"Are you confused about wanting to go on vacation abroad at an affordable price? Check here for destinations in Asia with pocket-friendly prices!"
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When people think of tourist destinations in Asia, they often think of South Korea or Japan. However, numerous other natural and cultural wonders in the region await exploring. These destinations offer beauty and grandeur, more affordable airfares, and shorter travel times than Japan and Korea. For travel enthusiasts, here are five non-mainstream tourist destinations in Asia that should be on your bucket list!
1. Cambodia
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Still often overlooked, a vacation to Cambodia can be a budget-friendly option in Asia. You might remember Cambodia as the setting for the iconic Tomb Raider film. The country boasts beautiful temples dating back to the Khmer Rouge era (1975-1979) and is renowned for the Angkor Wat monument, one of the most significant religious sites globally. With the Cambodian Riel being approximately equivalent to IDR 3.92 when converted to Rupiah, various items in this country are more affordable.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam has gained popularity recently due to its European-style colonial history dating back to the French colonial era. Ho Chi Minh City's capital offers a mix of metropolitan flair and historical tourism, with its museums and fortresses still standing. Another popular city known for its cuisine is Hanoi. Many tourists also visit charming smaller cities such as Da Lat and Phu Quoc. In Vietnam, 1 Dong is roughly equivalent to IDR 0.63, less than 1 Rupiah.
3. Kazakhstan
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Central Asia is home to Kazakhstan, which offers adventure tourism opportunities with its natural treasures, including deserts to explore, canyons, hills, glaciers, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Kazakhstan's specialties at a relatively low exchange rate to the Indonesian Rupiah, IDR 28.28 per 1 Kazakhstan Tenge.
4. Myanmar
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Still neighboring Thailand but much cheaper, Myanmar offers cultural and natural tourism and the attraction of Bagan City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Bagan, more than 3,500 stupas, temples, monasteries, and various ancient buildings were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, can also be the next tourist option, considering that Myanmar's currency, 1 Burmese Kyat, is equivalent to IDR 8.10.
5. Nepal
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Nepal is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts due to its iconic mountain, Mount Everest. Climbing Everest requires a significant investment, but tourism in the surrounding areas is quite affordable, with an exchange rate of 1 Nepalese Rupee equaling approximately IDR 117.70. Walking in the Kathmandu Valley has become an affordable healing alternative in Asia.
Apart from the five countries mentioned above, many other options remain to be considered. For instance, Laos and Malaysia, Indonesia's neighboring countries, are also worth exploring. In the southern region of Asia, India offers alternatives such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, both of which boast cultural riches and beautiful natural attractions. So, where shall we go next?
