Traveling across Asia doesn’t have to drain your pocket. From bustling urban hubs to serene mountain retreats, the continent offers a range of destinations where your money stretches surprisingly far.
Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a curious traveler seeking authentic experiences without luxury price tags, Asia has plenty of affordable options.
Agoda’s recent travel data highlights several cities where accommodation, food, and entertainment come at a fraction of typical costs.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the cheapest cities in Asia to travel, places where you can enjoy rich culture and unforgettable moments without overspending.
Surabaya, Indonesia
Agoda’s summer 2025 ranking crowns Surabaya as the most budget‑friendly destination in Asia, with an average room rate of just around USD 35 per night.
Beyond its affordability, the city unfolds with rich layers of history and culture. Stroll through its colonial architecture, such as the stately Hotel Majapahit and the old trading headquarters that echo the city’s role during Indonesia’s independence struggle.
Its parks, like the award‑winning Bungkul Park, add green serenity to urban life. Surabaya’s culinary scene dazzles with local delicacies like rawon (a hearty beef soup), rujak cingur, and lontong kupang, all widely accessible at street stalls and hawker centers.
For exploration off the beaten path, hidden gems like the House of Sampoerna, Chinatown’s Kya‑Kya Street, and vibrant local markets provide immersive experiences, easily accessible via efficient and inexpensive transport like Gojek, minibuses, or the Suroboyo Bus system.
Tirupati, India
Tirupati emerges as Agoda’s second most affordable summer destination in Asia (June–August 2025), with nightly rates of approximately USD 37 (₹3,211).
The city is a profound spiritual and cultural hub, famed primarily for the Venkateswara Temple, which draws pilgrims from across the globe.
Beyond its devotional core, Tirupati is enriched with colorful festivals, traditional Carnatic music performances, and a vibrant culinary scene of South Indian specialities that complete the pilgrimage experience.
Nearby, natural and historical attractions such as the serene Talakona Waterfalls, lush Sri Venkateswara National Park, and the evocative Chandragiri Fort offer diversity for visitors seeking a mix of spirituality, history, and scenic respite.
Hat Yai, Thailand
Claiming third place in Agoda’s 2025 summer affordability list, Hat Yai commands attention with average accommodation at around USD 39 (₹3,385), a figure that still places it among Asia’s most cost-effective retreats.
This southern Thai city is known for its bustling night markets, where street‑food lovers can indulge in flavour‑rich local dishes at unbeatable prices. Its accessibility to nearby beaches and islands also makes it an excellent base for combining urban exploration with coastal relaxation.
Whether you’re sampling snacks at Kim Yong Market or venturing out to coastal escapes, Hat Yai offers a vibrant yet affordable mix of experiences.
Kuching, Malaysia
Listed by Agoda among its most affordable summer destinations, Kuching offers average rooms for around USD 53 per night (≈₹4,600). Yet the city’s value extends far beyond its price tag.
Located on the fringe of Borneo's lush wilderness, it features cultural landmarks like Fort Margherita, now home to the Brooke Gallery, and the scenic Kuching Waterfront promenade overlooking the Sarawak River.
For deeper cultural immersion, the Sarawak Cultural Village offers a “living museum” showcasing the traditions of Borneo’s indigenous tribes.
Nature lovers can venture to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to observe semi‑wild orangutans for a modest entrance fee. Museums like the Borneo Cultures Museum and fun venues like the Cat Museum provide unique experiences at low cost.
Practical, budget‑savvy travelers also note that food like Sarawak laksa and kolo mee is incredibly cheap, and public transport and guesthouses around Padungan or the waterfront are wallet‑friendly.
Dalat, Viet Nam
Dalat, known for its cool highland climate, rich colonial architecture, and natural beauty, earned a spot on Agoda’s list with average nightly prices near USD 45 (₹3,905).
As a former French hill station, it charms visitors with its tree‑lined boulevards, the tranquil Xuan Huong Lake, colorful flower gardens, and quirky architecture such as the Crazy House.
Dalat caters to budget travelers with a wide selection of hostels, guesthouses, and affordable local eateries that serve dishes for barely a few dollars. Many of its natural and cultural attractions, like parks, pagodas, and walking streets, are free or charge minimal entry fees.
For example, boat rides on Tuyen Lam Lake, entry to the Crazy House, and cable car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery all come at modest prices, making Dalat an eminently accessible and whimsical retreat.
Nagoya, Japan
Though not as deeply cheap as the other destinations, Nagoya still ranks among Agoda’s budget-friendly picks, with average room rates of about USD 90 per night (₹7,811).
While overshadowed by Japan’s more famous cities, Nagoya offers a distinctive blend of history, industry, and culture at lower costs.
The city is home to the illustrious Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, a fascinating and affordable museum where admission is just around 500 yen.
For free leisure, the expansive Obata Ryokuchi Park invites visitors to roam its gardens and enjoy a peaceful picnic without spending a yen.
Savvy travel bloggers and expatriates describe Nagoya as understated yet full of hidden charm, “sleepy” in popularity, but comfortable for exploration and daily life.
