Are you dreaming of perfect beaches, exotic cities and delicious food in distant lands? But your wallet is not at fat as you’d like? Then these charming places in Southeast Asia are perfect for you. A trip to these far-off cities will feel as luxurious as a fancy European holiday for just a fraction of the price. Plus, they are likely to be a whole lot more memorable than a typical resort holiday on the continent
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is undoubtedly one of the most exciting cities in Southeast Asia, and the fact that it offers incredible value for money doesn’t hurt either. Whether you’re looking for delicious (and healthy) Asian street food, or are looking to flash things up by eating at a hip rooftop restaurant, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in the Vietnamese metropolis at a fraction of the price you’d find it in Hong Kong, Singapore or even Bangkok.
The city’s vital nature is awash with the noises, colours and textures of life’s vibrancy. Treat yourself to a sweet Vietnamese coffee sit back and let the big city bustle, the cries of street vendors and honks from the traffic sweep you away. Simply exhilarating. As far as food goes, you should take advantage of the phở bò, the noodle soup that is a staple of the Vietnamese diet is as tasty as it is cheap. In fact, the food here is so inexpensive that a small shopping trip to the Ben Thanh market or a few nights out inBùi Viện, a nightlife hub popular with backpackers, won’t feel like an extravagance.
KAYAK Insider tip: Be sure to try Bánh Mì, the mouth-wateringly tasty Vietnamese baguettes stuffed with grilled pork. Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa serves up some of the best Bánh Mì in the city.
A great place for: foodies, shopaholics and partygoers.
Living a life of leisure in Luang Prabang, Laos
The former capital of Laos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and famed for its beauty. But this ancient town, cradled in a valley and flanking the banks of the Mekong River, has so much more to offer than just its charming French colonial houses, shimmering temples and the stunning natural surrounds. It’s the pace of life here that is the real winner. The spiritual centre of Laos imbues every visitor with a rare sense of calm and a focus on self rather than material wealth. It’s actually quite difficult to spend a lot of money here.
The atmosphere is helped in part by the Buddhist monks who live here, moving in procession throughout the town every morning to collect alms from the locals, a beautiful ritual visitors are encouraged to take part in, respectfully and responsibly. Also, make sure to discover local delicacies at the Phousy Market and take at least one day for an adventure at the breathtakingly beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls.
KAYAK Insider Tip: Make sure to be hanging out in the city come afternoon. It’s the perfect time for a game of Pétanque and an ice-cold Laos beer with the locals.
A great place for: elephant lovers, beer enthusiasts, waterfall fans.
Fancy a short trip closer to home? Need to get that travel bug kickstarted with a trip across the ditch? Check out our guide to The Top 10 European Cities You Have To Visit In 2017
Siem Reap, Cambodia: World heritage beyond belief
No trip to Southeast Asia would be complete without a trip to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, the most visited World Heritage site in the region. To make your detour really unique, barter yourself a bargain with a Tuktuk driver and have them transport you from the bas-reliefs of this incredible temple complex and into the jungle beyond to lesser known temples such as Banteay Srei and Phnom Kulen.
Touring these aged structures will be a memory that you’ll cherish forever and won’t even come close to breaking the bank. In the evening, you’ll probably want to take the weight off so before you hit the bar why not indulge yourself in a pedicure at DR Fish Massage where a tub of hungry fish will eat the dead skin off of your feet while you relax with a beer.
KAYAK Insider Tip: You can enjoy unforgettable acrobatics and serious entertainment at the PHARE Cambodian Circus.
A great place for: photographers, nature lovers, temple explorers.
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Krabi: Thailand’s most romantic beaches
Throughout the province and on the islands of Krabi, you’ll not only find the most breathtaking waters and the most romantic beaches, but also the tastiest seafood in Thailand.
Excursions to nearby Phang Nga Bay with its unique rock formations, coral reefs, mangrove forests and islands like Ko Ta Pu, made famous as Scaramanga’s lair, can be undertaken for an excellent price; while taking a selfie during sunset on Ao Nang Beach has pretty much become Travel Selfie 101. Evenings are best spent feasting on seafood in Krabi town.
KAYAK Insider Tip: Make sure to take an excursion to the emerald green lakes in Sa Morakot Natural Park.
A great place for: seafood fanatics, turtle lovers, beach bums.
An old town like a museum: Hoi An, Vietnam
There are many reasons to put Hoi An on your bucket list. The sleepy city with its Portuguese influences is one of the most picturesque destinations in Southeast Asia, yet remains relatively unknown. The historic old town is the only one of its kind that escaped destruction during the Vietnam War, and a walk around the old town will be sure to print indelible images in your memory.
On top of this, Hoi An offers some of Vietnam’s best beaches, and the local specialities are worth the trip alone, but it’s the custom shopping that gives the city its nickname of ‘Tailor Town’. Hoi An houses some of the best tailors and shoemakers you can find anywhere in the world. It’s lucky that the food and drink is so cheap as you’ll be wanting to spend the evenings in public, dressed to the nines, in your perfectly fitting new glad rags.
KAYAK Insider Tip: Hire a scooter and take a drive through the enchanting hinterland, past rice fields, colourful temples and charming villages.
A great place for: street food enthusiasts, beach bums, scooter fanatics.
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.uk on June 19th, 2017. The prices are quoted in GBP. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
