I've been to several of those places in the past. Thailand, Vietnam and the whole region of Southeast Asia in particular is probably the best place to go to if you're a bit short on cash, but want to experience a lifestyle that's so radically different from what people in the West and the post-USSR space are used to... If you're planning a trip to the Philippines however, personally I'd recommed staying in Cebu - the historical capital of the country. It's just as easy on the wallet as Manila, but has a lot more things to show, if one's willing to do some island skipping.
