Nestled serenely within the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has lured travelers with its opulent allure. The pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts have made it an icon in high-end travel. Yet, for those with a more budget-conscious spirit, some exotic tourist destinations in the heart of Asia can offer almost similar experiences. Let’s take a look into some of the most popular budget-friendly Asian alternatives to the Maldives. 10 Best Budget-Friendly Alternatives to the Maldives in Asia Phi Phi Islands, Thailand This tropical paradise, along with its mesmerizing blend of stone and sand beaches, is located in the Andaman Sea. Among this island group comprising six distinct islands, Phi Phi Don is renowned for its Monkey Beach and Maya Bay. In the case of spending the night, Tropical Garden Bungalows come with a jungle vibe with modern amenities. The airfare to Phitsanulok, the nearest airport to this place, from Bangladesh starts at USD 230 (BDT 25,264.65 at an exchange rate of USD 1 = BDT 109.85) per person. Meals cost approximately THB 417 or BDT 1,289.45 (THB 1 = BDT 3.09) per day, while local transportation is estimated at THB 253 or BDT 782.33 daily. The average cost for a couple's hotel stay in Koh Phi Phi is THB 2,956 (BDT 9,140.58). Read more: Beach Bucket List: 9 Magnificent Sea Shores in South Asia Koh Lipe, Thailand This hidden gem, located in the Andaman Sea, offers hiking opportunities to take in the island's natural beauty from elevated vantage points. The island provides a variety of amenities, from bars and open-air restaurants to cafes and massage shacks.

Manpura Before 2009, Manpura was just another island on the southern edge of the Meghna River in the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to Giasuddin Selim’s Magnum Opus “Manpura” movie, the island came into the limelight. Ever since the blockbuster, there has been a growing interest in Manpura as a new travel destination.  Here’s everything you need to know about the Manpura island, how to get there, what are the attractions, and many more.  Where is Manpura island?  Manpura island is situated in the northern Bay of Bengal. It borders the exit of the Meghna River into the bay. The island is formally known as Manpura upazila under the Bhola district. It is surrounded by the two of the biggest islands of Bangladesh – Bhola and Hatia.  Read more: Tinap Saitar Waterfall Travel Guide: Visit a pristine natural fountain in Bandarban

Often considered the tropical paradise of the Atlantic, the Bahamas is an archipelago chain consisting of over 700 small islands and cays. The islands offer pristine beaches, serene turquoise water, and a thriving flora and fauna. The Bahamas is known for being the perfect tropical getaway, attracting millions of tourists each year. Let’s look at 10 of the most interesting places to visit and exciting things to do in this Atlantic archipelago.  10 Best Places to Visit in the Bahamas  Nassau  You can start the retreat from the capital of the Bahamas itself, Nassau. Nassau City is known for its history and untainted natural beauty. Almost all major airlines fly into the Lynden Pindling International Airport, located in the heart of Nassau.  Nassau is one of the more crowded destinations in the Bahamas. As a result, the vibrant straw market and the cable beach attract tourists from different countries around the world. From vibrant parties to late-night shenanigans, Nassau has it all. To explore the historic side of things, head over to Fort Charlotte. Read more: These are the countries you can visit visa-free with a Bangladeshi passport in 2023 Accommodation in Nassau will range between 150 to 400 USD per night, depending on the guesthouse or luxury resort.