Travelling is expensive. And for those looking for the best budget breaks from Singapore, we’ve got the ultimate treat for you. If you’re like us, and you count every shilling on vacation – we’ve decided to narrow down a couple of nearby affordable destinations to drive to or jet off to at a low cost from Singapore. From $1 per night hotels to return flights as low as $50 to exotic pretty places ready to be discovered by you…here’s 18 of the cheapest holidays from Singapore this year.
Cheap holidays from Singapore
1. Laos
The first budget-friendly destination on our list is Laos. Vientiane is just two hours and 50 minutes direct flight from Changi Airport and prices begin at $160 at the time of writing. Laos is known for its French colonial architecture, cultural richness with tribute settlements and Buddhist monasteries, as well as hiking adventures showcasing the best of nature. The capital city of Vientiane offers decent accommodation for as little as $7 per night. Meanwhile, the average cost of food is $6 per day. In fact, Laos is one of the best solo travel ideas in Asia.
2. India
India is another wonderful budget-friendly destination to travel from Singapore this year. Affordable flights are available with many low-cost carriers such as Air India Express reaching India in between five to six hours. Some of the cheapest places to travel to direct from Changi Airport include Chennai, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and New Delhi – with flights starting at as little as $110. India offers a wide range of experiences, from tropical beaches to Himalayan mountains, rich authentic Indian street food, cost-free temples, markets, iconic city landmarks, and more. Definitely, one of the cheapest holidays near Singapore.
3. Da Nang, Vietnam
Fly two hours and 30 minutes to reach the beautiful coastal city of Da Nang in central Vietnam. Indulge on delicious street food and meals from as little as $2, explore cafes and bars, relax on the golden sand beaches, and stay at Vietnam’s top luxury resorts for as little as $16 a night. Yep, you heard that correctly! Da Nang is a popular location for quick access to the famous Bà Nà Hills hiding one of the most instagrammable places in Asia: Golden Hands Bridge. Plus, Hoi An is just 20 minutes drive from Da Nang and it’s one of the most romantic holiday destinations worldwide. Wonderfully, Vietjet Air offers flights for less than $199 return from Singapore.
4. Langkawi, Malaysia
This hidden gem is just one hour and 30 minutes flight from Singapore. The beautiful island of Langkawi is famous for its pristine beaches, natural attractions such as the glistening waterfalls and Langkawi Sky Bridge which boasts the world’s longest standing glass skywalk, as well as duty-free shopping, cheap hotels, delicious food, and more. Definitely, one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hop on a plane for just three hours and 25 minutes to experience the charm of Hanoi in Vietnam. Depending on the time of year, flights can be purchased for less than $120 return, while food and drink costs around $1 or $2. City highlights includes majestic temples, the finest collection of art at Fine Arts Museum, beautiful beaches and you can’t miss a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, to name a few. There’s dozens of cheap backpacker hostels offering stays for just $7 per night, as well as plenty of affordable hotels to staycation in depending on your budget. Certainly, one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore this season.
6. Yangon, Myanmar
The city of Yangon in Myanmar is just a three hour direct flight from Singapore. Explore colourful colonial-era buildings, hop on trishaws, see the most famous Buddhist pagodas in the country, and tick off top attractions like the golden Shwedagon Pavo or Kandawgyi Lake, which boasts impressive views and steeped in history from the British colonial period. Definitely, it’s the perfect adventure for history and culture buffs. Plus, Yangon offers a range of hostels starting at just $6, beers start at $1, and decent cheap meals around $3. Flights can be bought with multiple airlines for under $170 one way.
7. Ipoh, Malaysia
Asia’s most underrated town is hidden in the jungles of Malaysia. The under the radar heritage town of Ipoh is just one hour flight from Singapore. It is rich in history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Famous for its stunning limestone hills, vibrant cave temples, hot springs, water parks, mining culture, boutique cafes serving renowned white coffee, and so much more…you won’t be bored no matter what type of traveller you are. If you want to take the scenic route, you can drive seven hours to this beautiful destination. Learn more via our Ipoh guide.
8. Southern Thailand
Thailand is another budget travel destination for holidaymaking Singaporeans. Why not fly into Krabi or Phuket for less than $130 return in two hours? It’s the perfect weekend trip with friends or your partner. Hop around the islands of Krabi, Phuket, or even do a day trip to Phi Phi Islands to see world-famous landmarks and the best beaches globally. Get your daily dose of sunshine through watersports, seeing exotic elephants, scootering around the islands, and much more. Stay in a hostel for as little as $6 a night or even a hotel for just $20 a night. Plus, food and drinks are super cheap so you won’t come home broke!
9. Bangkok, Thailand
The city of Bangkok is under two hours flight from Changi Airport and flights can be bought for less than $140 return. Enjoy the bustling street life and Asia’s Red Light District in Bangkok, hangout at exhilarating rooftops, Indulge on plates of delicious food for just $6 and opt to stay in hostels to make your vacation even cheaper. Whatever way you decide to spend your money, you’ll surely save a few hundred dollars!
10. Penang, Malaysia
Fly to Penang in just one hour and 20 minutes from Changi Airport for as little as $80 return. In particular, George Town is a fabulous cheap holiday destination. Follow a trail of street art and colonial buildings along the old town, hit up skyscrapers in the new city, hike to Penang Hill, catch a gorgeous sunset at the beaches, to name a few things. Find a cosy hotel for as little as $18 per night and indulge on delicious meals from as little as $5. Definitely, one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore.
11. Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is a three hour and 45 minute flight from Singapore and just so happens to be the gateway to a host of idyllic islands in The Philippines. Enjoy world-class snorkeling experiences, hike to dreamy viewpoints, hop around 167 islands, chase crystal clear blue waterfalls, admire historical landmarks, and more. Select from a range of hostels starting at just $7, while food and drink should only set you back around $20 per day. At present, the cheapest return flights are less than $150 return. Definitely, one of the cheapest beach holidays on our list. Otherwise, Manila is another budget travel destination the same distance in The Philippines.
12. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Our neighbour Malaysia needs no introduction as many of you have probably vacationed here at some point. Although it’s still one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore because you can take a quick cheap flight to Kuala Lumpur in just one hour. Explore the most ig-worthy places in Malaysia, feast on the best local cuisine and stay overnight from $6 in hotels. Otherwise, Malaysia makes the perfect day trip from Singapore.
13. Cambodia
Bags yourself return flights to Phnom Penh for $120 for the ultimate Cambodian experience. Just over two hours flight from Singapore, learn all about the city known as the Pearl Of Asia, explore 20th century colonial French origins, admire famous temples, ride elephants at sunset from a sanctuary, wander rice fields, and so much more. Certainly, a picture-perfect destination in Asia with a host of accommodations starting at just $1 per night while inexpensive restaurant meals set you back around $6. What a bargain!
14. Bali, Indonesia
Why not plan an exotic trip to Bali in Indonesia which is just three hours by flight from Singapore? Discover one of the most romantic destinations worldwide, from beautiful beaches and jungles, to iconic cheap villas, and plenty of ig-worthy corners…it’s the ultimate holiday that can be done on a low budget. Read all about the best things to do in Bali this year.
15. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is another budget-friendly destination to travel to in Asia from Singapore. Located just two hours by flight, travellers can bags themselves cheap flights from as little as $64. While Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to explore for history and culture buffs. Formerly known as Saigon, the city sits on rivers and canals and offers a myriad of exciting activities and accommodations for as little as $5 per night. Definitely, one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore.
16. Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Swap Resorts World in Sentosa for Resorts World Genting hidden in the Malaysian mountains a six hour drive from Singapore. Bus tickets begin at $34 and you can look forward to scenic mountain hikes in the rainforest, unique strawberry farms, charming hotels, and a host of thrilling family-friendly activities. Plus, you can get a cheap hotel room for less than $30 per night between two people.
17. Taiwan
Jet off to Taipei in Taiwan in just four hours with budget flights starting at $190 return. Taiwan is not as cheap as places like Vietnam and Malaysia mentioned on this list, but you can totally travel around on a budget if you plan it well. The country in East Asia is known for beautiful temples, an impressive bamboo-shaped skyscraper in the capital of Taipei, lively street food markets and famous night markets, national parks to explore, and so much more. Most of these attractions can be wandered for free. Hostels are less than $20 per night while average meal prices are $9.
18. Johor Bahru, Malaysia
We all are familiar with Johor Bahru just 44 minutes drive from Singapore. Definitely, this is one of the cheapest holidays on our list so you don’t need to pay for flights to reach JB. Wander the old town on Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, enjoy skyscraper views, telework from a range of beautiful cafes, and visit the instagrammable new Forest City, indulge on the thriving local food scene at lush eateries, and much more. Plus, you can stay overnight from $6. It makes the perfect day trip if you don’t want to stay across the causeway. Find out the best things to do in Johor Bahru.
19. Seoul, South Korea
Those living in Singapore and making a good Singaporean wage will find South Korea incredibly cheap for a vacation. Seoul is six hours by flight from Singapore and return flights are as little as $200. It’s an excellent trip idea for over a public holiday weekend in 2024. Wander the huge metropolis to see famous Korean pop culture, notable street markets, famous landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and much more. If you want to do Seoul on the cheap, you can stay in hostels and eat cheap eats around the city for less than $10.
20. Desaru Coast, Malaysia
Singaporean holidaymakers can hop on a new 90 minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the wonderful Malaysian fishing village of Desaru Coast, known for gorgeous sandy beaches, turquoise waters and some cheap hotels for just $20 a night. Certainly, a perfect weekend trip from Singapore. Read all about the best things to do in Desaru Coast.
SEE MORE: The Best Romantic Destinations To Travel From Singapore