Accommodation in Asia: how to stay without breaking the bank?

Asia is a fascinating region with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. For this reason, it is the world’s second most popular tourist destination, with millions of international travellers visiting each year.

Whether you’re travelling solo as a backpacker, with family for a relaxing holiday, or with mates in search of adventure, choosing your accommodation is a key step in making your trip a success while keeping your budget under control.

In this article, we present the different accommodation options available to you, as well as our tips for making the right choice and getting the best prices.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Many platforms such as Hostelworld, Agoda, or Worldpackers offer budget-friendly accommodation in Asia, depending on your travel style.
• Hostels are the cheapest option, ideal for backpackers, but they offer limited privacy.
• Local guesthouses provide an authentic experience at an affordable price, especially when you negotiate on the spot.
• 1–3 star hotels are accessible and comfortable, with reasonable prices when you compare options properly.
• To save money, it’s recommended to avoid tourist areas, travel in the off-season, stay multiple nights, and use local apps.

 

There are plenty of reliable online booking platforms to help you organise your trip to Asia. Here are some alternatives to big names like Airbnb and Booking.com to find the best deals.

Specialising in hostels and backpacker-style accommodation, Hostelworld is a great platform for finding budget stays. You’ll also find plenty of traveller reviews to help you pick a hostel that suits your expectations in terms of comfort and atmosphere.

With its headquarters in Singapore and offices in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo, Agoda has a strong presence across Asia. The platform is available in 37 languages and offers hundreds of properties, along with frequent deals and promotions.

It’s definitely a platform worth using when searching for accommodation in Asia.

A true traveller community platform, Worldpackers is powered by a large network of travel enthusiasts. The concept is simple: users can arrange accommodation in exchange for volunteering.

This lets you stay for free while meeting other travellers and making a positive impact in the places you visit.

Don’t overlook Facebook groups dedicated to travel when looking for accommodation, such as South East Asia Backpacker Community or Thailand House-Flats-Hotels. You’ll find plenty of deals and can ask questions to thousands of members.

That said, stay cautious: scams are also common on Facebook, so only join well-established groups. Read comments carefully, check older posts, verify profiles, and always use secure payment methods.

Love travel and animals? Trusted Housesitters might be perfect for you. The platform connects travellers with pet owners looking for house and pet sitters — a great way to stay for free while spending time with pets.

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Let’s take a quick look at the main accommodation options in Asia to help you choose what suits your travel style best.

Ideal for budget travellers, you’ll find a huge range of hostels across Asia.

This option comes with several benefits:

• It’s the cheapest option, with dorm beds ranging from £2 to £8 per night depending on season and location. 
• Shared spaces like lounges and kitchens are usually available.
• Hostels are often located in city centres or tourist areas, making them very convenient.

However, comfort can vary significantly between properties, and privacy is limited.

Good to know: Some hostels provide lockers, which is useful if you’re travelling with a laptop or camera. Always check ratings and read reviews before booking to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Guesthouses are a great way to stay cheaply while enjoying a more authentic experience. These small, locally run places are usually very welcoming and let you experience local life.

Expect to pay around £7–£18 per night, and don’t hesitate to negotiate in person, especially for longer stays or off-season travel.

If you’re after more comfort, plenty of hotels are available for travellers.

1–3 star hotels offer private rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and sometimes breakfast included. Expect to pay around £13–£35 per night.

Make sure to compare prices across platforms and check recent reviews to make an informed decision and keep costs down.

Accommodation options are plentiful, but quality can vary a lot. These tips will help you find the best deals:

• Avoid overly touristy areas: staying slightly outside main zones can significantly reduce costs. Transport in Asia is cheap, so you’ll still save overall.
• Travel off-season: during the rainy season (May to October), prices are often 30–50% lower.
• Stay longer in one place: many properties offer discounts for stays of 3 nights or more, or weekly stays.
• Use local apps: apps like Tujia in China or RedDoorz in Southeast Asia often offer better rates.
• Book directly: some places aren’t listed online, and walking in early in the day can sometimes get you a better price.

 

You now have everything you need to find accommodation that suits your travel style while keeping your budget under control. And don’t forget — booking your currency in advance can help you get better exchange rates and make your money go further.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency