Move Over, Bali and Phuket: Tourists Are Flocking to This Affordable Southeast Asian Gem
New Delhi, October 13, 2025 – Travelers seeking an affordable yet enchanting winter getaway are turning their attention away from the usual Southeast Asian hotspots like Bali and Phuket. Instead, Vietnam’s picturesque riverside town, Hoi An, has emerged as the top value destination for long-haul travelers, according to the latest Post Office Travel Money Long Haul Holiday Report.
This report, released annually by the UK’s leading currency exchange agency, the Post Office, assesses the cost of typical holiday essentials such as water, sunscreen, and cocktails across 30 popular international destinations. Hoi An secured the number one spot as the world’s best value destination for winter holidaymakers, offering an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and budget-friendly prices.
Hoi An: Beauty Meets Bargain
With a "basket" of holiday essentials costing just £58.81 (approximately ₹7,000), Hoi An provides exceptional value for travelers looking to stretch their travel budgets. The charming town, known for its cobbled streets, atmospheric lantern-lit river, and idyllic beaches, offers a three-course dinner for two with wine for about £40, while a local lager costs only £1.23. Such affordability, paired with the town’s rich culture and scenic landscapes, makes Hoi An a compelling alternative to more crowded and expensive tourist hubs in Southeast Asia.
Asia Dominates the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations
The 2025 report highlights Asia’s dominance in affordable travel, with seven of the top ten cheapest destinations located across the continent. Following Hoi An, the list features Cape Town in South Africa in second place, where essential holiday costs stand at £64.28. Bali, Indonesia, comes in third on the list with essential daily costs of £67.79 and boasts the cheapest evening meal among the top destinations — a three-course dinner for two with wine priced at just £35.48. Kenya’s Mombasa (£68.33) and Japan’s Tokyo (£68.61) complete the top five most budget-friendly long-haul destinations. Other notable affordable spots include Colombo in Sri Lanka, Penang in Malaysia, Delhi in India, Phuket in Thailand, and Santiago in Chile.
Significant Price Drops Across Southeast Asia
Several popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia have seen marked decreases in local prices. Penang, Malaysia, recorded an 18.6% drop in holiday costs, while Phuket experienced a 14.1% decline. These reductions coincide with fluctuations in currency exchange rates, making travel to these destinations even more attractive to foreign visitors.
Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at the Post Office, expressed optimism for winter travelers, remarking, “The prospects for winter sun-seekers look bright – particularly in Far Eastern destinations, where the combination of falling local prices and favourable exchange rates means our money will stretch further.” She added that although the British pound has declined from earlier highs in the year, it remains stronger against most currencies than a year ago, with local prices stable or falling across more than 40% of surveyed destinations.
The Full Top 10 Best Value Long-Haul Destinations for 2025:
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Bali, Indonesia
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Tokyo, Japan
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Penang, Malaysia
- Delhi, India
- Phuket, Thailand
- Santiago, Chile
As travelers plan their winter getaways, these destinations offer compelling options that combine affordability with cultural richness and natural beauty. With Hoi An rising to the top, it’s clear that savvy tourists are seeking new experiences beyond the traditional favorites of Bali and Phuket.
For travelers looking to enjoy winter sun without breaking the bank, Hoi An is now firmly on the map as a top affordable destination with both authentic charm and value.
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