Recently, in early June, the website PriceofTravel published a list of the cheapest cities in the world in 2022 based on the Backpacker index that the website calculates and collects. The Backpacker Index is calculated based on the minimum hotel, transportation, sightseeing, food and entertainment costs. From the above criteria, below is a list of the 5 cheapest cities in Southeast Asia.
1– Vientiane, Laos
Landlocked and sometimes forgotten, Laos generally only tends to get visitors who are spending time touring the whole region, but those who make it are rewarded with a fascinating culture, and low prices. Laos’ capital city is so low key that it feels like a small-town river resort, though modern development is starting to creep in. There are some very cheap hotels and that helped push Vientiane to the top spot of affordability in Asia this year. Still, if you are only thinking of visiting one city in Laos, it’s probably better to head straight to Luang Prabang, even if it’s a bit more expensive.
2– Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand’s “capital of the north” is certainly one of the world’s great travel bargain destinations. Filled with ancient temples and surrounded by a moat and city walls, Chiang Mai is a major stop in the region and a highlight for many. Much less crowded than Bangkok, and quite a bit cheaper as well, this is also booming with expats and creative people living cheaply while they work. If you are a ‘digital nomad’ it’s pretty much compulsory to spend at least a few months here.
3– Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is noticeably more expensive than Vienitiane, but for now it’s still very cheap for those who travel like a backpacker. The local attractions are all practically free, and the ice-cold Beerlao is sold at the same low price at nearly every restaurant in the city. Hotel prices are relatively high in Luang Prabang so for most travelers it would be further down this list. This is another mellow city that can be good for longer stays, partly because you won’t feel like you are missing too much if you just work or hang out in your hotel or hostel most of the time.
4– Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s cheapest city (by just a bit) for backpackers is also one that gets high marks from most visitors with its unique combination of French colonial and Asian post-communism. The food is also top-notch, especially when you are sitting amongst locals at one of the thousands of plastic-chair cafes throughout the city. Keep costs even lower by sticking with Bia Hoi, the world’s cheapest beer. Hostel beds are cheap, but private rooms are too, so don’t automatically book a bunk.
5– Yangon, Burma (Myanmar)
When the informal travel boycott was lifted in 2014, this country wasn’t really ready for tourists. There were almost no hostels or budget hotels aimed at backpackers so things were more expensive than they really should have been. As of 2022 that had changed and there are now plenty of good hostels and the competition has brought prices down. Yangon is where most people arrive, so it’s probably the best hub to consider for a trip to Myanmar. Food and drinks tend to be cheap, as you’d expect in this part of Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the military junta has taken control of the government once again, and most Western tourists are happy enough to stay away for the time being.
According to priceoftravel.com
