DestinationsThe dipping dong and lower local prices boost spending power in Vietnam.

Which holiday destinations are the best value for money?

By Travel Weekly Asia

|

Jun 27, 2024

|

Lower restaurant and bar charges aided by the fall in the value of the Vietnamese dong drove Hoi An to top a table of the world’s cheapest destinations.

Lower restaurant and bar charges aided by the fall in the value of the Vietnamese dong drove Hoi An to top a table of the world’s cheapest destinations. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Sergii Figurnyi

The rising popularity of Vietnam as a holiday destination has been given a further boost in the 18th annual Holiday Money Report from the UK PostOffice.

The report looks at factors likely to influence holiday decision-making in 2024, from exchange rates to dining and tourist attraction costs.

Hoi An in Vietnam was this year’s chart topper thanks to lower restaurant and bar charges, helped by the fall in the value of the Vietnamese dong against the British pound.

The 2024 report by Post Office places Cape Town, last year’s winner, in second place, ahead of Mombassa in Kenya and Tokyo in Japan.

The cheapest destinations in the world, according to Post Office:

Hoi An, Vietnam
Cape Town, South Africa
Mombasa, Kenya
Tokyo, Japan
Algarve, Portugal
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Kuta, Bali
Marmaris, Turkey
Paphos, Cyprus

The most expensive destinations in the world, according to Post Office:

Tamarindo, Costa Rica
New York, USA
St John's, Antigua
Rodney Bay, St Lucia
Bridgetown, Barbados
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Scarborough, Tobago
Cancun, Mexico
Darwin, Australia
Punta Cana, Dominican Rep

Related NewsPrevious Next Previous Next

Extreme heat warnings are in place for Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Spain and the UK.

It’s looking to be a scorching hot summer for EuropeExtreme heatwave is melting national records – and travel plans – across Western Europe.

The initiative seeks to develop deeper, more differentiated itineraries for the growing repeat-visitor segment.

Taiwan to offer US$250 bonus for returning touristsReturning visitors may receive up to NT$8,000 in travel incentives under a new programme.

Malaysia stays on top for Muslim travel, but the rules are changing.

The world's top destinations for Muslim travellers in 2026Southeast Asia leads the way in Muslim-friendly travel, but more destinations are now competing for the Muslim travel dollar.

The passenger service charge for international departures has increased to 1,120 baht from the previous 730 baht.

It’s official: Flying out of Thailand now costs moreThe 53% jump in international departure fees applies across six major airports since 20 June.

One of the stunning white sand beaches on Jaco Island located in the Nino Konis Santana National Park.

Timor-Leste now has its first UNESCO-listed siteNino Konis Santana National Park's new status shines a spotlight on the country's rich biodiversity and ecotourism potential.

Macao’s huge tourism development plans will focus on exhibitions, performing art and smart technology.

Macao unveils vision for new tourism and cultural waterfrontA series of major projects could transform underutilised waterfront areas into new centres for events, arts and entertainment.

Fans of K-Pop boyband BTS will recognise Jimin and Jungkook immediately.

Where K-Pop is creating South Korea's new tourism hotspotsFrom Jeju to Gwangju, these are the top travel hits to include for fandom-driven visitors.

Starting 7 July, visitors will arrive at the renamed Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.

Noto lying, this is Japan's real-life Pokémon townPost-quake Noto Peninsula sees a playful makeover of the peninsula's airport, buses and attractions.

A UNESCO Global Geopark off Sumatra's eastern coast, Belitung embraces a slow, peaceful rhythm where nature leads the way.

Belitung, Indonesia's lesser-known island is stepping into the spotlightWith direct flights from Singapore restored, Belitung is attracting renewed interest from travellers and travel advisors alike.

Some visitors even set up barbecues to cook caught marine life on the spot.

New Zealand cracks down on ‘bucket tourists’ at beaches'Free seafood buffet’ goes too far in Auckland as marine foraging trend strips the coasts bare.

Night-time view of Boat Quay, along the iconic Singapore River.

Singapore lifts bans for new hotels in heritage precinctsRelaxed hospitality development rules could see the city centre becoming even more vibrant.

WTTC says the outbreak remains confined to specific areas and should not trigger unnecessary disruption to African travel.

WTTC urges calm over Ebola concernsFacts, not fear, should guide Ebola travel response, says the global tourism body.

Osaka recorded 70 million yen in unpaid tourist medical bills in 2024. Pictured: JCHO Osaka Hospital

Please pay your medical bills before leaving, Osaka tells touristsJapan steps up travel insurance appeal amid mounting unpaid medical costs from overseas visitors.

Asian travellers escaping the tropics during New Zealand’s June to August winter season are drawn to Queenstown's alpine landscapes, skiing and adventure activities, but also arts and culture activities.

New Zealand is riding the ‘coolcation’ wave from AsiaTourism players in NZ see rising interest from Asian leisure and incentive groups amid an uncertain global travel outlook.

The LuxAtolls site helps agents to understand the many ‘moving parts’ of Maldives pricing.

New index highlights huge cost gap among Maldives resortsPricing index by LuxAtolls helps to close the gap between perception and reality.

View of Corvara in Badia Street, where Hotel Sassongher is located. Tourist case dismissed as five-star hotel’s restaurant did not break laws, rules top court.

Is it a must for Italy's hotels to serve free tap water?Italy's highest court says no, after a tourist loses legal battle over tap water at luxury hotel.

A new city campaign in Hanoi attempts to reclaim the sidewalks for pedestrians.

Vietnam’s street food is facing the chopCould the days of slurping noodles and sipping drip coffee on tiny roadside stools soon be numbered?

Hotel occupancies in Thailand’s southern coastal resorts have dipped below 40%.

Struggling Pattaya hoteliers call for helpGovernment urged to look at pandemic-era remedies to arrest occupancy slump.

Multiple routes into Kota Kinabalu had been affected by route suspensions and reduced frequencies.

Sabah adjusts tourism strategy amid flight cutsKey regional and domestic destinations with established connectivity will be prioritised.

Singapore is moving to expand its cruise infrastructure to support rising homeport and transit traffic.

New cruise terminal, precinct makeovers drive Singapore's tourism futureA new integrated cruise facility, a reimagined Sentosa and a refreshed Orchard Road are set to reshape Singapore’s visitor...

Extreme heat warnings are in place for Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Spain and the UK.

It’s looking to be a scorching hot summer for EuropeExtreme heatwave is melting national records – and travel plans – across Western Europe.

The initiative seeks to develop deeper, more differentiated itineraries for the growing repeat-visitor segment.

Taiwan to offer US$250 bonus for returning touristsReturning visitors may receive up to NT$8,000 in travel incentives under a new programme.

Malaysia stays on top for Muslim travel, but the rules are changing.

The world's top destinations for Muslim travellers in 2026Southeast Asia leads the way in Muslim-friendly travel, but more destinations are now competing for the Muslim travel dollar.

The passenger service charge for international departures has increased to 1,120 baht from the previous 730 baht.

It’s official: Flying out of Thailand now costs moreThe 53% jump in international departure fees applies across six major airports since 20 June.

One of the stunning white sand beaches on Jaco Island located in the Nino Konis Santana National Park.

Timor-Leste now has its first UNESCO-listed siteNino Konis Santana National Park's new status shines a spotlight on the country's rich biodiversity and ecotourism potential.

Macao’s huge tourism development plans will focus on exhibitions, performing art and smart technology.

Macao unveils vision for new tourism and cultural waterfrontA series of major projects could transform underutilised waterfront areas into new centres for events, arts and entertainment.

Fans of K-Pop boyband BTS will recognise Jimin and Jungkook immediately.

Where K-Pop is creating South Korea's new tourism hotspotsFrom Jeju to Gwangju, these are the top travel hits to include for fandom-driven visitors.

Starting 7 July, visitors will arrive at the renamed Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.

Noto lying, this is Japan's real-life Pokémon townPost-quake Noto Peninsula sees a playful makeover of the peninsula's airport, buses and attractions.

A UNESCO Global Geopark off Sumatra's eastern coast, Belitung embraces a slow, peaceful rhythm where nature leads the way.

Belitung, Indonesia's lesser-known island is stepping into the spotlightWith direct flights from Singapore restored, Belitung is attracting renewed interest from travellers and travel advisors alike.

Some visitors even set up barbecues to cook caught marine life on the spot.

New Zealand cracks down on ‘bucket tourists’ at beaches'Free seafood buffet’ goes too far in Auckland as marine foraging trend strips the coasts bare.

Night-time view of Boat Quay, along the iconic Singapore River.

Singapore lifts bans for new hotels in heritage precinctsRelaxed hospitality development rules could see the city centre becoming even more vibrant.

WTTC says the outbreak remains confined to specific areas and should not trigger unnecessary disruption to African travel.

WTTC urges calm over Ebola concernsFacts, not fear, should guide Ebola travel response, says the global tourism body.

Osaka recorded 70 million yen in unpaid tourist medical bills in 2024. Pictured: JCHO Osaka Hospital

Please pay your medical bills before leaving, Osaka tells touristsJapan steps up travel insurance appeal amid mounting unpaid medical costs from overseas visitors.

Asian travellers escaping the tropics during New Zealand’s June to August winter season are drawn to Queenstown's alpine landscapes, skiing and adventure activities, but also arts and culture activities.

New Zealand is riding the ‘coolcation’ wave from AsiaTourism players in NZ see rising interest from Asian leisure and incentive groups amid an uncertain global travel outlook.

The LuxAtolls site helps agents to understand the many ‘moving parts’ of Maldives pricing.

New index highlights huge cost gap among Maldives resortsPricing index by LuxAtolls helps to close the gap between perception and reality.

View of Corvara in Badia Street, where Hotel Sassongher is located. Tourist case dismissed as five-star hotel’s restaurant did not break laws, rules top court.

Is it a must for Italy's hotels to serve free tap water?Italy's highest court says no, after a tourist loses legal battle over tap water at luxury hotel.

A new city campaign in Hanoi attempts to reclaim the sidewalks for pedestrians.

Vietnam’s street food is facing the chopCould the days of slurping noodles and sipping drip coffee on tiny roadside stools soon be numbered?

Hotel occupancies in Thailand’s southern coastal resorts have dipped below 40%.

Struggling Pattaya hoteliers call for helpGovernment urged to look at pandemic-era remedies to arrest occupancy slump.

Multiple routes into Kota Kinabalu had been affected by route suspensions and reduced frequencies.

Sabah adjusts tourism strategy amid flight cutsKey regional and domestic destinations with established connectivity will be prioritised.

Singapore is moving to expand its cruise infrastructure to support rising homeport and transit traffic.

New cruise terminal, precinct makeovers drive Singapore's tourism futureA new integrated cruise facility, a reimagined Sentosa and a refreshed Orchard Road are set to reshape Singapore’s visitor...