Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the top 10 cities with the lowest travel costs in Asia, while by country, Vietnam is the cheapest in Southeast Asia.

At first glance, trips to Asia may seem expensive, with airfares twice as expensive as flights to Europe. But Asia always has surprises for you if you know exactly where to go for affordable prices.

On July 31, the US travel magazine Travel & Leisure announced a list of the 10 cheapest Asian cities to travel to, based on the average round-trip economy class airfare and standard double room rates from June to December from online travel platform Kayak.

Ho Chi Minh City ranked second with an average trip cost of about $1,452. Ethan Crowley, a travel planner at Asia Desk, said there are direct flights from the US to Vietnam, which is significantly convenient for travelers. Round-trip fares start at around $660.

The capital Hanoi ranks ninth, with a total trip cost of around $1,546. Crowley says Vietnam is a destination with good, cheap food and “fantastic” public transport. Accommodation, from budget to luxury, is cheaper than the average in the region.

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