Here is a compiled list of our favourite budget places we stayed throughout Asia. We paid less than 20USD/night, and a majority of them under $15. (Though a lot of the time we negotiated the price/ it was low season/ we were staying a few nights.) None of these places we booked – we just found them while walking or motorbiking, looking for accommodation. I know you can definitely get much cheaper (and we have stayed much cheaper but then cleanliness also goes down), but we these places are the ones that stand out when I think about all the places we have stayed on this trip. They were clean, comfortable and had a nice vibe.
Cambodia
The only place we stayed on this list for under $10. We stayed in one of the cheaper fan rooms at the back of the house. There’s a nice balcony and garden and staff are friendly and helpful. We also rented a motorbike through them for a cheaper price.
Indonesia
Daiuh Guesthouse – Canggu, Bali
The first place we saw when our driver dropped us off in Canggu, we ended up staying here for a month. There are seven rooms here and three outside kitchens. So depending on where your room is, you will share the kitchen with one or two other rooms. While we were there, there were two guys renting out rooms long term and another lady staying for six months. Nice pool, nice owners. There’s air-conditioning but no fan, but we hardly used it and just slept with the door open/curtain closed at night. We checked out a few guesthouses nearby and this was by far the best (especially for the price). For some reason I can’t find this guesthouse online at all, but it is just behind Bootstrap coffee at Jl. Pantai Berawa No.34. You can email Nyoman, the owner at daiuh.guesthouse@gmail.com.
Pool and garden area – Daiuh
Made Oka Homestay and Warung – Munduk, Bali
We arrived at night and were only staying one night so we took the cheapest room, closest to the road, which has a nice patio area. The more expensive rooms are so much nicer, with balconies and spectacular view. If we were not just passing through for the night and had time to relax and enjoy our stay, we would’ve paid for one of the nicer rooms.
View from the restaurant (and better rooms) – Made Oka
Dewi Homestay – Yogyakarta, Java
There are so many homestays in the Sosrowijayan area that look very cramped and unappealing. After arriving at midnight and staying in a box room, we were lucky to walk past Dewi the next morning. Nice garden and well furnished house and rooms. As we were suffering from traveler’s fatigue, we spent most of our time in Yogya just staying in the homestay. Breakfast was a sandwich with egg, tomato and cucumber and a small fruit platter. Decent, but boring after eating it for four days straight.
Asoka Homestay – Senggigi, Lombok
Fairly new place. The owner speaks good English. We liked him and hearing his story. We only stayed for one night as we were just passing through Senggigi on the way to Senaru.
Sri Lanka
Mid Bay – Arugam Bay
Spacious cabanas with outside bathroom and nice patio. Extremely friendly owner. We spent most of our time in Arugam Bay chilling and working here.
Mid Bay cabanas
Adhi’s Place – Ella
We were the second guests to stay at Adhi’s Place. We originally planned to stay just one or two nights in Ella, but ended up staying four because of Tharindu, the owner of this homestay. It was our favourite time in Sri Lanka so far. Definitely recommend to stay here if you want to interact with local people and learn more about Sri Lankan life.
Thameera and Adhi (Tharindu’s wife and son) in front of Adhi’s Place
High Cliffe Hotel – Haputale
Extremely central location, just minutes from the train and bus stations. Great views of Haputale and the surrounding areas. Spacious bathroom and there’s a pub in the hotel.
Amaara Residence – Kandy
My thought when trying to find accommodation in Kandy – ‘ugh, I hate this place’. Most of the hotels here by the southern side of the lake are eyesores, but Amaara has a certain charm. They even have a garden.
Heaven on Earth – Unawatuna
We stayed in one of the upstairs rooms where it was super relaxing and breezy. Perfect for escaping the heat. Birds are always chirping and we spotted monkeys from our bedroom window. The owner can be drunk at times, though doesn’t speak much when he is sober. His wife is lovely but doesn’t speak much English. They have a son and a dog named Tsunami, who likes to come up to the room for a pat.
Thailand
Gap’s House – Chiang Mai
The owner isn’t particularly friendly but she seems nice enough. Perhaps just a bit indifferent. Surroundings are a nice escape, you can easily forget you are right in the middle of Chiang Mai. Breakfast is also included and repetitive – but at least you can mix it up by choosing a different way of having your eggs. Mosquitos galore so you definitely need some good insect repellent.
Brook View Resort – Pai
I loved Brook View. We had such a nice little cabin (with air-conditioning), comfy bed and balcony overlooking greenery. Two nights wasn’t enough. It felt like luxury.
Our Brook View balcony
Vietnam
Definitely recommend all the homestays we stayed at in Hoi An.