
August is an excellent time to explore Asia, with its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and affordable travel options. Traveling on a budget in Asia is entirely feasible with careful planning and a focus on cost-effective choices. This comprehensive guide will provide you with top tips and the best cheap places to visit in Asia in August.
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Top Tips for Budget Travel in Asia in August
Book in Advance
Securing travel and accommodation early is crucial for budget-conscious travelers:
- Flights: Utilize fare comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Setting up price alerts can help you snag the best deals.
- Accommodations: Platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb often offer discounts for early bookings. Flexible booking options can also help you take advantage of price drops.
Travel Midweek
Midweek travel can significantly cut down costs:
- Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the lowest airfares.
- Accommodations: Hotels and hostels often have lower rates during the week compared to weekends.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is both economical and eco-friendly:
- City Passes: Many Asian cities offer passes that provide unlimited travel on public transport and discounted entry to attractions.
- Bikes and Scooters: Renting bikes or scooters can be a fun and cheap way to explore urban areas.
Stay in Budget Accommodations
There are numerous affordable accommodation options in Asia:
- Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers and groups, hostels offer dormitory and private rooms at low prices.
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: These often provide a more personal experience and are cheaper than hotels.
- Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free, offering a unique cultural experience.
Eat Like a Local
Dining locally can save you money and give you a taste of authentic cuisine:
- Street Food: Street vendors and food stalls often offer the cheapest and most delicious options.
- Local Markets: Buying fresh produce and snacks from local markets is both cost-effective and culturally enriching.
- Affordable Eateries: Look for restaurants where locals eat to find the best prices and food.
Leverage Free Attractions
Many destinations in Asia offer plenty of free attractions:
- Parks and Gardens: Enjoying the natural beauty of a city is often free.
- Museums and Galleries: Many museums offer free entry on certain days or times.
- Walking Tours: Free walking tours provide great insights into a city’s history and culture. Just remember to tip your guide!
Travel Light
Packing light can save you money on baggage fees and make your trip more manageable:
- Carry-On Luggage: Opt for carry-on luggage to avoid checked bag fees.
- Essential Items Only: Bring only what you need to reduce the risk of extra costs for overweight luggage.
Plan Your Budget
Setting a daily budget helps keep your spending in check:
- Expense Tracking Apps: Use apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend to monitor your spending.
- Cash Envelopes: Allocate a certain amount of cash for each day to control your expenses.
Top Cheap Places to Visit in Asia in August
Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a vibrant city with a rich culture, history, and affordable prices.
Affordable Activities
- Old Quarter: Explore the bustling Old Quarter for free.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit this beautiful lake and its surrounding areas.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel offer dorm beds starting at $5 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in charming guesthouses like Hanoi Guest House for around $20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Markets: Visit markets like Dong Xuan Market for fresh and affordable meals.
- Street Food: Try traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi at local stalls.
Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is known for its bustling streets, vibrant culture, and affordable prices.
Affordable Activities
- Grand Palace: Visit this historic site for a small fee.
- Temples: Explore temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Places like NapPark Hostel offer dorm beds from $10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Affordable options like New Siam Guest House offer private rooms for around $25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Thai dishes at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy pad thai and mango sticky rice from street vendors for a cheap and delicious meal.
Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is a city rich in history and culture, offering budget-friendly options.
Affordable Activities
- Durbar Square: Explore the historic Durbar Square for a small fee.
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Visit this iconic temple for a small fee.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Zostel Kathmandu offer dorm beds from $8 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Kathmandu Guest House for around $20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Nepalese dishes like momos at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy samosas and sel roti from street vendors for a cheap and tasty meal.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a paradise island with rich culture, beautiful beaches, and affordable travel options.
Affordable Activities
- Beaches: Relax on stunning beaches like Kuta and Sanur without spending a penny.
- Temples: Visit temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot for a small fee.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel offer dorm beds from $10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Gili Nyepi for around $25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Markets: Visit markets like Ubud Market for fresh and affordable meals.
- Street Food: Try traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng and satay at local stalls.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo is a city of rich history and vibrant culture, with plenty of budget-friendly options.
Affordable Activities
- Gangaramaya Temple: Visit this beautiful temple for a small fee.
- Galle Face Green: Enjoy a relaxing day at this urban park by the sea.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Places like Colombo City Hostel offer dorm beds from $8 per night.
- Guesthouses: Affordable options like Colombo Lavinia Beach Hostel offer private rooms for around $20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Sri Lankan dishes like rice and curry at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy kottu roti and hoppers from street vendors for a cheap and delicious meal.
Manila, Philippines

Manila is a bustling city with a blend of modernity and tradition, offering budget-friendly options.
Affordable Activities
- Intramuros: Explore this historic walled city for free.
- Rizal Park: Enjoy a relaxing day in this beautiful park for free.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Z Hostel offer dorm beds from $12 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Chill-Out Guesthouse for around $25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Filipino dishes like adobo at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy balut and lechon from street vendors for a cheap and tasty meal.
Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon is a city of rich history and culture, with plenty of budget-friendly options.
Affordable Activities
- Shwedagon Pagoda: Visit this iconic pagoda for a small fee.
- Bogyoke Aung San Market: Explore this bustling market for free.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Places like The Lodge Yangon Hostel offer dorm beds from $10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Affordable options like 15th Street @ Downtown Yangon offer private rooms for around $20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Burmese dishes like mohinga at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy tea leaf salad and samosas from street vendors for a cheap and delicious meal.
Delhi, India
Delhi is a city of vibrant culture, rich history, and affordable travel options.
Affordable Activities
- India Gate: Visit this iconic landmark for free.
- Red Fort: Explore this historic fort for a small fee.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Moustache Delhi offer dorm beds from $8 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Smyle Inn for around $15 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Indian dishes like butter chicken at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy chaat and parathas from street vendors for a cheap and tasty meal.
Budget Travel Itinerary Sample: 7 Days in Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Check-In: Stay at a budget hotel or hostel like Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel.
- Explore Old Quarter: Wander through the bustling Old Quarter and enjoy dinner at a local eatery.
Day 2: City Highlights
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit this beautiful lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
- Hanoi Opera House: Explore the stunning architecture of the opera house.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
- Temple of Literature: Visit this historic temple for a small fee.
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay
- Ha Long Bay: Take a budget-friendly day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking and exploring the bay.
Day 5: Art and History
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Visit this historic site for free.
- Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Learn about the history of this infamous prison.
Day 6: Markets and Shopping
- Dong Xuan Market: Visit this market for souvenirs and affordable meals.
- Night Market: Explore the vibrant night market for local snacks and handicrafts.
Day 7: Parks and Farewell
- Lenin Park: Enjoy a relaxing day in this beautiful park.
- Final Meal: Enjoy a final meal at a local taverna before departure.
By following these tips and considering these destinations, travelers can enjoy a memorable August vacation in Asia without overspending.