Asia is one of the few regions in the world where you can travel on almost any budget. One moment you’re eating a £2 bowl of noodles on a street corner, the next you’re floating in a private infinity pool overlooking a rice field. The big question for most travellers is simple: what’s actually worth spending on? And where can you save money without ruining the experience?
Let’s break it down with practical tips, real examples, and a bit of fun along the way.
1. Accommodation: Splurge in Cities, Save in Nature
Asia offers everything from £5 hostels to £500 pool villas. The trick is knowing where luxury genuinely adds value.
Worth spending on: Major cities and beach destinations
Places like Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Bali can be overwhelming, busy, and… noisy. A comfortable, quiet hotel here is worth the money. You’re paying for location, soundproofing and a good night’s sleep.
Tip:
Choose hotels close to public transport. A higher nightly rate can be cheaper overall when you save on taxis.
Where to save: Countryside, islands, rural towns
In Northern Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, you can find beautiful boutique guesthouses for a fraction of the price.
Tip:
Look for homestays with high ratings. Many include breakfast, airport pickup and even free bikes.
2. Food: Street Food Wins Almost Every Time
Asian street food isn’t just cheap. It’s often the star of the show.
Worth spending on: Unique restaurants or experiences
Spend more when you’re trying something genuinely special — a traditional ryokan dinner in Japan, a seafood feast in Korea, or a chef-led tasting menu in Bangkok.
Where to save: Everyday meals
A simple bowl of pho, pad thai or laksa can cost less than a coffee back home. Many travellers end up saying their cheapest meals were their favourites.
Tip:
If you see a long queue of locals, you’ve found the right spot.
3. Transport: Spend on Safety and Speed
Transport is where budget travel can go wrong if you’re not careful.
Worth spending on: Flights, night trains, ferries
If a cheap airline has scary reviews, skip it. If a ferry has questionable safety, don’t risk it. In Southeast Asia, reputable airlines like Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways, ANA, JAL and AirAsia are solid choices.
Overnight trains in Vietnam, Japan and Thailand are also worth the upgrade to a private cabin.
Where to save: Buses, tuk-tuks, metro systems
Metro systems in cities like Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo are fast and cheap. Tuk-tuks and Grab are perfect for short journeys if you check prices beforehand.
Tip:
Always check taxi prices on Google Maps before agreeing to a fare.
4. Activities: Pay for the Special Stuff
This is where spending a bit more can turn a good trip into a great one.
Worth spending on:
- Northern Lights tour in Japan’s Hokkaido
- Private long-tail boat in Krabi
- Sunrise Angkor Wat tour
- Hot-air balloon over Bagan
- Snorkelling in Raja Ampat
- Guided food tours (worth every penny)
These experiences create lifelong memories, and the extra cost usually means safety and expertise.
Where to save:
- Temple visits
- City walking tours
- Hiking, beaches, markets
- Local museums
Most cultural experiences in Asia are either free or very cheap.
5. Shopping: Quality Over Quantity
Markets are fun, but not everything is a bargain.
Worth spending on:
- Handmade crafts
- Tailored clothing in Vietnam
- Natural skincare from Korea or Japan
- Proper cooking tools (woks, knives, spices)
Where to save:
- Mass-produced souvenirs
- Fake designer goods
- Touristy trinkets you’ll lose in a month
Tip:
If you wouldn’t buy it at home, don’t buy it on holiday.
6. Luxury vs Budget: What Actually Makes a Difference?
Spend on:
- Comfortable beds
- Safe transport
- High-quality tours
- Good travel insurance
- Unique dining experiences
Save on:
- Breakfast buffets
- Airport transfers
- Basic meals
- Souvenirs
- Most day-to-day transport
Once you understand what matters to you – comfort, convenience, food or adventure – you can mix and match.
The truth? You don’t need to choose between luxury and budget. In Asia, you can do both.
Final Tips for 2025 Travellers
Mix luxury nights with budget stays.
Use local apps like Grab, Klook, Naver Map and Agoda.
Book trains early – Japan, Thailand and Vietnam sell out fast.
Travel in shoulder seasons for lower prices.
Follow local food bloggers for the best hidden eats.
Always check reviews for safety when booking boats or night buses.
WanderPath Travel 