From Bali to Bangkok, Southeast Asia is home to a few key destinations that continually capture thousands of travelers’ attention. The culture, food, historical attractions and wellness retreats don’t even begin to scratch the surface of what makes these destinations enthralling, and yet there’s another perk largely unmentioned by the industry: affordable luxury. It might sound like an oxymoron, but the region truly offers some of the best high-end experiences for a fraction of the cost. Read on to learn how you can find affordable luxury on your next getaway to Southeast Asia.
What Does the Luxury Landscape Look Like?
As most advisors understand, luxury looks and means something different to every client. And while it sounds too good to be true, it’s easy to customize itineraries across a variety of the region’s destinations. High-end clients can find the most lavish experiences and accommodations, while the everyday traveler can book an elevated alternative that compares in price to the basics in the U.S. Countries in Southeast Asia also have a reputation for getting visitors the most bang for their buck. A nightly rate at a five-star property might seem pricey, but when guests break down the value of what they’re getting in addition to the room, it proves well worth the cost.
Naturally, some of the fan-favorite cities in the region can lean into higher price points because of their popularity. Factors like visiting during peak season can impact the final cost, though travelers will likely be surprised to find that even maximum pricing is reasonable. As an underrated hack, travelers should consider Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos for their next vacation, as these destinations are frequently cited as some of the cheapest in the region, regardless of the time of year.
Hotels and Accommodations
Butler service, modern amenities, expansive rooms, chic décor and opulent furnishings — these qualities are often what travelers associate with traditional luxury hotel experiences. In Southeast Asia, these traits are standard at many mid-range properties, exuding a high-end feel that makes guests feel ritzy without the outlandish price tag.
A quick sweep of the Internet will prove how easily advisors can match clients to beautiful hotels within their price range; consider the example of The Apricot Hotel in Hanoi. It’s a five-star property in the heart of the capital city, located minutes away from the beloved Old and French Quarters. It boasts a neoclassical design with dramatic views overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and offers guests access to the rooftop pool and bar, on-site restaurants, airport shuttle service and bookable tours. The cost for one night in the Deluxe Sketch King room? $120.
Or consider a stay in Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, a five-star hotel in the World of Hyatt’s portfolio. Situated in the Bangsar district and conveniently located near Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station for easy access around the city, Alila Bangsar has a clean, contemporary feel. The elaborate on-site dining options combined with the understated wood and dark tones throughout the rooms give the hotel an air of elevated luxury, though in reality, a 1 King Bed Studio (with a Bed and Breakfast add-on) lands at only $132 per night.
Comparing what guests would pay for an equivalent property in cities like Chicago, Boston or New York, it becomes much clearer the value clients get in Southeast Asia. Even properties around the region that fall in the $250-300 range for one night typically include extra perks or amenities that make the upgrade worthwhile.
Experiences
A key part of any travel experience, no matter where you are in the world, is the activities and excursions that fill up the itinerary. Not just the ones where visitors capitalize on free museum entry or stroll through a public garden, but the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that create unforgettable memories. In Southeast Asia, travelers get the best of both worlds.
Bucket-list excursions like a boat ride exploring Thailand’s picturesque Phang Nga Bay are within reach. For a seven-hour tour through these cerulean waters, time to wander hidden caves, island hopping to James Bond Island and a meal, the local Thai agency, Oh-Hoo, is currently charging $51 per person. A five-hour bamboo weaving and cooking class in Luang Prabang, Laos — which includes pickup from the hotel and all ingredients and supplies — runs for a mere $40, while a stunning Angkor Wat sunrise tour in Cambodia costs $20.
And just because these remarkable experiences are extremely affordable doesn’t mean travelers have to sacrifice on quality. Professional guides accompany tours, knowledgeable group leaders instruct the classes and agencies cap the number of participants for a more immersive experience, ensuring visitors are comfortable and can properly enjoy each excursion.
Food and Dining
If you or your clients have ever thought about dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the United States but were discouraged by the $300+ tasting menus, Southeast Asia is for you. In fact, Singapore was most recently home to the cheapest establishment with a Michelin star: Liao Fan Hawker Chan. While the restaurant lost its designation in 2021, the top-notch traditional dishes continue to draw thousands of foodies from around the world. A meal here averages $3-4! Diners who want a more traditional Michelin-level dining experience can still find that within Southeast Asia, too. In Kuala Lumpur, the fine dining establishment, Shu, specializes in a single tasting menu, focusing on food inspired by the Chinese diaspora, seasonal produce and modern European preparation techniques. The experience costs around $132, though compared to the $300 price tag for a similar menu in the U.S., it really is a bargain.
Wellness
Big-ticket items like wellness retreats or classes are often off the table for the everyday traveler, as the price for a single treatment or stay exceeds their budget. Naturally, in line with all the other advantages of traveling to Southeast Asia, affordable wellness experiences are a great add-on to any vacation. Some retreats, like the three-day meditation and yoga package with Empower Balance in Indonesia, run for $342 — that’s including three organic meals a day, daily sessions, massages, cultural excursions in Bali and airport transfers. Fusion Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam currently charges $300 per night for a chic suite with the all-spa inclusive package. Picture a secluded room with a garden and terrace, a sun-filled en-suite bathroom and a floating tub, in addition to daily breakfast, a nightly spa treatment, unlimited yoga, meditation and tai chi classes, free airport transfers and use of the resort facilities and wellness activities, all wrapped into the price.
These are the kinds of deals vacationers can find with a quick glance online. Take some additional time to book during low seasons or with other discounts, and there’s no limit on what a luxurious trip to Southeast Asia can look like.
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