Hostels and Budget Accommodation in Eastern Asia

Best Party Hostels in TokyoBest Hostels for Solo Travellers in Hong KongBest Hostels for Solo Travellers in TokyoBest Hostels for Solo Travellers in SeoulThe Best Hostels in Japan for Backpackers, Students, and Budget TravellersThe Best Hostels in South Korea for Backpackers and StudentsBest Hostels in Beijing for Solo Travellers, Couples, and GroupsBest Party Hostels in ShanghaiWhere Do Backpackers Stay In China? Hostel ReviewsWhere Do Backpackers Stay In Japan? Hostel Reviews

Types of Accommodation

For the purposes of this article, we'll include China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia in this region. Other Asian countries can be found in other regions including Southeast Asia and Southern Asia.

East Asia covers a large number of countries, with some of the most popular travel destinations being China and Japan. In general, this region is a moderately priced area to visit, with some countries being fairly affordable, while others being pricey (such as Japan). Countries like South Korea and Japan are modern, high tech, and expensive to visit, although not always as expensive as Europe or the U.S. Many parts of China, on the contrary, can be quite affordable. A variety of budget accommodation options are available in all of the countries in the region. Hostels are a popular option with young backpackers and students, who are looking to save as much money as possible while experiencing as much as they can. Hostels usually offer social and fun environments at an affordable price, which appeals to backpackers and young independent travelers. If a hostel isn't your style, then you'll also find some budget hotels and guesthouses in Asia. If you're traveling as a couple and plan to stay in a private room, prices in hostels and budget hotels can be somewhat comparable. The main difference between these two options is that typically hostels offer kitchens and common areas where it's easy to socialize with other guests. Hostels are known for their social setting, so if you want a more quiet and private environment, then a budget hotel may be more your style, but if you're on a particularly tight budget, having access to a kitchen can significantly cut down on costs as you'll be able to cook many of your own meals.

Traveling Alone

Eastern Asia is a popular travel destination with independent and solo travelers. It's not hard to get around many of the countries due to great transportation options, and it's relatively easy to meet fellow backpackers. If you're traveling by yourself, the most affordable accommodation option is usually a dorm in a hostel. The size of the rooms can range from just a couple of beds to dozens of bunk beds. Prices are usually lower in the larger rooms, but the noise is predictably louder. If you're hoping to meet other travelers, look for a hostel that organizes activities for guests, has a lot of common space, and has a kitchen, as meal time is a common time to meet fellow guests.

Looking for a Party

Some travelers head to some East Asian nations specifically for the nightlife. In larger cities like Tokyo and Shanghai, you'll find no shortage of bars and clubs that draw large crowds. It is not hard to find hostels that cater to young backpackers who are prioritizing the nightlife scene. "Party hostels" often have nightly pub crawls, on-site bars, and music. If you're looking for a good night's sleep, then these hostels are best avoided, but if your goal is to hit all of the best bars and clubs, then these hostels are for you.

Dorms vs Private Rooms

In general, hostels in East Asia usually offer both dorms and private rooms. Dorms usually have bunk beds for guests and a shared bathroom that may or may not be attached to the room. In general, dorm beds are the cheapest option for solo travelers. It's also not uncommon for small groups of friends to fill a whole dorm room.

Private rooms appeal more to travelers who have a companion with them. Some rooms have twin beds while others have double beds. Both shared and private bathrooms may be available, but rooms with private bathrooms are typically more expensive. Do note, that just because you're in a private room, it doesn't always mean you'll escape the noise of a social hostel. If a peaceful setting is your priority, you might do better in a private hotel room.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Search for Travel Costs