Vietnam Among Top Budget Destination in Southeast Asia

Vietnam has been named among the top destinations for budget-conscious travelers in Southeast Asia, according to a recent feature by renowned lifestyle and travel magazine Time Out.
August 01, 2025 | 07:00
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Lola Méndez, writer of the article titled "The Most Affordable Countries to Visit in Southeast Asia", noted that Southeast Asia has long been a hotspot for budget-conscious backpackers.

With less than £40 a day, travelers can enjoy hearty meals and staying in comfortable accommodation and especially immerse themselves in local experiences in this region.

The travel writer highlights Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest and most rewarding destinations.

Vietnam Among Top Budget Destination in Southeast Asia

The country offers exceptional value across a range of experiences, from vibrant street food and affordable accommodations to breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage (Photo: Getty Image).

According to a survey by Omio, a travel booking platform, Vietnam has the cheapest beer in Asia, with a glass of local brew costing just £0.80. A filling street-side meal like Pho (instant noodles) or Banh mi (sandwich) is also affordable. Comfortable dorms and guesthouses with excellent reviews (over 8.0 on Booking.com) can be found for around £2.30 per night.

The article shared experiences acquired by Carli Korik of Girls Who Travel who spent £6.30 daily on street food, £3 for a traditional water puppet show, and £23 for a train from Hanoi to Hue.

"In Vietnam, you can travel in near-luxury on a backpacker's budget. Dollar meals and free rich cultural experiences," noted Korik.

The cost to travel using public transport is also a plus. Many bus fares costing less than £0.40, and motorcycle taxis typically running less than £0.80. Numerous temples and museums have free entry. While in Da Nang city (Vietnam), a visit to Ba Na Hills, a famous tourist destination in, is considered more of a splurge at £1.20.

Other Southeast Asian countries in the top destinations for budget-travelers are Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. On the other hand, Singapore and Timor-Leste are considered significantly more expensive in comparison.

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