Trip to Asia 2023: Cheapest Country to Travel to from the Philippines

Already planning your family or barkada out-of-the-country getaway for the holidays? It's better to start early—you still need to collate requirements and beef up your travel fund, after all!

Not sure which country to visit? That’s what this article is for. Some countries on this list require a visa, but some are visa-free—nevertheless, both options are affordable.

Ready to make a beeline to the cheapest country to travel to from the Philippines? Here are some options.

10 Cheapest Countries to Travel to From the Philippines

If you’re wondering about which is the cheapest Asian country to visit, here are some neighboring countries that offer the cheapest options for Filipino tourists.

📍 Cambodia

Cambodia is home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in existence. But apart from historical sites scattered across the country, Cambodia is also known for its night markets, floating villages, and island parties—especially along the beaches of Koh Rong.

According to Lists by Lukiih, a travel blog, budget travelers can expect to spend around US$35 (₱2,000) per day in Cambodia.^[1]

With that budget, you can tour Angkor, visit the Kulen Waterfall, and explore the Preah Prom Rath Pagoda. If you have a few bucks to spare, you can check out other tourist spots in the country like Phnom Penh and Ream National Park. Cambodia has a lot of wonderful things to offer, especially if you’re interested in learning history and culture.

📍 Thailand

This country is known as a top travel spot for backpackers around the globe. If you’re planning to visit Thailand, don’t be surprised if you find yourself mingling with a diverse crowd.

Sure, Thailand has an undeniably unique history and culture. But it’s also a global destination where you can bring your own stories and take home those of others.

Thailand makes for a great out-of-the-country trip as it offers something exciting for everyone. Enjoy its bustling nightlife when you want to party, temple complexes when you want to get lost in beautiful architecture, and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar when you want to do a little shopping.

Experience all this and more for just ₱10,000. Prominent travel blog Pinoy Adventurista has a comprehensive travel guide for Filipino tourists on a tight budget.^[2] Sample costs exclude airfare, pasalubong, and other non-essentials. With a ₱10,000 price tag, you can argue that Thailand is one of if not the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia.

💳 Best Credit Cards for Travel

You can save more money when you use a credit card to book flights, accommodations, tours, and other travel essentials. Take your pick from the following cards with travel perks:

Credit Card	Travel Benefits
UnionBank Rewards Card	3x non-expiring rewards points when you shop and dine here and abroad Worldwide acceptance Rewards at participating restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure establishments nationwide
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend Points redeemable for air miles
Metrobank World Mastercard®	2x rewards points for international purchases Exclusive access to airport deals
HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate	5% rebate on travel and shopping transactions Free travel accident and travel inconvenience coverage Exclusive deals at shopping, travel, dining, and health and beauty merchants worldwide
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard	Dual currency billing 2 complimentary lounge access annually in more than 1,300 lounges in 500 airports worldwide Unlimited access to A Lounge, Marhaba Lounge,  and PAGSS Lounge Up to US$200 coverage with Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection  Free travel insurance
Security Bank World Mastercard	6 complimentary lounge access annually in more than 1,300 lounges in 500 airports worldwide Free travel medical insurance worth up to US$100,000 with COVID-19 coverage Exclusive automatic cashback offers from participating stores overseas
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	2 BPI Points for every spend on foreign transactions abroad or online worth ₱20 Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85% Up to ₱10 million in travel insurance coverage 0% interest on airline installment all year round Up to 4 free lounge access annually to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
BPI Signature Card	2 BPI Points for every ₱20 spend Complimentary lounge access to PAGGS at NAIA 1 and NAIA 3 Preferential exchange rates on foreign currencies 24/7 worldwide concierge by Visa

📍 Vietnam

Vietnam has always been a major tourist destination for Filipinos. There are various World Heritage sites found all over this country. If historical cities and French colonial architecture excite you, you’ll surely find Vietnam alluring.

A Wonderful Sole, a trusted travel blog, recounted a seven-day trip to Vietnam that cost less than ₱12,000 all in all.^[3] With that amount, you can enjoy a full week in Vietnam, airfare included. That gives you ample time to explore all the magnificent and unique sights in the country.

You can cruise through Halong Bay, tour around the historical city of Hue, and admire the temple remains in the UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son Sanctuary. Thrilling, right? 

📍 Hong Kong

This country remains one of the best family holiday destinations in the world. It's home to Hong Kong Disneyland, everyone's favorite magical place.

Lucky for you, there are ways to enjoy Hong Kong without breaking the bank. Popular travel app Klook broke down how you can stay in Hong Kong for three days and two nights with only a ₱15,000 budget.^[4] That includes airfare, accommodation, land transportation costs, and even pasalubong to take home to your loved ones. 

The suggested itinerary is also decent enough, as you can already visit top tourist spots like Victoria Peak, Madame Tussauds, and Ngong Ping Village. Who wouldn’t say yes to this fun but affordable deal?

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📍 Singapore

Singapore might not be the first place that comes to mind when you ask, “What is the cheapest country in the world to travel to for Filipinos?” However, it’s possible to visit the Lion City on a budget!

Travel blog Joan’s Footprints spent only ₱12,000 exploring Singapore for three days.^[5] That’s exclusive of airfare but inclusive of everything else you need to keep afloat during that short time.

You can visit top Singapore tourist spots like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Esplanade for free. Sentosa is also easily accessible. If you can squeeze in a few extra bucks to explore Universal Studios Singapore, all the better. 

You can also do a walking tour of Chinatown, Little India, and other scenic spots that can be enjoyed for free. There’s a lot you can do in three days even with a limited budget.

📍 Indonesia

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali

Home to azure waters, lush wildlife, and awe-inspiring architecture, Indonesia is also one of the cheapest countries to travel to from the Philippines.  According to the blog Southeast Asia Backpacker,^[6] you can budget around US$50 to US$75 (₱2,800 to ₱4,300) per day, depending on your chosen location in Indonesia.

For instance, you can visit the iconic Gilli Islands in Lomboc, where you can go scuba diving and island hopping by day and enjoy the thriving party scene by night.

You can also explore the country's capital, Jakarta, and witness the melting pot of cultures in the spicy Indonesian cuisine, Dutch architecture, and Hindu temples. And don't forget the country's most popular tourist spot—in Bali, you can enjoy trekking, jetpacking, caving, and more.

📍 Malaysia

Dataran Lang, Langkawi

According to the travel blog Never Ending Footsteps,^[7] you can arm yourself with US$55 (or around ₱3,120) daily and enjoy the sights in Malaysia comfortably. 

Malaysia is split into two regions separated by the South China Sea. Whichever you choose to go to, there are plenty of tourist attractions to visit, whether you're with family or friends. 

If you're taking your little tots with you, make sure to dedicate an afternoon to the colorful Legoland Malaysia Resort. Marvel at the Lego models and enjoy the shows together. You can also splash around in the waterpark and look at the marine display tanks. 

If you're with friends, you can either visit the fast-paced, bustling city of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy dining, sightseeing, and shopping; or go island hopping and beach bumming in the tropical paradise known as Langkawi. 

📍 Taiwan

Taipei 101, Taipei City

For such a small country, Taiwan certainly has a lot to offer. You can enjoy shopping in its ultra-modern commercial hubs or wind down and take in the natural beauty in rural areas—all for US$35 to US$70 (₱2,000 to ₱4,000) per day, according to the travel blog Phenomenal Globe.^[8]

If you've got a hankering for a taste of city life in Taiwan, look no further than Taipei 101, which was once the world's tallest building. Whet your appetite with a shopping spree and dine at high-end restaurants afterward. 

Meanwhile, slow-paced tourists and anime fans alike will love New Taipei’s Ruifang District. Drop by Jiufen, which bears a striking resemblance to the bathhouse village in "Spirited Away." Then go to the Shifen district to release lanterns in the sky and visit the famed Shifen Waterfalls.

📍 India

Taj Mahal, Agra

Is there any other country as culturally vibrant as India, the birthplace of various religions? Fortunately, depending on your preferred creature comforts, you can discover more of India with a daily budget of US$33 to US$100 (₱1,900 to ₱5,700), according to the travel blog World Nomads.^[9]

India is home to several beautiful beaches and national parks, but your trip won't be complete without paying a visit to its iconic landmarks steeped in history.

First on the list is, of course, the Taj Mahal, a beautiful mausoleum dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan's favorite wife. Pay a visit to the Holy City of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and a major pilgrimage center for Hindus. Then prepare to gaze in awe at the majestic mansions, archways, and forts in the Jaisalmer, also called the Golden City due to the distinct hues of yellow sandstone in most of its architecture.

📍 South Korea

The Korean Wave or hallyu is felt strongly in the Philippines, as evidenced by our penchant for consuming K-pop, kimchi, and everything else Korean. It’s no surprise that South Korea is among the top destinations that Filipinos want to visit. 

It may not be the cheapest country to travel to in Asia from the Philippines. But South Korea is still a pretty affordable country if you know how to score the best deals.

Sure, it’s notorious for being on the pricier end among our other neighbors. However, the travel blog Chill and Travel chronicled how they were able to visit South Korea with only ₱25,000 in their pocket.^[10]

That budget includes airfare, accommodation, and all other necessary expenses. The itinerary is also pretty impressive, with the likes of Busan, Seoul, Gangwon Province, and Incheon on the list. The trip happened during winter, proving that South Korea is one of the top Christmas destinations.  

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to bleed yourself dry just to fulfill your travel fantasies. If you’re wise with money, you can find plenty of destinations—local or overseas—that offer lots of exciting activities for cheap. 

Remember to set a budget before flying out. Only spend the money that you have. If you really need help with your expenses abroad, try getting a travel loan, so you’re fully loaded on your trip.

Lastly, don't forget to keep everyone, be they family or friends, financially protected during travels abroad. Make sure to get travel insurance before you fly to the cheapest countries to travel to from the Philippines!

Sources:

• ^[1] Trip to Cambodia Cost: 2023 Travel Budget Breakdown (Lists by Lukiih, 2023)
• ^[2] 2023 Bangkok Travel Guide (Pinoy Adventurista, 2023)
• ^[3] Vietnam on a Budget (A Wanderful Sole, 2023)
• ^[4] Hong Kong Budget Guide (Klook, 2021)
• ^[5] Singapore Budget and Itinerary (Joan's Footprints, 2022)
• ^[6] Indonesia Budget Guide – How Much Does It Really Cost To Travel In Indonesia? (Southeast Asia Backpacker, 2022)
• ^[7] The Cost of Travel in Malaysia: A 2023 Budget Breakdown (Never Ending Footsteps, 2023)
• ^[8] Taiwan Travel Budget: How Much Does It Cost To Travel Taiwan (Phenomenal Globe, 2022)
• ^[9] The Ultimate Budget Traveler’s Guide to Costs in India (World Nomads, 2022)
• ^[10] Winter in Korea: Our 5-Day Itinerary, Experience, Costs & Tips (Chill and Travel, 2023)