Cheapest Beach Getaways in Asia Reviewed
Asia’s coastlines boast some of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet. Over the past year, we packed our bags and set out on a mission to find the most budget-friendly beach getaways across the continent. From Indonesia’s volcanic sands to the hidden coves of Vietnam, we explored these destinations, stayed in locally run homestays, tasted regional cuisine, and even chatted with fellow travelers. What follows is not just a list—it’s our real, ground-level experience of the cheapest beach paradises in Asia.
1. Palolem Beach, Goa, India
We started our journey with Goa. Everyone talks about Baga and Calangute, but we headed south to Palolem. A crescent-shaped bay lined with swaying palm trees and rustic huts greeted us. For just ₹500 a night (around $6 USD), we stayed in a bamboo hut right on the beach. Mornings started with yoga, followed by a local breakfast of poha and masala chai from a shack where the owner knew our names by Day 2.
What made Palolem special wasn’t just the affordability, but the tranquility. No loud nightclubs, just live acoustic music on the beach and bonfires. Kayaking around Butterfly Island cost us under ₹300 ($3.60), and the bioluminescence we saw at night—magical.
2. Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Next stop: Cambodia. We took a bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then a cheap ferry to Koh Rong. Sihanoukville itself has turned commercial, but Koh Rong still offers the raw island vibe. We stayed in a beach bungalow for $10 a night. Electricity only ran a few hours a day, but we didn’t mind.
Long Set Beach had white powdery sand and a reef perfect for snorkeling. Our meals came from beach BBQs—grilled barracuda, fresh mango salads, and Angkor beer, all under $5. The best part? A hammock under palm trees where we watched the clearest night skies we had seen in years.
3. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Palawan always tops “most beautiful islands” lists, and after going there ourselves, we understood why. Though El Nido has gained popularity, we found cheap guesthouses for $8–12 a night. We skipped the organized tours and instead hired a small outrigger boat directly from a fisherman for $15 total. He took us to secluded lagoons, where we swam alone without a single selfie stick in sight.
Food in El Nido stays affordable if you avoid touristy restaurants. We dined at carinderias—local eateries where we feasted on adobo, fried fish, and garlic rice for just $1.50. Palawan’s warmth didn’t just come from its climate but from its people.
4. Varkala, Kerala, India
Kerala’s Varkala stunned us. A cliffside town overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala mixes spiritual calm and surf-town chill. We booked a sea-facing room for ₹700 ($8.50) and walked to the beach every morning for meditation.
Street food vendors sold banana fritters, dosa, and fresh coconut water for pennies. Ayurvedic massages, yoga drop-in classes, and the smell of incense gave Varkala a vibe that combined wellness with affordability. We watched sunset after sunset from the cliff’s edge, with musicians and fire dancers creating unforgettable evenings.
5. Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang buzzes with energy. It’s not as quiet as some of the other beaches we explored, but it offers incredible value. We paid $7 for a double room in a guesthouse just two blocks from the beach. Restaurants served seafood pho for $1.50, and banh mi carts kept us fueled through the day.
We visited the nearby hot springs and mud baths for under $5, which left us relaxed and rejuvenated. Though the city has grown, its beach remains clean and wide, and the nightlife offers a balance of backpacker pubs and local dance bars.
6. Gili Air, Indonesia
We skipped Bali’s Kuta and headed instead to the Gili Islands. Among them, Gili Air struck the perfect balance. No motorized vehicles, only bicycles and horse carts. We rented a bamboo hut with an outdoor shower for $9 per night. Breakfast came with the stay—banana pancakes and Lombok coffee.
We snorkeled with sea turtles right off the beach, and watched movies on a beachside screen every night. Local warungs served nasi goreng, grilled corn, and fresh juices—all for under $3 a meal. Gili Air moves slowly, just like its waves.
7. Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi surprised us. We expected higher costs, but we scored a hostel with a pool just minutes from Pantai Cenang Beach for $10. We rented a scooter for $4 and explored hidden beaches like Tanjung Rhu and Pantai Tengah.
Local night markets offered spicy laksa, satay, and fried bananas at jaw-droppingly low prices. Island hopping tours—complete with eagle feeding and cave visits—set us back just $8. Even alcohol, normally expensive in Malaysia, comes duty-free here.
8. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
On Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Hikkaduwa gave us surfing and snorkeling at rock-bottom prices. Guesthouses dotting the beach offered rooms for $6–8. Reef fish swam around our feet, and massive turtles greeted us near the shore.
We tried hoppers (a Sri Lankan pancake), dhal curry, and seafood for less than $2 per meal. The town also pulses with reggae vibes and laid-back cafés. Surfboard rentals came in at $3 a day, and the water stayed warm and inviting.
What We Learned
These beach getaways across Asia showed us that budget travel doesn’t mean compromise. Each place welcomed us with local hospitality, stunning natural beauty, and distinct cultural flavors. None of our stays crossed $12 per night, and we kept our daily expenses well below $20 in most places.
But more than just affordability, it was the experiences—sharing food with locals in Kerala, spotting turtles in Indonesia, laughing with fishermen in Palawan—that made these journeys priceless. If you want soft sands, clear waters, and unforgettable sunsets without burning a hole in your pocket, these destinations deserve a spot on your bucket list.
We didn’t read reviews—we lived them. And we’re already planning the next trip.
