Student travelers often seek destinations that offer a mix of adventure, culture, and affordability, making Asia the perfect region for visiting. The best places to visit in Asia for students include Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Siem Reap, Cambodia, where rich history, vibrant street life, and stunning landscapes can be experienced on a budget. These destinations offer everything from ancient temples and bustling markets to breathtaking natural wonders, all at a fraction of the cost compared to other parts of the world. For students, Asia provides an incredible opportunity to explore diverse cultures and create unforgettable memories without spending a fortune.
The 11 Best places to visit in Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand is a great destination for a college student on a budget because it has affordable accommodations, inexpensive street food, and efficient public transportation. The city offers a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank, with numerous free or low-cost attractions. Must-see spots include the stunning Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Main airports of Thailand: Bangkok (BKK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT)
Best time to travel to Thailand: November to February (cool and dry season)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $280* one-way or $643* roundtrip
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam is one of the best places to visit in Asia, especially for budget-conscious travelers like college students, thanks to its low cost of living, affordable accommodations, and cheap, but delicious street food. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage offer a deep, immersive experience at minimal cost. Make sure to see the historic Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake with its iconic Turtle Tower, and the Temple of Literature.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Main airports of Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN)
Best time to travel to Vietnam: September to November or March to April (mild and pleasant weather)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $299* one-way or $670* roundtrip
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cambodia is an excellent destination for budget travelers, particularly for those eager to explore ancient history. Siem Reap is home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where a single-day pass offers access to a vast complex of stunning temples. Accommodations, food, and transportation in Siem Reap are quite affordable, making it easy for students to manage their expenses while experiencing the rich culture and history of Cambodia.
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD) (USD is widely accepted)
Main airports of Cambodia: Siem Reap (SAI), Phnom Penh (PNH)
Best time to travel to Cambodia: November to February (cool and dry season)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $293* one-way or $841* roundtrip
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul offers a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, making for a really cool destination to visit and one of our favorites on the list of best places to visit in Asia. While Seoul is more expensive than some other Asian cities, it still offers plenty of affordable options for food, lodging, and entertainment. Visitors can explore historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, stroll through the trendy neighborhoods of Hongdae and Myeongdong, and enjoy the scenic views from Namsan Seoul Tower.
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Main airports of South Korea: Incheon (ICN) – it’s in Seoul!
Best time to travel to South Korea: April to June or September to November (mild and pleasant weather)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $299* one-way or $707* roundtrip
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a dynamic and diverse city that provides a rich cultural experience at a reasonable cost. The city is known for its mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture, with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers being a total must-see. College students can enjoy affordable street food at places like Jalan Alor, explore the Batu Caves, and visit the bustling Central Market for unique souvenirs, all while staying on a budget.
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Main airports of Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Best time to travel to Malaysia: March to July (less rain and pleasant temperatures)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $407* one-way or $804* roundtrip
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan is an excellent destination for budget travelers looking to experience a mix of traditional and contemporary culture. The city offers affordable public transportation and a variety of budget-friendly accommodations. Taipei is famous for its vibrant night markets, like Shilin Night Market, where students can sample a wide range of delicious street food without overspending. Some of the top (affordable) attractions include Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and the serene Longshan Temple.
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Main airports of Taiwan: Taipei (TPE)
Best time to travel to Taiwan: October to April (cooler and drier weather)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $362* one-way or $659* roundtrip
Manila, Philippines
Manila, Philippines is a lively and diverse city that offers a rich cultural experience at a low cost, making it ideal for college students on a budget. The city’s history and modern charm are reflected in its many attractions, such as the historic Intramuros district, Rizal Park, and the vibrant Binondo Chinatown. Affordable food options, like local street food and carinderias (small eateries), allow visitors to taste authentic Filipino cuisine without spending much. With its warm hospitality and budget-friendly options, Manila is truly a unique travel experience on our list of best places to visit in Asia.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Main airports of Philippines: Manila (MNL)
Best time to travel to Philippines: December to May (dry season)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $398* one-way or $764* roundtrip
Jaipur, India
Known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur is a budget-friendly destination rich in history and architectural splendor. Travelers can explore the city’s stunning palaces and forts, such as the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. The local bazaars, like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, offer a cool and affordable shopping experience where travelers can purchase traditional handicrafts and textiles. Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage and low-cost attractions make it an ideal destination for students looking to immerse themselves in Indian culture, while still staying on budget.
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Main airports of India: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Chennai (MAA)
Best time to travel to India: October to March (cool and pleasant weather)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $294* one-way or $669* roundtrip
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Yogyakarta, often called Jogja, is a culturally rich city that offers tons of great experiences at an affordable price. As the center of Javanese culture, Yogyakarta is home to iconic sites like the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city also offers budget-friendly accommodations and dining options, with delicious street food available at places like Malioboro Street. Students can explore traditional arts, visit the Sultan’s Palace, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere without overspending. Plus, while you’re in Indonesia, you can easily check off major bucket list destinations like the beaches of Bali.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Main airports of Indonesia: Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar-Bali (DPS)
Best time to travel to Indonesia: May to September (dry season)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $444* one-way or $800* roundtrip
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Mongolia is certainly off-the-beaten-path in terms of destinations often visited, especially by young travelers. But it’s definitely worth the visit! Ulaanbaatar is the perfect destination for budget travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion. As the gateway to the vast Mongolian steppes, Ulaanbaatar provides affordable access to both the country’s rich history and its breathtaking natural landscapes. Explore the city’s museums, such as the National Museum of Mongolia, and landmarks like Gandan Monastery. Plus, accommodations and local cuisine are reasonably priced, making it possible for students to experience the nomadic culture and stunning scenery without overspending.
Currency: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT)
Main airports of Mongolia: New Ulaanbaatar (UBN) – don’t get confused with ULN, which suspended operations in 2021
Best time to travel to Mongolia: June to August (warm and pleasant summer weather)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $654* one-way or $1293* roundtrip
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal is an ideal destination for college students on a budget who are interested in history, spirituality, and natural beauty. The city is filled with ancient temples, stupas, and palaces, with iconic sites like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and the historic Durbar Square offering rich cultural experiences for minimal entrance fees. Of course, Kathmandu is also known for being the starting point for treks into the Himalayas. So if you’re dreaming of trekking up (or just witnessing from below) the biggest mountains in the world, this is the place to visit.
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Main airports of Nepal: Kathmandu (KTM)
Best time to travel to Nepal: October to December (clear skies and moderate temperatures)
Current flight prices out of the US: Starting at $437* one-way or $882* roundtrip
Top tips for traveling to the best places to visit in Asia for even less
Book two one-way tickets. Sometimes you’ll find that a roundtrip ticket is more than double the one-way fare’s cost. Look into booking separate tickets. It will give you more flexibility for traveling to/from different airports, as well as flying different airlines and flying different days of the week. All that flexibility can help you save a lot!
Fly into Asia on the cheapest route. Then book an inter-Asia flight separately. You might fly into New Delhi and then book a second flight from there to Yogyakarta (domestic traveling in India), or fly into Seoul and then book your second flight to a whole other country like Hong Kong or Vietnam (international traveling within Asia). Explore all your opportunities to make the most of your budget.
