10 Last Minute Getaway Vacation Spots From As Low as $300
Are you a spontaneous traveller, who loves the thrill of finding a great last minute deal so you can pack your bags and go away for a weekend trip and escape the stresses of work for a while? If you are, we have the perfect solution of you! Read our CheapTickets.sg guide to find out the top 10 last minute getaway vacation spots for you to enjoy from as low as $300!
1. Bangkok, Thailand
We start our list with everyone’s favorite last minute vacation spot, the Thai capital city of Bangkok. No list of budget friendly vacation spots would ever be complete without the inclusion of Bangkok, Thailand. With a great selection of budget carriers making multiple daily flights to the city, a flight to Bangkok is always affordable. And with a whole host of budget hotels or backpacker hostels to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice deciding where to stay for cheap. On top of that, you can be certain that you’ll feast like a King and have your fill of the world’s best street food in this foodie paradise. And, if you need to unwind and relax after all that eating, get a foot massage at one of the many spas in Bangkok and you’ll be sure to have a good sleep after.
2. Kuching, Malaysia
Often overshadowed by other popular cities in Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi, Kuching is a great budget friendly alternatives for travellers looking for an adventurous getaway. Kuching has many exciting and cheap things to do like visiting a local Sarawak village for a cultural experience, or a day-trip to Bako National Park to see rare wildlife and in their natural habitat of a wild rainforest, or a boat-ride to explore the cliffs and rocky coastlines and admire untouched beaches, or to watch the sunset on the Santubong River. Or if your bucket list is to see dolphins, then a trip on the Irrawady Dolphin Morning Cruise is an absolute must-do!
3. Surabaya, Indonesia
Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia, and yet few Singapore tourists come here for a vacation. A visit to Surabaya offers you the chance to explore this cultural hub and get in touch with the local way of living, while enjoying the specialty dishes like spicy soups and curries. Since its a port city, you’ll be treated to wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and the boardwalk is a great spot for watching the sunset. While you’re there, take the midnight hike up to Mount Bromo, Indonesia’s largest active volcano and you’ll be in awe as you see the sunrise when you reach the summit.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular budget friendly cities that Singaporean just love to visit. Visiting Ben Thanh Market is an absolute must when you’re in Ho Chi Minh, and you’ll be able to try local delicacies like pho and fresh spring rolls, and go souvenir hunting for gifts and coffee to bring home. Another popular market in Binh Tay Market, located in Chinatown, which caters more to locals and you’ll be able to get many good bargains here as well. And, if you love to learn more about the history of Vietnam, visit the HCMC Musuem, just a short walk away from the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
5. Yangon, Myanmar
With Myanmar starting to invest heavily in their tourism industry, now is a perfect time to visit Yangon and explore this wonderful city. Offering a whole host of cultural and religious experiences like visiting Shwedagon Pagoda, praying at Sule Pagoda, revering Buddha’s hairs at Botataung Pagoda to seeing the reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda. Or, if you are looking to relax and appreciate nature, take a stroll at Bogyoke Park. And, end the day watching the sunset over Inya Lake. And another great thing about Yangon is, you can take your pick from a wide selection of hostels and budget accomodations, depending on your budget and expectations.
6. Cebu, Philippines
Cebu City is well-known for being close to many stunning islands and beaches like Malapascua Island (great for sunset), Bantanyan Island (great for swimming and camping by the beach), Oslob (known for its snorkeling and diving experience to get up close and personal with whale sharks) and of course Sumilon Island (known for its scenic sandbar and gorgeous blue waters). Cebu is a top destination every January, when they host one of the most popular street festivals in the Philippines, known as Sinulog, where you can party it up with the locals and feast on Lechon, the local roasted pork specialty.
7. Chennai, India
Chennai is home to India’s largest stretch of beach, the Marina Beach, and this will surely be the focal point of your last minute getaway there. With stunning sunsets, delicious street side cuisine and a whole host of activities like horse riding or taking a hot air balloon ride, you’ll be in a for a great time whatever you decide to do. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, visit Muttukadu, where you can take a boat ride out and have a picnic with friends.
8. Hong Kong
Hong Kong, as a bustling city, might seem overwhelming or expensive to visit. But, there are actually many things you can do for free in this city. The top free attraction in this city is its nightly light and sound spectacular along the Victoria Harbour. Get a good spot around the Avenue of Stars for an excellent view of the show. And, if you like hiking, take the trail up to Victoria Peak, where you can stunning photos of the city skyline, for everyone’s favorite price of $0.
9. Guangzhou, China
Many tourists skip Guangzhou in favour of Beijing or Shanghai, but we assure you that you won’t forget a trip here. There are many free fashion events held at T.I.T Creative Industry Zone that will surely entertain you, or you can visit Redtory, an arts village, which has many free exhibits for you to view. And, if you’re looking to get in touch with local culture, take a short bus ride to see Xiaozhou Village. There are also two popular mountains for hiking, Dafo Shan and Baiyun Shan. End the day with a nice stroll along the Pearl River and admire the city skyline.
10. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Despite its close proximity to Singapore, few tourists travel to Brunei. We assure you it’s an excellent choice for a budget weekend getaway and due to lower demand, flights here can be really affordable, even if you book last minute. While you’re there, visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, one of the grandest religious sites in Asia. For a slice of nature, make the trip to Tasek Lama Park, where you can see waterfalls and hike into the jungle trails. The youth hostels here make great places to stay too if you want to save even more money.