Summer break is finally upon us, and most of us are only too happy to take these three months to relax, do internships, or travel – in essence, to do something fulfilling in such a long holiday. If you’ve been containing your wanderlust throughout the semester and are dying to travel to somewhere this summer, read on for our eight recommended budget-friendly yet unique destinations in Asia that won’t break the bank!
1. Taiwan
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Ah, the land of boba, night markets, and the BEST local food. Taiwan’s our top destination because of the reasonable prices, and the array of delicacies and food for you to stuff your belly while you’re there. In Taiwan, modern cities are juxtaposed alongside natural sceneries and landscapes, making it a unique city with a distinct charm that one can never get tired of.
One of the best places to visit in Taiwan would be the Jiufen Old Street, otherwise known as the Santorini of Taiwan as the area overlooks picturesque mountains and seas at the coast, just like the original Santorini in Greece. However, beyond marveling at the beautiful natural landscapes of Jiufen, don’t forget to explore the hidden gems that are tucked in the small lanes and streets of Jiufen too for great eats, such as egg pudding that can be eaten right from its shell, filtered coffee, and dorayaki ice cream!
Apart from Jiufen and visiting the many night markets that Taiwan is famous for, you can also visit Taichung and Tainan to experience Taiwan from a richer cultural perspective. If outdoor activities are your thing, don’t miss out on Hualien – land of trekking, water sports and dolphin sightings (that’s right)! There is something for everyone in Taiwan, making it an ideal travel destination with friends who have different preferences in terms of what they’d like to see while they travel!
Tickets to Taipei are reasonable, costing at around $300-400 for an almost five-hour flight, on most budget air carriers. Be prepared to spend about $1000 for a comfortable week of accommodation, activities and shopping. Check out Airbnb for affordable alternatives for accommodation, and there’s always Family Mart (their version of 7-11) for budget meals!
Cost: $$$
Experience: 4.5/5
Recommended duration of stay: Up to one week, maybe more to travel to other districts in the country
2. Thailand (Bangkok)
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It’s no big secret that Singaporeans love Thai culture and Thai food. Thai eateries have sprung up all over the island, and Thai milk tea has gained a massive following in Singapore; in fact, Singapore’s annual Artbox event hails from Thailand!
The go-to place in Thailand for Singaporeans is obviously Bangkok, where there’s a huge array of activities and food to try out, such as exotic-animal cafes (think owls and meercats that live alongside corgis and rabbits), authentic Thai cuisine, night markets, and of course, a true shopping paradise almost everywhere you go in the city!
In Bangkok, be sure to visit the Little Zoo Café for a unique, alternative animal café experience, along with the Neverland True Love café for huskies. For shopping, Terminal 21 Mall, Platinum Mall, and the Chatuchak market are great places for cheap apparels and trinkets, especially for the ladies. Night markets also have cheap food and clothes, such as the Rok Fai market, the Talad Neon night market and many more. Authentic Thai cuisine can be found anywhere, so just keep your eyes peeled because you’ll definitely find Thai restaurants nestled in almost every corner and building!
If you’re tired after a day’s shopping and exploring the streets in Bangkok, there are plenty of massage parlors dotted along the city streets – head on in for a great Thai massage that you’ll never be able to find back home! However, don’t go into the shops that look dingy or suspicious, and be careful not to get overcharged. Don’t be afraid to say so if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
Travelling to Bangkok has got to one of the cheapest destinations in this article. Tickets cost about $150-300 depending on air carrier for a short two-hour flight. Shopping, food and accommodation is also really reasonable, and a five-day trip could cost about $600 per person, if you control yourselves at the night markets and factory outlet malls!
Cost: $$
Experience: 4/5, especially if you’re a city-lover and you love shopping!
Recommended duration of stay: Up to 5 days
3. Thailand (Chiangmai)
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We know that not everyone loves shopping and browsing through similar rows of apparels, trinkets and shoes for hours on end… So, fret not! Introducing Chiangmai – a region in Thailand that is rapidly rising in popularity.
Chiang Mai is a mountainous region that is home to Thailand’s colourful hill tribes and minorities. Minority cultures have developed undisturbed and thrived in these regions, creating a rich cultural experience that is truly different from the city culture that one experiences in Bangkok. It is often perceived as a point in history where the past merges with the present, as seen by how historical Buddhist temples and monasteries exist in harmony with modern buildings and facilities.
Some must-see places in Chiangmai include the Chiang Mai Walking Street and the Chiang Mai night bazaar to get your hands on the one-of-a-kind handicrafts and artworks made by the locals. In addition, there are many boutiques and artists’ workshops along the streets for shopping. The city of Chiang Mai also has many venerable temples and religious structures, such as the Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Sing, and the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center.
Getting to Chiangmai is also easy via a direct flight from Scoot, which costs about $200-$300 per ticket. You can also take a flight to Bangkok, and then a sleeper bus to Chiangmai – a worthy experience for those who’ve never tried sleeper buses!
Cost: $$
Experience: 4.5/5
Recommended duration of stay: Up to four or five days. You could consider spending a few days in Bangkok, and another few days in Chiangmai to experience both the city and the country!
4. Japan (Kyoto)
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Before you interrupt – no, we aren’t here to recommend a trip to Tokyo, Osaka or Hokkaido, we know that they are expensive (and also way out of budget for this budget-friendly post). Although travelling to Japan generally comes with high costs, we’d recommend that you give Kyoto a shot!
Kyoto is world-famous for its temples and shrines – a result of the mindful preservation and continuity of Japanese culture and history. One can walk through a Shinto Shrine, Japanese garden, with plenty of soothing green spaces and lakes for travelers to spend a relaxing holiday. The best part? You may actually have the place all to yourself, since Kyoto isn’t overcrowded like the rest of the Japanese cities (Yes, Tokyo and Osaka, we’re looking at you!). Some say you can also spot the geishas along the streets at night, walking around with traditional Japanese costumes and wooden clogs. Hence, Kyoto is completely different from its modernized city counterparts.
Check out a list of the best temples in Kyoto here, and some of the more popular Shinto Shrines over here. Try to travel to Kyoto in May or June if you can, as it can get very warm in July!
Cost: $$$$ – Travel to Kansai International Airport then take a train to Kyoto. Air tickets are about $500-$700, depending on airline and whether you choose a direct flight.
Experience: 4/5
Recommended stay: About four days, or you could also visit other parts of Japan and head to Kyoto before or after.
5. Korea (Seoul)
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Face masks, Korean makeup, endless street food and shopping! Beyond Korean BBQ and cosmetic products, Korea is a bustling metropolis with unique attractions, Korean cuisine and fun experiences. For city-lovers, Korea is definitely the place to be if you want to be at the heart of a city that never sleeps.
Myeongdong street is one of the longest shopping streets in Korea, with plenty of cosmetic stores jostling for your attention, along with unique LINE character outlets and experience stores lining the streets. There is also a whole array of street food, such as toppoki, crepes, Korean egg toast, Korean pancakes and the legendary Tornado potato.
For a change of scenery from the shopping, you can also visit the Bukchon Hanok Village – a 600-year old preserved village, and explore the famous Korean palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the changing of the guard. For snacks and Korean noodles, you can also visit Lotte Mart to get your fix of Korean snacks! For thrill-seekers, don’t miss out on the Lotte world theme park and Everland theme park.
Like Japan, Korea tends to be on the pricier side, where an air ticket costs at least $500 and above. But if you’re a skincare connoisseur who will spend that much on cosmetic products anyway, a trip to Korea is really worth it, because of how much you will eventually save on shopping for things you would’ve bought back home anyway!
Cost: $$$
Experience: 4.5/5
Recommended stay: Seven days or more
6. Cambodia (Siem Reap)
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Often known as a destination for more rugged seasoned travelers, Cambodia has plenty to offer for adventurous souls. With its ancient temples, sandy coastlines and rich history, there is plenty to see and learn in Siem Reap, the city of Cambodia.
Siem Reap is home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It is an embodiment of Khmer temple architecture and history and has become a powerful national symbol of Cambodia. One can enjoy the sunrise at the Angkor Wat, or visit the glowing plankton in the sleepy islands of Koh Rong, go biking at Ta Prohm (movie-famous temple in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), or simply relax by the beach.
Travelling to Cambodia (Siem Reap) is about $200-$300 depending on air carrier and is a short two-hour flight away. If you’re done with Siem Reap, you can take a 5-7 hour bus ride or a 30-minute flight to nearby Phnom Penh – making it two holidays in one trip! The general warm climate in Cambodia may be a turnoff for some, seeing that we’re already in hot and humid Singapore, but the rustic and serene experience you will get in Siem Reap is like no other.
Cost: $$
Experience: 4/5 – a haven for rugged travelers and backpackers
Recommended duration of stay: About four to five days
7. Indonesia (Bali)
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Bali has become increasingly commercialized over the years and is often known as a surfer’s paradise with plenty of sun, sand and waves. But Bali isn’t just about beaches – It is a nightlife hotspot, a foodie destination, and an important cultural landmark. Depending on which area in Bali you visit, you could get experiences that are worlds apart.
One can expect to lounge lazily along the many beaches in Seminyak or Kuta, delve into contemplative yoga practice over rice terraces in Ubud, Bali, or take a hike up Mount Batur to watch the sunrise. Or you could simply rent a beachside villa and while your holiday away. Bali is also home to Waterbom Bali, a new theme park in Indonesia that has attracted many thrill seekers and waterpark enthusiasts. In addition, nightlife spots in the modernized Seminyak district such as Potato Head Beach Club and Ku De Ta are constant favorites of both locals and tourists alike.
Bali also has many boutique shops and massage parlors along its streets, so you can expect to shop till you drop and experience great Balinese massages at jaw-dropping prices (think like SGD $5-$8 for a foot massage). Hence, there is something in Bali for everyone, for the hardcore backpackers, the beach bums, the nightlife junkies and the foodies.
It’s about $200-$300 to get to Bali by air, depending on air carrier, for a flight of about two to three hours. Accommodation is also affordable, costing less than $50 for hotels and even villas with three bedrooms. For a lazy holiday to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Bali is definitely the place to take a good break!
Cost: $$
Experience: 4/5
Recommended duration of stay: four to five days
8. Malaysia (Penang)
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Sick of only going to Johor Bahru (JB)? Malaysia has plenty to offer as a travel destination and JB only scratches the surface. Penang, often known as the Pearl of the Orient, is a great foodie destination due to its mouth-watering street food and markets, and vibrant streets filled with artistic murals.
One can take a walk down Penang’s Harmony street that serves as a representation of the multicultural character of Malaysia, with key buildings like the Masjid Kapitan Keling, Kuan Yin Temple, St. George’s Church, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple and many more for a cultural experience. There are also many Instagrammable photo spots with the many street murals lining the streets of Georgetown – In fact, many people travel on bicycle to find these murals and take it the street art of the town. And of course, we all know Malaysian cuisine can’t be beat, and Penang has a huge variety to offer – from Penang Laksa, Penang Char Kway Teow, and Malaysian Lok-Lok along Gurney Drive.
If you’re on a super tight budget and looking for just a short getaway, Penang is the perfect destination since it’s just across the border. You can book a one-hour flight for less than $100 on budget carriers, and get a cultural, foodie and rustic experience all in one trip.
Cost: $
Experience: 4.5/5
Recommended duration of stay: About three to four days
After reading through our eight recommended travel destinations for your summer break, hopefully you’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of each place and head to your dream budget destination! If you have any budget travel experiences that you’d like to share with us, do leave a comment in the comments section below. Enjoy your summer break! 🙂
