Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia is another Southeast Asian location worth mentioning as a low-cost Christmas vacation choice. Recently, eager tourists looking to understand the culture of this land and learn about its history have flocked to this area, not only young backpackers fresh out of college.

Although Siem Reap isn't the most attractive town, it does have a vibrant café and restaurant scene that is beginning to compete with Phnom Penh for cosmopolitan flair. The central city area is also where you'll find some of the best souvenir shops in the country, with both market stalls for great deals and a variety of upmarket boutiques for unique gifts. Because it is so close to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world, Siem Reap is where most tourists decide to stay while visiting the country. This enormous temple, which covers an area of more than 160 hectares, once housed a Hindu shrine before becoming a Buddhist temple. Like other places in Asia, you can also visit night markets and historical streets before resting for the evening on your tired traveler's feet.