Best Places in Asia to Travel When the Dollar is Weak

Would-be vacationers hoping to hop to another continent from the US are being stymied by the weakness of the US Dollar on the currency exchange markets. With the Euro rising to new heights against the dollar, that trip to Italy you've always dreamed about has to be postponed, unless you can afford to double your travel expenses.

Is international travel beyond the means of American tourists?

In Asia, there are plenty of places where coming from the land of the USD is not a negative. These haunts are either cheap to begin with or countries where the dollar has managed to maintain a favorable exchange rate. Asia, East Asia in particular, offers anyone with a bad case of wanderlust to go abroad without worrying about global economics and currency markets.

1. Hong Kong is not cheap, but your dollar will go just as far as it always has. The Hong Kong Dollar is loosely tied to the USD, so the exchange rate has not gone downhill as fast as it has in other countries. Hong Kong is a great place to get a good deal on luxury. Le Meridian Hong Kong has harbor view rooms and an ultra-hip vibe that will set you back $200 per night. That's definitely a deal when compared to similar hotels worldwide. And then there is the shopping. Hong Kong is a shopper's fantasy, with brand name boutiques, qualities copies of those labels, handcrafts, and a vibrant food scene. Also, across the border in the mainland city of Shenzhen, the prices are even cheaper than in Hong Kong. Just don't expect those Nike shorts to be authentic. And, with all those pictures of crowded Kowloon streets, visitors might be forgiven for thinking that Hong Kong is one massive urban area. That is not so. A majority of the territory is rural, with picturesque mountains and wind-swept islands. Outdoor adventures in the Hong Kong and Shenzhen area are cheap and fun.

2. Vietnam, like its mainland Southeast Asian neighbors, still offers a favorable exchange rate for US Dollar users. At 16,000 Vietnamese Dong to $1US, the price of a dong is much lower now than it was five years ago. Add to that the fact that Vietnam is a cheap place to visit to being with. A room at one of Ho Chi Minh City's finest hotels, The Rex, The Caravelle, or The Continental, will run under $200 per night. That's well below the price for an equivalent accommodation in Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Tokyo. And if you are on a strict budget, a $15-$20 per night guesthouse will offer basic but clean two-star rooms and services. Local restaurants and food stalls provide good and authentic food for less than the price of a Big Mac. Add to that the fact that there are plenty of museums and a vibrant nightlife. Vietnam arguably has the perfect mix of cheap prices and exciting attractions.

3. Cambodia is coming into its own as a tourist destination. A history of conflict left this Southeast Asian nation without much infrastructure for its own citizens, let alone for tourists. However, that is all changing. Investors are pouring money into the country (which recently announced plans to open its own stock market) hoping to cash in on the new Asian economic boom. Still, the exchange rate between the riel and the dollar remains favorable. Phnom Penh is a growing city with temples, markets, and a cool riverfront district with cafés and bars. A few hours north lies Angkor Wat, one of Southeast Asia's most famous destinations. The massive temple complex warrants a multiple day stay in Siam Reap, the neighboring town.

4. Thailand's political woes have been in the news lately, but the government's shenanigans have not dampened the tourist trade. Thailand's baht has a decent rate of exchange with the US dollar, and there are plenty of deals to be had in the city's markets, restaurants, and hotels. Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of Asia's biggest. Each Saturday and Sunday you can bargain for just about anything you could possibly dream of and plenty of stuff you that is beyond imagination. Bangkok's Khao Sarn Road offers budget travelers a hip and cheap place to toss their backpacks. On the other end of the spectrum are luxury names like the Peninsula. Luxury in Bangkok is not as expensive as Hong Kong, and Thailand's knack for providing superior service makes this a great place to come to be pampered.

5. Laos is considered by backpackers to be Southeast Asia's last frontier. It has managed to retain its quaint and sleepy atmosphere even as its neighbors were going through the cycle of economic ups and downs. The local currency, the kip, is worth little compared to the USD, so prices will seem cheap even if the dollar has fallen in value. The capital of Laos, Vientiane is a sleepy city of French-flavored cafés, aged temples, and the mighty Mekong River. The ancient city of Luang Prabang is packed with temples and infused with a peaceful vibe. Laos is number one on many Southeast Asian tourists' lists because of its blend of relaxation, culture, and friendliness.

6. Singapore is not a cheap place to visit. But it is clean and very, very safe. While traveling cheaply in many counties means staying in dangerous underbellies, that is not the case in Singapore. The cheap areas of town, even the red light districts, are as safe as anywhere. Rooms in guesthouses off the beaten path can be had for as little as $30 per night. And the food is second to none. Because of its blend of Indian, Malay, and Chinese culture, Singapore's eating scene escapes definition. It will have to suffice to say that if you love to eat (and eat cheaply) Singapore's many hawker centers (food courts) will rank somewhere between heaven and just below heaven. A meal at one of these centers will not run above $10.

7. Malaysia lies somewhere in between Singapore and Thailand in terms of price. It is possible to move around cheaply and to find tasteful budget accommodation. The shopping and eating are equivalent to Singapore in quality, but closer to Thailand in terms of price (that is to say, cheaper). Another positive about Malaysia (and Singapore too) is that English is widely spoken. There is no need to tote a phrasebook everywhere you go.

8. The Philippines has long been tied to the US politically and economically. This relationship continues to be the case today. Though Manila is a sprawling and intimidating city, there are areas that offer upscale shopping at less than upscale prices (example, Ermita). There are plenty of beaches in this island nation, so the idea of parking yourself in a bungalow for $25 per night can easily become a reality.

A tour around Southeast Asia is a good way to combine the sights and favorable exchange rates of several countries into a once-in-a-life-time vacation. Vietnam is adjacent to Cambodia, which is next to Thailand. These three countries offer plenty of culture, the opportunity to sleep and eat cheaply, and the chance to enjoy a bit of luxury should you choose.

Another option is to move from Thailand to Malaysia to Singapore via train. This itinerary is a must for those who love Southeast Asian cuisine. Street food in all three places is cheap, clean, and of high quality.

While the soaring Euro might take a European vacation of the agenda, East Asia is waiting, with plenty to do and a favorable rate of exchange.

Flights

Hotels

Cars

From (City/Airport)

To (City/Airport)

Departure Date

Return Date

Number of Tickets