Asian city with £1.23 beers named best value long haul destination
Travelling abroad can significantly hurt our bank balances, and it's not often easy to find places to go that offer good value.
After all, when you've shelled out hundreds on flights, and hundreds more on accommodation, you can often feel like you've not left any cash to actually feed yourself - let alone enjoy a few drinks out.
Yet one Asian city is promising travellers and tourists alike more value for their money, with cheap beer, low cost meals and overall food value for the basics whilst exploring a new city.
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Hoi An, in Vietnam, has taken the hot spot at best value, with many visitors heading to it as it's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famed for its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant riverside markets.
The city was once a bustling trading port, and it's become known for the blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French culture. Visitors who head to Vietnam and stop there can enjoy tailor shops, local cuisine, and boat rides as well as a rich history.
According to the Post Office's new Travel Money Long Haul Holiday Report, Hoi An is this year’s top-value destination, beating others around the globe. It previously held the top spot in 2023, but it's risen through the ranks again and it's largely down to the low cost food and drink.
According to the Post Office website: "Our research looked at the cost of everyday holiday items in 30 long haul destinations. They included things like a cup of coffee, a bottle of water, suncream and a three-course meal for two. The totals help show which places offer the best overall value."
The report claims Hoi Ann prices have dropped by about 11 percent, and for the above the total cost came out as £58.81.
Looking specifically at food and drink, local lagers in Hoi Ann cost £1.23 and a can of Coca-Cola just £1.04. Yet it's not the best news if you're more of a wine drinker, as a glass of that costs £4.57 - higher than some of the other locations in the list, and almost the same price as a cocktail, which came in at £4.25. Still, much cheaper than the UK on both fronts.
Chocolate fans can also still get their fix, with small bars costing on average just 57p.
But all in all, eating out won't hurt the bank balance too much, as a three-course evening meal for two adults including a bottle of house wine costs £38.43.
Top 10 best value long haul destinations
1. Hoi An, Vietnam
2. Cape Town, South Africa
3. Bali, Indonesia
4. Mombasa, Kenya
5. Tokyo, Japan
6. Columbo, Sri Lanka
7. Penang, Malysia
8. Delhi, India
9. Phuket, Thailand
10. Santiago, Chile
The list also featured the likes of Cape Town, South Africa, and Bali, Indonesia, taking second and third place respectively.
It's no wonder, given a three-course meal with wine costs just £35.48 in Bali, making it the cheapest in the survey.
Niamh Spence