Thinking about vacationing in Asia this year? International travel can sometimes be prohibitively expensive, which is why it pays to know the ins and outs of finding affordable airfare. As a serial traveler who’s spent more than his fair share of time exploring the Far East, no one understands that better than I do. That’s why I’ve put together this helpful guide pointing you toward the cheapest places to fly to in Asia!
Seoul, South Korea
Where better to kick off your Eastern journey than in the most livable city in all of Asia? Of course, I’m talking about Seoul, South Korea. In addition to being the nation’s capital, Seoul offers a unique blend of centuries-old tradition, modern luxury, and cutting-edge tech innovation.
Once you’re done achieving inner peace, there are plenty of fun and fascinating attractions to find. Inside the city, you can browse local art galleries, traditional tea shops, and scrumptious street food vendors in the tourist-friendly Insadong neighborhood. Or take a stroll through scenic Olympic Park. Feeling adventurous? A short drive from Seoul, you can take a guided tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates South Korea from its northern cousin. As one of the last active relics of the Cold War, it is a living piece of international history.
Hong Kong, China
Being that China is one of the biggest countries in Asia, it should come as no surprise that it boasts a wealth of appealing attractions, from the placid banks of Victoria Harbour to the sights and sounds of its street markets. What may be a surprise, however, is that it’s also one of the cheapest places to fly to in Asia. Hong Kong, in particular, is as affordable as it is enthralling.
You’ll likely get your first taste of the region’s distinct personality when you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Just as HKG is one of the busiest airports in the world, the city itself is one of the most popular travel destinations on the continent. To get the most out of your vacation, I recommend starting in the village of Ngong Ping, a gorgeous preserved showcase of traditional Chinese architecture dotted with tourist-friendly shops and cafes. Afterward, stop by the nearby monastery of Po Lin to show respect at its hugely famous (and famously huge) Tian Tan Buddha statue.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Looking for the cheapest places to fly to in Asia that have more of an equatorial flavor? Indonesia is home to the second largest tropical forests in the world after Brazil, and it enjoys a warm, sunny climate. It’s also home to the vibrant city of Jakarta, a diverse melting pot of cultures and attractions well worth visiting.
The most affordable airport servicing Jakarta is Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), which has seen rapid expansion in recent years to accommodate the growing number of tourists discovering this hidden gem.
Arguably the biggest attraction of Jakarta, however, is the Thousand Islands.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Before officially changing its name in 1975, Ho Chi Minh City was already famous as “Saigon.” Although traffic around Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SNG) is often quite congested, once you make it into the city proper, you’re in for a treat. Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just one of the cheapest places to fly to in Asia. It also offers a glimpse into historic French culture thanks to the lingering influence of early French colonization.
It’s also home to a statue of deceased president Ho Chi Minh himself. He remains a beloved figure in Vietnamese society to this day.Take a relaxing boat ride down the famous Mekong Delta River, which separates Vietnam and Cambodia. Or, shop for souvenirs and delicious food at the Cái Bè District’s floating market. Historically, the Philippines has been called “the Pearl of the Orient” due to the abundance of precious stones divers have been discovering off its shores for centuries. Thankfully, though, it won’t cost you a fortune to visit there. In fact, the Philippines may just be the cheapest Asian country to visit of them all. This is thanks in no small part to the reasonable rates of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
Lucknow, India
Nestled along the banks of India’s Gomti River, the city of Lucknow serves as the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the country. Anyone looking for the cheapest airports in Asia will immediately be drawn to Lucknow and its nearby Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).
With its humid, subtropical climate, Lucknow is ideal for anyone seeking out fun in the sun. The heat of India’s weather is matched only by that of its spicy cuisine. Lucknow’s culinary specialty is Gulawati kebab. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth wonder made of fried, marinated mutton, heavily seasoned with lush Indian herbs.
After you’ve loaded up on the local delicacies, spend the day wandering the historic labyrinths of Bara Imambara and Bhool Bhulaiya. Together, these 18th-century marvels form an elaborate tomb complex serving as an important place of worship for the country’s Muslim population.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Starting as a small mining outpost in the 1800s, Kuala Lumpur has since grown into the largest city in Malaysia. It’s also one of the fastest-growing and cheapest places in Asia, bar none. Kuala Lumpur is home to numerous affordably 5-star hotels, plus unique shopping and dining opportunities.
Serving the Malaysian capital is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), the largest and busiest airport in the country. From there, travelers can enter the city by bus, car, or rail, taking in a wealth of eye-popping scenery along the way. Unlike most Western cities, Kuala Lumpur has been designed to maintain a harmonious balance between urban development and natural preservation. As a result, it is a uniquely beautiful and even peaceful place to visit.