By Kieran Hobson, Find-Out
Traveling can be one of the most rewarding, exciting and mind-opening experiences one can experience in a lifetime. It’s every person’s dream to be able to travel and see the world, learn about new cultures and taste every kind of food one could imagine. But how often do concerns about money and resources get in the way of us achieving our dream of traveling? How can the dream of a faraway, exotic experience be realized in light of the budgetary constraints which are so common in today’s worldwide economic crisis? In comes Asia, with its mysterious backdrop, legendary history, and fascinating population, it is the discerning, budget traveler’s must-go destination. Set your sights on Asia as one of the world’s most fascinating, and affordable, travel destinations.
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s expansive rice-crop river.
Find out these 10 cheapest Asian countries to visit:
1. Thailand
Experience Bangkok where the energy of modern Asian society runs simultaneously alongside traditional flavors of heritage and culture. While the palace is a fascinating must see, the temple complex is magnificent with its mosaic inlay and gold leaf décor highlighting Thai history. Trudging northward from Bangkok you will get to experience firsthand the country’s well known Buddhist influence and at the same time, catch a view of the fascinating Asian Thai Elephant can be seen. Thailand is home to some of the most traveled beaches in the world including the Phi Phi islands near Phuket, Koh Chang and Koh Samui.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
While many travel guides will say to visit during the “cold season” November – March – where highs range in the balmy 29 – 31 degree range, with some preparation, a more cost effective and interesting option is to brave the rain and go during April. Although the temperatures are higher and the rain is heavier, with a good raincoat, umbrella, and attitude, travelers can capitalize on this fascinating time of year. During this time, the festival season opens up, tourism is down, and excellent bargains on airfare and hotels are to be found.
Must See/Do:
Town of Chiang Mai: The night market in Chiang Mai provides a huge array of beautiful local products, fun bargaining and great deals. Located in the hills above Chiang Mai are the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temples. These temples are beautiful with gold clad sculptures, locals making flower offerings, huge array of temple bells, beautiful views of flowering trees and mountains off the balconies.
Tiger Temple: Although there is some controversy surrounding the captivity of the tigers, this temple and the tigers that live in the sanctuary are a sight not to be missed. Visitors have the opportunity to experience sitting next to a full grown tiger.
2. India
India is the world’s seventh largest country in size which makes the climates and populations (including languages and dialects) quite diverse. Home to the high mountain system – the Himalayas, tropical greenery of Kerala, the Sacred Ganges and the sands of the Thar desert, India is an endless variety of places to explore. It’s most famous religious structure is, of course, the Taj Mahal, which is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.
Best time of year to visit:
Like Vietnam, the best time to go to India is heavily dependent upon what location(s) will be seen as the weather in India is quite varied and distinct by region. Limiting oneself to a specific region or comparable climate regions will help ensure that the weather and climate will cooperate.
Must See/Do:
Delhi: A visit to Delhi is a must for all visitors to India but travelers beware. Delhi may be like no other city one has ever visited with its noise, chaos, and confusion. While visits to the Red Fort, Humayan’s Tomb, and Lodi Gardens are fantastic, time best spent is exploring the city streets, old town, and watching the day go by in this whirl of commotion. The Golden Triangle, India’s most common tourist route, extends from Delhi to Agra (for a view of the Taj Mahal), and down to Jaipur for desert landscapes, elephant encounters, and the fascinating Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. The entire Golden Triangle route is approximately 1000 km long and can be done by car or train.
Varanasi: Colorful, noisy, and magical, the city of Varanasi is a must-see for any traveler to India. One of the holiest Hindu cities, many of India’s oldest citizens come to Varanasi to di as the belief is that if ones ashes are thrown into the river, they are guaranteed to go to heaven. Travelers will be moved watching the religious ceremonies surrounding funerals which are conducted along the river which are lined with colorful temples.
3. Vietnam
Like Thailand, this cheap Asian travel destination is also home to immaculate beaches that are unrivaled worldwide. Bai Dai, located in the island of Phu Quoc, is untouched by modern development. Vietnam’s Saigon is Asia’s budding metropolitan while other parts of the country demonstrate traditional Vietnam. The competing dynamics of all that Vietnam offers makes a vacation to this country a memorable historical and cultural experience.
Best time of year to visit:
It depends on what part of Vietnam you are traveling to. The northern portion of the country has cooler temperatures with more drizzle, particularly in the winter months, than its southern counterpart which typically holds at a steady 27-32 degrees. Destination within the country plays a large role in determining what time of year to travel to Vietnam.
What to See/Do:
Attend a Tet festival: The Vietnamese New Years is celebrated in February and is steeped in tradition, rituals, and festivities. In order to remove any potential bad luck for the future, homes are cleaned out and relieved of last year’s bad fortune. Children are discouraged from fighting during this period as it is a guarantee of future bad luck. Travelers can enjoy firework, food, and festivities especially in the major cities.
Jump on a junk boat trip around Halong Bay: Enjoy the experience, food, and great scenery on a junk boat trip. Choose your company carefully to ensure the best experience possible.
4. Indonesia
Being one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, Indonesia is a budget traveler’s dream location to spend a well-deserved vacation. It is not an understatement to highlight this country’s most popular island destination, Bali. However, savvy travelers would be wise to not neglect the other must-see locales of the world’s largest archipelago including the volcanic Lake Toba and breathtaking Mt. Bormo.
Best time of year to visit:
Due to its close proximity to the equator, Indonesia does not have a significant climate variation throughout the year. Multiple factors must be considered when determining travel dates to Indonesia including avoiding the rainy season (Nov – Mar) and heavy tourism in June and July. May, with its normally dry season, can also offer travelers some excellent shoulder season fares.
Must See/Do:
Prambanan and Borobudur: Hinduism and Buddhism live side by side in harmony on the Indonesian island of Java, in these magnificent temples, a day’s worth of religious exploration. Prambanan, Southeast Asia’s largest Hindu temple, is a collection of 3 temples with vast effects to Hindu ideology and symbolism. Be sure to take time to enjoy the lush gardens as well.
Borobodur Temples: Built in the early 9th century, this Buddhist temple complex is overseen by a massive stone sculpture of Buddha himself. Visit early in the morning for what has been described by others as a surreal and moving religious experience.
Monkey Forest in Uluwatu: For a once in a lifetime experience, travel to Uluwatu and enjoy the primates. Not for the faint of heart, expect the monkeys to sit and climb on you. Remain still and enjoy the experience the encounter.
Komodo National Park: If monkeys weren’t enough for you, take a guided tour of Komodo National Park where the carnivorous komodo dragons roam free. Combine the adventure with a day of diving at spectacular Pink Beach or other nearby diving hot spots.
5. Cambodia
This underrated tourist spot deserves to be at the top of the list of every backpacker with a yearning for authentic Asian culture and unspoiled beauty. Cambodia is home to numerous temples and religious monuments that captivate the nation’s tranquil atmosphere. Its natural beauty can be experienced from all corners of the country. Cambodia is best enjoyed with a “go with the flow”, laid back temperament.
Best time of year to visit:
With temperatures comparatively mild and rainfall low, winter is the best time to visit Cambodia. Although airfare may be slightly higher than in the summer, the bargains to be enjoyed on attractions and hotels in this low cost country will offset the higher airfare prices and will make the stay much more enjoyable.
What to See/Do:
Angkor Wat: The most famous temple tourist attraction in Cambodia and largest religious site in the world.
Bokor National Park: This park has everything nature – mountains, the sea, forest, lily ponds, flowers, and more. Tranquil and beautiful, it is a photographer’s dream.
Read the full article by Kieran Hobson from Find-Out.
