Luxe for Less: 5 Dreamy Asian Destinations that Won’t Break the Bank
It’s that time of the year when the travel bug really kicks in. The good news is a luxurious getaway doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
Whether you’re looking for a dreamy beachfront stay, a relaxing jungle retreat, or cultural immersion, Asia is full of destinations brimming with charm and unique experiences. It’s definitely a place that allows you to enjoy the finer things in life without overspending. Ready to plan your next trip? Here are five affordable luxury spots in the region where you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.
El Nido, Philippines
You’d think that the island where one of the best beaches in the world is located would mean it would be totally out of your budget, but no, it’s surprisingly affordable!
Located in Palawan, El Nido is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, pristine white beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise water. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or looking for a relaxing beach escape, this slice of heaven is rich in experiences that make for priceless memories.
There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations across the island, with hostels and basic guesthouse stays ranging from P800 to P1,500 per night. A night at a boutique hotel or B&B would cost around P1,500-P3,000, while luxurious hotels would cost around P5,000 to P8,000 per night—which is still pretty low-cost!
For activities, you can find island hopping tours for as low as P1,400 that include lunch, boat transfers, and a guide; Paddle-boarding and sunset kayaking for P500 to P1,200, and a rejuvenating beachside massage for around P500 to P800. You can even impress your partner with a romantic dinner by the beach, which will only cost around P2,000 to P3,000 per person.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Located in the Thai Highlands, Chiang Mai is known for its laid-back mountains, stunning historic temples, bustling night markets, and delightful local cuisine. Some may even say that it’s the calmer version of Bangkok, so you’ll be able to experience all the cultural wonders and amazing sights without the traffic or city noise.
There are a ton of things to see and do in Chiang Mai that won’t break your budget. A half-day tour at an Elephant Sanctuary will cost around THB1,800, which allows guests to feed, interact, and walk with the elephants in their natural environment. You can also learn the art of Thai cooking with some classes for around THB1,200 to THB1,800. And you definitely shouldn’t miss all the bargain deals when you go shopping at their night markets.
For a cultural experience, visit some of the city’s sacred sites and temples, which are mostly free to enter or only require a small donation. Witness stunning views overlooking the city and impressive gold architecture at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or take meditation classes at Wat Suan Dok, also known as the Temple of the Flower Garden, which has a white chedi housing the ashes of the Lanna royal family.
Looking to get that much-needed R&R? Book a spa day and let go of all those worries. You can book a Traditional Thai massage for an hour at one of the city’s most famous spas for as low as THB800.
Fun fact: Did you know that Chiang Mai is also a great place to view Cherry Blossoms? It has several parks where you can make your hanami (flower viewing) dreams come true, and yes most of them are free to visit! If you want to see the blossoms in bloom, make sure to visit from December to February.
Langkawi, Malaysia
This archipelago in Northern Malaysia has much to offer in terms of relaxation and adventure, providing the perfect blend of retreat and thrill. You can spend your days lounging on the beach and embarking on boat excursions, or exploring glorious waterfalls, dense jungles, and lush mangroves.
The island was named after the many red-brown eagles inhabiting it— "Langkawi" itself means “Red Eagle.” So it only makes sense that one of the first things you can do here is to witness the island from a bird’s-eye view. The Langkawi Skybridge is one of the longest curved suspension bridges in the world, offering panoramic views of the ancient Machinchang range, the Andaman Sea, and its surrounding islands. The bridge has various access points, such as the cable car, the SkyGlide, and the SkyTrail, with tickets ranging from RM10 to RM40. The official website also has some combo packages (RM48 – RM180), which involve a mix of various attractions.
Other activities you can do on the island include mangrove boat tours, which can cost around RM200 to RM250 for private tours, and shared ones as low as RM100; cocktails at beach bars (RM25 to RM35 each); and for those who love their chocolates, wines, and perfumes, duty-free shopping on the island is said to be 30-50% cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur!
For accommodations, you can book a room at a resort for RM400 to RM600 a night, and there are even more wallet-friendly options, such as boutique hotels like Chill Box Langkawi, which is offering a night’s stay for only RM62.
Da Nang, Vietnam
This vibrant coastal city is often referred to as Vietnam’s best-kept secret. Although not as popular as its neighbors, Da Nang boasts a laid-back yet vibrant escape perfect for travelers looking to do a little bit of everything.
The city features pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, marble-and-limestone-carved temples and pagodas, and modern landmarks that have made it into travelers’ most iconic must-sees. And speaking of iconic, Da Nang is known for its bridges—one of which is the Golden Bridge held by two giant stone hands and the Dragon Bridge that literally breathes fire and water on weekends. You can see the latter for free, while the former has a fee of around VND700,000.
You can also find many places to immerse yourself in their food culture, with affordable street food and mid-range restaurants located almost everywhere. For those planning to have a more chill vacation, beach side cocktails with loungers will cost around VND200,000 to VND500,000, while Spa treatment rates range from VND400,000 to VND900,000.
Additionally, the city is close to UNESCO Heritage sites. You can travel to Hoi An Ancient Town for a day trip, which will cost around VND300,000 to VND600,000.
Staying in Da Nang is also quite affordable and offers a wide range of accommodation types, from resorts, hotels, and hostels. Prices vary depending on location and room types but you will most likely find accommodation—a two-bedroom apartment even— for as low as VND1.7M per night!
Ubud, Bali
Bali needs no introduction. Famed for its lush rice terraces, sacred temples, and sun-drenched beaches, this beloved island is on almost every traveler’s bucket list. But what many don’t know is that beyond its IG-worthy resorts and high-end villas, Bali can also be luxurious on a budget.
In Ubud, a private villa with a jungle view can cost around IDR1.5M to IDR2.5M. And get this, that rate includes upscale amenities such as a private pool, in-house massages, and even those gorgeous floating breakfasts you see on your Instagram reels.
On the activities side, Bali’s a place to restore and reset, so a serene Yoga class should be on your list, which can cost around IDR250,000 to IDR400,000, as well as a Balinese massage or spa day, which you can book for as low as IDR300,000.
Ubud is also home to many art galleries and cafes, most of which are free to enter or have fees under IDR100,000. If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can opt to see the majestic waterfalls, temples, and rice terraces through a tour, which you can book for around IDR600,000 to IDR800,000 a day.
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