With all the promos and seat sales these days, it can pretty overwhelming to decide which out-of-the country destination to visit. For first-time travelers from the Philippines who want to build up their travel experience, the easiest way to start traveling is to focus on neighboring countries around Asia. Not only are most of our Asian neighbors Visa-Free to enter, they also have pretty budget-friendly and unique attractions to visit that will give you value for your hard-earned money.

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or you’re embarking on a solo trip, the countries and special territories below are relatively easy for Filipino travelers to explore. You can easily score cheap flights to get there from Manila especially with budget carriers, enjoy cheap yet delicious street food, and visit beautiful world-class natural wonders and architectural wonders for free or for minimal fees.

Thailand

For international travelers, Thailand is often the start of the backpacking trail of Asia as you can travel overland to other countries like Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia from here. Thailand’s capital Bangkok is a top travel hub that is renowned for its rich culture, tourist-friendly facilities, accessibility, and affordability.

You can score cheap flights including Piso fares coming from Manila, making this a good choice for first-time travelers on a budget. For Philippine passport holders, Thailand is Visa-Free for 30 Days.

Things to Do: Visit Grand Palace and other temples, shop at the floating market, ride a tuktuk, enjoy night life at Khao San Road, go food-tripping on Thai food, shop at Chatuchak and other weekend markets, get a Thai massage. 

Singapore

The island country of Singapore is known for its highly advanced technology, with modern shopping malls, and hi-tech amusement parks. Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, so you can experience a variety of arts, culture, food, and more here.

This compact island has a lot of family-friendly attractions and a highly efficient public transport system, making it easy for families with small kids to get around. Philippine passport holders can go around Singapore visa free for 30 Days.

Things to Do: Visit Gardens by the Bay, stroll around Marina Bay, Visit Universal Studios and Sentosa, Ride the Singapore Flyer, explore Chinatown, the Arab District and Little India, Visit Zoos and parks, Go shopping

Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is an urban getaway with vibrant city streets, diverse dining options, affordable shopping, and other fun tourist attractions.

For Philippine nationals, visiting Hong Kong is visa-free for transit, tourism or business with a stay of no more than 14 days, making it a good choice for those looking for a foreign destination for short vacations, family getaways, and long weekends with friends. Pinoy travelers can stay in Hong Kong visa free for 14 days.

Things to Do: Visit Victoria Harbour, Spend the Day at Hong Kong Disneyland, Walk along Tsim Tsa Shui Promenade, Cruise around Aberdeen Fishing Village, Go Shopping, Hunt for bargains at Sham Shui Po district 

Taiwan

Taiwan is a multi-island territory best known for its modern cities, traditional Chinese temples, hot springs resorts and mountainous terrain. Its capital Taipei is home to historical attractions, landmarks, and vibrant night markets. You get a blend of hi-tech conveniences combined with the natural beauty of the environment and preserved local culture.

It’s easy to get around by public transport and there are lots of great cultural sights you can visit. The visa-free program for Filipino travelers is currently in effect from September 29, 2022 until July 31, 2023. Hopefully, they will extend the program. Philippine passport holders can stay in Taiwan for 14 days visa free.

Things to Do: Visit Taipei 101, Go Sightseeing to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, Ximending (shopping district, Harajuku of Taipei), Longshan Temple and Sun Yet Sen Memorial Hall Station, Take a Ride on the Maokong Gondola & Visit the Taipei Zoo, Hike Up Elephant Mountain, Visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen Village, Go food-tripping at the night markets

Vietnam

Vietnam is a culture-rich destination known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Its capital Hanoi in the North, is home to more than two dozen lakes and thousands of French colonial-era buildings. Tourist destinations in Hanoi are known as the Old Quarter and French Quarters. Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, you can visit historical landmarks and sites dating back to the Vietnam War, French colonial landmarks, and enjoy cheap, but delicious meals like pho and banh mi. Saigon is a great base for backpackers and budget travelers to start their exploration of Southeast Asia. Filipino travelers can stay in Vietnam visa free for 21 days.

Things to Do: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels, Go food-tripping on Vietnamese street food, drink Vietnamese coffee, go bargain-hunting at the Ben Thanh Market, Visit historical landmarks like the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Post Office, Opera House, etc.

Cambodia

For history buffs, Cambodia is an amazing place to visit in Asia. The capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia in particular is one of the top tourist destinations in the region.

The temples of Angkor are its main draw, but there are lots of other activities you can do around the country. Filipino travelers can travel around Cambodia visa free for 21 days.

Things to Do: Explore Angkor Wat, Visit the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market, visit museums, watch a traditional Aspara dance performance, go to Cambodian cultural village, visit souvenir and handicraft shops, Enjoy night life at Pub Street

Laos

Laos is a Southeast Asian country traversed by the Mekong River. Known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries, the common entry-point here is Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, which sits along the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand.

This backpacker destination is more laid-back compared to its Asian neighbors and offers a great destination for those who want to enjoy culture and a slower-paced life. Those in the mainland of Southeast Asia can travel here by land from other destinations like Bangkok. Filipino travelers can stay in Laos for 30 Days visa free.

Things to Do: Explore Buddhist temples, Shop at the Luang Prabang Night market, Visit Kuang Si Falls, That Luang, Vang Vieng, Wat Sisaket and more

Indonesia

The sovereign state of Indonesia is the world’s 4th most populous country as well as the most populous Muslim-majority country. Its capital Jakarta is a top business destination, while the island of Bali is one of the most popular vacation destination for leisure travelers, families, couples, backpackers and solo travelers.

Dubbed “the Island of the Gods,” Bali offers a unique combination of the natural beauty of oceans, volcanic mountains and rice paddies as well as rich culture, excellent cuisine and a vibrant nightlife. Philippine passport holders can stay in Indonesia up to 30 Days, visa free.

Things to Do: Visit Uluwatu Temple, Mount Batur, surf spots, bars and clubs, go food tripping on Balinese cuisine, Visit Tirta Empul Temple

Malaysia

Malaysia is another major tourist destination hub in Asia.  This friendly nation manages to blend vibrant culture and modern city comforts. Its capital and largest city Kuala Lumpur is known for the iconic Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. But the best way to experience any place is to ask the locals. Withlocals tours offers interesting private and customized tours where you can do anything from visiting cultural gems like Batu Caves and Little India to sampling Malaysia’s best eats and visiting local night markets.

For backpackers, Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo is another major tourist draw. This coastal city surrounded by rainforest is known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. It is also a gateway to Kinabalu National Park, the home of 4,095m-high Mount Kinabalu. Filipino visitors can stay in Malaysia up to 30 Days, visa free.

Things to Do: Visit the Petronas Twin Towers, Eat Nasi Lemak, Climb up Batu Caves, Visit the Historic City of Melaka, Check out street art in Penang, Hike up Mt. Kinabalu, Visit Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden, Check out the City Mosque, Kinabalu Waterfront, Go Diving and Snorkeling

Macau

First-time tourists usually combine trips to Hong Kong with day trips or an overnight stay to Macau, an autonomous region on the south coast of China, which lies across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. The former Portuguese territory reflects a mix of cultural influences and is known for its giant casinos and malls which have given its reputation as the “Las Vegas of Asia.” Filipinos can stay in Macau for 30 days visa free.

Things to Do: Visit the UNESCO Heritage sights and temples: Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, Mount Fortress, Museum of Macau, Na Tcha Temple, St. Dominic’s Church, Senado Square, Leal Senado Building, General Post Office Building, The Venetian Macao Resort; Ride a Gondola at The Venetian, Eat Portuguese Egg tarts, Go bungy jumping or skywalking at the Macau Tower.

These are just a few suggestions of destinations that are Visa-free and relatively easy to explore for first timers and the top suggestions of things to do there. For reference, here’s a complete list of Visa-Free countries for Philippine passport holders.