For many people looking to travel cheap, Thailand is the destination of choice. I'm not going to lie- Thailand is cheap and beautiful. However, if you're going to travel to Asia looking for a cheap cultural experience, Cambodia is the destination of your dreams.
Instead of going to the bustling capital city, Phnom Penh, try heading to Siem Reap, home of one of the 7 Wonders of the World: Ankgor Wat. The entire city is surrounded by over a thousand temples, both ancient and modern, which can be accessed with one reasonably priced "park pass", which you will need to enter every temple. Each temple is incredibly unique and boasts different attractions, but Ankgor Wat is the biggest and one of the most majestic.
In terms of cost, you can't get much more reasonable than Cambodia. Their currency, the Reil, has such a fluctuating exchange rate that the US Dollar is the most common currency used. However, if you get change that isn't paper money, you will get the coins in Riel. You can easily buy a dinner for one person at a decent restaurant for under 10 dollars. Additionally, you can go to a massage parlor (many of which are extremely reputable) and get an hour and a half long massage for 12 dollars.
Apart from the stunning beauty and cultural experience of the ancient temples, Cambodia has some of the best food (in my opinion) in the area. Thai food and Vietnamese food are both delicious, yes, but nothing can compare to Cambodian food. One of the most common dishes is called "Morning Glories", which is a type of water spinach sautéed in garlic and spices and is absolutely delicious. Like many Asian countries, cuisine is centered around rice. Cambodian food also has a lot of fresh fish and seafood, which is absolutely delicious. Chances are, you won't know what you're eating until you actually taste it, but you will not be disappointed.
One of the last aspects of Siem Reap that makes it the ideal destination is the tuk tuk. Tuk tuks are carts which are attached to motorcycles which take passengers around the city. You can go just about anywhere in the city for 2 dollars, and your tuk tuk driver will wait for you at an arranged spot. Tuk tuks provide a cheap and convenient way to go to one of the many open air markets in Siem Reap, where you can shop for cheap, artisan products.
All in all, Cambodia is a destination not to be overlooked because of its spectacular beauty and the sheer convenience of getting around the city. If you visit, you will remember your vacation forever.
