Everyone thinks flying to Southeast Asia costs a fortune, but I’ve got good news. After weeks of obsessive flight searching (let’s not talk about my screen time), I just booked Vietnam for a $650 round trip. Right now I’m sitting in a tiny plastic chair in Hanoi, eating the best pho of my life, still amazed at how I got here so cheap.
These are the best places in Southeast Asia that won’t wreck your bank account. I snagged a $700 ticket to Bangkok last month and spent mornings watching boats cruise past golden temples while eating street food that costs less than my usual coffee order. No wild promises here, just real flight deals I’ve found that’ll get you exploring this incredible corner of the world.
#1 tip to find cheap flights to Southeast Asia
Looking for cheap flights to Southeast Asia? Before diving into all the top cities and airports to fly to Southeast Asia, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.
For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $699 roundtrip fare from Boston to Bangkok.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Southeast Asia flights in 2025.
Cheapest Flights from the US to Southeast Asia
Looking for the cheapest flights from the US to Southeast Asia? Visit Malaysia for its vibrant cities and stunning islands, Thailand for its rich culture and bustling street markets, Singapore for its modern skyline and diverse cuisine, and Indonesia for its breathtaking beaches and lush jungles. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly travel options in Southeast Asia.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ($620–$780 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 20-24 hours (typically with 1-2 stops)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, ANA
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February 🌞 and June to August 🌴 for drier weather and festivals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍜, architecture lovers 🏙️, budget explorers 💰
Kuala Lumpur is basically a city on steroids where futuristic skyscrapers tower over colonial buildings and street markets that never sleep. This place serves up the perfect mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures without emptying your wallet.
The Petronas Twin Towers are ridiculously photogenic (hello, new profile pic!), while Batu Caves with its 272 rainbow-colored steps is worth every bit of quad burn. Hungry? Jalan Alor is food heaven where you can feast like royalty for pocket change, and Central Market is where you’ll find all those cool souvenirs your friends will actually be jealous of.
Book 3-4 months ahead to snag those $620 deals that make KL one of the cheapest Southeast Asian destinations from the US. East Coast travelers usually score better deals with Qatar Airways or Emirates, while West Coast folks can find bargains with ANA or Cathay Pacific.
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- You may also like: Magical Southeast Asia Destinations
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
2. Bangkok, Thailand ($650–$790 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 19-22 hours (typically with 1 stop)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Korean Air, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February 🌞 and August to October 🌧️ for lower humidity and better deals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Temple explorers 🏯, foodies 🍲, night owls 🌃
Bangkok is pure sensory overload in the best possible way. This city never stops moving with its glittering temples, crazy street food scene, and nightlife that kicks into high gear when most cities are going to sleep.
The Grand Palace complex will make your jaw drop with gold everything, while Wat Pho houses that massive reclining Buddha you’ve definitely seen on Instagram. When you’re ready to shop, Chatuchak Weekend Market is literally the size of several football fields with prices so low you’ll think they’re typos. After dark, Khao San Road transforms into backpacker paradise where you can grab pad thai from a street vendor for just $2 and cold Chang beers for even less.
Flights to Bangkok regularly dip to $650 if you book 2-3 months ahead. Aim for November to snag both perfect weather and killer deals.
- Read Next: Best Airlines to Fly to Thailand
3. Singapore ($670–$820 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 18-22 hours (usually with 1 stop)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Singapore Airlines, United, Japan Airlines, Emirates
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to April 🌞 and July to September 🌦️ for drier weather and city-wide events
- 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🌆, luxury shoppers 🛍️, clean freaks 🧼
Singapore is basically the future with its impossibly clean streets, jaw-dropping architecture, and food that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about Asian cuisine.
Gardens by the Bay looks like it’s straight out of Avatar with those massive Supertrees that light up at night, while Marina Bay Sands with its iconic rooftop infinity pool is the definition of #travelgoals. Hit up Hawker Centers like Maxwell Food Centre for the cheapest Michelin-starred meal you’ll ever eat (chicken rice for $4!), then walk it off along the pristine waterfront at Marina Bay.
Visit in months like February or July when the humid season tapers off but prices haven’t spiked yet. Flights usually drop to around $670 during shoulder season, especially if you book 3-4 months out.
4. Jakarta, Indonesia ($600–$750 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 20-24 hours (typically with 1-2 stops)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Qatar Airways
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and April to October 🍂 for drier weather and cultural events
- 🏆 Perfect for: Urban adventurers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍜, off-the-beaten-path travelers 🗺️
Jakarta is chaotic energy personified with its wild mix of skyscrapers, street food stalls, and shopping malls that seem to multiply overnight.
Monas (the National Monument) towers over the city like Indonesia‘s version of the Washington Monument, while Kota Tua (Old Town) lets you step back into the country’s Dutch colonial past. For serious shopping vibes, Grand Indonesia mall is absurdly huge with everything from luxury brands to local finds at prices that’ll make you want to buy an extra suitcase.
Early June is the sweet spot for travel, when you’ll dodge both monsoon season and the summer tourist rush. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific typically offer the best connections from West Coast cities, while Qatar Airways runs competitive deals from the East Coast.
Once you land, Jakarta serves as the perfect jumping-off point to explore Java, Sumatra, or hop a quick flight to Bali for less than $60!
5. Manila, Philippines ($580–$730 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 15-19 hours (typically with 1 stop)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Philippine Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, EVA Air
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to May 🌞 and November to December 🎄 for drier weather and festive seasons
- 🏆 Perfect for: Island hoppers 🏝️, history buffs 🏛️, bargain hunters 💸
Manila is a wild ride of contrasts where Spanish colonial charm meets Asian megacity energy. This sprawling metropolis serves as your gateway to over 7,000 islands without decimating your bank account.
Intramuros (the Walled City) takes you back to the Spanish era with its centuries-old churches and fortresses, while Rizal Park offers a much-needed green escape from the urban hustle. Shop till you drop at SM Mall of Asia, one of the world’s largest shopping centers where you can score incredible deals on everything.
Mid-January hits the travel sweet spot with perfect 80-degree days, minimal rain, and post-holiday fare drops.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to the Philippines
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6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ($620–$770 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 18-22 hours (typically with 1-2 stops)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Korean Air, EVA Air, ANA, Qatar Airways
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April 🌞 and February to May 🌷 for drier weather and local celebrations
- 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏛️, coffee addicts ☕, street food enthusiasts 🍜
Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by locals) is sensory overload in the best possible way. This frenetic metropolis blends French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers and thousands of motorbikes zooming through its streets.
The War Remnants Museum delivers a sobering but essential look at Vietnam’s complex history, while Ben Thanh Market is shopping paradise where your bargaining skills will be put to the test. Coffee culture here is next level, with tiny plastic stools lining the sidewalks outside places like Cafe Apartment, a retro building converted into dozens of unique cafes. Don’t even think about leaving without slurping down a bowl of authentic pho on a street corner for just $2!
Scoring a $620 flight to Vietnam is basically winning the travel lottery. The weather sweet spot? Late February, when you’ll catch the tail end of Tết celebrations without peak tourist crowds or rainy season downpours.
7. Bali, Indonesia ($650–$800 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 22-30 hours (typically with 2 stops)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October 🌞 and May to June 🏄♀️ for drier days and prime surfing conditions
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, spiritual seekers 🧘, Instagram enthusiasts 📸
Bali is that rare place that actually lives up to the hype, with its perfect mix of stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and spiritual vibes.
Ubud delivers those iconic rice field views you’ve been drooling over on social media, while Uluwatu Temple perched dramatically on ocean cliffs will make even your least impressed friends jealous. Beach hopping is mandatory, from the surf paradise of Canggu to the pristine shores of Nusa Penida where you can snorkel with manta rays for under $30.
Flights to Bali drop to $650 during shoulder season if you book 4-5 months out. Early September is the sweet spot with perfect weather, fewer tourists, and falling prices.
- Read Next: Bali Road Trip Bucket List Itinerary
8. Phuket, Thailand ($660–$820 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 20-25 hours (typically with 2 stops)
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌞 and December to March 🏝️ for sunny days and calm seas
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach bums 🏖️, party animals 🎉, island hoppers ⛵
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and basically paradise on earth with its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and nightlife that never quits.
Patong Beach brings the party vibes 24/7, while Phi Phi Islands (just a short boat ride away) serves up those postcard-perfect views from “The Beach” movie. For a more chill experience, Kata Noi offers pristine sands without the crowds. Don’t miss the giant Big Buddha for panoramic island views or Old Phuket Town for colorful colonial architecture and street food that’ll cost you less than $5 for an incredible meal.
You can score $660 flights to Phuket if you book during winter sales for travel in November, right at the start of dry season before holiday prices kick in. Emirates and Qatar Airways often have competitive deals from the East Coast, while Korean Air runs regular sales from West Coast cities.
- Read Next: 10 Best Airlines to Fly to Asia
