Posted on Wednesday, 26 June 2024

You crave palm-fringed beaches. You need scorching sunshine. You want to experience exotic temples, smouldering volcanoes, and steamy, wildlife-packed rainforests...

And you want it all without needing a bank loan?

No problem.

Consider these four amazing tropical destinations: they'll fill your heart, without un-filling your wallet…

Vietnam

A key destination on the Southeast Asia backpacker circuit, Vietnam boasts golden sandy beaches, incredible limestone karsts (tall, rocky islets), and enthralling, chaotic cities.

But you don't have to be a backpacker to enjoy this fascinating country: upmarket hotels and resorts are available for those with a slightly bigger budget.

Vietnam is also incredibly friendly - especially if you visit the smaller towns. It's not uncommon to be invited to someone's house for dinner or to join a group for a beer at a street-side bar.

Is Vietnam cheap for a holiday?

Yes, Vietnam is incredibly affordable. Comfortable hotels can be found for around £15 per night. Pay a little more or snag an online deal, and you could find yourself in a 4-star apartment or hotel with a rooftop swimming pool.

Vietnamese food, meanwhile, is delicious and very affordable. Meals tend to be on the small side, but for less than £2 per visit, one can't complain. Vegetarian eateries are also plentiful in every town.

Getting around is also easy on the wallet. A train from Ho Chi Minh in the south to Hanoi in the north costs as little as £35, while a flight will set you back about £60.

The only downside is the flight cost from the UK, but fares are much reduced during the European summer. At the time of writing, it's possible to book a July return flight from London to Ho Chi Minh for £614 (18.06.24; Skyscanner), albeit with extensive layovers.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Right now, Brits get a visa-free stay of 45 days—ample for most visits (not all nationalities get this—Americans have to pay $25 to enter!).

Cambodia

The legendary Angkor Wat temples are reason enough to visit this tropical country, sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam. Next to the temple complex is Siem Reap, an old French colonial town with a hectic party atmosphere, welcoming visitors of all ages from across the globe.

Phnom Penh, the buzzing capital, is also worth spending a few days in, with its recently-renovated gold-painted Royal Palace, pulsating nightlife, and attractive location on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. More sobering excursions include the nearby Killing Fields, where many Cambodians suffered during the genocide of 1975-79.

Hop on the old train south (£7; 4h 40m), and you can spend a few days in sleepy Kampot, where lots of unique accommodation options are available—many of them beside the beautiful, jungle-fringed Preaek Tuek Chhu River. It gives off 'Apocalypse Now' vibes—but with cut-priced cocktails instead of war.

Head southwest to Sihanoukville, and board a ferry to Koh Rong, a stunning island with silk-soft sandy beaches and an unspoilt rainforest interior.

Is Cambodia cheap to visit for a holiday?

Cambodia is almost as cheap as Vietnam, with budget hotels available for around £20 (or £10 if you can sleep without AC). Pay £30-40 and you'll enjoy extras like rooftop pools and bars.

Local meals start at around £2-3, rising to £4-5 for Western/Indian/Middle Eastern dishes. A beer in Cambodia costs around 75p in many restaurants and about £2 in fancy bars.

Transport is very affordable, with a good selection of buses and minivans, but limited train services. Several ride-hailing apps can be downloaded for booking tut-tuks (small, gas-powered taxis).

At the time of writing (18.06.24; Skyscanner), you can fly from London to Phnom Penh for £641 return (5-18 August), albeit with long layovers.

Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?

Yes. You can buy a one-month visa on arrival for $30 USD, plus a 'stamping fee' of between $5 and $15 USD. It's best to bring USD for this to avoid additional overcharging!

You can also buy an "e-visa" online for $36 USD. This is probably easier than getting one on arrival but should be done about a week before you're due to land.

Costa Rica

This stunning Central American nation draws thousands every year thanks to its verdant rainforests, fantastic beaches, and biodiverse wildlife.

And Costa Rica is a winner if you love your adrenaline activities: think zip-lining, cave tubing, river rafting, and canyoning. There are also more than 60 volcanoes, 5 of which are still active.

But it's also fabulous if you want a more chilled-out, nature-based getaway. Here you'll find colourful macaws, cuddly sloths, and giant sea turtles—among many other exotic creatures.

The cities are pretty happening too, particularly San Jose, where you can explore the burgeoning foodie scene (Spanish, Caribbean, and Indigenous-inspired) or sample the equally vibrant craft beer culture.

And if you simply want a tropical beach holiday, Costa Rica has you covered. Many of the pristine beaches are located near hot springs, where you can hop into a geothermal pool after a long day at the beach, followed perhaps, by a massage.

Is it cheap to holiday in Costa Rica?

It's possible to find a comfortable room for around £50 per night (and half that for motel-style accommodation), although this can rise to around £100 if you want things like pool access. If you're saving pennies, you can always opt for hostel dorm rooms or camping, which are as low as £10 per person per night.

For budget dining, street food dishes cost £2-4 and you'll be directly supporting locals. Head to a 'proper' restaurant, and the bill could be closer to back home, at around £10 for a grilled fish or steak (although beer is affordable at £2-3).

However, add sales tax (13%) and service charge (10%), and food bills can mount up.

Flight-wise, we found a return flight (1-14 August) for £772 (as of 18.06.24; Skyscanner), which is only a little more than a ticket to Southeast Asia. However, this example includes long layovers.

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

No. British nationals can enter as a tourist under Costa Rica's visa waiver scheme—with a generous time limit of 180 days.

Indonesia

The vast Republic of Indonesia is tricky to summarise in a short article—not least because it comprises more than 17,000 islands, each with their own character and appeal.

But suffice to say you could return many times to this country and find something new and exciting every time. From smouldering volcanoes to idyllic jungle-clad islands, from temples with intricate carvings to a plethora of spicy, delicious meals—there's something for every taste here.

Then there's Bali, the predominantly Hindu island east of Java. This has long been a mecca for those seeking surfing, beach parties, and spiritual rejuvenation.

Other spellbinding Indonesian islands include the Gillies, Nusa Penida (next to Bali), Lombok, and Sulawesi. Each offers something special, but all boast world-class, undeveloped beaches.

Is it cheap to holiday in Indonesia?

In a word, yes. Even in the tourist hotspot of Bali, you can find a room for £10 per night, often with a pool included. An upmarket hotel can cost as little as £30 per night.

Food-wise, if you stick to local 'warungs', you might pay a couple of pounds for basic nasi goreng. But of course, where there's tourism, there's fast food, beach clubs and Italian bistros, all of which can see your dining bills mount up.

Getting around, meanwhile, is very affordable, similar to Vietnam and Cambodia. Ride-hailing apps are especially cheap, particularly if you're willing to brave the moto-taxis, we're talking about £1 per trip or less!

However, flight costs will dent your holiday budget.

We found a return flight to Denpasar for £872 (1-18 August), but again, this involves long layovers. Prices correct as of 18.06.24 (Skyscanner). That said, the low accommodation and food prices should counteract the airline ticket.

Do you need a visa to visit Indonesia?

Yes. For Brits, a visa on arrival in Indonesia costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (£24). You can pay in GBP, USD, euro, Indonesian rupiah, or by card.

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