Accommodation in Asia: How to Find a Place to Stay Without Breaking the Bank?

Asia is a fascinating region with a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and delicious cuisine. That’s why it’s the second most popular tourist destination in the world, welcoming millions of international travellers each year.

Whether you're travelling solo with a backpack, relaxing on a family holiday or seeking adventure with friends, choosing the right accommodation is key to enjoying your trip while keeping costs under control.

In this article, we explore the different accommodation options available to you, along with our tips to help you make the right choice and get the best deals.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Many platforms like Hostelworld, Agoda or Worldpackers offer budget-friendly accommodation in Asia, depending on your travel style.

• Hostels are the cheapest option and perfect for backpackers, though they offer little privacy.

• Local guesthouses provide an authentic experience at a low cost, especially when negotiating on site.

• One to three-star hotels are comfortable and affordable, especially when comparing deals.

• To save money, avoid tourist hotspots, travel off-season, stay several nights and use local apps.

 

There are many popular and reliable online booking platforms to consider when planning your trip to Asia. Below are some alternatives to big names like Airbnb and booking.com to help you find the best offers.

Specialising in hostels and accommodation for backpackers, Hostelworld is a great platform for finding budget stays. You'll also find many reviews from fellow travellers to help you choose the hostel that best suits your expectations in terms of comfort and atmosphere.

Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo, Agoda has a strong presence in Asia. The platform is available in 37 languages and offers hundreds of accommodation options. You'll also find many special deals and promotions.

It's a platform you should definitely keep in mind when searching for accommodation in Asia.

Worldpackers is a genuine travel-focused social network with a large community of travel enthusiasts. The concept is simple: users offer accommodation in exchange for volunteering.

This allows you to stay for free, meet other travellers and make a positive impact in the countries you visit.

Don’t overlook the many Facebook groups dedicated to travel for finding accommodation, such as South East Asia Backpacker Community or Thailand House-Flats-Hotels. These groups are full of useful tips and allow you to ask questions to thousands of members.

However, be cautious: scams are common on Facebook. Only join specialised groups, read comments carefully, check older posts, verify the profiles of those who contact you and always use a secure payment method.

Love travelling and animals? Trusted Housesitters might be the perfect solution. This platform connects you with pet owners looking for sitters. A great way to stay for free while looking after furry companions.

Let’s take a quick look at the different types of accommodation available in Asia to help you choose the one that suits your travel style.

An ideal solution for travellers on a tight budget, hostels are widely available in Asia.

They offer several advantages:

• This is the cheapest option, with dormitory beds ranging from €3 to €10 per night, depending on the season and location.

• Common areas such as lounges or kitchens are usually available.

• Hostels are often located in city centres or tourist areas, offering great access to local attractions.

• Comfort levels can vary greatly from one place to another, and privacy is very limited.

 

Good to Know: Some hostels offer lockers for guests. A handy option if you're travelling with a laptop or camera. Make sure to check the ratings and read reviews on booking platforms before reserving to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Guesthouses are a great way to stay at a low cost while enjoying an authentic local experience. Run by locals, these smaller properties often offer warm hospitality and a chance to live like a local.

Expect to pay between €8 and €20 per night. Be sure to negotiate on site, especially if you plan to stay several nights or are travelling during the low season.

If you're looking for more comfort, plenty of hotels are available to tourists.

One to three-star hotels often provide private rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and sometimes breakfast included. Expect to pay between €15 and €40 per night.

Take the time to compare prices across different platforms and read recent reviews to make an informed choice and manage your budget wisely.

There are plenty of options available, and the quality of service can vary a lot. By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of finding the best accommodation at the best price.

• Avoid overly touristy areas: Consider places located slightly outside city centres to benefit from lower nightly rates. Don’t forget that transport in Asia is very affordable, so even with slightly higher transport costs, you'll likely still save overall.

• Travel off-season: During the rainy season, from May to October, prices tend to drop significantly, often by 30 to 50 percent. A great option if you're looking to cut costs.

• Stay several nights in the same place: Due to high competition, many properties offer discounts after three nights or for a full week stay. Keep this in mind when booking.

• Use local apps: Some local apps like Tujia in China or RedDoorz in Southeast Asia can help you find much better rates. Make sure to check them out for great deals.

• Book directly: Some places aren't listed online. Turning up early in the morning to book in person can sometimes get you the best rates.

Now you have all the tools to find accommodation that suits your travel style and budget. Don’t forget to order your foreign currency online to benefit from the best exchange rates and maximise the value of your travel money.