10 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $8 and $15 per night.
9. Nepal – $30/day ($15/day if trekking)
Nepal is a very cheap country to travel through, with most food, accommodation, and transport running at just a few dollars if you eat, sleep, and travel using local options.
Meals range from $5 to $10 per day, and accommodation in a local guesthouse can cost between $7 and $12 per night.
10. Taiwan – $45/day
Two words: street food.
For less than $2, you can get a plate of fragrant rice with pork/chicken on top, a large deep-fried chicken chop, or a bowl of delicious vermicelli with oysters.
Meals range from $5 to $10 per day, and accommodation in a hostel can cost between $10 and $35 per night.
Cheap flights
Hotels
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors such as the season of travel, specific location within the country, and personal preferences.
What are the cheapest countries to travel to in 2023?
The top 10 cheapest countries to travel to in 2023 include Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Northern Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Taiwan. The daily costs in these countries range from $30 to $45.
How much can I expect to spend on meals per day in these countries?
In these countries, you can expect to spend between $3 to $15 per day on meals, depending on the country and your personal preferences.
What are some affordable accommodation options in these countries?
Hostels are a common and affordable accommodation option in these countries. The cost can range from $5 to $35 per night, depending on the country and the specific hostel.
How can I travel cheaply within these countries?
Many of these countries offer affordable transportation options, such as buses and motorbikes. For instance, in Laos, renting a motorbike for the day can cost between $6 and $15.
Are these countries suitable for budget travelers?
Yes, these countries are known for being budget-friendly travel destinations. They offer a wealth of experiences, including rich cultural experiences, stunning natural beauty, and delicious local cuisine, all without straining your wallet
Do the costs vary depending on the season of travel or specific location within the country?
Yes, the costs can vary depending on various factors such as the season of travel, specific location within the country, and personal preferences. It’s always a good idea to do some research and plan ahead to manage your budget effectively.
