As the holiday season approaches, travelers on a budget have a reason to celebrate. Digital travel platform agoda has released its list of the most affordable holiday destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with Varanasi topping the list of most affordable destinations in India with an average room rate of just ₹4,136 per night.
Across Asia, Hat Yai, Thailand leads the way as the most budget-friendly destination, with average room rates at ₹3,883 per night. Famous for its night markets, mouth-watering street food and laid-back atmosphere, Hat Yai has a lot to offer for the budget-conscious traveller. Here are the top 9 cities for budget travelers this year.
Hat Yai, Thailand (Average room rate: 3883 INR)
Whether it’s the holiday season or not, Hat Yai has once again taken the crown in TripAdvisor’s cheapest destination ranking. The vibrant southern Thailand city, known for its markets and delicious street food, comes alive with festive decorations and local celebrations during the holiday season. With unique gifts and a lively atmosphere, Kim Yong Market is the perfect place for last minute Christmas shopping.
Surakarta, Indonesia (average room rate: 3967 INR)
Also known as Solo, Surakarta offers a rich cultural experience with its traditional Javanese arts and crafts. The city is home to the stunning Keraton Surakarta and the popular Pasar Gede market. During the holidays, visitors can enjoy traditional performances and local cuisine, making it an ideal place for a culturally immersed celebration at the end of the year.
Varanasi, India (average room rate: 4136 INR)
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, offers spiritual and cultural journeys. The River Ganga, with its famous ghats, provides a tranquil environment for reflection and celebration. As the year comes to an end, the city gets decked up with lights and festivities, offering a unique blend of spirituality and year-end celebrations.
Dalat, Vietnam (average room rate: 5234 INR)
Once again, Dalat is the most budget-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam. As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, Dalat transforms into a festive venue with twinkling lights and joyous festivities, creating a charming backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. December usually brings cool mountain air, ideal for an unforgettable end-of-year atmosphere.
Miri, Malaysia (average room rate: 5487 INR)
Known mostly for its natural beauty, Miri may not be the first destination that comes to mind for the Christmas holidays. However, the city located on the north coast of Sarawak in the island of Borneo boasts cultural diversity and offers a relaxing holiday experience. After exploring the Niah Caves or enjoying time at the beach, visitors can enjoy the Christmas decorations that illuminate Miri Times Square.
Subic, Philippines (average room rate: 7260 INR)
Subic, with its sun-kissed beaches and adventurous spirit, is a tropical paradise for vacationers. Christmas in the Philippines is an extended festive season, and Subic comes alive with its family-friendly attractions and lively local markets, providing a joyous atmosphere for Christmas and New Year celebrations by the sea.
Taitung, Taiwan (Average room rate: 8441 INR)
Taitung is best for budget-savvy visitors or domestic travelers who want to get away from big cities during the year-end holidays. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous culture, Taitung is located in the easternmost part of Taiwan and is the first place to see the sunrise on the island, making it a popular location for New Year celebrations. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a year-end destination, with several large-scale music festivals starting in November, attracting many visitors from far and wide.
Nagoya, Japan (Average room rate: 9201 INR)
A city rich in history and modern attractions, Nagoya offers a unique vacation experience. Visitors can explore Nagoya Castle and the bustling Sake district while enjoying Nagoya’s popular and delicious dishes hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and miso katsu (pork cooked with miso). The city’s winter lights and festive markets create a magical atmosphere, perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Yeosu-si, South Korea (Average room rate: 10,805 INR)
Yeosu, a coastal city known for its beautiful scenery and maritime culture, offers a tranquil vacation. Visitors can explore nature on Odongdo Island or admire the city’s landscape from the Yeosu Marine Cable Car. The city is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays, with amazing experiences like La Terrace Winter Village Theme Park providing a magical Christmas atmosphere.
