trip in asia cost

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Asia?

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How much money to travel in Asia is enough? There isn't an easy answer, however, the variables can be examined so you can create a budget for Asia more easily.

How much money it takes to travel in Asia is entirely up to you. While luxury is always available (there will be plenty of budget-blowing temptations), frugal backpacking travelers manage to scrape by in cheap countries (e.g., China, India, and much of Southeast Asia) for less than US $30 per day!

Although flights to Asia can be pricey if you don't know the ins and outs of finding cheap flights, the rewards of traveling in Asia far outweigh the extra trouble to get there. Leveraging the currency difference between your home country and developing countries helps to stretch travel savings even further.

Initial Costs for Travel

Before you worry about daily expenses on the ground in Asia, first consider start-up and trip-preparation costs. Although spending money before you even get to Asia isn't exactly a pleasant prospect, many of these one-time expenses will keep you prepared for future international trips.

• Definitely get  budget travel insurance for your trip.
• You may have to pay occasional  travel visa fees.
• The biggest expense will be booking a flight to Asia .

Take a Tour or Go Independent?

Although there are some advantages for booking a tour on your first trip to Asia , doing so from home will significantly add to the cost of your trip. Tours are tempting because they present a total cost for the trip and eliminate the need to brave the unknown.

If you're willing to wing it, avoid booking an expensive tour from home (the companies who can afford to advertise online are often the most expensive). Instead, wait until you arrive in Asia, then if you still feel that a tour is the best way to see a place, book from a local travel agency.

Booking once on the ground has a better chance of helping the local economy. This is especially true when choosing trekking agencies and booking other outdoor adventures.

When choosing a tour company, go with a reputable, locally-owned company. Plenty of giant Western tour agencies exploit local destinations in Asia and may or may not give back to the community.

Choosing a Destination That Fits Your Budget

Some countries in Asia are far cheaper than others ; the cost of living varies widely. How much you spend in Asia ultimately depends on your style of travel. That being said, some places simply require much more cash for eating, sleeping, and getting around. Avoid worrying about finances the entire time by choosing a destination that fits your current budget.

While the sky is the limit for the upper range, some destinations offer more opportunities to save on daily costs such as food, transportation, and accommodation.

Relatively expensive destinations:

• South Korea
• The Maldives

Relatively inexpensive destinations:

• China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
• Southeast Asia (excluding Singapore)

See How Much Money for Thailand to get an idea for a typical Southeast Asia budget.

The Travel Learning Curve

New destinations become cheaper to travel the longer you stay. As a total newbie, you're more likely to overpay for food, transportation, and purchases until you get a good feel for what's a bargain and what isn't. A few destinations are easier for first-time travelers than others.

From petty discrepancies in price to elaborate schemes, you'll recognize the local scams easier once you have been in a place for a while. Lingering longer also allows you a chance to figure out the best places to eat and drink on a budget.

Until you get through the initial learning curve, you can eliminate some of the extra expense by knowing about the most famous scams in Asia and learning how to negotiate prices in Asia .

Accommodation Costs

Aside from airfare, the cost of nightly accommodation is most likely to add up as your second-worst travel expense — assuming you keep the rambunctious nights out to a minimum.

Keep in mind that you'll most likely only be in your hotel room to sleep and shower. No one wants to spend time in front of the TV with an exciting new country waiting just outside !

The idea of hostels and sharing bathrooms in budget accommodation is largely a foreign concept to many Americans. Although not everyone is cut out for a bunk bed in a room full of partying 20-somethings, you can find great deals on private rooms in boutique hostels by avoiding the luxury hotel scene and staying in backpacker areas .

Backpacking is very popular in Asia — particularly Southeast Asia. Many destinations have learned to lure in these budget travelers with cheaper options for eating and sleeping. You can take advantage by getting away from the full-service hotels and staying in cheaper guesthouses.

Forget the dorms with bunk beds; most hostels in Asia offer private rooms with en suite bathrooms. Guesthouse rooms are available in some cheap destinations (e.g., Pai in Thailand ) for as low as US $10 per night!

Eating Costs

You'll certainly be eating every meal out while visiting Asia. You can cut down on the daily expense by avoiding the restaurant at your hotel and hitting the streets for some much cheaper and more authentic food.

Unless you patronize only costly tourist restaurants, eating in Asia is actually quite inexpensive. Take advantage of cheap street food — yes, it's safe — and food courts for both the experience and great food. A delicious dinner in Southeast Asia can be enjoyed for under US $3.

The Cost of Partying

Although the average budget traveler in Asia may negotiate for 20 minutes to save a dollar, they often spend US $20 or a lot more on a single night out.

Part of the joy of traveling is meeting interesting people; you won't meet them while sitting in a hotel room. Travelers often end up spending an embarrassing portion of their budgets on drinks to socialize.  Although this part simply comes down to self control, you can eliminate some of the expense by purchasing your own spirits at 7-Eleven minimarts and making your own party.

An added bonus of couch surfing at least a couple of nights is that your host may be able to introduce you to new local friends. At the least, they'll know the best places for nightlife that doesn't break the budget.

Hidden Expenses

Small, unanticipated expenses add up. Here are a few items that many travelers forget to consider:

• The tap water is unsafe to drink in many Asian countries. Although typically cheap, you'll need to purchase bottled water every day.
• Drinking alcohol in Islamic countries is generally more expensive.
• ATM and money-exchange fees add up. Thailand charges US $6 per ATM transaction on top of whatever your bank charges!
• Taxes in some countries such as Singapore make tobacco and alcohol very expensive.
• If you intend to use your smartphone in Asia , you'll need to purchase a SIM card and credit for each destination.

But there is some good news:  tipping is still generally not the norm in Asia .

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How Much Does A Trip To Southeast Asia Cost? (Updated 2024)

Unlike Western countries, Southeast Asia is much more affordable whether you're looking for budget-friendly travel or luxury experiences.

To gain a clearer understanding of the expenses associated with a Southeast Asia tour, we've highlighted the key costs and provided suggestions on how to craft your ideal trip without burning a hole in your wallet.

• How Much Is a Trip to Southeast Asia?
• The Most Expensive and Cheapest Times
• Cost of International Flights
• Cost of Accommodation
• Cost of Transportation
• Cost of Food
• Cost of Attractions/Activities
• Cost of Visas

How Much Does It Cost to Travel Around Southeast Asia?

As a first-timer, you're usually advised to stay in Southeast Asia for 2 to 3 weeks. A personalized private tour could efficiently deal with travel logistics and offer a stress-free travel experience, especially for those traveling with family or a partner.

Typically, a multiple-country private tour costs about US$200 to US$250 per person per day , including quality hotels, private local tours, and flights within Southeast Asia. Kids under 10 could get a 30–50% discount.

If you prefer to have an in-depth exploration of a single country, prices vary slightly between countries. You could expect the daily cost to be more than US$250 in Singapore and Indonesia, while in Vietnam and Cambodia, it is less than US$200. For the remaining countries, the daily costs range from US$200 to US$250.

For over 20 years, Asia Highlights has provided premium private tours for over 10,000 groups a year. We are experienced in offering a worry-free Southeast Asia trip, whether it's for family fun, a romantic getaway, or checking something off of a bucket list. Explore the region with our highly-appreciated guides and drivers, and capture memorable moments with our exclusive activities.

You could check out some of our handpicked tours for more price details:

• 12-Day Thailand Family Vacation : from US$2,499 p/p
• 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour : from US$2,733 per adult, US$2,049 per child
• 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam : from US$4,229 p/p

Want to create your dream trip as per your schedule and interests? Contact us for a tailor-made itinerary!

The Most Expensive and Cheapest Times to Go to Southeast Asia

The most expensive times usually coincide with the best weather or the festival season (Christmas and New Year holidays). Most SE Asian countries experience their best weather between November and April, while Indonesia's optimal time is from April to October. If you're traveling during these peak seasons, be prepared for higher costs. Early booking could sometimes be beneficial in securing better deals.

Costs tend to reach their lowest point during the rainy season, primarily from May to October. In Indonesia, this is from November to March. Traveling during the rainy season doesn't necessarily mean you would have a bad experience, as the rainfall mostly occurs as short downpours in the late hours. If you don't mind the extra rain, you could take advantage of significant discounts (20–50%) on flights and hotels.

More ideas on the best times to visit Southeast Asia .

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Cost of International Flights to Southeast Asia

Return flights from America or Europe generally cost from US$800 to US$2,000+, while those from Australia and New Zealand are cheaper, ranging from US$300 to US$1,500. The actual airfare depends on your route and seat preferences.

Singapore and Bangkok are the top air hubs in Southeast Asia. Choose Singapore for a better connection to Indonesia and Malaysia, and opt for Bangkok if you're heading to mainland destinations, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Concerning the costs, flights to Bangkok are cheaper than those to Singapore if you're from America or Europe. For Australians and New Zealanders, Singapore would be a faster and more cost-effective choice.

Check how to plan a trip to Southeast Asia , including couples' trip and family trip>>>

Cost of Accommodation in Southeast Asia

As a backpackers' mecca region, you could easily find hostels at low costs in many SE Asian countries. But for a more comfortable stay, we highly recommend 4- or 5-star hotels.

The room rates for a 4-star hotel range from US$70 to US$130 per room per night, while a 5-star hotel starts from US$150 per room per night. For the same quality service, room rates in coastal cities are higher than those inland. Additionally, the more developed the city you stay in, the more choices you would have.

As a travel agent, we collaborate with many hotels to offer competitive prices. Simultaneously, we have carefully-selected high-quality hotels within the same price range, whether you prefer adult-only or family-friendly options . In addition to international hotels, we've thoughtfully selected distinctive boutique hotels for you and your loved one(s), such as floating hotels in Kanchanaburi, bungalows just a few steps from the beaches in Phuket, as well as jungle hotels and clifftop hotels with infinity pools in Bali.

Unveil the handpicked itineraries for 10 days , 2 weeks or 3 weeks in Southeast Asia>>>

Cost of Transportation in Southeast Asia

For long-distance travel, especially between countries, flights are the fastest (typically about 1 hour) and most comfortable option , with fares ranging from $60 to $150. For a more relaxed pace, an 8-day Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia would be a good choice.

For shorter trips, private transfers are highly recommended. They help to create a stress-free vacation without route worries and lots of walking from/to public transportation. They also provide flexibility for your schedule and itinerary.

Overwhelmed by the logistics of your Southeast Asia trip? Leave your interests and requests , and your travel expert will personalize a private tour for you within 24 hours!

Cost of Food in Southeast Asia

Dining is generally inexpensive. Southeast Asia provides abundant food choices: nice street food at US$1–3 per person, affordable meals at local restaurants at US$4–20 per person, and fine dining at US$60+ per person. If you're looking for Western food, the price would go up by at least 20%.

The food costs may vary slightly across different countries. Well-developed countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, tend to be more expensive, whereas less-developed countries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, are generally more affordable.

Unlock expert tips for your Singapore and Bali trip planning >>>

Cost of Attractions/Activities in Southeast Asia

When traveling in Southeast Asia, expenses for entrance fees primarily focus on each country's iconic attractions and unique activities.

In Southeast Asia, beaches, temples, and museums are mainly free and some of them cost just US$3–5. However, t he prices of historical landmarks would increase to between $15 and US$60 , such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Grand Palace in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia.

The local cultural shows cost about US$20–50 per person. A street food walking tour, a countryside biking tour, or a trip to an elephant sanctuary costs from US$50–100 per person.

Certainly, seaside activities are not to be missed in a Southeast Asia trip. Island-hopping tours with snorkeling experiences usually cost more than US$120.

If you're willing to pay extra for a more exclusive experience, we could also customize it for you , such as a local wedding experience.

Cost of Visas to Southeast Asian Countries

Americans and Europeans enjoy visa-free policies in most countries in SE Asia. But, when traveling to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, you're expected to pay a visa fee of about US$25 to US$50 per country for a 30-day stay. The longer you stay, the more you have to pay.

Further reading:

• Itinerary options for 2 weeks in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Discover Southeast Asia With Us

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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Cities in Asia: Travel Cost Rankings

• Travel Budgets
• Country Travel Cost Rankings
• Cheapest Cities
• Country Budget Comparisons

What are the cheapest cities to visit in Asia?

The following travel cost rankings for cities in Asia are calculated based on the travel budgets of real travelers. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index , or a Backpacker Index , the cities below are in order from least to most expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day

• 1 Luang Prabang , Laos $ 13.62
• 2 Vang Vieng , Laos $ 13.91
• 3 Vientiane , Laos $ 14.51
• 4 Jaipur , India $ 18.83
• 5 Pokhara , Nepal $ 18.85
• 6 Mount Bromo , Indonesia $ 21.55
• 7 Ulaanbaatar , Mongolia $ 25.09
• 8 Karachi , Pakistan $ 25.50
• 9 Srinagar , India $ 25.68
• 10 Pushkar , India $ 27.97
• 11 Chennai , India $ 29.47
• 12 Varanasi , India $ 30.11
• 13 Kampong Cham , Cambodia $ 30.68
• 14 Udaipur , India $ 33.04
• 15 Pondicherry , India $ 33.54
• 16 Darjiling , India $ 34.82

• 17 Jodhpur , India $ 34.95
• 18 Sapa , Vietnam $ 35.14

• 19 Royal Chitwan National Park , Nepal $ 35.21
• 20 Dharamsala , India $ 35.41
• 21 Gili Trawangan , Indonesia $ 35.63
• 22 Chumphon , Thailand $ 36.07
• 23 Cochin , India $ 36.66
• 24 Koh Tao , Thailand $ 36.98
• 25 Jaisalmer , India $ 37.05
• 26 El Nido , Philippines $ 37.97
• 27 Nha Trang , Vietnam $ 38.74
• 28 Chiang Rai , Thailand $ 39.28
• 29 Phnom Penh , Cambodia $ 40.12
• 30 Yangon , Myanmar $ 40.45
• 31 Lijiang , China $ 41.26
• 32 Kanchanaburi , Thailand $ 41.98
• 33 Bangalore , India $ 44.16
• 34 Agra , India $ 44.42

• 35 Delhi , India $ 44.61
• 36 Chiang Mai , Thailand $ 44.98
• 37 Da Nang , Vietnam $ 45.21
• 38 Hoi An , Vietnam $ 45.49
• 39 Koh Pha Ngan , Thailand $ 45.53
• 40 Shangri-La , China $ 46.16
• 41 Hue , Vietnam $ 47.73
• 42 Hanoi , Vietnam $ 47.81

• 43 Dali , China $ 47.89
• 44 Koh Lanta , Thailand $ 48.12
• 45 Koh Chang , Thailand $ 48.60
• 46 Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia $ 49.17
• 47 Sihanoukville , Cambodia $ 50.09
• 48 Chengdu , China $ 50.13
• 49 Lombok , Indonesia $ 51.92
• 50 Bodh Gaya , India $ 52.00
• 51 Pingyao , China $ 53.34

• 52 Surat Thani , Thailand $ 53.62
• 53 Boracay , Philippines $ 53.83
• 54 Harbin , China $ 54.17
• 55 Krabi , Thailand $ 55.33
• 56 Koh Samui , Thailand $ 55.35
• 57 Kathmandu , Nepal $ 56.50

• 58 Halong Bay , Vietnam $ 56.72
• 59 Lahore , Pakistan $ 56.97
• 60 Yogyakarta , Indonesia $ 57.13
• 61 Nanchang , China $ 57.81
• 62 Jingdezhen , China $ 58.07
• 63 Sandakan , Malaysia $ 58.47
• 64 Sado , Japan $ 58.97
• 65 Sukhothai , Thailand $ 58.99
• 66 Mashiko , Japan $ 60.77
• 67 Xigatse , China $ 60.92
• 68 Jinghong , China $ 61.90
• 69 Matsue , Japan $ 62.10
• 70 Khao Yai National Park , Thailand $ 62.21
• 71 Dewa Sanzan , Japan $ 62.21
• 72 Cebu , Philippines $ 62.42
• 73 Surabaya , Indonesia $ 62.71
• 74 Ayutthaya , Thailand $ 62.81
• 75 Deqin , China $ 63.07
• 76 Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia $ 63.31
• 77 Jakarta , Indonesia $ 63.42
• 78 Pai , Thailand $ 64.26
• 79 Malang , Indonesia $ 65.58
• 80 Chichibu-Tama-Kai , Japan $ 66.22
• 81 Pattaya , Thailand $ 66.40
• 82 Guilin , China $ 66.46
• 83 Kunming , China $ 67.00
• 84 Mumbai , India $ 69.34
• 85 Shenyang , China $ 70.08
• 86 Puerto Princesa , Philippines $ 70.28
• 87 Lhasa , China $ 70.32
• 88 Mount Kailash , China $ 70.64
• 89 Shiretoko National Park , Japan $ 70.95
• 90 Yangshuo , China $ 71.32
• 91 Koh Phi Phi , Thailand $ 72.08
• 92 Cheju (Jeju) , South Korea $ 72.24
• 93 Bali , Indonesia $ 72.42
• 94 Koyasan , Japan $ 74.43
• 95 Tianjin , China $ 75.24
• 96 Beijing , China $ 75.30

• 97 Yamaguchi , Japan $ 76.21
• 98 Bangkok , Thailand $ 76.40
• 99 Longsheng , China $ 77.72
• 100 Nikko , Japan $ 78.27
• 101 Siem Reap , Cambodia $ 79.81

• 102 Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam $ 79.90
• 103 Nara , Japan $ 82.14
• 104 Atami , Japan $ 82.46
• 105 Osaka , Japan $ 83.55
• 106 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park , Japan $ 83.60
• 107 Nagoya , Japan $ 84.64
• 108 Zhangye , China $ 84.79
• 109 Ise , Japan $ 84.82
• 110 Koh Lipe , Thailand $ 85.34
• 111 Nagasaki , Japan $ 85.39
• 112 Chongqing , China $ 85.82
• 113 Wuhu , China $ 85.94
• 114 Busan (Pusan) , South Korea $ 86.29
• 115 Khao Sok National Park , Thailand $ 88.09
• 116 Guangzhou , China $ 88.28
• 117 Yaeyama Islands , Japan $ 88.96
• 118 Taiyuan , China $ 89.60
• 119 Manila , Philippines $ 90.46
• 120 Kyoto , Japan $ 91.70
• 121 Xi'an , China $ 93.91
• 122 Benxi , China $ 94.14
• 123 Nanjing , China $ 95.22
• 124 Hiroshima , Japan $ 95.70
• 125 Koh Samet , Thailand $ 96.09
• 126 Zhengzhou , China $ 97.21
• 127 Kanazawa , Japan $ 98.35
• 128 Kobe , Japan $ 98.47
• 129 Koh Tarutao , Thailand $ 98.81
• 130 Okinawa , Japan $ 98.89
• 131 Kamakura , Japan $ 98.90
• 132 Sapporo , Japan $ 100.81
• 133 Suzhou , China $ 101.12
• 134 Kao-hsiung , Taiwan $ 102.06
• 135 Dalian , China $ 102.30
• 136 Penang , Malaysia $ 104.49
• 137 Phuket , Thailand $ 105.35
• 138 Railay Beach , Thailand $ 105.98
• 139 Ao Nang , Thailand $ 107.16
• 140 Seoul , South Korea $ 107.53
• 141 Yakushima , Japan $ 110.73
• 142 Khao Lak , Thailand $ 112.96
• 143 Shanghai , China $ 114.28

• 144 Pyeongchang , South Korea $ 114.77
• 145 Tanah Rata , Malaysia $ 138.71
• 146 Ubud , Indonesia $ 149.10
• 147 Tokyo , Japan $ 149.30
• 148 Similan Islands , Thailand $ 165.02
• 149 Taipei , Taiwan $ 181.42

The Cheapest Cities for Other Regions

Country rankings for other regions.

The most affordable cities for travel in Asia are currently Luang Prabang (Laos), Vang Vieng (Laos), Vientiane (Laos), Jaipur (India), and Pokhara (Nepal).

Affordable Travel in Asia

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23 Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit in 2024

If you’re looking for some of the cheapest Asian countries to visit on your next trip, you have come to the right place!

With 48 countries, Asia is the largest continent in the world, and it’s also my favourite one. This continent is home to some of the world’s friendliest people, tons of beautiful landmarks , interesting cultures and delicious food. Although not all Asian countries are cheap (think about Bhutan, Japan or Singapore, for example), Asia has plenty of budget-friendly destinations too.

This guide contains some of the best budget destinations in Asia, from popular destinations like Thailand and Sri Lanka to more off-the-beaten-path countries like Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.

I’ve been travelling through Asia for over two years as I’m writing this and I’m updating this post frequently to make sure the information is up to date.

Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit

It’s important to know that your daily budget will depend on your travel style and the activities you choose to do. While it’s possible to travel with a budget of $20 a day in many of the destinations featured in this list, you might have to stay in dorms and eat street food to do so.

But without further ado, let’s dive right into it! Here are the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia.

Cheap Destinations in Southeast Asia

1. indonesia.

Indonesia is one of these incredibly varied destinations I just can’t get enough of. With over 17,000 islands , you could easily spend a lifetime exploring this country alone.

Every island is different and there are more than 300 ethnic groups in the country, each with its own culture and traditions.

Apart from that, you will also find lush green forests, picture-perfect beaches, beautiful volcanoes and much more here. And the best part is that Indonesia is one of the most affordable countries in Asia.

It’s good to know, however, that some islands are cheaper than others . Bali, for example – home to the famous digital nomad and party destination Canggu – is one of the most expensive ones. Sumatra and Java, on the other hand, are some of the cheaper islands.

With mesmerizing sights like Ha Long Bay, the Ban Gioc Waterfall, the Mekong Delta , Hà Giang and many, many more, Vietnam is one of the top travel destinations in Asia .

This country is known for its delicious food, mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant culture and some of the most beautiful caves in the world . It’s a place where you will be able to visit sacred temples one day, then see the remnants of the Vietnam War and learn more about its history the next.

As Vietnam is also one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, it’s the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for an affordable destination with an abundance of places to explore.

I travelled around Vietnam solo for two months and had a great time.

>> Read: 21 Souvenirs From Vietnam That Don’t Suck

3. Cambodia

When mentioning Cambodia, many people will immediately think about Angkor Wat , the largest and oldest religious monument in the world. After all, watching the sunrise at this immense temple complex is one of these bucket list travel experiences you can’t miss when you’re visiting this country.

But there’s more to Cambodia than Angkor Wat alone. This destination is also the perfect place to explore vibrant cities, go diving, relax at the beach, try delicious food, visit the salt fields in Kampot and learn more about the country’s culture and history.

Cambodia is cheaper than its neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, making it one of the cheapest exotic destinations in Southeast Asia.

Laos is known for being one of Asia’s most relaxed and laid-back destinations . This is an authentic country with colourful temples, French colonial architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

Here, you will truly feel as if you were stepping back in time. You will get to soak up the country’s rich traditions and savour some of the world’s best food.

From Khone Pabeng , Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall to the city of Luang Prabang with its former royal palaces – Laos is a budget-friendly Asian destination that will make sure to astonish you. This is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a cheap Southeast Asian country that isn’t packed with tourists (yet).

Prices here are pretty similar to, yet slightly cheaper than, neighbouring Cambodia.

5. Myanmar (Burma)

Ah, Myanmar – this is one of my favourite travel destinations in the world!

This country’s landscapes are filled with temples and gilded pagodas, and the Burmese are some of the most friendly people in the world.

From the beautiful temples of Bagan to the mountains and caves of Hpa An, there are plenty of beautiful places in Myanmar and this is a country that simply doesn’t disappoint.

The thing I love the most about this country is its authenticity . Myanmar has only been opening up to tourists recently and it hasn’t much been influenced by the globalised world yet.

Although Myanmar is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, prices here have increased over the years, especially when it comes to accommodation. It’s good to know that this country is more expensive than countries like Cambodia and Vietnam, for example.

6. Thailand

Often nicknamed “The Land of Smiles”, Thailand may just be the most popular stop along the Southeast Asia backpacking route.

This country is known for its glorious beaches, glittering temples, lush green jungle and delicious cuisine. On top of all that, Thailand is a great scuba diving destination too.

This country is easy to travel through and has something to offer to nearly any type of traveller, whether you’re looking for a crazy bucket list adventure , a lazy beach holiday or an all-in vacation.

Although Thailand remains one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, the cost of travelling here has increased over the years and the Kingdom is slightly more expensive than its neighbours Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. It’s also good to know that the north of Thailand is cheaper than the south of the country.

7. The Philippines

If diving, snorkelling and island hopping sound like your kind of holiday, then The Philippines should be on top of your Asian travel bucket list. This country is home to over 7,000 islands full of tropical white-sand beaches, palm trees and blue lagoons.

And there’s more – swimming in waterfalls, climbing volcanoes, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting rice terraces are just a few of the other highlights of The Philippines.

This country is a bit more expensive than other Southeast Asian destinations but still very affordable compared to Western countries.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia. It’s also a very diverse destination with towering skyscrapers, countless temples and mosques, stunning nature, beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife.

Although a lot of visitors will spend most of their time in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, Malaysia has much more to offer. From scuba diving and jungle trekking to visiting the famous Batu Caves , this country doesn’t lack activities.

On top of that, Malaysia is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit (except for alcohol, which is pretty expensive) and quite contrary to what many people think, Malaysia is cheaper than Thailand!

It’s also good to know that thanks to its good infrastructure with high-speed internet, Malaysia is a great destination for digital nomads .

Cheapest South Asian Countries to Visit

Nepal is one of my favourite destinations in the world and it’s also one of the most affordable Asian countries to travel to.

With its vibrant culture, lush green jungles and stunning Himalayan Mountains (including Mount Everest ), this country has a lot to offer. If you’re an adventurous type of traveller who also enjoys learning about different cultures, you will LOVE Nepal.

Some other reasons to visit Nepal are that the Nepali are renowned for being some of the friendliest people in the world and that country is full of beautiful landmarks and unforgettable adventures.

When visiting Nepal on a budget, it’s good to know that it is possible to hike and trek in the Himalayas without spending a fortune on a guide. However, this is not recommended for all treks, so it’s advisable to do some research in advance.

With places like the Taj Mahal and the Hawa Mahal, and states like Goa and Rajasthan , India is one of the top travel destinations in the world.

Not only is the packed with incredible Indian landmarks , but it also offers a lot of variation. Not every country offers the possibility to combine mountains, deserts, beaches, jungles and cities in one trip, after all. On top of that, India is huge. I spent over 10 months travelling through this country and there are still so many places left to discover.

One of the things India is best known for is its incredibly rich culture. It was here that Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and other religions were born. So if cultural or spiritual travel is your thing, India should be on top of your list.

When it comes to the cost of travel in India , it’s good to know that the south of the country is a little more expensive than the north. Still, India is one of the cheapest Asian countries on this list.

11. Sri Lanka

Often nicknamed “The Teardrop of India”, the country island of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean. This is a very diverse destination with white sand beaches, a rich culture and beautiful Sri Lankan landmarks .

On top of that, with hikes like Littl e Adam’s Peak , Ella Rock and World’s End, Sri Lanka is also a great place for hiking and nature lovers.

Although Sri Lanka might be small, there’s an incredible amount of things to do in this country. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adventure seeker, history buff or beach lover, Sri Lanka has got something for you.

I spent 6 weeks exploring this country and, although I’m not much of a beach person, this is a place I would love to go back to. Sti Lanka’s lush green jungles, exotic wildlife and friendly locals stole my heart!

Sri Lanka is less expensive than India, so it’s a very budget-friendly destination where you won’t need to worry about spending too much money.

12. Bangladesh

If you’re looking for a cheap, off-the-beaten-path destination in Asia, then Bangladesh is the place for you. This country, which borders India and Myanmar, is often skipped by tourists, meaning you will probably have all the tourist sites to yourself.

Bangladesh has got a lot to offer, though. With its numerous archaeological sites, large forests, beautiful beaches and friendly locals, it’s a destination that will surely surprise you. This country is also home to the world’s longest sea beach – Cox’s Bazar – which is 120 km (74,5 mi) long.

I spent a month backpacking in Bangladesh and it was an unforgettable experience! Bangladeshi are some of the most hospitable people in the entire world (along with Pakistanis, #13 on this list) and believe me, travelling here will be memorable!

All in all, Bangladesh is one of the most hospitable and cheapest Asian countries to visit and it’s perfect for those who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path travel destination.

13. Pakistan

Pakistan might not be the first destination to think of when you’re planning a trip to Asia, but it is one of my favourite destinations in the world.

With some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, beautiful deserts, untouched beaches and historical cities like Lahore , this is a dream destination for both nature lovers as well as history buffs.

Contrary to the country’s reputation, Pakistan is now – relatively – safe to travel to (although it speaks for itself that you should always be cautious and use your common sense) and it is attracting more and more adventurous tourists.

Pakistan is cheaper than India, which makes it one of the cheapest countries on this list.

>> Read: What to Wear in Pakistan: Dress Code + Outfit Ideas

Cheapest Countries to Visit in East Asia

With fascinating ancient places like the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’An, the Forbidden City of Beijing, and the famous Great Wall, China is one of these countries you could explore for years on end because there’s so much to see. This is one of Asia’s best cultural destinations .

One striking thing about China is the contrast between ancient and modern . You will find traditional Chinese architecture on one side of the city and hyper-modern buildings on the other side.

Keep in mind that some places are more expensive than others when you’re visiting China. Shanghai, Bejing and the autonomous region of Macau, for example, are some of the pricier destinations in the country. If you avoid these places and do some research in advance, it is possible to travel to China on a shoestring budget though.

Taiwan may be pretty small, but this island doesn’t lack beautiful places to visit or interesting things to do.

This country (which is officially called the Republic of China) is home to very diverse landscapes consisting of mountains, beaches, hot springs, waterfalls and more.

If you’re more of a city person, you will love Taipei, the vibrant capital which is known for its modern architecture, traditional temples and food markets.

Although Taiwan is one of the more expensive countries on this list, it’s just slightly more expensive than China and still pretty cheap compared to Western standards.

16. Mongolia

Mongolia, landlocked between Russia and China, is a mountainous country with unspoilt nature and unique culture . It’s one of these beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destinations where the tourism industry is still in its early stages.

For many travellers, one of the top experiences to have here is to stay with a nomadic family and learn about their way of life. After all, Mongolia is home to one of the last remaining traditional nomad cultures.

While it is possible to visit Mongolia independently, it’s not the easiest country to travel through if you don’t want to hire a guide or take tours. The reason for this is a lack of transportation to tourist sites. It is possible, however, to rent a jeep in Ulaanbaatar.

Cheapest Western Asian Countries to Visit

One of the things Iran is most famous for is its architecture with gorgeous colours and pretty mosaics. This country is home to some of the most beautiful landmarks in Asia. But there’s much more to this country!

If you’re interested in Persian culture and history , for example, this destination will surely astonish you. On top of that, Iran is filled with natural wonders, from mountains and deserts to caves and waterfalls. All in all, Iran has got something to offer to any type of traveller, whether you’re into history, culture, art or nature.

Iran is a country that only started attracting more tourists in the last couple of years and it was gaining popularity among travellers quickly. However, due to the current political situation, tourism in Iran has been declining again.

18. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a mysterious country that’s often nicknamed “The Land of Fire” due to its large amount of natural gas reserves.

Back in the day, gas often leaked to the surface in Azerbaijan, which resulted in spontaneous fires. Today though, most of these fires have been extinguished, but Yanar Dag is one of the few remaining natural gas fires.

Fire isn’t the only thing Azerbaijan is famous for, though. With its ancient temples, modern capital, mud volcanoes and remote mountain villages, this country is quite diverse. It’s a unique destination that you will fall in love with if you enjoy travelling off the beaten path.

19. Armenia

If you’re looking for the cheapest Asian countries to visit on your next trip, you might want to consider heading to Armenia, a small country sandwiched between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.

This little-visited country is full of stunning monasteries and churches (over 4.000 in total), vibrant cities and incredible hikes . It’s an underrated destination with plenty of things to discover.

It’s good to know that although Armenia may be geographically located in Asia, culturally, this country leans more towards Europe (though it has Asian influences as well).

Cheapest Countries to Visit in Central Asia

20. kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is another beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination with plenty of hidden treasures. This former Soviet Republic is the biggest country in Central Asia .

If you enjoy spending time in nature, then this country full of canyons, mountains, lakes and deserts is the one for you!

Apart from that, Kazakhstan will also astonish you if you enjoy visiting more unusual places. From the futuristic capital, Nur-Sultan to the abandoned seaport of Aralsk, this country is full of unique sights.

The best part is that Kazakhstan is one of these affordable destinations where you won’t need to worry about spending tons of money on your travels.

21. Kyrgyzstan

Another great country for lovers of nature and the great outdoors is Kyrgyzstan. With its high mountains, undiscovered canyons and beautiful glaciers, this destination has a lot to offer.

Some of the best cultural things to do here are staying in a yurt, learning about the traditional handicrafts of felt-making and eagle hunting, and learning about the country’s Soviet history. Kyrgyzstan is a country that won’t bore you, as there’s so much to see and do here!

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan share similar traditions, but it’s good to know that the latter is slightly cheaper.

22. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, the last of the Stans featured on this list, is a little bit more expensive than Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but it’s still pretty affordable.

This country is home to some amazing Islamic architecture and interesting historical sites . The highlights of Uzbekistan are the medieval cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Kiva, where you can immerse yourself in the country’s history and traditions.

With places like the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea and the ghost town of Angren, Uzbekistan is another affordable destination that will delight you if you enjoy exploring more remote and unusual places.

23. Tajikistan

I’m in Tajikistan as I’m writing this and, although it’s slightly more expensive than neighbouring Uzbekistan, this is another pretty cheap Asian country to travel in.

Tajikistan is most famous for the Pamir Highway , which stretches over more than 1,300 km (808 mi). This is one of the highest roads in the world and it offers spectacular mountain views. But you will also find plenty of other beautiful places in Tajikistan, like Iskanderkul Lake, Panjakent and Jizeu Valley.

So, if you like the mountains, Tajikistan is a great, affordable option!

Asian Countries to Avoid if You’re Travelling on a Budget

If you’re planning on heading to Asia and don’t want to spend a fortune, there are some countries that you will want to avoid.

There may be lots of cheap destinations in Asia, but this continent is also home to some of the most expensive cities in the world.

So if you’re on a tight budget, you will want to avoid the following countries, these are the most expensive countries in Asia:

• South Korea

Check out my post about the cost of travelling in Dubai if you’re curious to know how much it costs to travel here.

Tips to Save Money While Travelling in Asia

Apart from the local prices, how much money you will spend also depends on your travel style.

Travelling on a shoestring budget mostly comes down to planning and researching your destination before heading there and avoiding expensive activities . Capital cities tend to be more expensive, for example, so try not to spend too much time there.

You will save a lot of money by staying in dorms , choosing street food or local restaurants over tourist restaurants and using public transportation , for example.

It’s also good to learn how to haggle and avoid restaurants or shops near tourist attractions , as these tend to be way more expensive.

But even if you’re planning on staying in 5-star hotels and eating out every night, you still won’t spend nearly as much money in these cheap Asian countries as you would in most European countries.

Cheapest Asian Countries: Final Thoughts

I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this list and that it inspires you to travel to Asia. After all, this continent is full of beautiful and affordable destinations.

From popular backpacking destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Azerbaijan and Bangladesh , Asia has something to offer to every type of traveller.

As I’m living/travelling in Asia at the moment and have been doing this for the last couple of years, I’m keeping my eyes open for the price of each country I visit and am updating this post regularly.

Which of the cheapest Asian countries would you like to visit and which ones have you visited already? Let me know in the comments below!

Are you curious to find out what the cheapest countries in the EU are too? Check out the following post next: 11 Cheapest EU Countries to Live In

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has spent years travelling solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Hey, Laura! My solo backpacking dreams were itching to be released as soon as I saw your post. Now I can finally get a rough estimate on how much a two-month-long trip in Southeast Asia would cost me. This post has truly been insightful and informative. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Dakota, thank you for the lovely comment, I’m happy to hear that 😊 Asia is wonderfull, I can’t wait to return myself 🤩

Hi Laurie – love your blog post on Asia. Obviously, with Covid, trying to work out destinations is difficult. Maybe things will improve in a few months. The other issue is off course, airfares… From Australia, all the cheap airfares to Asia have dried up thanks to Covid and low cost Airline disruptions. (think Air Asia) . with the exception of Bali, which is like a suburb of Australia !

Hi Lawrence, thank you for your comment! 🙂 I sure hope things will improve soon and that the airfares will go back to normal as well. I haven’t been to Bali myself but it must be a nice place to start exploring Indonesia. 🤩

India is indeed an affordable and budget-friendly destination. I am glad that you added it to the list. The best part is India offers both budget-friendly and luxury stays. I mostly travel via train and public transport, which helps me to save more.

So do I, it’s a great way of saving money! 🙂

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What 6 Months of Traveling in Southeast Asia Cost Me (2024 Update)

05/25/2024 by Kristin Addis 210 Comments

Back in 2012, I spent a glorious 8 continuous months backpacking in Southeast Asia on a long-term traveler’s budget. This meant staying in dorms, taking local transport, eating street food, and generally traveling on a shoestring budget.

In 2016, I returned with a more middle-of-the-road budget, and since then, have experienced the luxurious side of the region as well during visits in 2023 and 2024.

Over that time I’ve learned that whether you’re on a tight budget or have a bit more money to play with, your money will take you further in Southeast Asia than almost anywhere else in the world. Here’s what it costs to travel in Southeast Asia:

Table of Contents

On a Budget

I personally spent $7,958 USD (without SCUBA diving – $6,095) for six months in Southeast Asia, with a month each in Cambodia, Laos, northern Thailand, southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. With flights and pre-trip expenses, it added up to $11,000. Adjusted for today’s inflation, that would be about $15k.

Some guide books will swear that $30/day or less is sufficient for traveling in Southeast Asia – this is generally not realistic.

Here’s how much you can expect to spend, more or less, depending on your tastes:

Pre-trip Expenses:

1. travel insurance.

This is one of those costs that’s annoying, but necessary should the worst occur.  I went with World Nomads travel insurance which happened to be cheaper than any other company I could find for US citizens.

Saving tip: If you know for sure how much time you’ll be away, buying more months upfront is definitely cheaper than extending periodically.

2. Flights: $1500

Flights might be totally different depending on where you’re coming from, but I usually end up spending about this much including flights from home and any inter-country flights once in the region. The first time I went, I bought two one-way flights to get from LAX to Southeast Asia and back. In hindsight, this may not have been the cheapest way to travel (I could have saved a couple hundred dollars by booking round-trip), however, I was unsure of my dates and departure city. Sometimes, the penalties and restrictions on moving flights ends up making a RT flight too much of a hassle.

Other ways to save are by making your itinerary logical, so that you can take overland transport most of the time and don’t have to cover huge distances all at once.

Saving tip: To reduce your flight costs, subscribe to flight deals like this one , especially if you are flexible on the traveling dates. Flights are also cheaper during shoulder and rainy seasons. You can also travel hack like I do to save money.

3. Immunizations: $350

You’re out of luck if you’re an American when it comes to travel immunizations, because chances are you’ll be covering them out of pocket.

Saving tip: In order to get immunized the cheapest way possible, visit the travel specialist at your local county healthcare clinic, or get the immunizations at one of the Bangkok hospitals, which is the name of a premier hospital chain with multiple locations, in Thailand, or in Singapore.

4. Travel Gear: $400

My backpack alone cost me over $200, but was worth every penny as nothing ever broke and I’m still using it over 10 years later!  I also invested in Pacsafe products  to keep everything protected, which I do not regret! Check my guide out for essential travel items.

Saving tip: Limit your luggage to carry-on only , so you can save on check-in luggage. Southeast Asia is generally hot and humid year-round, so you will only need thin and breathable clothes. Things are also incredibly affordable so you can always buy things you need as you go.

I am all about winging it when it comes to a backpacking trip, especially in Southeast Asia. However, if you are on a budget, it’s best to decide on your length of stay in each country to avoid unnecessary visa fees. Here’s a complete breakdown for most nations:

On-trip Expenses:

1. food: $10-$15/day.

Eating local delights and choosing street food when possible are the best ways to keep food costs down. The food tastes better and costs much less when it’s a local dish vs. a western dish. Why order a disappointing burger for $4 when you could have amazing steamed pork buns, papaya salad, coconut soup, pad thai (the list is endless!) in Thailand for less than $1? If you are staying at a place with a kitchen, you can get groceries for cheap from the local market and make your own food. Note that at certain places, like Bali and Kuala Lumpur, eating out can sometimes be cheaper than cooking.

Saving tip: Check with your hostel receptionist for local recommendations. Eat where the locals eat. Don’t fear street food. It’s cooked right in front of you and may even be fresher and less processed than food available at home.

2. Accommodation: $5-$30/day

This really varied depending on high/low or rainy vs. dry season and country, and whether or not your’e willing to stay in dorms. Cambodia and Laos were the cheapest while Singapore and Malaysia tended to be more expensive and provided less value for the money.

Here’s how much you should expect to pay per night, if you were to book a hostel bed a week in advance, and pick one that’s clean and strategically located:

3. Transportation: $2-$50/day

Land transportation is generally very cheap in all of Southeast Asia. Taking an intercity bus typically costs about $10. The cost of renting a bike is around $8-$15/day. On the islands like the Philippines, public boat trips take ages but they are extremely cheap at about $2/ride.

How much this adds up to for you will come down to how frequently you move around, so if you’re trying to save money, stay longer in the places you like the most and move around less.

4. Activities:

Diving: If you are a diver, you will be thrilled to find many, many affordable diving spots all over Southeast Asia. Prices go as low as $100 for a 3D2N stay with 3 dive trips, though when I returned to Southeast Asia in 2018, I went on a glorious 11-day liveaboard diving trip in Raja Ampat which now costs over $6000.

Island Hopping: An island hopping trip with 5-6 stops for less than $30? Only in Southeast Asia. Your negotiation skills will decide how much you pay for your island hopping trip, so negotiate away, and if the price offered does not make sense to you, walk away – there will be 5 more agents down the same street. Generally, you should expect to pay about $15-$30 for a full-day (typically 9am-3pm) trip that you share with others. For a private trip, it will be over $100. Read my comparison of El Nido boat trips here.

Group Tours: A walking tour is often the best way to get to know a new city. There are many tip-based, free walking tours available, and some of them are actually really insightful and fun. It’s the best way to meet new friends too. Paid tours typically cost about $8-$15.

Hiking: I love that this activity is mostly free, save for the occasional entrance fee! Even some popular hikes, like Mount Bromo , can be affordable if you do it independently.

Cooking Class: This delicious activity runs about $20-$40 for a class. Consider the skills you will gain and the free food you will make. I’d say it’s pretty worth it, especially if you’ve fallen in love with the local cuisine.

Popular Tourist Sites: Angkor Wat costs a whopping $62 for a 3-day pass, getting to the sky bridge of the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia requires $20, and the beautiful Gardens by the Bay in  Singapore  also requires $20 to enter. Pick and choose what you’d really want to see and factor the entrance fees into your overall budget.

5. Shopping:

Toiletries: If you can, buy from the small local stores instead of the big chain drug stores. They are likely to cost less, and you get to help the locals out. If you want to stick with familiar brands like Pantene and Nivea, the cost is similar to what you’d pay back home, if not slightly cheaper. Local brands cost less.

Clothes: They’re so cheap and awesome! You can get a funky top for $3, cliche but must-have pair of elephant pants for less than $5, and a beautiful silk scarf for less than $8.

Outdoor gear: There are many “counterfeit” hiking gear options available in Vietnam and Indonesia for a fraction of the original cost, but the quality is lacking, too. You can get a legit waterproof jacket for as low as $12, but if you bring it from home, it’ll last longer.

Why couldn’t I travel on only $30/day?

The $30/day benchmark does not take into account gear, insurance, flights, and immunizations.  It’s also easy to forget that things like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen , batteries, adapters, mosquito repellent, medication, and visas all need to be periodically purchased on the road. The cost seems small but when budgeting only $30 for one day, $4 on a small bottle of shampoo can really add up.

The $30 benchmark is more than realistic, if not a little rich, when staying in one place for an extended period of time in one of the cheaper countries.  I was able to spend $3/night on accommodation and around $10/day on food and drink in Otres Beach, Cambodia , for example.  I didn’t spend a dime on activities because the beach was free.  But what about the days when I moved around?  What about the times I had to spend $40 on a visa, $9 on a bus ride, and $3 on a water taxi?  My budget was blown before I even bought food or a bed for the night.

What about the days that I wanted to visit Angkor Wat, go SCUBA diving, or jungle trekking?  An extremely low budget is only feasible if you hardly move around and never spend anything on activities, but why travel to the other side of the world only to miss out on these things?

If I had not SCUBA dived, climbed  Mt. Kinabalu , or gone trekking in Bukit Lawang or  Mt. Rinjani , I would have shaved over $3000 off of my trip, easily. I also never spent more than a week in any one place.  Had I moved more slowly, I could have saved a lot more.

More saving tips:

• All hope is not lost if you have a smaller budget to work with.  To keep costs low, use services like Couchsurfing for free accommodation. Not into it? Stay in dorms.  They are a great way to meet people and save some cash. House sitting is also a possibility though less so in Southeast Asia.
• Always travel local instead of by private or tourist coach, even if that means travel days are longer. If you’re rich in time but not in funds, this is the best way to do it.
• Eat local foods and abstain from alcohol. The biggest budget eater is partying, by far.  If you never buy drinks, you’ll literally save thousands .  Really, thousands!
• Use a debit card that doesn’t charge fees and refunds the ATM fees assessed by other banks. The only one I’m aware of is Charles Schwab.

For a country-specific budget guide on each place mentioned above, I go into more detail in each of these posts:

Malaysian Borneo

Philippines

How much do you usually spend on traveling?  Do you have any budget travel tips to share? 

Best Places in Southeast Asia for Solo Travelers

The ultimate southeast asia itinerary, what to pack for backpacking in southeast asia.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links for products and services we personally use and love. Any purchase you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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09/04/2013 at 9:18 am

Great resource! Thanks for sharing that with us!

Kristin says

09/04/2013 at 11:58 am

Glad you find it helpful!

Anonymous says

10/11/2017 at 2:03 pm

Thanks! Without the scuba diving, it would come right on budget with $30.45.

09/04/2013 at 9:19 am

I can’t wait for my trip to SE Asia after the World Cup in Brazil. I need to start saving!

Good luck! I’m loving how travel-focused we Gauchos are!

OCDemon says

09/04/2013 at 3:13 pm

I definitely thought this title was going to be more personal, like, the answer was going to be “MY SOUL.” Oh well though. Info is great too!

09/04/2013 at 3:53 pm

Hahahaha! Well that too! More like my heart.

TammyOnTheMove says

09/04/2013 at 9:50 pm

I think you budget is more realistic. If you are traveling in a country and not take part in certain tours, then you might as well not bother (i.e. Angkor Wat). Love Otres beach. So stunning!

Jo (The Blond) says

09/05/2013 at 3:46 am

I think $11,000 for 6 months travel, including everything is not bad at all considering that you did trekking, scuba diving and things like that.

09/05/2013 at 10:44 pm

Yeah and when one really adds in the extras like flights, immunizations, and insurance, that’s a pretty realistic budget.

Joanna says

09/05/2013 at 6:22 pm

I loved how you broke everything down! I get some frustrated looks when I can’t give one price tag for any one of my trips because it really depends on how you travel and what you do!

As much as it’s great to get advice on how to stay on budget, some experiences are priceless and would be a waste to pass while you’re RIGHT THERE.

Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says

09/05/2013 at 6:36 pm

Awesome breakdown!! I love how sometimes it’s just way better to separate the ‘real cost’ from the ‘I have an expensive scuba habit’ cost 🙂

09/05/2013 at 10:45 pm

Hahaha! Exactly. I had to state that hey, a lot of this was due to this habit I have of spending a lot of time under water. I’m a bit of a junkie. I know you can relate!

09/06/2013 at 2:47 am

Awesome 😀 , I always envy reading your blog :'(

I hope some day, I will take my own journey same like you do 😀

thak’s for the “VIRUS” hahahah

09/06/2013 at 11:22 pm

Awesome and you’re welcome 🙂

09/06/2013 at 6:38 am

Great breakdown. I wish I had the discipline to do that. Did you have any issues with the one way tickets and the airlines wanting you to have proof of departure from the destination country?

I have a way around that 😉

Chris Fitz says

05/11/2016 at 12:26 pm

I’m planning on traveling soon, and being only my 2nd time out of the country, don’t want to run into any unnecessary issues 🙂 what is your way around this?

Kayleigh says

09/06/2013 at 3:42 pm

Here I am sitting behind a desk bemoaning every hour of ridiculous corporate america. For the past year, I got away with playing the game my way. Was always on the ball with my work so I took advantage of countless travel opportunities and unpaid vaycay because I could care less about the money so long as I have enough to travel. Well for regulatory reasons I can no longer escape dreaded weeks, nor escape for an hour or 2 during the day for a yoga sesh when there is not work to do. 🙁 talk about killing my soul. Anyway, I can’t tell you how many people I tell about your blog and right you are, people just don’t get it. I guess taking the safe, traditional road (the road too highly traveled IMO) is what people feel comfortable with and so they stick with what they know. So here I am, trying to balance holding a job, saving the dough until I can take off on the trip of a lifetime! So glad I stumbled upon your site-absolutely love it!

09/06/2013 at 11:26 pm

Aww thanks so much for your comment. Hang in there, you’ll be back on the road and it’ll all be worth it.

Michelle | Lights Camera Travel says

09/08/2013 at 5:22 am

Thanks for sharing Kristin! It’s always helpful to see these posts. I generally budget the same, $1000 for ground expenses, and things like flights, visas, expensive activities (i.e scuba diving) on top and that usually works for me!

09/08/2013 at 11:56 am

1k is a great budget for the extra stuff.

Arianwen says

09/08/2013 at 10:36 pm

This is a really useful overview! I’m pretty bad at keeping a close eye on exactly what I’ve spent so when people ask me about my trip to South America, it’s a very rough estimate! Nice one keeping track!

09/09/2013 at 4:18 pm

I had a lot of going back through my bank account withdrawals to do!

Turner says

09/09/2013 at 10:00 pm

Not too bad. I would be about spending $30 a day too, as per Lonely Planet suggestions, that is if all that weed and hookers didnt get in way. Sigh.

09/11/2013 at 12:41 pm

It’s the ping pong shows and lady boys that really kill my budget.

Morgan says

09/10/2013 at 9:54 am

This is amazing! Thanks for putting it together. I’m also an American and just started vaccinations – the rabies and japanese encephalitis will probably be put on the back burner due to prices (It’s outrageous!). Do you think you went the correct route skipping those?

09/10/2013 at 12:31 pm

I couldn’t even find Japanese Encephalitis when I was getting my vaccinations. I understand it’s kind of important if you’re spending a large chunk of time in SE Asia though, as it’s a pretty serious disease. You can definitely find it in Thailand, although I’m not sure how much it would cost. I personally don’t have that immunization and, well, I’m still alive and kicking!

09/10/2013 at 3:05 pm

Great story and thank you for laying out your expenses like that. Helps those of us who are looking into long trips some very valuable info

09/10/2013 at 8:13 pm

Glad you found it helpful!

Jennifer says

09/11/2013 at 1:35 am

I love your breakdown and it’s really realistic. Just did the same and I’ve come to pretty much the same conclusions. It’s easy to be on the cheap in SEA, but not everywhere and all the extras add up really fast!

09/11/2013 at 11:12 am

Thank you! Yes the extras do add up.

Joey Rana says

09/12/2013 at 1:14 pm

please visit the philippines. plenty of places to visit and part of south east asia. many travelers often neglect the philippines and hope you can make an exception.

09/12/2013 at 8:20 pm

I will. Next year!

09/24/2013 at 1:53 am

Brilliant post, thank you so much! My trip is rapidly approaching and this has really helped.

09/25/2013 at 7:55 am

Hello! I came across your blog and found it really inspiring! I am planning a 3 week trip to HK and maybe Thailand in October. I will attempt to blog my journey and looking for blogs to follow as well as increasing my number of followers so feel free to explore and please join my site while you are at it!

09/25/2013 at 1:15 pm

Thanks Vera! HK is awesome

Simon Lee says

10/08/2013 at 12:00 am

Hi Kristin, Dropping by for the first time. I am from Malaysia.

I am surprised that you spent the most money for accommodation in Borneo as there are quite a number of budget accommodation in the area.

Did you checked out some of the islands off the coast of Semporna? Widely known as a scuba diver paradise and i am sure you will like it as diving is what fascinating you:)

Cheers, Simon

10/09/2013 at 8:08 am

Well, it had more to do with the fact that I had been spending closer to $5 in most other countries. Yes, Borneo has budget accommodation, especially in the cities, but it’s not as cheap as other places in Southeast Asia – Malaysia in general is not as cheap. I went diving in Sipadan and it was amazing!

Manfred says

11/27/2013 at 8:44 pm

We just finished 6-7 months around SE Asia as a couple and spent an average of just under $30 each. We started and finished in Bangkok though, so didn’t have the additional cost of flights to/from SE Asia. We also didn’t get any immunizations, as our doctors here didn’t recommend any. We also didn’t need to buy any travel gear, as we both already had suitcases. I think this would be the case with most travelers. We wrote a book about our experiences if anyone is interested. See our blog.

11/27/2013 at 8:51 pm

Oooh Yikes I would DEFINITELY suggest everyone at least get the Hepatitis vaccines and Tetanus. Very important!

12/25/2013 at 4:26 pm

hi, i wanna go to Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. but i am confused how to get a visa to Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. can you help me out?

12/25/2013 at 10:41 pm

It really depends on where you’re from! You should check your country’s travel advisory website for more info. If you’re from the US , Canada, or EU, you can get a visa on arrival for all of those countries.

12/26/2013 at 12:19 am

What country are you from. If from US, UK, etc, you don’t need visa for Malaysia or Singapore, and can get visa on arrival for Indonesia. For Indonesia you need to have a flight booked to leave the country before arriving.

12/27/2013 at 5:17 am

That’s helpful info because I actually got a two month visa for Indonesia prior to going there while I was in Kuala Lumpur. I was told I needed proof of an onward flight but they never asked, and I didn’t have one!

01/20/2014 at 8:24 am

Maybe it’s different if you have a visa in advance. Also, sometimes people need onward flights and sometimes they don’t check. But I know people that haven’t be allowed on their flight because they didn’t have onward tickets. I wish they had proper rules, but it’s all a bit hit and miss.

01/20/2014 at 8:32 am

You don’t *really* need anything booked onward. There are ways around that but I know what you’re saying. Thailand and Indonesia are often that way and the Philippines is as well.

01/19/2014 at 11:17 pm

This is awesome as I’m planning my next adventures. Im currently in New Zealand but i just wondered in which currency was your budget for Asia?

01/20/2014 at 8:15 am

Ah I should note that on the post. USD 🙂

01/21/2014 at 9:26 pm

Looking to do a 6 week trip this Summer with a friend starting with a week in Thailand and ending with a week in the Philippines. Unfortunately can’t visit every country you described – did you have any personal favorites or must-sees!? My friend and I are both scuba certified as well – any great scuba spots would be much appreciated! Thanks, love the website!

01/25/2014 at 9:00 am

Sipadan in Borneo is the best diving I’ve done. You must book that kind of far in advance. Komodo in Indonesia is also amazing but the current is strong and you need at least AOW certification. I loved Cambodia and Laos but in 6 weeks I wouldn’t try to rush too much. A lot of people do and they miss a lot. Northern Thailand is great!

03/09/2014 at 5:26 pm

This was a really helpful post. Thank you for all the details. I’m trying to decide where to visit on my way back from Australia to the UK. Cambodia and Vietnam are looking like they might come out top, although I really want to see the Philippines too! I see this trip extending…!

03/09/2014 at 6:13 pm

I just did a budget post on the Philippines and it’s more expensive than I thought it would be. I have one on Vietnam going up today so check that one out! I really loved Vietnam!

03/19/2014 at 8:53 am

I love your helpful breakdown, but I do think that hostels eat up a lot of the travel budget, so I almost always try to couchsurf or stay somewhere as a Workaway volunteer whenever I travel in Asia or Europe. I think hostels are my last resort because I’ve had a couple negative experiences in hostels, but also, when you CouchSurf (which doesnt always mean you sleep on a couch btw!) or stay as a volunteer with a local, first of all, it’s FREE–plus you get free meals as a Workaway volunteer, and your CS host may also invite you to join him/her or their family for a meal or two. And second of all, you are gaining a truly authentic experience and perspective of the lifestyle, and you have a local to help you and offer you excellent advice for your stay! 🙂

03/20/2014 at 7:55 pm

Great suggestions and agreed, especially in more expensive countries. I’ve couch surfed in Europe and in China.

Sidney says

03/23/2014 at 2:36 pm

Thanks this helped alot!

03/23/2014 at 8:15 pm

I’m currently planning my trip for this summer, and just wanted to say this post/site is extremely helpful! I just got all my vaccines last week. Japanese Encephalitis set me back $500 alone. Yikes! I’m now on to gear. Taking your advice w/ a 40L pack. As for travel insurance, I just got a quote online from World Nomad that says it’ll be $386 for 6mo. coverage. Why was yours so much more expensive? Was it the timing? Or maybe $793 is for a full 10 mo?

03/24/2014 at 12:54 am

I got the adventure plan which covers SCUBA diving, etc., and that was for the full ten months as well. I wish I had just bought it all at once upfront because it’s actually cheaper that way. Oh well! You live and learn 🙂

Allen Espy says

03/24/2014 at 6:04 am

I did a similar trip in 2000. 6 months, about eight countries. Semi-backpacking. $12,000

03/28/2014 at 9:08 pm

Did it cost money to get visas’ to these countries? Were visa’s even required if you’re not working?

03/28/2014 at 9:24 pm

Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are free. Cambodia ($20), Laos ($35 but depends on where you’re from), and Indonesia are all visa on arrival but they cost money. Vietnam must be procured before you land and it’s expensive. I paid $20 and then $45 for a stamping fee.

04/21/2014 at 11:13 pm

Hey Kristin – thanks for sharing this! I will say that traveling as a couple makes the cost a lot better. Rob and I did six months in SE Asia and with all flights and a lot of scuba, we came out to a bit over $30/day per person. We always stayed in private rooms with private bathrooms, although we did do a fair amount of haggling.

When you add in shots and flights to Asia, the costs do go up. But that’s what frequent flier miles and pre trip health insurance are for :o)

05/05/2014 at 1:17 am

Splitting taxis is a huge help. The months that I did most of my traveling with friends were definitely cheaper.

Christopher K says

05/02/2014 at 12:38 pm

Hey Kristin!

I’m getting ready for my trip to SEAsia in mid-June, arriving in Bangkok on a one-way ticket as well, and I just wanted to ask you about your experience flying with such a ticket.

Apparently one of the requirements for Thailand’s free 30-day tourist visa is to have proof of “an onward or return airline ticket within 30-days of arriving.” I’m planning on flying to Bangkok and staying there until my 30 days expire, at which point I’ll heading to Cambodia –> Vietnam –> Laos via LAND transport however (i’m planning on buying my bus and train tickets when I get there).

My question is: Did you happen to have another airline ticket (out of thailand within 30 days) purchased and ready to show to the immigration officials and/or airline when you arrived? How’d it go for you? Do you think the airline could bar me from getting on the plane if I show up to the airport in new york with nothing but the one-way ticket to bangkok and my passport?? :S

It’s just one of my scruples at this moment!

Hope that all made sense! Thanks so much!

05/05/2014 at 12:55 am

Sometimes the agent at the check in counter will ask for onward travel proof and if you don’t have it they won’t let you check in. I’d suggest editing an old e-ticket from a different airline with a future travel date and printing that to bring with you.

05/21/2014 at 3:03 pm

Thailand also has (or had 5 years ago) cheap rooms. I got a single or double bed room for 3-4€ outside of bangkok on different occasions. I plan for round trip with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos now and it is great to hear that I won’t be completely broke at the end of it. 🙂 Also one hint: An Indonesian friend showed me some Indonesian booking sites and they seem a lot cheaper than the American/European ones. Try tiket.com for instance.

Barbora says

05/28/2014 at 9:28 pm

Your website is freaking awesome! No nonsens lifestyle generic scribbling, but actual useful practical advice. Big thank you!

05/31/2014 at 3:09 am

Wow. THANK YOU!

matthew says

06/01/2014 at 2:05 am

I just got home from a 18 month trip all over SE Asia, Singapore 3x, Malaysia 6x, Indonesia 1x, Thailand 2x, Philippines 1x, and did the whole 18 months on $8200 USD including my separate 1 way flights back and forth from the US. It helps to make friends on the way, lots of free food and places to sleep.

06/02/2014 at 4:13 am

Couchsurfing and staying with friends definitely helps a lot. I tend to buy meals or pay my share or bring a gift, though, which does increase my costs. To me, it seems like the right thing to do.

06/22/2014 at 6:00 pm

Hey, I love your post and have found it particularly useful whilst planning my own trip, I’ve got a question about currency.. How did you handle money over there? Did you have lots of different currency on you at all times or did you literally just withdraw money in each country when you needed it? Also, how did you cross from each country to the next and have you got rough prices for them? Thank you 🙂

06/23/2014 at 2:45 am

I just withdrew money when I needed it. I crossed overland for the most part and typically you want to pay visa fees in US Dollars so always have some of those on you.

06/23/2014 at 11:08 am

Travelling is enjoying the different food: should be careful as paying too low …you might be fed with rat meat instead of pork… especially in poor country, meat is still expensive. If the meal is a buck, I’m not sure it’s pork or rat….? A 3 to 4 dollar meal should be very satisfying… if your budget could not afford that then I was wondering what would you enjoy in your travel? My idea is to save a bit more before your trip and really enjoy the time there …. if you find yourself penny-pinching then wait for another season and build those extra bucks…The worst thing is to see something that your friends enjoying while you couldn’t afford.

Wd you sleep in a place where rats came out at night to say hi? It is much more enjoyable to stay at a 5.00 or 10.00 room and enjoy the night rather than sleepless because of those vermins….

06/23/2014 at 5:43 pm

That’s absolutely ridiculous. You can see the meat before you eat it, usually raw, at the street stall. I think we all know that beef ribs look nothing like rat meat, and it’s possible to just go vegetarian as well. I also eat food locals eat and take pride in making. It’s insulting to them to claim they’re cooking rat’s meat.

$1 streetside soup in Vietnam (with a giant pork shank in it, I might add) is delicious.

Lastly, most rooms I stayed in that year were around $5-$10 per night. I now often spend a bit more but I wanted to see if it could be done for $30/day back then.

Kaylin says

07/24/2014 at 5:28 pm

After doing some number crunching, it looks like you spent about $34/day not including the scuba (which wouldn’t necessarily be something alot of people would do on such a trip) or the flights (which most people don’t include in their daily budget). So really it’s not so far off the $30/day recommendation! Either way, this is a great article showing real expenses on your trip. I have been to Thailand and Cambodia before for 2 weeks, but I want to go back and do a much longer trip to more countries in the next couple years, so I will definitely keep this budget in mind 🙂 You are so right that not drinking saves SOOOOO much money. I feel like half my budget in Cambodia was for those $5 buckets LOL.

07/29/2014 at 5:27 am

That’s true, but I think a lot of people have one or two expensive activities they just really want to try, so it’s worth budgeting that in. Cutting out drinking would actually make it much cheaper than $30/day considering where I was staying and the types of transport I was taking.

07/30/2014 at 4:04 am

Hey Kristin,

Great blog!! I was wondering if you had any advice on obtaining visas on your travels?? I have a one way ticket to thailand this upcoming November, and I was honestly just going to wing it as far as determining my length of stay in certain countries/areas. Any help would be appreciated!!

07/30/2014 at 7:36 am

I did the same. Most countries, except for Vietnam, you can just get a visa on arrival (depending on which country you’re from, of course), and it can be pretty easy to extend.

Ian Limbonis says

08/10/2014 at 11:12 am

Im on my 111th day today, and so far spent <1500$. Tracking all my expemses daily to meet the least possible expensiture, though i must say coffee, cigarette, and seldom beers can help lower this doen further.

08/11/2014 at 1:05 am

Wow you’ve done a great job then!

08/11/2014 at 1:59 am

Not as much as how you organized your expenses ;-). Im glad how quite basic i’m becoming

Michael says

08/25/2014 at 11:23 pm

Wow thats cheap.. good for you!

09/02/2014 at 10:54 pm

I tried! Could do it even cheaper and certainly more expensively as well.

Paul Durano says

08/27/2014 at 9:11 pm

If your in Cebu, Philippines by mid Jan – May 2015, I help you find a place for $20 per day. Living with local family.

Samantha says

08/29/2014 at 4:45 pm

Hey Kristin, HUGE fan of your blog and the advice you give. You have really helped me out as I plan for my backpacking trip to SEA, Australia, and New Zealand (leaving in 65 days!!–but who’s counting?!). Quick question: did you get a credit card for this trip? I opened up a Charles Schwab account for the ATM card, but I wanted to get a credit card with 0 foreign transaction fees as well, just as a precaution. Do you have any banker recommendations? :). Thanks again!

09/02/2014 at 10:43 pm

Glad to have your readership! I use a Capital One Venture card and would also suggest having some kind of back up as well. Airline mileage cards also often are transaction-fee-free.

09/18/2014 at 1:01 pm

Hi Kristin,

For your southeast asia travels you got immunizations for Hepatitis A and Tetnus?

Did you get any for: Fly or Typhoid or Hepatitis B or Japanese Encephalitis or Rabies?

Also, you mentioned you chose not to take medication for Malaria? Any concern why?

My mother wants me to inoculated for every conceivable transmittable/contagious disease but to save both money and side effects I want focus on the truly most necessary vaccinations.

Thank you! Haley

09/18/2014 at 10:21 pm

I got Tetanus and Hep A, already had B, as well as Typhoid. Did not get rabies and Japanese Encephalitis wasn’t even available at my clinic. I have never taken anti-malaria medication. I’m in that part of the world for way too long for that.

Stephanie Be says

10/03/2014 at 10:58 pm

I just wrote an article on tips for Thailand, and one of my tips was that it is NOT as cheap as people make it out to be. I couldn’t agree more with the misconception that it’s “easy” to live on a shoe string budget in developing countries. There are many costs, and chances are that most travelers WANT to experience things like an elephant reservation park or Angkor Wat.

Nice to hear it from you too!

10/04/2014 at 6:14 am

Southern Thailand is definitely more expensive than the middle and north as well!

Franca says

10/04/2014 at 1:33 am

I forgot how cheap SEA can be and after being traveling around Europe for more than 1 year, it seems like a dream being able to spend so little and still enjoying yourself so much! We spent a lot less than you have, but mainly because we didn’t do the activities you did and we took some extra vaccinations (rabies for instance because we volunteered in dog shelters) and malaria pills in some areas. Sometimes I miss these countries, maybe we should go back and explore the countries we haven’t been yet. There is too much of the world I want to see, my list gets longer instead of shorter 🙂

10/04/2014 at 6:13 am

Same here. I am over in Europe now, thankful that I now have a bigger budget but definitely do still love SEA, both for how cheap it can be and how amazing it can be.

Victoria says

10/04/2014 at 5:12 am

Definitely agreed $30 isn’t realistic if you want to see and do things, although I think as an American you have it way worse! In the UK immunisations are free, I go to TK Maxx for my travel gear so we’re looking at maybe £30-40 on a bag and then flights cost me about £400-£500 RETURN if I don’t care what day I travel on. When I did Phuket for a month it cost $400 US for my room ($13 per day) and then I spent roughly $10-$20 on food and I literally wasn’t doing ANYTHING except working on my computer and going to the beach. So really $30 is only do-able if you decide to do the ‘living somewhere’ option and do nothing.

10/04/2014 at 6:10 am

Definitely true. Moving around is expensive due to traveling costs, but living in one place or moving very slowly makes things much more affordable.

10/08/2014 at 8:00 pm

Hey Kristin, We shall be traveling Indonesia in June and we wondered if you had any tips on where to go? we figured we’d stop off in Bali (its the cheapest island to fly to) plus my friend works there as an instructor and I’m going to take my DM course there. Other than that we’ve seen that Sumatra and Flores look good, but we don’t really know anything about them. Also, how expensive is it to take a tour with the orang-utans? i’ve looked online and it said 20,000Rp… that seems pretty cheap to me, does that sound about right? Finally, how expensive is it to island hop? we traveled south thailand via boats and busses and it work out pretty cheap but will it be the same in Indo?

Thanks for your advice and your amazing travel blog! Keep up the awesome work! Emily 🙂

10/09/2014 at 11:41 am

Definitely I wrote a lot about it in the Indonesia https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/category/destinations/southeast-asia/indonesia/

Here’s the info on Orangutans https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/bukit-lawang-trekking/

Here’s info on island hopping local style https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-get-from-flores-to-lombok/

whitney says

10/16/2014 at 2:28 am

what backpack did you buy for $200 and what do you do for income (or has the initial funds from liquidating your assets not run out yet)? also do you still maintain and contribute to a retirement plan? lastly, i assume travel insurance makes up for not having employer sponsored health benefits? i too am a banker and im wondering how i can make this a reality for myself.

10/16/2014 at 8:04 am

Yes I contribute to a retirement account, which was pretty heavily invested in with my old job. I make money off of this blog and freelance writing. Check out my series on how to start a travel blog if that interests you! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/category/travel-prep/how-to-start-a-travel-blog/

11/05/2014 at 4:04 pm

i wanna backpack for 6- 8 months in Asia , and is like 10.000 dollar enough ??

11/06/2014 at 4:07 am

Well you can see how I laid out my expenses here, so I’d say that no, it is not, if you add in things like flights, gear, and insurance. It is if you don’t party much and don’t do expensive activities and stay in dorms, eat street food, and take local transport. It boils down to your way of traveling.

TeachingTravel says

11/24/2014 at 8:25 am

You really missed out by not spending as much time in Vietnam! Vietnam is extremely cheap. However I didn’t spend as much time in Cambodia, this time i’ll make sure to check out the beaches! Last time I just hit the temples of Cambodia and skipped right through!

Also traveling with someone else would really bring these costs down!

11/24/2014 at 8:53 am

I ended up returning to Southeast Asia and spending a month in Vietnam after writing this post. Traveling with someone else would definitely cut the costs down but I’m a solo traveler and that’s the focus of this blog 🙂

Claire says

08/28/2016 at 1:08 am

I’m so curious, why and what would all the reasons traveling with a partner cut the costs down??

09/07/2016 at 3:24 pm

You split cabs and private rooms

Muzammil says

12/17/2014 at 2:11 pm

Hey! Amazing article and love your website!

Can you please let me know how many flights did you have to take in your 10 months Oceania & SE Asia trip? And what were those flights?

Thanks! Muzammil

12/17/2014 at 3:19 pm

I probably took around 6-8. If you just stayed in Southeast Asia you can do almost all of it overland. You can get very cheap last minute ones on local airlines and on Air Asia. I really like Bangkok Airways in Thailand, and Tiger is also good.

12/17/2014 at 3:26 pm

Thanks for the response! When you say overland, are you referring to taking ferries/boats between countries like Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.?

12/18/2014 at 2:14 am

You could do that but it takes a VERY long time and in that case I’d just fly.

12/29/2014 at 9:18 pm

Wow , I really want to do this how do you find all the places to sleep and not end up paying for hotels

12/31/2014 at 12:50 pm

Stay in hostels/guesthouses and especially dorms to save money.

Lesh @ NOMADasaurus says

01/03/2015 at 9:48 pm

What an awesome breakdown Kristin. I know what you mean about $30 a day. Sometimes it happens but most of the time not. There are so many awesome activities to do all over South East Asia and we were not missing out on them. Love your tips for cheap travel. We love eating locally and traveling locally too. It is not just cheap but such a great experience. We have met some wonderful people on some journeys. We have been taking a budget daily so we can keep track of our spendings. The fact it is there on paper has really helped us budget. Over spend one day, lay low the next day. It is crazy how much alcohol can add up too and how many stories I have heard of people spending all their money partying and have not enough to see the rest of the country. The country always comes first for us. Thank you.

01/04/2015 at 2:04 pm

Thanks Lesh. I definitely agree it’s better to buy experiences than beers, but if you can do both, even better! 😉

01/04/2015 at 6:29 pm

Hey Kristin, great breakdown – I’ve managed on $30 in Asia, but on the basis it was covering food and accommodation only and no sightseeing. Also, these kind of simple ‘figures’ just don’t work in places like Singapore, Tokyo, etc. It annoys me when I see guides/books/etc. encouraging this as an ‘option’ because there must be so few people who manage on something like $30 a day and still get to see and do everything they wanted! Bring more – see and do more.

01/05/2015 at 4:52 am

True Singapore is a lot more costly and I actually haven’t been there yet. If any guide books are suggesting $30/day is doable in Tokyo I’d toss that right out the window!

01/12/2015 at 6:26 am

How am I only just finding this blog? Good stuff

01/13/2015 at 1:23 am

Aw thank you.

01/25/2015 at 10:42 pm

Never tried this myself, but I would imagine $30 (3000 yen) in Tokyo is possible. Well, I am in Tokyo now working (I am from Canada) but will travel abroad in November.

3000 yen breakdown possibility (if not relied on heavy tourist travel-style) – of course, it all depends on what you want to do that day; the list of what to do is endless:

1. Yamanote Line (most of the touristy places are on this line): 730 (day pass; it is even less that if you want to stay in places that require less than 730 yen) 2. Food ~1000 a day IF cheap, healthy, and convenient food places (i.e. Sukiya) –> much less required if rice balls and other smaller foods bought at convenience stores or McDonalds (100 yen options) 3. Accommodation – Couchsurfing! (0 yen) 4. Others (museum fee, drinking, whatever you choose)

Total: 1730yen plus additional

I do not know how much travel insurance is needed. Nor visa. However, when sites that say $30/day is possible, I do not believe that cost includes visa, insurance, etc. I think it means just travel expenses (food, accomodation, and such).

And for visa, I have never bought it before. But according to my Japanese passport Visa requirement for travel in Europe, I can travel in Europe for 3 (or 6) months at maximum without visa, so I am sure Visa is not required if less than 3 (or 6) months?

01/27/2015 at 7:28 am

Thanks for that! I had no idea it could be so cheap since Japan is always thought of as so expensive. You can get a VOA for fewer than 3 months in Europe, yes. You can only stay for 3 out of every 6 months.

02/06/2015 at 1:55 am

I went for a month in December/January of last year and found it expensive, probably because I wasn’t able to find as many dorms and it was over the holidays which is an understandably expensive time.

sashlah says

02/22/2015 at 8:06 am

We are spending around 15/20$ a day in two in North Thailand. We rented a huge house with 3 bedrooms for little more than 150/month. We always cook at home buying stuff at the market.

02/23/2015 at 1:40 am

Northern Thailand is really nice and cheap. Cooking at home is cheaper than street food? That’s my favorite part of Thailand!

02/23/2015 at 9:11 pm

Thanks for the great advice! One thing to add, when I was traveling for 6 months through Western Europe, I got charged about $5 per ATM withdrawal– I have Chase. BUT, I called and asked them, and kind of sweet talked them, into refunding me the charges! It wasn’t a lot since I went to the ATM as few times as possible but every dollar counts!

02/23/2015 at 10:16 pm

I’d suggest Charles Schwab which refunds all ATM fees and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. I really think they’re the best option. Great customer service, too. Wow I sound like an ad but honestly I love them.

01/14/2016 at 6:05 am

do you by any chance know how this works for Europeans? Can, say a Belgian guy, get an Charles Schab account? 🙂 Have you met Europeans troughout your trip who managed to solve or eliminate these fees?

01/16/2016 at 1:01 pm

I believe Schwab is only in the US, these are some good suggestions: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/avoid-paying-bank-fees-traveling/

03/07/2015 at 6:08 pm

First off I want to say I’m a huge fan of your blog! Your posts are always great and so interesting! I’m very grateful for this post in particular. I’m considering homeschooling my son for a year and spending the time traveling SE Asia. So I have a few questions for you: what is the point of travelers insurance? Is it health insurance? We have health insurance and I cover my electronics through my homeowners insurance (it’s very cheap btw) so I don’t think I need travelers insurance, right? Did any areas seems unsafe at all? My son is 13 so he’s not a baby but I still don’t want to put him directly in danger of course. When you reference “dorms” is that the same thing as hostels? What is high season in SE Asia? What language is most widely spoke? I was thinking about spending a few weeks in one spot to take courses on a foreign language. Anything else you think I should know? Thanks and keep up the great work!

03/11/2015 at 7:03 am

Hey Kristin! Depends on which country you’re in regarding which language is spoken the most widely. In Thailand that would be Thai, Malay in Malaysia, etc. However, most places you’ll find you’ll be fine communicating as locals speak at least some English and much communication isn’t verbal anyways, as I’ve learned through the years. I also don’t think a few weeks is enough time to learn much of a language, though I wouldn’t want to discourage you!

As for insurance, you can check if your health insurance covers you abroad. Mine didn’t. I have travel insurance so that I’m always covered and if I need to be flown home for medical care, I’m still covered. Hope that helps.

03/11/2015 at 9:35 am

Yes that helps a lot! Thank you!

05/07/2015 at 7:40 am

I find your post realistic! And refreshing knowing that I’m not able to always stick to $30/day either. Currently traveling in Northern Thailand and doing my best with level of comfort, while staying cheap. Probably the biggest money saver as you mention is indeed when I go a week or so without drinking. 🙂 Thanks for the honest post and keeping up with your site. Inspiring!

05/07/2015 at 7:32 pm

Thanks Erin! Yep the biggest budget killer is alcohol, even though each drink individually is cheap, it adds up!

05/29/2015 at 5:41 am

Awesome! I got to understand on how much should I be needing and what do I really want before exploring outside my country in SEA!

Very informative post! 😀

Liem @ Holiday Bays says

06/20/2015 at 10:28 pm

Hey Kristin, when will you visit Vietnam? We can go for coffee and eat some local food. I live in the Mekong Delta area. Love your blog by the way! 🙂

06/22/2015 at 4:10 am

I spent one month there in 2014 but would love to return. I love the food and the coffee so much!

07/18/2015 at 3:40 pm

Good write-up

The Wife & I traveled SE Asia for 3 months last year and are hooked! On seeing more. We did things a different way financially so are kinda setup now but it meant foregoing this earlier on. But also means work is almost optional now. We spent about $8k across 7 Countries and that’s staying in Hotels ranging from $50-$100 per night. Everything is cheap there and most things are just so much better. They live a good life and we now see that Western world has it all wrong

07/19/2015 at 2:16 am

Can definitely see where you’re coming from with that. Wouldn’t say they all live a good life though. It’s easy for us to do so because we were born with privilege, a passport that provides mobility, and the ability to earn in a strong currency.

Jasmine says

08/09/2015 at 6:49 am

My main question in all of this was how did you go about traveling to these countries once you started in Thailand? Are there cheap (significantly cheap) flights available from one to the next or are you able to cross the border in a local bus? *I’m trying to convince my friends of a southeast Asia tour and the only way I can persuade them is if this factor is relatively inexpensive lol.*

08/10/2015 at 5:01 am

Hi Jasmine, I generally crossed overland though I flew to Malaysian Borneo and did a few flights in Indonesia as well. For the most part busses and trains are the method of getting around, and they’re cheap! So are Air Asia flights so I’d suggest signing up for their newsletter and taking advantage of sales. I scored a flight for $18 with them previously.

Charmaine says

09/30/2015 at 12:52 pm

Thanks for all your tips! I’m looking to do some backpacking soon and one thing I’m concern about are bank fees! You mentioned Charles Schwab doesn’t have any fees, can you elaborate more on this? Were you always banking with them or only as a travel account? Is it only available to US citizens (I’m from Canada).

10/12/2015 at 6:38 am

Hi Charmaine, I don’t know if it’s available in Canada but I don’t think so. This post is a pretty good resource: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/avoid-paying-bank-fees-traveling/

Izy Berry says

11/26/2015 at 2:30 pm

Is not that expensive !! Incredible is very economic

KeepCalmAndWander says

12/27/2015 at 7:44 am

Going back to Cambodia soon and I hope the country is still cheap! 🙂

12/27/2015 at 1:10 pm

It’s still cheap.

Christian Vielma says

12/29/2015 at 10:54 am

Nice post! My wife and I traveled this year around Asia, including SEA. We also find the $30 limit not very realistic unless you stay for long time and live more like a local (preparing your own food instead of restaurant)

12/31/2015 at 4:18 am

I feel like eating street food is superior to cooking your own when traveling in Asia. It’s fresh, cheap, and lots of it is healthy.

Darren Bush says

01/11/2016 at 11:06 pm

Hey Kristine, I just want to thank you. As your blog is super helpful for me. I will keep all your points in my mind as i am thinking of visiting few countries in southeast asia.

Oliver Mortimer says

01/13/2016 at 6:07 am

Great article, Myself and my girlfriend are travelling on the 10th of February for 167 days. We will be going to Thailand Laos Malaysia Indonesia and Cambodia. We will be taking with us just over 9000 euro and have our flights booked travel insurance bought and vaccinations done.

I’m wondering if you think this will be enough money? We would like to see and do as much as we can and will be mostly eating street food but will be staying in our own rooms and not in dorms.

01/13/2016 at 8:41 am

If you take local transport and don’t party too much it could work. You might have to stay in dorms sometimes but the main thing that eats a budget quickly is partying for sure.

01/14/2016 at 3:25 am

Thanks for the reply. We’re not going over to party, so hopefully we’ll be ok with the budget we have….

robbie says

01/20/2016 at 4:03 pm

is it best to book hostels and such before or just go on the go

01/22/2016 at 3:27 pm

I generally do it on the go unless it’s a holiday in which case they can book out for months ahead of time.

Natasja Trujillo says

01/25/2016 at 6:54 pm

Love your blog. What would you say this budget would be for 2 people?

01/28/2016 at 10:49 am

That was just for me. For two double the food costs and add for busses and flights too. I stayed in dorms as well so I paid a single amount but for a private room or a dorm for two you’ll pay double. It’s not entirely double the cost but I’d budget as much for cushion.

yuyazz says

02/03/2016 at 8:03 am

Hello i’m sorry but i really need to write on maximum english blogs because after 6 months of travel in South East Asia, it is my duty to prevent the maximum person from countries such england or australia Everywhere we went, thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Burma, Malaysia, and Laos, we encountered the same type of travelers, loud, arrogant, completely disrespectful of other travelers and local poeple or places..A on several occasions we had to change guesthouse to find a more quiet place, especially away from you english people. You have a tendency to shout rather than speak, to make noise, in couple or group, always acting as if you were alone in earth..Even if you know that the owner of the guest house sleeps just next door, even if his childrens have to sleep to go at school the next morning, it will not matter, you continue until late at night yelling like pigs, in total disrespect of your neighbors .I therefore ask you this: learn to respect your neighbors, cease to believe you higher because the whole world must understand you and speak your language when you do not speak any other language except yours..the local bad feel towards overseas is due in large part to your behavior..Vang Vieng but the Thai islands are the best examples of your behavior incredibly bad.English women love to put almost naked, where the local dress head to toe in all sacred places or elsewhere, you English women you absolutely not respect the modesty of local people, in bikini everywhere..we thing that you really behave badly, the whole world hates you for that, but you don’t care and continue..if ever someone notice it to you, you laugh..You, English, you must to know it, please, SHUT UP, and respect local cultures and your neighbors..your culture based on easy friendship, nudity in public places, and “shouting” must stop!!!.Please be respectful and forget your huge egos!!! … you are the shame of Western europe to abroad …you have to know and to behave in consequence please..if some of you think that i’m exagerating, just look and listen, everywhere in South asia, and certainly everywhere in the world..you are in holidays, ok..but maybe your neighbors or the local people around you are NOT in holidays!!! -so 1 : be quiet -2 : stop wearing bikinis and show your muscles to the whole world.. if people comme here to read these comments, be adise that you are not really appreciated in the world…especially because of young travellers who just care about themselves, and just think about making party… I had no bad idea about english or autralian before, not at all..now after six month travelling, i just hate you, and can’t stand anymore your fucking behaviour..

02/05/2016 at 6:41 am

I wasn’t going to approve because it’s racist this but then again, there are some nuggets of wisdom in here. People who travel elsewhere only to behave badly and disrespect the locals but partying like crazy are the scourge of Southeast Asia and a big reason why I tried to get away from the Thai islands and find other places that weren’t ruined yet.

Also, I’m not English. Not Australian either. Your problem is with the bad eggs, not the entire race of people. Calm down.

Brennan says

02/07/2016 at 7:04 pm

Hey Kristin, this is a great site and very helpful…kudos to ya for setting it up and providing all of the valuable information! I have been pondering leaving my job for some time now to travel Southeast Asia for a year. I have been fortunate that I can travel twice a year while still having my job, and I have been to a few countries so far (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines) but I really want to spend more time there than just a few weeks per year. What are your thoughts on being there for a year? Do you think it’s too long? Also, after your 8 month trip and you returned to the States what was your takeaway from it and are you more motivated to travel now or less? What would say was the best part of the trip?

02/10/2016 at 12:39 pm

Altogether I’ve spent 3 years of my life in Asia and I STILL feel like I haven’t seen it all so there’s no way that a year is too long. I loved the interactions with locals when they happened. Have fun!

03/29/2016 at 2:36 am

This blog is friggin amazing! Thanks for all the great advice. I’ve been saving for the last two years and I’m about to embark on an across the globe backpack journey, living on 20 dollars a day.

04/04/2016 at 4:43 am

Thanks a lot for sharing!! I’m planning a trip to Southeast Asia and this is the first article that actually helped me to calculate expenses. Thank you for all the helpful information

A Pin on the Map says

05/23/2016 at 10:36 am

Thanks so much for the invaluable info! Thinking of heading to Vietnam and Cambodia next summer and this post will be perfect to re-visit before I book my trip. Thanks for sharing!!

Julie Rog. says

05/24/2016 at 4:08 am

Thanks for all the great advice! I want to travel now ^^

NickPomata says

05/26/2016 at 4:40 am

i think 11.000$ is too expensive i also paln a 6 months travel, in southeast asia but probably 4000/5000 will be my budget

07/29/2016 at 2:47 am

Hi NickPomata, are you still traveling? And how about yourt target 4000/5000 per 6 months? Thank you!

Steeve says

07/08/2016 at 6:33 am

I am always amazed on how much expenses keep piling up when I am on vacation… Even when I don’t do anything fancy. I now try to do some volunteering work. I receive accommodation and meals and in return I do some work. It is the best way to travel with minimum expenses and to get to know some local people and the local culture. I did it last year in a yoga ashram in India called Arhanta Yoga. It was the best experience ever. I am now looking for a place in Cambodia, if any body has any suggestions… I would love to know!

Emilia @ mythicalasia.com says

07/13/2016 at 10:29 pm

Southeast Asia is a wonderful destination for the families with kids. Also for many travelers, this region is their first introduction to Asia.

Maddie says

07/23/2016 at 12:03 pm

Took my first trip to Southeast Asia summer of 2015 and spent 10 days in Thailand going through Ayutthaya, Lopburi, and then finally Bangkok. Even spent my 18th birthday in Bangkok and stayed on Khaosan Road! Best experience of my life, planning another trip summer 2017 with my dad that takes us to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and finally Thailand. We both want to hopefully move somewhere in SE Asia in the next few years and this breakdown of costs and your experience helps with the planning process!

07/25/2016 at 4:18 am

That’s wonderful! So glad that you had such a great time 🙂

Naciholidays says

09/12/2016 at 2:57 am

Vietnam is also a good suggestion, I visited Ha Long Bay is very beautiful there and Nha Trang, Sai Gon … Maybe you’ll like it

James Crosby says

08/22/2016 at 11:32 am

If you really put young urban mind to it $30 a day overall is very realistic. I did that ciircuit as part of a larger trip and it can be done on around $18 a day. Couchsurf, hitchhike, and that’s your two biggest costs wiped out. As far as food, you can easily eat breakfast for $1 and evening meal for $3. Use a steripen so you can drink tap water, never drink alcohol. Also don’t take tuktuks unless you really need to. Wake up early and walk everywhere. Some days I would walk in excess of 20km to explore places. Keeps you fit and it’d free.

08/22/2016 at 4:56 pm

I’d say the biggest part of that advice that helps with costs is not drinking (and for the sake of argument, not doing activities that cost money). Eating local and sleeping cheap are great ways to save but I also think most people can’t resist indulging when they travel, in all of the fun stuff, so I’d rather spend a bit more to have more fun.

10/13/2016 at 2:06 am

My Partner and I are planning a 6 month trip to South East Asia with our 16 month old son.

We want to do it as cheap as possible and we’re thinking of buying a van and decking it out with a mattress etc.

Do you think this would be safe and efficient way to travel South East Asia? We are planning on going to Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia.

10/13/2016 at 11:07 am

I don’t really think that’s necessary. Busses and private rooms at hostels are so cheap, and I never really saw anyone self-driving there except for on a motorbike.

10/21/2016 at 1:44 pm

So true about the $30 a day and just totally going over with even just a visa fee or transport! Transport prices are what surprised us! I did not get any immunizations though and I flew from Australia so my flights were much less as well. Love your honest breakdown. Very helpful for first-timers to SEA 🙂

Äventyrsresenär says

12/11/2016 at 6:11 am

Hi there Kristin,

Just stumbled on your blog and as a former expat in Asia I’m glad to see you covered some useful tips and advice when traveling around this region. I haven’t read all of your posts for this particular adventure… you mentioned some stuff you did in the south of thailand and indonesia and malaysia, was it scuba diving? Would love to know more, did you write a post about these travel experiences as well?

Have a great weekend, Sam aka “Äventyrsresenären”

12/11/2016 at 11:15 am

Sure did! Scroll down to SCUBA diving on this active adventures page and you can see what I wrote about: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/outdoor-travel-blog/

12/13/2016 at 3:22 am

I am going away for 6 weeks on boxing day to Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia. What would you say is the best way to carry money as i will need three different currencies.

12/15/2016 at 8:59 pm

get it from ATMs

Agness of a TukTuk says

02/14/2017 at 12:39 am

Wow, this is great! I learned a thing or two I could’ve done better when I was in SEA. It’s affordable travel, but it could even be made more affordable. There’s something about the people in SEA that totally makes me want to go back.

02/22/2017 at 9:29 pm

Hi Kristin, Thank you for the tips, I have traveled around the world but most of them were with the US Marine Corps. I am just finishing up grad school this May and will travel for the first time that is not work related. I will be traveling for 3 months and want to start with Thailand, and end in Australia. I don’t drink (I am hoping that will save me some money) and I don’t have any other habits that will cost me more (want to get a scuba license though). I like the couchsurfing idea (do you know any other option if I don’t find accommodations for free?). What safety advice would you give me (specially if I was in military in my past life) and i believe I have most of the immunization done through military deployments. Where would I be able to learn to surf for cheap or even free in any of these countries that you have visited in SE asia? Thank you, Michael

02/22/2017 at 11:50 pm

There’s no surf except for in Indonesia, I’m fairly certain. As for safety, just be smart. If you don’t drink then that’ll help a lot with money and with not getting into trouble. Dorms are so cheap, if you can’t couchsurf then go for those.

Therie says

03/12/2017 at 7:35 am

You really can’t miss scuba diving in SE Asia. It’s a must and the experience is absolutely worth the money. Thank you for putting this together Kristin! Your blog is so awesome, great tips and recommendations, keep it up!

03/14/2017 at 6:48 am

Glad you liked it! I totally agree, I wouldn’t have wanted to experience SEA without the diving. It was worth every penny!

06/15/2017 at 11:43 am

Has anyone tried camping in South Asia or have any experience with it? I’m considering that 🙂

Piotr Kowalski says

09/26/2017 at 4:53 am

This is a very good post and I definitely was looking for something like this. I’m planning a long term trip to Asia next year and the information you have put here will make me change my plans a little. I didn’t know that Laos and Cambodia are so damn cheap, $2 for a bed is nearly like for free or to put it into perspective, I couldn’t even buy a nice sandwich in Europe for that amount. Which place/country you liked the most from them all that you’ve seen in south east Asia?

09/26/2017 at 7:03 am

I like them all for different reasons! Laos was pretty special, though, as was Cambodia, because they were a little less popular.

Abdulrahman Ameen says

11/26/2017 at 7:44 am

This is what I was just searching for. I’m planing to go to a trip to Southeast Asia soon but I have already visited Malaysia, So now I’m Planing to go to Cambodia,Vietnam,Indonesia, Philippines ,Thailand and Myanmar. But a lot of people told me Laos, Vietnam And Cambodia are much similar and they told me you can just go to Cambodia so what do you think of that? and how long should I take to visit these countries with how much budget like estimating ?

11/26/2017 at 9:26 am

I don’t think they’re similar at all. Each has its own unique culture and landscape and things to see. I think a month in each country is good if you can.

Valentina Greene says

07/28/2019 at 1:11 pm

Love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing.

07/31/2019 at 8:44 am

Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed reading your post, and it is very helpful for me to plan my next trip.

08/02/2019 at 4:46 am

Great post! It will be very helpful to those who are planning to the trip and the pics are very nice.

Daniel Gallo says

08/30/2019 at 12:20 am

Where do you get the money to do this if your on Min. Wage? im lucky if after all the bills are paid i have 100$ left. like a 1k a year. it take me over a decade to do something like this?

09/02/2019 at 9:53 am

You might find this helpful https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-afford-solo-female-travel/

Brendon says

11/16/2019 at 5:27 pm

Great article. I always save up and pay for insurance and the main flight ahead of time and then just pretend that money vanished ? And then I budget from there with my remaining money. Fortunely I’m Canadian and don’t have to pay for immunization. But again the CAD dollar is much weaker thanks USD. Stay in places longer and travel slower saved me hell of alot more money ?

Mary Smith says

01/03/2020 at 2:39 am

Great post! it will be very helpful for planning any trip to Aisa.

01/21/2024 at 11:11 pm

Great article. I’d also suggest a good tip on money in SE Asia. Atms are a good way of getting cash and you can use apps like ATM Fee Saver – it helps finding the fee-free and lower fee Atms in the region along with withdrawal limits for foreign card holers. worth adding to your list of tricks!

• Travel planning

What is your trip going to cost?

By international standards, Southeast Asia offers amazing value—that $200 cubby hole in Kyoto, Japan will get you a private pool villa in Bali—but you need not be spending the earth to be comfortable.

Planning categories

Get an idea, get some money, get insurance, get your documents, get your gear, get packing, get the most out of your trip, get talking, get booking, get out alive, get working.

That said, it is just as easy to spend $10 a night as $1,000 a night, and while you can burn through money in beautiful bars and world-class restaurants, the region is famous for its affordable street food and drink. The choice is really yours.

While it's obvious that you need to budget for your accommodation and food, don't forget to factor in sights and activities, some of which can be on the pricier side. Things like learning to dive on Ko Tao , spending a week kiteboarding at Mui Ne , three nights at the Gibbon Experience in Laos, a volcano climb on Lombok , a food walk in Hanoi or a three-day Angkor Wat pass aren't insignificant if you're on a tight budget. They can add up fast and should be included in your back of the envelope trip-costing.

Transport costs can also Pac-Man through your wallet. A low-cost flight isn’t always all that low cost, a night train here and there can add up, and you may occasionally want to just grab a cab/hire a car/charter a longtail...

Small daily costs for sundries like an extra morning coffee, a bottle of water (better to take a refillable water flask , both for the environment and your wallet's sake), postcards (yes, people do still use them) and toiletries should also be part of your plan.

Keeping all of this in mind, we’ve broken costs into five broad brackets. Bear in mind these are just generalisations you can take as a starting point.

You’re planning on being in shared dormitory-style accommodation for most of your trip, you’ll be travelling by local ground transport where possible, not travelling more than every three days, not boozing excessively and eating street food most of the time. You’ll be doing some activities along the way, but skipping some as they’re just going to blow your budget. You’re most likely on the longest trip of all these groups. You’re on a budget so tight that your behaviour can sometimes be a bit embarrassing to others—it is never okay to try and bargain down a plate of food, okay?

Flashpacker

You’ll have your own room most of the time, often though not always with air-con. When you’re choosing a beach bungalow, you really need to be able to see the ocean, even just a bit. You’ll be travelling mostly on the ground, but you’ve got a few flights factored in here and there because your time versus money relationship is pretty close to parity. You’re fine with street food but have been known to stray into a Starbucks or McDonalds in foreign countries without being overcome with shame. You don’t mind a tipple at the end of the day, and you’re not worried about ordering wine and cocktails rather than the cheaper beer.

You like a bit more space in your room, a few more facilities and you like the option of room service for those days you’re just going to take a holiday from a holiday. Your hotel room might even have a clean bath. You are in the beachfront room on the beach and like a big TV in your room. WiFi obviously. An overnight bus? I thought you said this was a holiday—flight please. While you’ll dapple in street food, it is more as a curiosity. You like the occasional spread in a nouveau Asian bistro and you love the snazzy stylish cocktail bars of Bangkok and Singapore.

You don’t bother with the standard and superior rooms on online booking sites. You’re looking for a room with a view, but it could be equally from a skyscraper hotel or a boutique jungle-set property. Experience nearly always trumps cost. You’re making frequent use of domestic and regional flights and airport transfers are an obvious convenience. Your trip may be a little shorter than those on more of a budget—the candle burned at both ends does burn faster, after all. You’re dedicated in your tastes for fine dining and you plan to sample the best the region has to offer.

You find Southeast Asia to offer amazing value at the luxurious end of the holiday stick. Your suite (not room) has a personal butler and each of the restaurants at your lodgings offer their own views. You’re especially interested in hiring private local experts to show you an insider’s view on the destination. You’re flying and wouldn't know what the inside of a long-distance bus looked like. You'd plan to have a candlelit dinner at Angkor Wat if only it was still possible, you’re on a high-end live aboard in eastern Indonesia and, well, you’re the experiential money-is-no-object traveller.

Where will your money go?

Except for the long haul flight to get to Southeast Asia, accommodation will most likely be the biggest expense for all but backpackers (who will probably spend slightly more on food and drink than on dorm beds and beach shacks).

The cost of accommodation, especially at the budget end, can vary a lot within a single country. Dorm beds in fancypants hostels are often not the deal they seem, with simple single rooms in otherwise forgettable properties frequently asking a similar (or lower) price. Many budget hotels and guesthouses in Southeast Asia cannot be booked online, so just because you cannot find any rooms online, it doesn't mean rooms aren't available.

In a typical hotel, the cheapest rooms will be windowless and fan-cooled, with shared cold-water bathroom facilities; for a little more they will have air-con. Rooms will then progressively improve as the price goes up—adding a bathroom, a window, hot water air-con, more size, a balcony and so on—not necessarily in that order. A property may offer some rooms online and keep its better rooms for direct sales. Note a room with a window and a balcony may be street facing; on a busy street in a big city, this is not necessarily a good thing.

Street food is invariably the cheapest way to eat in Southeast Asia and should form at least a part of anyone’s culinary journey through the region. Local food in simple shopfront restaurants will cost more and the prices will edge up as the surrounding trimmings improve; before you know it you’ll be breaking out the credit card for a dish you could literally buy for a few dollars on the street.

International fare will cost more again. American breakfasts (ABFs) are invariably bad value and should be skipped for a breakfast outside. Western-style coffee shops (Gloria Jeans, Starbucks and so on) may offer a comfort-food hit, but they’ll also hit your wallet—hard. A morning Starbucks coffee every day for a week in Thailand equates to a night in a flashpacker guesthouse.

In most countries, alcohol will be the easiest way to blow a budget, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is relatively expensive, and less so in Vietnam and Cambodia, where it is particularly cheap. Ordering a single glass of wine or a cocktail at a restaurant in Bali can easily double the price of a meal. In Cambodia meanwhile, beer can be cheaper than bottled water.

The more you travel, the more you spend, and not factoring in the cost transport can be a big oversight in budgeting. Especially with regards to flights, don’t be taken in by the low-cost flight label—yes the flight itself may be relatively cheap, but the costs of getting to and from the airport add up and, of course, buying anything to eat or drink at any airport brings with it a significant surcharge.

If you’re on a relatively short trip and your stay dates are set in concrete, keep an eye out for sales by low-cost carriers and buy your tickets early for significant savings. We’ve paid as little as $80 and as much as $400 for Bali to Bangkok return on the same carrier (AirAsia), with the cheaper tickets purchased well in advance. There is less scope for discounting on bus, train and ferry tickets, all of which can also often be purchased online, but tickets do run out as trains and ferries fill up. As with flights, if you know when you are going to be travelling, then there is no harm in booking in advance.

What will your trip cost

Select which of the price brackets you’re most likely to fall into and multiple by the number of days in your trip. So let's say you have a three-week backpacker holiday made up of:

Thailand: 10 days at $30 per day Laos: 7 days at $25 per day Cambodia: 4 days at $20 per day

Then it is a simple case of math: (10*30)+(7*25)+(4*20)=300+175+80=$555

That $555 should be taken as a rough figure, which you may spend a little over or under on. Let's say you like to finish your day with four large ice cold beers, then that’s going to add (roughly) another $10 a day to your budget in Thailand, and $5 in Cambodia and Laos—that’s another $100+$35+20=$155.

We’re not necessarily suggested four large beers at the end of the day is a good idea (for your budget or your girth) but the more honest you are with yourself about what you are likely to spend money on, the more likely you are to come up with a semi-accurate figure of what you are going to be spending daily, which in turn decides what your trip is going to cost, which, you guessed it, determines how much you will need to save.

Further reading

Planning well is an integral part of getting the most out of your trip. Be it picking the right backpack, the right vaccinations or the right country, the simple decisions are often the most important.

Budgeting for a Month-Long Trip to Asia: A Cost Breakdown

Asia is a vast and diverse continent, with a wide range of destinations to choose from. From bustling metropolises to idyllic tropical islands, there’s something for every traveler. If you’re planning a month-long trip to Asia, you may be wondering how much it will cost. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for various expenses to help you plan your budget.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs in Asia can vary greatly depending on the destination and the type of accommodation you choose. Budget options, such as hostels and guesthouses, can cost as little as $5-$10 per night, while mid-range options, such as hotels and resorts, can cost $30-$50 per night. Luxury options, such as villas and five-star hotels, can cost upwards of $100 per night.

Food costs in Asia can also vary greatly depending on the destination and where you choose to eat. Street food and local markets are usually the cheapest options, with meals costing $1-$5. Mid-range restaurants, such as local cafes and family-owned restaurants, can cost $5-$15 per meal. Western-style restaurants and tourist areas can be more expensive, with meals costing $15-$30 or more.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Asia will depend on the distance you travel and the mode of transportation you choose. Local buses and trains are usually the cheapest options, with fares ranging from $1-$5 for short trips and $5-$20 for longer journeys. Taxis and ride-hailing services can be more expensive, with fares ranging from $5-$20 for short trips and $50-$100 or more for longer journeys.

Activities and Attractions

The cost of activities and attractions in Asia can also vary greatly depending on the destination and what you choose to do. Some popular activities, such as temple visits and cultural shows, can cost as little as $5-$10. Other activities, such as scuba diving and trekking, can cost $50-$100 or more. Attractions, such as theme parks and museums, can cost $20-$50 or more.

Overall, the cost of traveling Asia for a month will depend on your travel style, the destinations you choose to visit, and your budget. A budget of $1,000-$1,500 per week is a good starting point, although this can vary depending on your expenses. By budgeting carefully and being mindful of your spending, you can have an amazing and affordable month of travel in Asia.

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• Plan Your Trip
• Budget Travel

How Much Does One Year Of Travel In Asia Cost?

Published: September 15, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Sibella Cardenas

Introduction

Traveling in Asia is a dream for many budget-conscious adventurers. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cuisines, Asia offers a wealth of experiences that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, hiking through the lush rice terraces of Bali, or immersing yourself in the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Asia has something for every type of traveler.

However, before embarking on a year-long journey through Asia, it’s important to understand the cost implications. While Asia is known for its affordable prices, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of how much you can expect to spend over the course of a year. From accommodation and food to transportation and visa expenses, budgeting for a long-term trip in Asia requires careful planning and consideration.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the major costs associated with one year of travel in Asia. By understanding these expenses and learning some budgeting tips, you can make the most of your adventure without emptying your savings account.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to travel for a year in Asia, keep reading to find out!

Accommodation Costs in Asia

Accommodation costs can vary greatly across Asia, depending on the country and the type of accommodation you choose. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, Asia offers a wide range of options to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.

On the lower end of the spectrum, budget travelers can find dormitory-style rooms in hostels for as little as $5 to $15 per night. These hostels often provide basic amenities, including shared bathrooms and communal areas where travelers can socialize. Popular destinations such as Bangkok, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur have a plethora of affordable accommodations, making it easy to find a budget-friendly place to stay.

Moving up the price range, mid-range hotels and guesthouses are available for around $30 to $60 per night. These accommodations typically offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and sometimes even breakfast. In more popular tourist destinations like Bali or Phuket, prices may be slightly higher, but deals can still be found if you book in advance or during the off-season.

For those who value luxury and comfort, Asia’s major cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong boast a wide selection of high-end hotels and resorts. Prices at these establishments can vary greatly, ranging from $100 to $500 or more per night, depending on the location, amenities, and reputation of the property. Keep in mind that luxury accommodations tend to be more expensive in highly popular tourist areas.

Another alternative is to opt for short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. This can be a cost-effective option for long-term stays, as you can often negotiate discounted rates for weekly or monthly rentals. Additionally, guesthouses and homestays are popular in many Asian countries, providing a more immersive cultural experience at reasonable prices.

Overall, budgeting for accommodation in Asia will depend on your preferred level of comfort and the destinations you plan to visit. It is advisable to allocate a portion of your travel budget for accommodations, considering both your desired level of comfort and the overall cost of living in the countries you plan to visit.

Food and Drink Expenses in Asia

One of the highlights of traveling in Asia is undoubtedly the delicious and diverse cuisines. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Asia offers a wide range of dining options to satisfy every palate and budget.

When it comes to budgeting for food and drink expenses in Asia, it’s important to consider the local cuisine and dining options available in each country. In general, street food is a popular and affordable choice, allowing you to taste authentic local dishes at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant meal. Street food vendors can be found in abundance throughout Asia, offering everything from noodles and dumplings to satay and seafood.

The prices of street food can vary depending on the country and city, but a simple and satisfying meal can often be enjoyed for as little as $2 to $5. In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, street food is not only affordable but also a central part of the local culture.

If you prefer dining at restaurants, prices can vary greatly depending on the establishment and location. Local eateries and family-owned restaurants tend to offer more affordable options, with a typical meal costing around $5 to $10. In touristy areas or upscale restaurants, prices can be higher, ranging from $10 to $20 or more.

It’s worth noting that alcohol and imported beverages can significantly increase your food and drink expenses. In general, local beers and spirits tend to be more affordable, while imported wines and spirits can be quite expensive. If you enjoy a drink or two, budget an additional amount for alcoholic beverages, or consider enjoying local brews and cocktails.

Lastly, it’s important to consider the cost of bottled water and beverages. While tap water may not be safe to consume in some countries, bottled water is widely available and relatively inexpensive. In addition, trying out local drinks and specialty beverages can add to the overall food and drink experience.

In summary, budgeting for food and drink expenses in Asia will depend on your dining preferences, the type of establishments you choose, and the country you’re visiting. By exploring local street food, eating at affordable restaurants, and being mindful of alcohol and beverage costs, you can enjoy the amazing flavors of Asia without breaking the bank.

Transportation Costs for One Year of Travel in Asia

When planning a year-long trip in Asia, it’s crucial to factor in transportation costs. Asia has a vast and efficient transportation network, offering various options for getting around within and between countries.

One of the most popular and affordable modes of transportation in Asia is the extensive network of buses. Buses connect cities, towns, and even remote areas, providing a cost-effective way to travel. Prices for bus tickets can vary depending on the distance and level of comfort. Local buses tend to be the cheapest option, with tickets costing as little as a few dollars, while luxury or sleeper buses may cost more for longer journeys.

Trains are another popular choice for long-distance travel in Asia. Countries like China, India, and Japan have well-developed train systems, offering comfortable and scenic journeys. Train ticket prices can vary depending on the class of travel and the level of luxury. In some cases, overnight sleeper trains can serve as both transportation and accommodation, saving you money on a night’s stay in a hotel.

Air travel is often the fastest option for long distances, particularly if you’re traveling between countries or across vast regions. Low-cost airlines such as AirAsia, Jetstar, and Scoot operate in Asia, offering affordable fares for domestic and international flights. Keep in mind that while budget airlines offer cheaper tickets, additional fees for baggage, meals, and seat selection may apply.

Another unique mode of transportation in Asia is the tuk-tuk or rickshaw. These three-wheeled vehicles are a common sight in many cities and can be an entertaining and inexpensive way to get around short distances. Bargaining for a fair price is advised as the initial quote may be inflated for tourists.

For shorter distances within cities, public transportation systems like buses, trams, and metros are the most cost-effective options. These modes of transport allow you to navigate through the city without spending too much on taxis or ride-sharing services. Many cities also have affordable options for bicycle rentals or electric scooter rentals, providing a fun and eco-friendly way to explore.

It’s important to note that transportation costs can vary greatly across different countries in Asia. Generally, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia offer more budget-friendly options, while Japan and Singapore tend to have higher transportation costs.

In summary, budgeting for transportation costs in Asia will depend on the destinations you plan to visit, the distances you’ll be traveling, and the mode of transport you choose. By considering a mix of buses, trains, flights, and local transport options, you can optimize your travel budget and make the most of your journey across this vibrant continent.

Visa and Immigration Expenses in Asia

Visa and immigration requirements vary across different countries in Asia, and it’s essential to factor in these expenses when budgeting for a year of travel. Depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit, you may need to obtain visas in advance or upon arrival.

Some Asian countries offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities, allowing travelers to enter without the need for prior visa approval. However, keep in mind that visa-free entry may come with restrictions on the length of stay, so it’s crucial to check the specific requirements for each country.

For countries that require a visa, the cost can vary widely. Some countries have relatively low visa fees, such as Thailand and Malaysia, where visas can range from $20 to $50, depending on the duration of stay. On the other hand, countries like China and India may have higher visa fees, potentially reaching $100 or more.

It’s also important to consider other visa-related expenses, such as fees for visa processing services or visa extensions. In some cases, you may need to arrange additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation, travel itineraries, or financial statements to support your visa application.

If you plan to stay in a country for an extended period or engage in activities like working or studying, you may need to apply for specific long-term visas, which often come with higher fees and additional requirements.

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the cost of exit fees or taxes that may be applicable when leaving certain countries. These exit fees can range from a few dollars to more significant amounts depending on the country.

It’s important to research and plan ahead for visa and immigration expenses to avoid any surprises or delays during your travels. Check the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit and allocate a portion of your travel budget for these expenses.

Lastly, keep in mind that visa requirements can change, so it’s advisable to stay updated with the latest information from official government websites or consult with reputable immigration service providers.

In summary, budgeting for visa and immigration expenses in Asia will depend on your nationality, the countries you plan to visit, and the type of visa required. By researching visa requirements, planning ahead, and allocating funds accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free immigration experience throughout your year-long journey in Asia.

Activities and Entertainment Costs in Asia

Asia is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse range of activities and entertainment options. From exploring ancient temples and historical sites to enjoying outdoor adventures and vibrant nightlife, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests in Asia.

The cost of activities and entertainment in Asia can vary greatly depending on the country and the type of experience you’re seeking. Entrance fees to popular tourist attractions like temples, palaces, and museums can range from a few dollars to upwards of $20, depending on the location and significance of the site. It’s advisable to research the prices of attractions in advance and consider purchasing multi-site or combination tickets to save money.

Outdoor activities such as trekking, diving, and wildlife safaris are also popular in Asia. The prices for these activities can vary depending on the location and the level of expertise required. For example, snorkeling in Thailand may cost around $20, while a multi-day trek in Nepal’s Himalayas can range from $300 to $1000 or more. Researching reputable tour operators and comparing prices can help you find the best deals for your desired activities.

Asia is also well-known for its vibrant festivals and cultural events. Attending festivals like Diwali in India, Songkran in Thailand, or Lunar New Year celebrations can be a memorable experience. While some festivals may have free events or public gatherings, others may require tickets or participation fees for specific activities. Planning ahead and budgeting for these festival expenses can enhance your cultural immersion.

Nightlife and entertainment options in major Asian cities can be diverse and exciting. From rooftop bars and night markets to live performances and clubs, there’s no shortage of entertainment choices. Prices for drinks, entry fees, and cover charges can vary depending on the location and exclusivity of the venue. It’s advisable to set a separate budget for nightlife and entertainment expenses to ensure you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere without overspending.

Lastly, it’s worth considering the cost of transportation and guides for certain activities. For example, exploring national parks or remote areas may require hiring guides or joining organized tours, which can incur additional costs. Researching transportation options and comparing prices can help you find the most affordable and convenient way to reach your desired destinations.

In summary, budgeting for activities and entertainment in Asia will depend on your interests, the country you’re visiting, and the specific experiences you wish to have. By researching and planning ahead, you can allocate a portion of your travel budget to enjoy the multitude of exciting activities and entertainment options that Asia has to offer.

Miscellaneous Expenses in Asia

When budgeting for a year of travel in Asia, it’s important to consider the miscellaneous expenses that may arise during your journey. These miscellaneous expenses can include a wide range of items and services that may not fall under the major categories but are still essential to factor into your overall budget.

One such expense to consider is travel insurance. While it may seem like an additional cost, travel insurance is highly recommended to protect yourself from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on your age, the coverage you choose, and the duration of your trip, but it’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.

Another miscellaneous expense to consider is communication and internet costs. Staying connected while traveling is important, and acquiring local SIM cards or data plans can help you stay in touch with loved ones and access information on the go. The prices of SIM cards and data plans can vary from country to country, so it’s advisable to research the options available in each destination and choose the most cost-effective solution.

Shopping and souvenirs are often an inevitable part of travel, and Asia offers a wide range of unique and affordable items to take home as mementos. Whether it’s local handicrafts, clothing, or traditional artwork, it’s important to set a budget for shopping and souvenirs to avoid overspending. Remember to bargain or negotiate prices at local markets and be aware of any customs regulations regarding the import of certain items.

Additionally, transportation within cities or between attractions can also incur costs. Taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation fares should be accounted for in your budget. Researching the most cost-effective and convenient transportation options in each location can help you plan and allocate funds accordingly.

Health and hygiene expenses, such as vaccinations and medications, should also be considered. Depending on your medical history and the destinations you plan to visit, you may need to budget for vaccinations or preventive medications. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or visit a travel clinic well in advance to determine the necessary precautions.

Lastly, it’s important to have a contingency fund for unexpected emergencies or unforeseen expenses during your travel in Asia. Having some extra money set aside can provide a safety net and peace of mind should any unexpected situations arise.

In summary, miscellaneous expenses in Asia can include travel insurance, communication costs, shopping and souvenirs, transportation expenses, health and hygiene needs, and a contingency fund. By accounting for these miscellaneous expenses in your budget, you can ensure a more well-rounded and realistic financial plan for your year-long journey in Asia.

Budgeting Tips and Recommendations

Planning and managing your budget effectively can make a significant difference in your year-long travel adventure in Asia. Here are some budgeting tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your funds:

• Research and compare prices: Before booking accommodations, flights, or activities, take the time to research and compare prices. Use multiple platforms and websites to find the best deals and discounts.
• Travel during the shoulder or off-peak seasons: Traveling during less popular times can often result in lower prices for accommodations, flights, and attractions. Consider visiting Asia during its shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists and better deals.
• Plan your meals: Eating out for every meal can quickly add up. Consider cooking some of your meals or opting for street food, which is often delicious and affordable. This will not only save you money but also allow you to experience local cuisine.
• Explore free or low-cost attractions: Asia is home to many free or low-cost attractions, such as public parks, temples, and cultural centers. Take advantage of these opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank.
• Use public transportation: Public transportation in Asia is generally affordable and efficient. Utilize buses, trains, and metros to get around cities and between destinations, as they are often cheaper than taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Stay in budget accommodations: Consider staying in budget accommodations, such as hostels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals, which are often cheaper than luxury hotels. Look for deals and discounts, and read reviews to ensure a comfortable and safe stay.
• Be mindful of your spending: Keep track of your expenses and be mindful of your spending habits. Set a daily or weekly budget and stick to it. Avoid unnecessary splurges and focus on experiences and activities that align with your travel goals.
• Engage in local experiences: Opt for local experiences, such as street food tours, walking tours, or cultural workshops. These activities offer a deeper understanding of the local culture and often come at a fraction of the cost of mainstream tourist activities.
• Be flexible with your itinerary: Being flexible with your travel plans can help you take advantage of last-minute deals or unexpected opportunities. By allowing some room for spontaneity, you may discover hidden gems and save money in the process.
• Travel slowly and embrace slow travel: Instead of rushing from one destination to another, consider staying longer in each place. Slow travel allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, reduce transportation costs, and negotiate lower rates for accommodations.

By adopting these budgeting tips and recommendations, you can stretch your travel budget and make the most of your year-long adventure in Asia. Remember, finding the right balance between cost-saving measures and enjoying the experiences you desire is the key to a successful and financially responsible trip.

Traveling for a year in Asia can be an incredible and life-changing experience. With careful planning, budgeting, and a sense of adventure, you can explore this diverse and captivating continent without breaking the bank. By considering the major expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, visa fees, activities, and miscellaneous costs, you can create a realistic budget that aligns with your financial capabilities and travel goals.

Throughout your journey, remember to be flexible, seek out cost-effective options, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Asia offers a wide range of affordable experiences, from street food adventures and cultural attractions to breathtaking landscapes and unique festivals.

Keep in mind that budgeting is not about depriving yourself, but about making informed choices and prioritizing the experiences that matter most to you. Whether you choose to splurge on a luxury hotel or opt for budget accommodations, dine at high-end restaurants or savor local street food, the key is to find a balance that brings you joy and allows you to create lasting memories.

As you embark on your year-long journey in Asia, be open to the unexpected, embrace the diverse cultures, and cherish the moments that will stay with you for a lifetime. Budget travel in Asia is about finding value in experiences, building connections, and discovering the beauty that lies beyond the price tag.

So, pack your bags, plan wisely, and get ready to embark on an adventure that will not only broaden your horizons but also inspire you to see the world through a new lens. Your year of travel in Asia awaits, and with the right budgeting strategies, it can be a journey filled with incredible experiences and unforgettable memories.

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Cheap Places to Travel In Asia: 35 EPIC Budget Destinations!

Finding cheap places to travel in Asia – without compromising on the quality of your travel experience – has long been the dream of many a backpacker.

After all, what’s not to love about Asia? I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a continent which has it all: centuries of fascinating history, amazing food, warm and welcoming people, stunning landscapes and favorable climates. The lands you’ll visit are varied, distinct in their culture, and possessed of a beauty that would make the most hardened traveler weep.

And if you can see and experience Asia on a budget which isn’t going to break the bank , that’s even better, right?

I’m going to help you find your ideal budget destination in Asia, with the help of some top travel bloggers who live, breathe, and love every corner of the continent. 

Why are budget trips in Asia so popular?

As any traveler worth their salt will be able to tell you, Asia is one of the best places in the world to travel to on a budget. 

Think about what kind of traveler is associated with Asia, and you’ll probably visualize young backpackers, long-term travelers, and the occasional hippy who looks like he’s been chillin’ there since 1967. 

Visualize travelers in European destinations such as Paris , Vienna or Stockholm , and you’ll probably think about family groups, couples on weekend breaks, and short-term travelers.

Your mind is bringing up those images because they’re reasonably accurate. Long-term budget travel is more than possible in Europe – even in expensive areas such as the Amalfi Coast – but the majority of budget travelers will head to Asia every time.

You don’t have to be a long-term traveler, nor do you need to be that hippy guy living on the beach for fifty years (though I’m certainly not going to judge you if you do!), but with a low cost of living, kindly exchange rate, cheap internal travel, and insanely affordable hostel or guest house accommodation, Asia is your best choice for a budget trip!

Cheap places to travel in Asia: the ultimate list!

Okay, let’s get to the juicy details!

I’ve asked some awesome travel bloggers to share their experiences in Asia – the best budget destinations, the cheapest countries, awesome things to do which will cost a mere couple of bucks (or free!), and the average cost of a day, including accommodation.

Basically, everything you need!

And bear this in mind: when you’re looking for cheap places to travel internationally, remember that you may be able to pick up a few places on this list at the same time. There’s no need to limit yourself to just one!

For example, Kuala Lumpur is one of the cheapest places in Asia to fly to, and it’s also an airport hub for most of the region. So not only can you explore KL and the rest of Malaysia, you can catch cheap flights to other Asian destinations. Start in Kuala Lumpur, move on to Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka… the possibilities are endless.

It’s time to get some serious Asia travel inspiration! Take it away, travel bloggers!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Explored by James from The Travel Scribes

The home of many a digital nomad, and a not-to-be-missed spot on the Thailand trail, the charming city of Chiang Mai is one of the cheapest (and arguably best) places to travel in Asia.

A budget traveller’s dream the city has lashings of culture, cuisine and, of course, captivating landmarks to explore! Immerse yourself in the street food or tuck into delicious cuisine at one of the city’s many famous night markets. Not your typical Southeast Asian market, Chiang Mai’s night markets are famous across the region for their mix of gourmet dishes, but also the trinkets, souvenirs and hand-crafted clothing and crafts on offer. The best of the bunch is the Sunday Walking Street Market , which is closed to traffic each Sunday before being transformed into a hive of activity.

More keen on culture? Go temple-hopping at gorgeous pagodas like the Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang . That last one is unique in that each day the temple hosts ‘monks chat groups’ where you can arrive to talk freely with the monks; a unique experience. Wash it all down with a cuppa coffee (which Chiang Mai is renowned for) from local operators like Akha Amma Coffee House or tuck into more international (but vegan friendly) fare at Good Souls .

Want to add adventure to your Chiang Mai itinerary ? One of the best things to do is to take a short day trip out to the ‘Sticky Waterfalls’. The Bua Tong Waterfalls are about 90 minutes out of the city and are a set of waterfalls where the mineral deposits have accumulated to make them ‘sticky’. You’ll be able to walk up (yes, up!) the waterfalls with just a rope in hand.

Regardless of your agenda, Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination with pocket-friendly prices. You could easily survive on 1000 THB (around $30) a day , particularly if you choose top-notch accommodation like Hostel by Bed , or one of the many cheap hostels sprinkled across the cityscape.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

By Katherine of Tara Lets Anywhere

Perhentian Islands is a must-see destination in Malaysia and best of all, it’s super budget-friendly!

Perhentian Islands is a group of islands on the northeastern coast of the country. It’s divided by 2 main islands: Perhentian Kecil (small island) and Perhentian Besar (big island).

For budget travelers, Perhentian Kecil is the best option. It offers different types of accommodation, from campsites to hostels and resorts. A safe budget for an overnight stay is around RM60 .

There are several things you can do in Perhentian Kecil for free. You can follow the jungle trail to observe wildlife, visit the beach coves surrounding the island, or bring out your snorkel and mask and explore on your own. The island is fringed with wonderful house reefs where you can see fishes, sea turtles, and even manta rays.

If you want to see the best spots, there are boat tours that can take you to the nearby islands and snorkeling spots where you can see more of the island regulars, including turtles and sharks. The boat tours cost only RM30-60 per person.

Perhentian Islands is also known for diving. You can get a PADI certification for cheap! There are dorms that offer reasonable packages that include accommodation and dives.

For the food, there are cheap restaurants and bars and nearby fishing villages with food stalls. You don’t need to spend more than RM5-15 for good food!

An average budget for a day in Perhentian Islands (including boat tours) is around RM140-150 ($33-35) if you’re traveling solo.

Taichung, Taiwan

Contributed by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Most foreign visitors to Taiwan looking to experience city life on the island will head to Taipei, or perhaps Kaohsiung. The central Taiwanese city of Taichung is often overlooked, and yet it has so much to offer! Your money will go further here than in Taipei, too. In fact, all of Taichung’s top attractions are completely free.

The most famous one is Rainbow Village , a colorful Instagrammers’ paradise with an inspiring story behind it. To see more free street art, head to Painted Animation Lane . And if you’re an intrepid urban explorer, climb the rickety stairs to the top of the abandoned Qianyue Building , which has been taken over by an artist collective. Some visitors have reported that they were charged a NT$ 100 fee at Qianyue, but I was never asked for money when I visited (though I did leave a voluntary donation).

In addition to these great urban art locations, even the much more-official National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts has free entrance . As does the Taichung Cultural Heritage Park , which holds temporary art exhibits inside an old Japanese sake distillery. When it comes to food, the cheapest options are at Taichung’s incredible markets. The Taichung Second Market is a day market with good lunch options, including a vegetarian stall. And for dinner, Feng Chia night market is perhaps the most famous night market in all of Taiwan.

If you visit Taichung during the week instead of on a weekend, you should be able to get a double room at the conveniently located Chance Hotel for less than $25 per night . And while the city does not yet have a metro system, public buses are free for rides of up to 10 kilometers. Although most sights are within walking distance of each other anyway, apart from Rainbow Village. In total, you could easily experience all Taichung has to offer on a daily budget of $25 per person .

Hoi An, Vietnam

By Rachita of Nomilers

Vietnam is a gorgeous country, one of the best cheap places to travel in Asia, and one that has a diverse landscape to interest you. Out of all the gorgeous places to visit in this country, Hoi An is my absolute favorite, and I think it should be part of everyone’s Vietnam itinerary !

Home to Hoi An Ancient Town , a UNESCO Heritage Site, Hoi An gives you a glimpse into the culture and the life of locals there. You can explore the ancient town on foot and marvel at the beautiful colors, architecture, and gorgeous temples which you can find there. Moreover, the entire place looks absolutely breathtaking at night, when the entire street is lit up with lanterns – you’ll find people from all over the world setting lanterns free into the sky.

Apart from the famous old town, Hoi An is also home to some gorgeous beaches such as An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach , and so on. There is also the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Night Market, Tra Que Village, Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese , and more! The best part is that most of these amazing sights are free to visit, so all you need is a ride, and you’re set to explore the town on a budget.

Ideally, you can expect to spend around 20 USD for a day here, including your accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing. The food is pretty cheap here, and Hoi An is the best place to try the local delicacy, Banh Mi . You can sample this at Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen , where you get a wide range of options, and the food costs just 3 – 4 USD.

You can find plenty of hotels and hostels here. If you’re on a budget, stay at a hostel, as a 4-bed dorm will charge you 6 – 7 USD per night . They will also include many services, including free bicycle rental, breakfast, water, and so on.

In my opinion, the best and most economical way to explore Hoi An is by renting a bicycle or motorbike. Bicycle is usually the best way, especially for exploring the beaches in Hoi An and the Ancient Town! For a day trip to the Than Ha Pottery Village and My Son Sanctuary , you can rent a motorbike for an entire day for 5 USD, and cover the ground in a short time.

Lombok, Indonesia

By Samantha Karen of Sam Sees World.

Asia is one of the best places to travel to for budget travelers who are seeking beauty and amazement on a budget. There are so many stunning places to visit in Asia on a budget, but none are as great as Lombok, Indonesia. Indonesia is a notoriously cheap country and you can find various places here that will help stretch your budget. However, Lombok is a magical island in Indonesia that is not only cheap but also a stunning travel destination.

Lombok is located right beside the very famous island of Bali and as a result, it is often overlooked. However, focusing on Bali and missing out on the beauty and magic of Lombok could not be more of a mistake. Lombok is full of stunning white sand beaches, vivid blue waters, lush jungles, authentic rice fields, and private islands. The best part? There are far fewer tourists in Lombok which means prices are lower and attractions can be enjoyed in a semi-private way.

There are a ton of amazing things to do in Lombok , and many of them are free. The best free thing to do is to go to one of the many beaches. Lombok is home to beaches like Tanjung Aan, Pink Beach , and more that are postcard-perfect and some of the best beaches in Asia. As for non-free things to do, you cannot miss out on the rice terraces in Lombok which are actually used by the locals and stunning to explore.

What’s great about Lombok is that all restaurants and hotels are budget-friendly. You can enjoy a 5-star experience, like the one offered in Rascals Hotel , at 3-star prices! Plus you can enjoy amazing meals that cost a quarter of western standards. That being said, a daily budget of 20 euros is more than enough for all meals, transportation to attractions, and accommodation.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

By Jackie Szeto of Life Of Doing

If you’re visiting Vietnam, stop by Ho Chi Minh City, also referred to as Saigon. While it’s a big city and a bit crowded with cars, motorbikes, and people everywhere, it has a fun and memorable ambiance. The best part about visiting Ho Chi Minh City is that it’s also a budget-friendly city. You can easily spend around $30-$40 per day which includes admission cost to local attractions, food, transportation, and accommodations.

Many of the local attractions are free or have a minimal admission cost. During your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary , check out the free places to visit such as Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Book Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Ben Thanh Market . You can also walk along the riverfront for an evening stroll. For the museum lovers, check out the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum . While not free, admission is less than $2 per person.

Food is affordable if you stick with the local Vietnamese food. Experience the local way of eating by squatting on the tiny plastic chairs and table. Enjoy a bowl of hot noodle soup (phở or bún riêu) for $2, sandwich (bánh mì) for $1, drink iced Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) for $1, or beer for $.50.

To travel around the city, you can walk, hire a taxi, or call a Grab grab or motorbike. Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber ride-hailing service. Traveling around the city by car is only a few dollars.

There are plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels available. Many cheaper accommodations are around Bui Vien Street . This street is in the main city center, but a 20-30 minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. Bui Vien is where many of the backpackers stay. You can easily find a private room or shared accommodations between $10-$20 USD per day. Plus, the area is known for late-night activities with the bars and clubs. Plus, you’ll find restaurants with cheaper foods such as Bún Chả 145 or Baba’s Kitchen for Indian cuisine. Hope you get a chance to visit Ho Chi Minh City in the future!

Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

By Rich of The Surf Atlas

Hidden somewhere along the stunning south-west coast of Sri Lanka is the horseshoe bay of Hiriketiya. It spreads out between two headlands topped by lanky palm trees, offering a long arc of yellow-tinged sand with a couple of beach shacks and surf rentals for good measure. The water is crystal clear, and early mornings mean encounters with sea turtles if you get there with the sunrise.

Hiriketiya is nowhere near as built-up as many of the main resorts that run along this popular part of Sri Lanka. The small town clustered behind the beach is a medley of ramshackle cottages and bungalows. The upshot? Budgets here stretch further. It’s possible to get by on under $40 a day , including accommodation.

The Hiriketiya Beach surf is the main reason the spot is even on the map. Waves – of course – come free. Meanwhile, a board rental right on the beachfront will set you back about 500 LKR ($2.50). Riders have two separate breaks to pick from. One’s a challenging left-hander that’s good for intermediates. The other is a chilled beach break that’s perfect even if you’ve never surfed before.

If you’re not thinking about those glassy Sri Lankan waves, you can always kick it on the sands and soak up a tan. Alternatively, take the coast road and stroll through to nearby Dickwella Beach . There, stooping coconut trees silhouette across a gorgeous tropical bay where there’s hardly ever another soul in sight. A quick tuk-tuk that costs less than a dollar can also whisk you to Kudawella village . That has a curious blowhole and a lookout point over the Indian Ocean.

For budget eats, be sure to check out Garlic Café . It’s a true local Sri Lankan buffet joint. For just a fraction of the cost of the hipster places on the shoreline, you can indulge in all-you-can-eat dals and rice and sambals. Nearer to Dickwella is also Jayantha Restaurant – think spicy patties and okra curries that’ll never break the bank.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

By Emma of Emma Adventures

Siem Reap is located in the heart of Cambodia and is easily one of the best budget friendly destinations in Asia. Home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, there’s so much more to Siem Reap that people often don’t realise, and I recommend at least 5 days in Siem Reap to truly experience everything it has to offer. Accommodation, food, drink and transport are all incredibly budget friendly, but it doesn’t feel that way. Luxurious hotels are budget friendly, and you can get amazing food and drinks for amazing prices – plus there’s plenty to explore without breaking the bank.

There’s plenty to see and do in Siem Reap for free – take yourself on a walking tour along the lake and see the main sights, such as the Royal Palace , and explore the Night Markets to hunt for some bargains. Of course, you can’t miss visiting Angkor Wat , and although entry is $37 US dollars for a day, it is well worth the price tag to explore the brilliant temples. You should also go on a boat tour to see Tonle Sap lake at sunset as well as the floating villages, go on a village tour and do a cooking class, all of which are affordable when you book through local guides.

For eating and drinking, Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap, and where all the action happens. Here, you’ll find a huge range of restaurants, bars and cafes, all offering incredible food, both local and international, for prices as low as $3 US dollars for mains. You’ll also find amazing happy hour deals (happy hour runs all day and night in Siem Reap), with beer from 0.50c and 2 for 1 cocktails. I recommend Paper Tigere Eatery and Café Latino .

Accommodation wise, you can stay in one of the amazing hostels, such as Onederz Hostel , or you can opt for a nice hotel stay for a fraction of the price as anywhere else. I highly recommend the Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa . Depending on your choice of accommodation, you can easily get by on $20 per day for food and drinks, and transport will only set you back a couple of dollars per day, at most. You’ll fall in love with everything about Siem Reap once you get there, and the fact that everything is budget friendly is just a bonus!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By Manpreet of Your Vegan Adventure .

On arrival to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore, we were immediately surprised at how cheap the lifestyle was in comparison. Extremely cheap food in street markets and fruit markets, with some of the sweetest fruit for incredible prices too!

Kuala Lumpur is so well connected that its easy to reach all the main city spots by public transport, and stay in a hotel on the outskirts. On average, you can get by with a budget of $15 a day per person , which will get you plenty of fruit, water and good street food meals.

KL is famous for its Petronas Twin Towers , which in reality is just a mall with lots of expensive shops. Going off the beaten path a little, there are two amazing free places to visit. Firstly, the Forest Eco Park is a small rainforest in the middle of the city, and you can spend ages tree top walking, for free!

Secondly, you must visit the Kanching Falls , which is slightly out of the city but easy and cheap to reach by a local taxi. There is lots of wildlife in this rainforest and as you walk through it, you will arrive at different levels of this beautiful waterfall. Entry to the forest falls was $1 per person and you can spend the best part of 5 hours there hiking and having a picnic.

Manila, The Philippines

By Noel Morata of Travel Photo Discovery

If you’re looking for that perfect budget starting point to visiting the Philippines then you can start in Manila, the main hub and capital of the country.

With so many regional Asian and budget airlines flying to Manila, you’ll have your pick of cheap to affordable flights to the city. Your money and budget can really stretch far in this city depending on the area, transportation, food and other daily attractions and entertainment you choose to spend on your visit. Transportation is inexpensive with a variety of cheap bus, Jeepney, small SUV service, trains and other fast rail services throughout the city – there’s also Grab which is the Asian version of Uber to use in Manila.

Staying closer to the waterfront and historic areas will give you easier access to the main and central parts to visit the city, with the outer lying areas not being quite so interesting unless you want to stay in more modern and cosmopolitan districts with restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues.

I would definitely stay in Manila for a few days to enjoy the capital and explore more of the culture and history of this city, and then use Manila as a hub to fly to other islands that appeals to your sense of adventure, open space and more unique places of interest outside of the urban environment.

For more inspiration, check out the top 20 things to do in Manila for more details, images and places of interest to visit around the city.

Luang Prabang, Laos

By Roshni of The Wanderlust Within

As the most visited city in Laos, and with plenty of free things to do in Luang Prabang , the city remains one of the most affordable destinations in Asia.

Free activities include visiting the ancient Buddhist temples, experiencing the sunset views along the Mekong Rive r and exploring the famous Night Market . The other top things to do in Luang Prabang are super affordable, such as visiting the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls (2 USD admission), hiking Mount Phousi (2 USD admission), doing a luxury sunset river cruise (15 USD) and having a traditional Laos massage (starting from 8 USD).

Luang Prabang has plenty of options for cheap accommodation, myLaosHome is conveniently located and has rooms to suit all budgets as well as an in-house Spa and tours desk that can arrange your whole stay for a great price.

There are also plenty of options for affordable food, I can highly recommend the Luang Prabang Spirit House, Utopia, Indigo Cafe and the food market that runs every evening at the Night Market – the fresh coconut pancakes are must!

A daily budget of 25 USD will be plenty to enjoy all the city has to offer

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

By Rose of Where Goes Rose

Taiwan isn’t well-known as a budget backpacker destination but that’s likely to change as word gets out about this friendly, colourful island with cool cities and amazing nature. Being in East Asia, many people assume it will have costs in line with South Korea and Japan but that’s not the case.

One city that won’t break your Taiwan budget is Kaohsiung, the second-largest city in Taiwan. Free attractions in Kaohsiung include the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, where you enter via the Dragon’s mouth and exit through the tigers, as well as the rest of the temples set around the scenic Lotus Pond . You can also visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery for free, a huge temple complex home to one of the largest seated Buddhas in Asia.

Because the public transport is so good you won’t even need to shell out for taxis. The MRT (metro) costs around 50 cents per journey and the many efficient local buses are even less. There are some fantastic street food markets in Kaohsiung where you can eat cheaply and still sample the best of the local cuisine. Visit Raohe Street Night Market for noodles, dumplings, TFC (Taiwanese fried chicken), scallion pancakes, seafood, Japanese snacks. Most dishes will set you back less than $2.

Borneo, Malaysia

By Martina of PlacesofJuma

Borneo in Malaysia is not only a fantastic adventure destination, but also a really cheap place to visit in Asia!

Perfect for backpackers and individualists who love to travel well and cheaply, the highlights of Borneo are mainly to be found in the unique nature. Here you can expect beautiful national parks, and discover an interesting wildlife including nose monkeys, oran-gutans and pygmy elephants, and go on spectacular hikes and cave tours. Especially interesting is the region around Kuching, the area around Kota Kinabalu , and as a real wildlife-highlight, the Kinabatangan River . In addition, Borneo has beautiful beaches for sunbathing and marine areas that are ideal for diving and snorkelling.

Although Borneo is a bit more expensive than perhaps other places in South East Asia, you can still travel very well on a budget. Many tours can easily be organised on your own, public transport is well developed and cheap, and you will also find accommodation and hostels with very moderate prices.

If you are a backpacker, you can easily plan a daily budget of 30-40 Euros for your trip. The cheapest flights can usually be found from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. With a bit luck they will cost only 30 Euros! Also street-food is also very cheap and delicious.

Backpacking in Borneo is unbelievably beautiful and for us, definitely one of the most interesting low-budget destinations in Asia!

Koh Tonsay, Cambodia

By Mario of   Rest and Recuperation

If you are looking for a cheap country to travel in Asia, Cambodia must be on the top of your bucket list. You can visit ancient monuments ( Angkor Wat ), experience modern tragedies (all the history linked to the Khmer Rouge regime), and see wonderful panoramas.

For the latter, I recommend you take a tour of the coast of Cambodia from the border with Thailand in the north, to Vietnam at the southernmost point. My favourite spot in Cambodia is indeed here, close to the famous towns of Kampot and Kep : Koh Tonsay, Rabbit Island for the locals who see a rabbit in its shape.

Why do I like it? It is beautiful. And not touristic. And wild. And cheap! These are all the characteristics I need in a place to visit.

Located off the coast of Kep, you can reach Koh Tonsay by boat in around thirty minutes. You will land on the main beach where you will find the only touristic structures of this tiny island: a dozen bungalows, two restaurants, hammocks and huts to rest and have a good read.

Do not spend all your time here. Move to the western end of the beach and follow the coast, you can tour the whole island in two hours. You will see at least two more beautiful and deserted beaches, a village of fishermen, and no tourists. Once back to the landing point, enjoy some fresh fish with coconut sauce and just let the day pass slowly until night falls: that is the moment, during some periods of the year, for a swim to see the bioluminescence phenomenon!

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

By Nic of The Roaming Renegades

The Cameron Highlands are the perfect budget escape from the heat of Malaysia and the ideal place to explore some of the diverse landscape of the country. Sitting in the hilly central area of the Peninsular Malaysia it’s position ensures mild temperatures all year round and is why the region is famous for it’s tea production. Surveyed by the British explorer William Cameron in 1885 the region was used extensively for tea and vegetable growing by the British and became on of the country’s first tourist destinations.

The two towns of Brichang and Tanah Rata are ideal bases for exploring the region. They offer well-developed tourist infrastructure, including a range of accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels. The main bus station also offers great transport links to the rest of the country too, with buses being reliable, cheap and frequent. Food options in the town are varied in cuisine and budget, with a combination of local and international options on offer  – and due to the British influence, tea and scones is also very popular here too!

What is great in The Cameron Highlands is that the best things to see and do here are mostly free or very cheap, being an outdoors destination.

The rainforest-covered mountains feature a vast array of numbered trails which offer an up close look at the unique plant life that only occurs in this region, as well as some incredible views over the valleys below. Many of these trails can be accessed on foot directly from either town.

Exploring the tea fields is a must do whilst in The Cameron Highlands , and the area around Tanah Rata is the perfect starting point. Hiking up to the BOH plantation and further exploring the roads and trails, you will find yourself in a stunning sea of meticulously lined tea fields impossibly hugging the undulating hillsides. There are many other plantations to visit along the main road, some are free to wander around whilst others cost very little to enter. Our favourite area has to be on the way to the summit of Mt Gunung just beyond BOH .

Transportation options around The Cameron Highlands are a little limited, but there are buses that run between Brichang, Tanah Rata and the turn off to BOH in the morning. Hitchhiking around here however is very popular, easy and safe. It is common to be picked up by locals, holidaying Malays and even foreigners renting cars. It’s a great way to travel for cheap and also to meet people too! Bike and car rental is also easy to organise but bikes are not recommended for Mt Gunung. Taxis are also available from the roadside too.

Budgeting for a trip in the Cameron Highlands is quite easy, with transport and food being very cheap. Accommodation can be a little bit more expensive than other areas of the country, given how small these towns are, but hostels are available for an affordable price.

Beijing, China

By Jade of Two Tall Travellers

It might not be on the typical backpacker’s trail, but Beijing is a fantastic city to explore , and best of it’s totally doable on a tight budget!

Beijing has an incredible history, and there are plenty of monuments, temples, and sights to explore! Many of these are either free, or extremely cheap to do so. For example, you can visit the famous Tian’anmen Square for free, and then walk across the road and pay 60 yuan (in summer, 40 in winter) to discover the Forbidden City ‘s rooms, halls, passageways and gardens! 

The Great Wall is obviously the most special thing to see in Beijing, and you really don’t have to spend a lot to visit it. The cheapest option is to take the public bus yourself. You can get a bus ticket for around 50 yuan one-way from the city center. The price of entry at the Wall depends on which section you visit, but you can expect to pay between 40 and 60 RMB.

You can easily find low-cost guesthouses and hostels dotted around the city – to get the cheapest price you’ll need to stay in a dormitory, but there are some great options. Try Peking Youth Hostel for a traditional stay with modern facilities, or Happy Dragon City Center Alley Hotel Forbidden City for a cheap room in a central location.

Getting around Beijing is super easy and ridiculously budget-friendly. The subway system is clean, spacious, and fully air-conditioned. The easy to read signs are in English, and the color-coded map makes to easy to get from A to B. The best part is that a ticket for most journeys will only cost you 3 RMB, which is roughly $0.40! It means that you can go for full sightseeing days, moving around the city as you wish, and not worrying too much about transport costs.

If your budget is a little higher and you’d prefer to stick to taxis, then they’re also really affordable. Flag down an official cab (they’re easy to spot with taxi signs on the roof), and show them a written-down Chinese address of where you want to go. These taxis start their meter at just 13RMB, and the price slowly ticks up at around 2 RMB per km.

If you’re looking to try typical Beijing food, then you need to find the best local restaurants. Find the small places, with people spilling out on to the street and sitting on plastic chairs. That’s where you’ll find the authentic Chinese food, and it will be delicious and cheap! Grab a beer for 6 yuan, a meat dish for two at 25 yuan, and standard rice for 2 yuan. Look for places that have pictures on their menus, as these places often have English translations too.

Beijing is a fantastic city to visit and surprisingly wallet-friendly, so add it to your bucket list and see what you think!

Taipei, Taiwan

By Caroline of CK Travels

Taipei in Taiwan is surprisingly affordable and a great destination for budget travellers. Food, accommodation and transportation will not break the budget here, and there are heaps of fun and free things to do in the city.

Night markets are aplenty across Taipei, selling inexpensive and delicious Taiwanese food and is very popular with both visitors and locals. It is so much cheaper to eat here than it is at restaurants, with most dishes costing around $1-2. 7-Eleven convenience stores can also be found pretty much everywhere in Taipei, and sell very good quality snacks, drinks and microwave meals.

There are plenty of free and cheap activities to enjoy when visiting the city, so a day of sightseeing can be very affordable. Getting around the city is super cheap too, with a single-journey metro ticket costing from just a dollar.

We recommend taking the metro to Beitou to wander around the Thermal Valley and hot spring lakes (free), and if you fancy a dip in the hot pools there are some communal public pools in the area costing just a few dollars admission fee. The Ximending district in the city is a great place to hang out for a few hours – it is a neighbourhood popular with youngsters and has some great souvenir shops and cheap street food stalls.

Nearby is the hipster Huashan 1914 Creative Park which has lots of pop-up shops and exhibitions dotted all over the park – some of which are free entry. End your day of sightseeing by taking a short hike up Elephant Mountain to enjoy views of the Taipei 101 skyscraper and the city at sunset.

There are many highly rated hostels across the city, and plenty of very affordable chain hotels such as CityInn . A hostel dorm bed will cost you around $18 and a budget hotel room around $50. An average days spending money if you were to stay in a hostel and eat cheap street food/convenience store food would be around $30-$40 per person.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

By Christian of Punta Cana Travel Blog

Colombo is not your typical budget destination as the city is loud, chaotic, and dirty. However, it’s worth spending at least a day or two in Sri Lanka’s capital, as you will most likely arrive and depart here – Colombo is home to the only international airport in the country. And with Colombo being the biggest city in the country, as well as the main trading outpost, everything is dirt cheap here!

Three areas of Colombo are most worth visiting when you visit the city. The first one is Fort / Pettah , the central market area, downtown, and home of the train and bus station. The second is the whole stretch along Galle Road , one of the busiest streets in Colombo, close to the ocean and with all kinds of shops, eateries and businesses – a true Sinhalese experience! The third area, although already a bit outside of the inner city limits of Colombo, is Mount Lavinia , a not-less busy district of Colombo, but with access to a pretty beach, especially considering the proximity to bustling Colombo.

Most accommodations are based along Galle Road and Mount Lavinia, both of which I can recommend as a base to explore the city!

When visiting Colombo, a tour through the market is a must, even if you don’t want to buy a lot. Seeing the vivid market life, haggling for some delicious tropical fruits and getting an authentic impression of Sinhalese life are the key experiences in Fort and Pettah. The train station is also very close to the market in case you need to book tickets for your onward journey.

Another thing to do is to visit the area around Beira Lake , as it is one of the nicest areas of the city. The lake itself features a temple right in the water, the Seemamalakaya temple . The Viharamahadevi Park as well as the Gangaramaya Temple can be reached within walking distance from Beira Lake. All these places can be visited for free, or for a minimal entrance fee of around 1 USD.

In case you’re getting hungry during your tour around the city, just eat at the local eateries and restaurants. The food in Sri Lanka is amazing, and I never had anything bad – but be prepared for a full portion of spice as they add hot peppers everywhere! I particularly loved all the different kinds of curries as well as Kottu, another national dish.

When visiting Colombo, you can easily get along with a daily budget of 20 USD . Good hostels are available between 6 and 8 USD per night when booking a bed in a dormitory. Public transport prices within the city range from 0.25 to 0.50 USD, and usually a filling meal does not cost more than 1 or 2 USD. Colombo is the perfect place to start your trip to Sri Lanka cheaply and authentically!

Krabi, Thailand

By Kerrie of   Just Go Travelling

Krabi in Thailand is a tourist magnet, but not just because of the beautiful beaches!

The city is probably one of the cheapest places a backpacker could travel within Thailand. It attracts people from all around the world, to places such as Krabi Town, Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach and many other islands dotted around, which can be accessed via boat tours.

Accommodation within Krabi Town is best for saving your budget. Prices can be as little as 350 baht per night for a good-sized queen room.

Krabi also boasts one of the cheapest markets you will ever come across. Between Friday – Sunday the weekend market sells bric-a-brac, clothes, and mouth-watering food. The food prices can be as little as 10 baht for traditional Thai fish cooked in banana leaves, or fried rice for a mere 30-40 baht per portion.

To view locations around Krabi, you could hire a taxi or take local buses; however, for a better use of your time and to have a greater adventure, hire a scooter for a few days. This can be as little as 250 baht per day! It’ll save you loads of time which can be better spent doing useful thing, like laying on golden sands and enjoying the sea breeze, topping up that tan!

With regards to beaches, Ao Nang Beach is completley free and easily accessed. However, we would highly recommend visiting Railay Beach . This involves buying a return ticket and getting transported by local long-tail boat, but it’s well worth the 200 baht. You’ll be spoiled with pristine blue waters and limestone cliffs bursting out of the sea, giving you a jaw-dropping view.

A final tip would be to avoid restaurants along Ao Nang Beach, as these are targeted to tourists and have a premium. Instead, seek  out local family-run restaurants away from the beach for delicious local cuisine!

Koh Phangan, Thailand

By Veronika of Travel Geekery

Koh Phangan in Thailand can be enjoyed plentifully even on a low budget. The paradise island near the bigger Koh Samui offers a wonderful diversity of sights and activities. However, if you visit during the time of the Full Moon, due to the uber-popular Full Moon parties taking place in Koh Phangan, accommodation prices tend to escalate for a few days, especially in the Haad Rin area.

One of the best free things to do in Koh Phangan is to go hiking . There are numerous trails, most of them well marked and offering stunning views over the island. Hike to the highest peak called Khao Raa , or to the secluded Bottle Beach .

Most beaches in Koh Phangan are fully accessible to the public and free to use. Whether you’ll prefer the Long Beach or the smaller beaches in Sri Thanu , they’re all worth exploring.

If you want to eat on the cheap, stick to the Thai restaurants. My favorites are Pum Pui and Anuta on the Middle Road. They cook delicious food that’s super affordable. Especially meatless options such as simple fried rice or noodles with vegetables and tofu can cost as little as 50 – 60 baht.

Accommodation in Koh Phangan comes in all sizes and prices. If you don’t need A/C, you can get a simple bungalow near a beach just for about 400 baht a night.

You’ll need a scooter to get around Koh Phangan. Day rentals start at 200 baht. Unless you keep travelling long distances every day, you can get under 50 baht a day for gas.

In total, you can get on with 800 baht a day , which is just $26 or €22 . If you can handle spending 1000 baht ($32 or €27) a day, you can additionally treat yourself to beer and coffee to your heart’s content.

Lahore, Pakistan

By Jiayi of The Diary of a Nomad

Lahore, Pakistan may not be your typical holiday destination in Asia, but it’s definitely an underrated one. Filled with history, architecture, culture, and exquisite food, this city definitely deserves to be explored just as much as its more popular counterparts. The best part is that traveling in Lahore is very cheap, making it a great option if you’re looking to travel somewhere off the beaten path!

Some of the best places to see in Lahore are its stunning mosques: Badshahi Mosque and Masjid Wazir Khan are the two most famous ones. Both places are filled with architectural wonders and require no entrance fee! You can spend hours admiring the intricate details of these mosques; their beauty is indescribable. Some of the other top places to visit in Lahore are Fort Road Food Street for a taste of the delicious local cuisine and the Delhi Gate Market to get a glimpse of local life.

While restaurants in general are not expensive at all in Lahore, one of the best places to eat in town ⁠— Butt Karahi in Lakshmi Chowk ⁠— is super affordable. In fact, food should cost you just around $7 USD in total per day. There are also some really cheap hostels in town. Lahore Backpackers is the most known one, and shared rooms there start at $4 USD, while private rooms at $6.50 USD.

I also recommend using Uber or Careem (the local Uber app) to get around as they’re cheaper than taxis. A typical day’s budget in Lahore would only amount to $20-25 USD , so definitely consider visiting this overlooked city on your next trip to Asia!

Lake Toba, Indonesia

By Carly of We Are Sumatra

Sumatra in Indonesia is famed for its steamy jungles, incredible wildlife, and diverse cultures. But in North Sumatra, there’s another unmissable attraction waiting to be discovered.

As the largest volcanic crater lake on the planet, Lake Toba isn’t hard to miss. This caldera lake is surrounded by pine-tree-blanketed cliffs reminiscent of an alpine scene straight out of Europe.

In the centre of the lake lies the world’s largest island within an island – Samosir . With a refreshing climate, gorgeous views, and a fascinating local culture, this is one spot that should slide into the top space on your Sumatra travel itinerary!

Although it’s one of the more popular spots in Sumatra, Lake Toba remains authentic, uncrowded, and affordable.

Tuk Tuk , the central tourist spot on Samosir, was a prime player on the backpacker trail back in the ‘80s, but the shine wore off eventually, leaving this tiny spot blissfully quiet for the few travellers who arrive.

Guesthouses line the shoreline, along with dozens of restaurants, tourist shops, and the odd bar. Wandering the streets here is a pleasure; there’s none of the pushiness or urgency of many other hotspots in Asia.

For backpackers on a tight budget, there are plenty of options. Bagus Bay Homestay and Liberta are affordable yet charming places that start at around 50,000 IDR per night for a basic room and shared bathroom.

For just a little more, you can get pretty fancy. Our favourite budget spot, Reggae Guesthouse , is right on the edge of the lake and has the best views in the area. Private rooms start at around 100,000 (IDR) with a hot shower and western toilet. Pay a little more and you can stay in a real Batak-style house or bed town in one of their newer rooms.

Food is super affordable. A Western-style meal will set you back around 50,000 IDR per person. We recommend Jenny’s for mouthwatering seafood or pizza, Bagus Bay ’s enormous menu, or a delicious healthy lunch at Tabo Cottages! To save money, go budget at one of the local warungs with a delicious nasi campur or mie goreng for 25,000 IDR.

The best things to do in Lake Toba are free, but you’ll be able to enjoy more of them if you hire a scooter; you can easily get one for 100,000 IDR a day.

Once you have wheels, head off to enjoy the breathtaking scenery for free! Go up the mountains behind Tomok for endless viewpoints; zoom off in search of one of the many waterfalls in the region, or explore the “beaches” around Samosir.

In the evenings, entertainment is refreshingly free, but you might want to invest in a Bintang or two to make it that much sweeter! Head to Roy’s pub for fantastic live music, have dinner at Bagus Bay and stick around to watch the traditional Batak dancers and band, or chill at your homestay, where there are likely to be a few locals sitting around with guitars.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

By Manpreet of Hello Manpreet

Cambodia is one the most popular countries for backpackers on a budget. Everything is very cheap compared to other South East Asian countries, but also due to it having a fairly small population, the streets aren’t as busy as their Asian counterparts.

The city of Phnom Penh is not well connected by transport, but taxis and tuktuks are fairly cheap to get you around. Depending on the food you prefer to eat, you can comfortably get by on $15 a day . There’s plenty of things to see in the city, most of which are free or require an entrance fee of $1. The food is great and with lots of street food, you wont be out of pocket too much.

You must visit Wat Phnom , which was built in the 1300s, and situated at the top of a hill which is 27 metres above the ground. There are quite a few stairs to climb before getting to the temple entrance, so be sure to carry some water with you in the heat. Once you are inside, you will be surprised at how quiet it is, considering it is located so close to a very busy road.

Aside from Wat Phnom, it is a must to visit the famous Killing Fields . Though, they have a very dark history, these fields carry a lot of emotion for the people of Cambodia. The struggle that the population went through, with almost every citizen knowing of someone who was part of this history, it will help understand the culture of Cambodia and why they are still recovering to this day.

Hanoi, Vietnam

By Amber o f Amber’s Destinology

All budget travellers worth their salt know that Hanoi deserves the top spot in any southeast Asia destination list. Why? Well, Hanoi is achingly beautiful, a prime travel hub in Asia and extremely budget-friendly!

A great day in Hanoi can cost as little as $25 per person , including accommodation and three local Vietnamese meals. If you book ahead of time, you can get a private double room at a 3-star hotel in the Old Quarter for $12 per night. Or a bed in a lovely hostel dorm for $9. Hanoi must be one of the cheapest capital cities in the world…

It’s easy to stick to a budget in Hanoi and still have a fabulous time. Food can suck up most of a holiday budget, so be sure to eat as the locals do. Pretty much any Vietnamese restaurant you patronize will be cheap for a western traveller. The trick is to keep an eye out for places that are packed to the rafters with locals, and you’re sure to find a good quality restaurant or vendor who sells delicious food.

The best advice I can give for securing budget accommodation in Hanoi is to book online and in advance. It used to be true that you could show up in person and negotiate a good price, but that’s not so much the case anymore.

As for seeing the sights, if you’re genuinely on a shoestring budget, I would recommend hiring a motorbike or scooter and exploring different parts of the city. There’s more than enough to see without having to spend lots of money. If you’re in Hanoi, you MUST visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter during the evening and, hang out on the train street. A visit to Hanoi isn’t complete without ticking these sights off your list.

When you do go to Hanoi, be sure to try to haggle and negotiate EVERYTHING. Haggling is part of Vietnamese culture, and you’re sure to be overcharged for things if you don’t engage in a bit of negotiation! If you’re any good at haggling, you could save yourself quite a bit of money! Above all, you should go to Hanoi, enjoy yourself, soak up the culture and rest easy that the trip won’t put too much strain on your purse strings.

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

By Lara of   Both Feet On The Road

Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination for budget travelers. And if you are looking for an even cheaper place to travel in Sri Lanka, Jaffna is the place to go.

Jaffna is a big city in the north of Sri Lanka, but despite its size and the many fun things to do around the city, it is not often visited by tourists. And this exactly why it’s such a cheap place to travel. Many top sights  are free to visit, and the best restaurants in the city are cheap local restaurants!

So what are the best (free) things to do in Jaffna?

Jaffna is filled with colorful Hindu temples, which are free to visit. A visit to the fort, the public library, Point Pedro (the most northern point of Sri Lanka), the lighthouse , the northern beaches , and the northern islands , are all free of charge. And more importantly, fun things to do around Jaffna.

The only thing you do need to pay for in the city is your transportation. Ideally, you would be traveling with someone else, so you can share the costs.

The easiest way to see all the sights is by renting a tuk-tuk for a day and drive around (let someone drive you around). One benefit of having someone to drive you around is that they can also tell you about the history of Jaffna. And how it has been affected by the civil war of Sri Lanka that only ended in 2009.

The best place to try local and cheap food is Malayan Café Veg . And since Jaffna is so close to India, you can also find delicious Indian food. The most popular Indian restaurant is Mango’s , the food is more expensive than Malayan Café Veg. However with prices between 2-5 USD it’s still very affordable!

There are plenty of budget hotels or rest houses in Jaffna. You could find a two-person room as cheap as 5 USD per night. Or you could opt for the only hostel in the city, Hostel Yaarl for 7 USD per night.

Depending on whether you are traveling alone or with someone else a budget of as little as 15 USD per day could be enough. Though this would be a strict budget and assumes that you split accommodation and transportation costs. A budget of 20-25 USD per day would be more realistic if you are traveling alone and want to be able to see and do everything.

Seoul, South Korea

By Mikaela of   Low Maintenance Traveler 

South Korea is known as a highly-developed country in East Asia, along with Japan and China.  So when we say budget-friendly destinations in Asia, Seoul is probably not at the top of the list! The country made an incredible rise to economic growth and became one of the richest countries in the world, shown by its modern skyscapers, high-tech metro system, dashing tourist attractions, and high quality of life. This gives a lot of people the impression that they need to spend large amounts of money when traveling to its capital – Seoul.

Although it’s true that it’s more expensive than other capital cities in Asia, it’s not impossible to get by just having 60,000 won a day in your pocket!

Not many people are aware that there’s loads of things you can do for free around Seoul , such as walking tours in Cheonggyecheon Stream , free museums , and taking advantage of Culture Day (every last Wednesday of the month), where you can visit the palaces and other participating attractions for free. 

Aside from this, you can save money by eating like a local (try their Jajangmyeon) and spending less on transportation by walking around Seoul – the city is safe and walkable.

When you’re planning your Seoul itinerary and accommodation, it’s recommended that you book a hotel near many attractions such as in Jongno or Myeongdong area, and avoid the Gangnam district or Itaewon , as these are more luxurious.

Overall, Seoul is a must-travel Asian destination, even on a budget. The city has a lot to offer that’ll definitely give you a good travel experience!

Photo courtesy of Kit Yeng Chan

Penang, Malaysia

By Marco of   Penang Insider

Penang island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a very cheap place to travel in Asia. If you are a penny pincher, you’ll be able to eat, sleep in a hostel and visit some free sites for about $15 per day , otherwise, there’s a great choice of boutique accommodation and great Penang AirBnbs to choose from. Keep in mind that with $50 you’ll generally have a pretty luxurious day.

Penang’s UNESCO area is in George Town , and in itself, it holds most of the island’s famous temples, Chinese clan-houses, and the very well-known street food. You don’t have of course to pay for any of that: just walk around, follow the tourists and get one for the ‘gram next to the many street murals that made George Town famous around the world – and don’t forget that the UNESCO heritage is the multicultural people of this charming colonial town.

Nature lovers may head to Penang Hill which has a funicular train (30RM) that whisks tourists to the top — but you can strike off on one of the many hiking trails, not spend a single cent, and climb to different stations for a good sweaty workout and a chance to mingle with local trekkers.

Penang beaches are not the best, to be honest, but those around the National Park in the northwestern corner of the island make for a good break – like Balik Pulau , the least developed southeastern part of the island. The main activity here is visiting durian and nutmeg farms, cycle along paddy fields, and bask in the sun on Pantai Pasir Panjang , the island’s best.

Peshawar, Pakistan

By Samantha of   Intentional Detours

Peshawar, Pakistan is known to be the oldest city in South Asia, but what you might not know is that it’s also one of the cheapest. With most (delicious) food options being priced between $1-$4, it’s easy to try all of the best dishes in town on even a backpacker’s budget!

The Al-Ibadat Hotel speaks to just how affordable this historical Pakistani city can be: a private room goes for between $4-$5 per night . As Peshawar is known for its incredibly hospitable people, many travelers have had great experiences with the Couchsurfing app as well. Couchsurfing might be free, but more importantly, it allows you to experience local life in ways that you never would have on your own.

In addition to affordable stays and cheap, tasty eats, Peshawar is home to several of Pakistan’s historical landmarks that also happen to be free to enter. The beautiful Mahabat Khan Masjid is a 17th-century Mughal-era relic is a must-visit, as is the famed Khyber Pass Gate (an important part of the Old Silk Road) AND the Qissa Khwani Bazaar , which is known for its beautiful Havelis.

$10-$15 a day should be the maximum you spend in this fascinating city, making it a place you can definitely spend some time in. If you’re looking to slightly splurge on what may be the city’s best food, head over to Charsi Tikka . It’s a well known Peshawari restaurant, and it is well, well worth the hype!

Vientiane, Laos

By Erin of Love To Travel, Stay-Eat-Do

If you are looking for a budget holiday in an awesome country, be sure to consider Laos. Laos is a great holiday destination, with loads to do and at a very accessible price. Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are probably more well known and visited more so than the capital, but rest assured Vientiane is a fantastic city to visit, with lots of great attractions to see and a very affordable price. Here are our top tips on what to do in Vientiane on a budget!

You absolutely cannot go to Vientiane without visiting the Buddha Park . There are tours from the main city, or you can hire a taxi to take you out there, however, for those travelling on a budget, we recommend taking the local bus from Talat Sao bus station. Be sure to have your destination written down on a piece of paper so you can show the bus driver before you get on. Keep track of the pick-up times at the end of the day too, as you are a long way out of the city centre with no real way of returning if you are not organised.

Everything else  you can access by foot from the city centre and it is such a great way to see more of everyday life in Vientiane. Visit the C.O.P.E. Visitor Centre and learn about the organisation which supports people with mobility related disabilities across the country. You can go in and explore freely and you are welcome to make a donation or purchase something from their store which goes back into the organisation’s work.

The Victory Monument – Patuxai , is equally as impressive from the ground as it is from the top. You can pay a small fee to climb the stairs to the top and get panoramic views across the Laos capital. We would recommend it – on a clear day, it is a great vantage point to view the city. Patuxai was built in dedication to those who fought for the independence of France.

Another place we would recommend to visit is Pha That Luang . It is an easy walk around the outside, observing daily life, visiting temples and taking in the Laos way of life. There are market stalls around the edges and purchasing snacks or lunch from there is a nice way to support the locals.

The night markets are an excellent option for budget meals and an all round great experience. There are loads of local restaurants that line the streets in the city centre as well, and very happy and welcoming faces to greet you at the street.

As is the case anywhere you travel, there is a great range in prices for accommodation and style. We stayed at Champa Garden Hotel comfortably as a family of 4 sharing one room with a private bathroom, a pool and daily breakfast. Accommodation aside, our family budgeted for $50AUD per day .

Mumbai, India

By Bhushavali of My Travelogue By Bhushavali

Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and is that city which never sleeps! For a visitor, Mumbai can be done super expensive or super cheap! To begin with – the currency exchange! For a western traveler, may it be dollars or euros, Indian Rupee is much cheaper and for every dollar/euro, you’d get Rs.75-85 and that’s enough for a lunch at a small-ish eatery anywhere in India, including Mumbai.

Mumbai is very well connected by the local train (suburban railway) and a 1,3, or 5 days tourist ticket, it is super economical to travel all over Mumbai and surrounding regions as well. Otherwise autos (tuk-tuks) & taxis run here by meter which also wouldn’t turn out too expensive.

While certain monuments are ticketed, quite a few aren’t! Mumbai is filled with so many forts which are free to enter including Bandra , Madh, Borivali, Vasai etc. While in Mumbai, it is a must to visit Elephanta Caves , one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India . Though this is ticketed, it is only Rs.50/- for Indians & SAARC nationals (Rs.600/- for other foreigners). This is a tiny island which has to be reached by ferry from Gateway of India .

Mumbai, of course, has a stunning shoreline. While Juhu Beach or Queen’s Necklace are crowded, there are secluded beaches like Manori, Madh etc, which all can be reached by Mumbai suburban railway.

Bali, Indonesia

By Vrushali of Couple of Journeys

Bali is a budget traveller’s paradise. The currency difference helps even travellers from other developing countries experience Bali on a budget, and it’s one of the best inexpensive places to travel in Asia. You can get a free on-arrival visa for up to thirty days.

There are plenty of cheap homestays and hostels available in most tourist areas of Bali. However, Kuta, in particular, has plenty of budget accommodation options available where the cost of stay will range between 5 to 8 USD . Similarly, one can find cheap homestays in the area surrounding central Ubud.

The best way to save food costs is by eating filling Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng at any of the beachside shacks. A full meal here will only cost about 3 USD.

The cost of travelling can be greatly reduced by renting a scooter. One can get a scooter for an entire day for as little as 3 USD. Alternatively, you could even rent a bicycle to further save costs if you only plan on exploring nearby places.

In terms of things to do, Bali has plenty to offer. Even 10 days in Bali will not do justice to its touristic beauty. Every beach in Bali is charming in its own unique way. Padang Padang , Sanur and Pandawa are tourist favourites. Up in the hilly region of Ubud, you could visit the many waterfalls or explore the spectacular rice terraces. In addition to that, visiting the temples in Bali is a great way to connect with the rich Balinese culture.

The only tourist attractions which are usually quite expensive are the ones that are man-made or those that are built specifically for attracting tourism such as the Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park or Waterbom . However, one could easily experience the essence of Bali even without visiting these places.

On average, when travelling on a budget, one could easily spend an entire day in Bali in under 30 USD which would include stay, all meals, transportation as well as some local sightseeing.

Kinabatangan River, Malaysia

Malaysian Borneo is one of the best area to undertake some wildlife spotting for a low, low budget! In particular, the Kinabatangan River area of Borneo gives you the opportunity to see orangutans in the wild, as well as the endangered Borneo pygmy elephant too.

Easily reachable by bus from Kota Kinabalu , the Kinabatangan River is the second-longest river in Malaysia, and is close to the town of Sandakan . Along this river, you can see the proboscis monkey, orangutans, monitor lizards, macaques, and a huge number of different birds. The riverbank is also the home of the smallest elephants in Asia, and there are only 1,500 of these Asian Pygmy Elephants left in the world!

The Kinabatangan River is easy to visit on a budget – book a seriously budget-friendly lodge on the river banks – even the basic ones are rather luxurious and virtually all of them include guided hikes and river trips to spot wildlife. As the river is not a protected area, there is no National Park fee to pay either.

The Borneo Natural Sakau Bilit Resort built directly onto the river even offers dorm room facilities and is all-inclusive of all transfers, accommodation, food, entertainment, and trips! You can also pick up room for GBP9 per night, and buy your transfers, food, and tours locally.

Chennai, India

By Meenakshi of Polka Junction

Dubbed the cultural capital of southern India, and, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai has got ample experiences and sightseeing options to explore for every kind of traveller. With ancient UNESCO heritage sites on the outskirts of the city to the second longest beach in the world , and, brilliantly styled Hindu temples to fascinating colonial architectural structures and churches, the city has it all.

Chennai is one of the culturally rich and the most affordable of the Indian metropolises. This 380-year-old city also has a thriving food scene with its vibrant ‘mess’ culture that has been enticing everyone. One could indulge in a plate of Idlis (fluffy steamed rice cakes) for breakfast accompanied by an assortment of chutneys for under 50 cents. While an elaborate lip-smacking south-Indian saapadu (meal) could be devoured for a dollar or two. And, there still would be no comprise on the quality of the food. The good old Ratna Cafe in Mylapore is a must-visit. Are you fond of shopping? Then do take a stroll around the T.Nagar area.

I would highly recommend visiting Chennai during the winter, which is from December to January. It’s a perfect season to catch one of the many music and dance recitals that happen across this city, as part of the Maargazhi festival . Sometimes, you could even watch a LIVE performance for free at the Kapaleeswarar temple at Mylapore.

While in Chennai, do not miss hitting the longest beach in India — the Marina beach . Of course, there is no entry fee!

Yangon, Myanmar

By Mukund of Discover New Paths

Yangon is the largest city in, and former capital of, Myanmar and a fantastic budget destination for travel in Asia!

Myanmar is known for being the land of pagodas, and Yangon has some incredible pagodas you can visit for free. These include the Maha Wizaya Pagoda and the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda , known for its huge statue of the reclining Buddha.

Other great free things to do include checking out the local Bogyoke Aung San market , where you can find authentic Burmese items, and the Kandawgyi Lake which is a lovely area to just walk, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

To get a taste of real Burmese life and the local people, catch the famous Yangon Circular train , which costs just $0.15! You will be able to see all kinds of locals going about their daily lives, and can also get some bargains with people walking up and down the train selling a variety of things such as fresh fruits, local handicrafts and even phone chargers.

A trip to Yangon isn’t complete without visiting the Shwedagon pagoda , a huge gold-plated pagoda. Entrance is about $7 but it is well worth it. The pagoda is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Myanmar which is still visited by thousands of pilgrims daily. It will truly take your breath away.

Burmese food is fresh, spicy and delicious. The best way to sample the local delights is by going to street food markets. Local eateries are on most streets where you can have a tealeaf salad or Shan-style rice with curry and wash it down with a Myanmar beer. Chinatown in Yangon is the main hub of street food vendors and here you can pick up some tasty food for just a couple of dollars – check out 999 Shan Noodle House to get an authentic Yangon food experience.

Of course, you’ll want to stay somewhere cheap, cheerful and well located. Hotel Zara and Rangoon Boutique House are a couple of clean and affordable hotels worth checking out. For anyone looking at hostels, Hostel President is a new hostel and a great option.

All in all, you can easily get by on $30 or less a day which includes accommodation, food, transport and sight-seeing. So if you’re looking for budget trips in Asia, look no further than Yangon!

By Constance of The Adventures of Panda Bear

Hong Kong is usually known for its huge skyscrapers, east meets west culture, and its high cost of living. However if you know what you’re doing, you can definitely make your trip to Hong Kong a budget one.

For the most budget friendly way to travel, make your trip to Hong Kong quick. Take advantage of a long weekend in Hong Kong or make it a layover stop. Stay at a hostel in Chungking Mansions for the best prices while staying in the middle of the city. You’ll usually be able to find a room for $50US or less during low season.

For budget travelers, you’re in luck because some of the best things to do in Hong Kong happen to be free. Walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade for amazing nighttime views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. Hike up to Victoria Peak , the highest point on Hong Kong Island, for beautiful views of the city below.

Take a stroll in Sheung Wan and the older, residential parts of Central for a more local experience. In Sheung Wan be sure to check out Man Mo Temple , one of the most famous temples in the city.

Ride an electric tram, a remnant of British colonialism, these trams remain one of the cheapest ways to get across Hong Kong Island. For an affordable way to get across Victoria Harbour and to see gorgeous views on the water, take the Star Ferry.

The cheapest dining options in Hong Kong are obviously local eats! Affordable eats are easily found in the less touristy areas. Hop inside a cha chaan teng for delicious Hong Kong milk tea, wonton noodle soup, fish ball noodle soup, congee, and chow fun. A decent meal is easily afforded for $10USD as long as you keep it local.

Though Hong Kong might not be one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia, you can easily make it a budget trip.

Share this guide to cheap places to vacation in Asia!

Well folks, I think we’ve proved beyond doubt that when you find the best cheap places to travel in Asia, there’s no need to compromise on quality!

Asia is a continent of delightful surprises, and one of them is that you really can have the trip of a lifetime on a relatively small budget. Look at all of the amazing places we’ve explored above – some of them might even be in places that you didn’t previously consider to be the cheapest country to visit (did you really expect to see Hong Kong on this list? But it’s absolutely possible!).

If you ever feel that there’s things holding you back from traveling, budget shouldn’t be one of them. Look at what you can achieve in Asia for relatively small sums – and start making plans to visit!

If you’ve found this guide on cheap places to holiday in Asia useful, how about sharing the love?

Cons: it’ll take up two seconds of your day.

Pros: You get to proudly display this on your social media feed like a total travel pro, you get to help other people realize their dreams, and you give me a happy fuzzy feeling!

And if you’re super-smart:

Share the below images on Pinterest! That way, you’ll have a bookmark back to this page for when you need it, right when you’re showing it your travel companion, or making plans. Handy, right?

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Jared James

This is indeed the ultimate list.. thanks for sharing the best places… would come really handy for post-pandemic vacation.

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Musings of a Rover

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Southeast Asia For 3 Months?

Keeping track of all of my expenses for three months wasn’t easy. But I did it. Now you can use it as budget guide!

Have you heard that Southeast Asia is cheap? I definitely did. But how cheap I wondered. Especially since, let’s face it, I’m thirty years old and sometimes I will pay for nicer things. Now I think I definitely still “backpacked.” I stayed in hostels, ate cheap food, and, yes, traveled with a backpack. And now that I’m back, I want to help you figure out just how much it costs to travel to Southeast Asia for 3 months.

Now, confession, I only went to three countries. So I didn’t “backpack” like some people I met did. They often would hit up Laos, Cambodia, & Vietnam as well. But this will at least show you what a 3 month budget could look like. And since I went to the most expensive places, this will hopefully show you the top end. So where did I go?

Thailand, Malaysia, & Bali. Oh and Hong Kong. And I’ve broken each of these countries down below so you can see my budget for each one.

I also spent about 11 days in true vacation style and I’ve separated that out below as well.

Budget Breakdown

• Backpacking: 90 Days
• Vacation: 11 Days

Pre-Trip Expenses

• Hong Kong: 5 Days
• Thailand: 50 Days
• Malaysia: 11 Days
• Bali: 20 Days

Read Next: 10 Days In Costa Rica: How Much Does It Cost?

Backpacking for 90(ish) days.

I started with roughly $50/day. And then started to build up my categories from there. And though I ended up with a daily budget over $50, it gave me a good starting point to think about.

My Monthly Budget was $2,050:

• Accommodation: $750
• Transportation: $500
• Excursions: $300
• Alcohol: $100
• Shopping: $100

Which meant my budget per day was about $68:

• Accommodation: $25
• Transportation: $17
• Excursions: $10
• Alcohol: $3
• Shopping: $3

So how did I do?

Actual Expenses

These are all of my backpacking expenses. The time I spent in vacation mode has been removed. Which left me with almost exactly 90 days left (basically 3 months). The other big expense missing is my flight from/to the United States. My “Pre-Trip” expenses are detailed below if you’d like to see what those were.

This is what I spent on the ground in Southeast Asia for 3 months.

• Accommodation: $1,177
• Transportation: $1,371
• Excursions: $831
• Alcohol: $229
• Shopping: $708

Total Cost: $5,138

Budget Vs. Actual

So how did I stack up? Well I basically spent almost $1,000 less than I thought I would. Most of this in accommodation. But I only exceeded my budget in one area: shopping. And I should have budgeted more here because I like souvenirs. Plus I had two big unforeseen expenses (like a new phone and a doctor visit).

And my final cost per day? $60

Here are two tables (sexy I know) of my expenses. Total and cost per day:

Vacation For 11(ish) Days

So that was backpacking. But what about my YOLO 11 days that I spent in vacation mode? Well I didn’t create a separate budget, so let’s stick with the one above and see just how much more I actually spent.

Total Cost: $1,597

My Cost Per Day: $145

Now as a note I spent these days in Hong Kong and Thailand. And anything related to these days I stuck here.

Below you’ll see where I spent this money and just click on each heading to expand it to see the details about the actual expense.

1. Accommodation: $270

Now this doesn’t look too bad…until you realize that it only covers 7 nights. So what was this breakdown?

(Also it’s important to note that this is my share only…so the real cost of these rooms is x2.)

– Hong Kong Hotel – 1 night: $74 – Sabai Corner (Koh Yao Noi) – 4 nights: $81 – Baan Khaolak Resort – 2 nights: $115

2. Food: $159

We just ate at slightly nicer places. Less street food and more sit down dinners with good seafood. Plus I had a tendency to skip lunch…and didn’t do that during these days.

And again this is only the meals on like 7 of the days.

3. Transportation: $462

This is only expensive because of the two flights I took. One to Hong Kong. And one back to Thailand. And then a sort-of expensive taxi ride from a boat pier on Phuket to Khao Lak.

4. Excursions: $40

This is just a motorbike rental and one snorkeling trip to the islands around Koh Yao Noi. But our “big” excursion I broke out into its own category…

5. Liveaboard: $595

This was our 4 night Liveaboard trip. With 12 dives spread out among those 4 days. And…I didn’t even scuba dive due to my ear injury. So this was my snorkeling cost. Here’s the exact breakdown:

– Snorkel Price for the Trip: $534 – National Park Fees: $32 – Tip for the Crew: $19 – Beer Money Onboard: $10

6. Alcohol: $40

Basically beers and cocktails at a few nice bars in Hong Kong will really set you back.

7. Shopping: $30

This is basically a few supplies we bought in preparation for the liveaboard. And a small painting in Hong Kong.

Now what about before my trip? And that pesky international, transpacific flight?

These are what I classified as my pre-trip expenses. Things that were definitely related to my trip but aren’t reflected in the costs I listed above (or in the country sections below).

• Travel Insurance: $251
• New Backpack from REI: $186
• Amazon Supplies (like locks, flashlight, etc.): $66
• Vaccinations: $253
• Roundtrip flight from Atlanta to Hong Kong: $434

Total: $1,190

Okay so I got a flight that cheap because I waited till a sale and then planned my trip around that. If that flight hadn’t landed in my inbox, I wouldn’t have gone on this trip . But I was waiting for a sale like that. And I booked it that night.

Hong Kong For 5 Days

I started and ended my trip in Hong Kong. Just a couple days on either side. This is definitely an expensive city so keep that in mind if you plan on coming here!

Total for Hong Kong: $470

Costs Per Day: $93

1. Accommodation Total: $143

For my first three days I got a private room ( Elog ) and then my last night I just stayed in a hostel, but had such a late flight I stored my bag for the day.

– Elogg Inn (3 Nights): $120 – Urban Pack Hostel (1 Night): $16 – Bag Storage: $6.50

2. Food Total: $129

I ate pretty cheaply but I had a couple of more expensive meals. I had Dim Sum twice at about $15 for each meal, some amazing ramen for $13, and a nice last meal for about $28.

3. Transportation Total: $187

Flight to Hong Kong (from Thailand): $128

The rest of the money here went to Octopus Top-Ups. Because I spent most of my time just exploring Hong Kong.

4. Shopping Total: $11

This was my Hong Kong sim card.

Thailand For 50 Days

This was where I spent most of my time. And even most of that was spent in southern Thailand, because I fell for a couple of places and didn’t coordinate very well. I could have easily cut this time way down by just planning a bit better. Oh and plus I wanted to be in Koh Tao for Songkran but needed to get my certification from there before then…and ended up going twice.

Plus I had a few unexpected expenses (like a new phone). And the flight back to Thailand from Bali was not exactly cheap.

Total for Thailand: $2,991

Costs Per Day: $60

1. Accommodation Total: $721

My cost per day on accommodation was just $14. I stayed in mostly hostels or cheap guesthouses. Occasionally I had to stay somewhere nice. (Like the resort after I discovered my guesthouse had bedbugs and everywhere else I checked was full. But that was $50 well spent to get out of there.)

2. Food Total: $406

So all of my meals were cheap. Food is where you’ll save money here. I had literally only 3 meals that were over $10. And one of those was in an airport.

Cost per day on food: $8

3. Transportation Total: $648

This is mostly minivans, ferries, buses, tuk tuks, taxis, and trains. So why the high cost? I spent about $400 on two flights to Thailand. The one to Chiang Mai from Bali was particularly expensive.

4. Excursions Total: $651

This is mostly motorbike rentals, snorkel trips/rentals, and entry fees. Except for a few big splurges listed below.

– Open Water Padi Certification (Scuba Diving): $296 – Overnight Lake Tour to Khao Sok National Park: $80 – Elephant Nature Park (Overnight): $180

5. Alcohol Total: $114

I didn’t actually plan for this and that was a big mistake. Mostly because I like to drink and go out. So if you’re going to do this (even just a little bit), make sure you plan for it!

Though I did drink very cheaply. Think beers purchased mostly at hostels and minimarts. And then maybe one out at the bar. Sometimes it pays to be a bit of a lightweight.

6. Shopping Total: $451

This expense was SO much more than I thought it would be. And this makes it look like I purchased a lot of things. And while this does include sim card data plans, souvenirs, and a lot of supply replenishment on the road (think sunscreen), there are two very large expenses here.

The first being the new phone I had to purchase in Bangkok because my old one broke. And then the clinic visit and medicine for my ears when I injured them scuba diving.

– New Phone: $217 – Clinic Visit & Medicine: $70

Malaysia For 11 Days

I was not planning on heading to Malaysia. And there’s so much more to do here than simply exploring the western coast of the peninsula. I’ve heard great things about the islands off the east coast. But I wanted to go to Bali and knew I needed several weeks there. So this was just a short stopover, but I had a great time nevertheless.

Total for Malaysia: $434

Costs Per Day: $39

1. Accommodation Total: $77

My cost per day on accommodation was just $7. My cheapest country by far to stay in. But again I picked mostly hostels. And one of those hostels was a 12 bed dorm…and I stayed there for 5 nights.

2. Food Total: $96

Cost per day? $11. I basically did two big things in Malaysia. Eat and drink. Though be warned! Malaysia food was definitely the spiciest. Even for basic things like rice and noodles.

3. Transportation Total: $157

Other than my flight to Malaysia and one very nice train ride from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, the rest of this is very cheap ferries, buses, and subways. Oh and Grabs. (This is the equivalent as Uber and was my main way of getting around on Langkawi.) They were super affordable (especially when split).

4. Excursions Total: $40

This is just a couple of items including going to the top of Penang Hill ($8), half of a scooter rental ($4), the cable-car on Langkawi ($14), and a mangrove boat tour ($13).

5. Alcohol Total: $39

See! I really just ate and drank here. But I met some amazing people. And we’d go out and have fun. Sometimes that’s all you need to have a great time.

6. Shopping Total: $26

This is basically some laundry, a few souvenirs, and my sim card.

Bali For 20 Days

In the back of my mind I knew I wanted to go to Bali. I mentioned it to my friend as a possibility months before I left. And when I spotted a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur, I booked it. I told myself I was going for only 2 reasons: surfing and sea turtles. But I ended up having an amazing time and doing so much more than that. Bali is beautiful.

Total for Bali: $1,081

Costs Per Day: $54

1. Accommodation Total: $237

My cost per day on accommodation was about $12. All hostels like normal. But some of these were a bit nicer. And I did usually spring for the deluxe type of rooms (because A/C). And  Bong Hostel on Nusa Lembongan was “expensive” at about $15/night. But I loved it.

2. Food Total: $192

Cost per day? $10. I didn’t love the food in Bali. So I usually spent my time doing other things. And I occasionally did spring for some healthy and western food at this point. Because by this point I was getting a little tired of rice and noodles.

3. Transportation Total: $217

My two big costs here was my flight to Bali (~$100) and my fast boat to/from the Gilis (~$50). The rest of the boats/vans/grabs were relatively cheap.

4. Excursions Total: $140

This is mostly entrance fees and motorbike rentals. But a few things did push this much higher.

– Private Surf Lesson: $43 – Mt Batur Sunrise Hike: $22 – Snorkeling Trip from Nusa Lembongan: $25

5. Alcohol Total: $75

I exceeded my budget here a little bit. But I’m happy to do it if I get to meet amazing people. And I definitely did.

6. Shopping Total: $220

Yep I exceeded my budget here by $150. So why?

I did a lot of souvenir shopping in Bali. Think lots of earrings. Plus I had to buy a sweatshirt for the hike up to Mt. Batur for sunrise. And cheap sweatshirts don’t really exist because it’s usually hot as hell. So I got one from Hurley. That was expensive, but I do like it so I’ve re-worn it.

Oh yea! And I mailed home a box of stuff. That postage fee was more expensive than any of the souvenirs in the box.

Okay that’s it! Keeping track of every single expense I made for 3 months was not easy. So I hope you all find this helpful!

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I have a few concerns about missing that returning flight and was wondering if you could give me some advice! At any time, did you let the airline know you were not going on the returning flight home? Did you face any penalties for not getting on the return flight?

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Cheapest Asian countries to visit in 2024

Asian culture is famous worldwide for its cordial and respectful attitude toward guests.

Sometimes, travelers from Europe or America fear long and expensive flights to Asia. Unfortunately, the flight is long, but if you take the plunge, you will open a chest of treasures unlike anywhere else.

We have put together a list of the most affordable countries to travel to in Asia so that the cost of living and exchange rates can compensate for your ticket expenses. Our Flight search will always find something special that fits your budget.

Cheap Asian destinations where you can travel on a tight budget

• Philippines

India – A diverse country like no other

Of all the countries in the world, it is India that will change a person’s worldview and the idea of ​​life, death, and happiness all in one trip. Traveling through this extensive and multi-colored country will truly open your eyes like no other.

India is very affordable for travelers. In the capital of this great country, you can find a double room in a hotel with all the amenities starting at $5 per day. Such accommodation is not chic-but that doesn’t matter because there are so many stunning places to go, so you’ll only need your hotel to sleep.

Best places to visit in India

Although India is a cheap destination, prices vary from city to city. Let’s look at the cheapest and most fantastic vacation spots in the country.

Kolkata- A whole different side to India

Kolkata is a perfect place to stay for a while to get to know Indian culture. Here, you can walk along the central streets of the old city, look into the temple of the goddess Kali, and visit the Kumartuli artisans’ quarter. But on the other side of the city, you can see the harsh reality for some locals in the slums where they live.

Agonda – Relax at the beach and feel the local vibes

The best thing about Agonda is that it provides visitors with an escape from the country’s hustle and bustle. It is a small village in Goa with a single street running along the sea. The street has no name and offers visitors a couple of convenience stores, a wine shop, and a clean white-sand beach with a calm sea. Not much, but if you’re looking for a true relaxing getaway, do you even need anything else?

Delhi – The capital with a far-reaching cultural life

If you want to discover Delhi, you might need several weeks. Check out the city’s main sights (among many): the Lal Qila or Red Fort, the Qutb Minar mosque, and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Although it is a capital city, staying there is very affordable for the average traveler.

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Cambodia – A truly new and under rated travel experience

Unlike certain Asian countries, Cambodia is still an untouched story waiting to be read, which means attractive prices for trips there. However, it will not always be like this. Considering Cambodia’s stunning beauty and nature, the country is slowly seeing an influx of travelers each year. But you still have time to taste authentic Cambodia before it turns into a second Thailand or Bali.

Best places to visit in Cambodia

Let’s look at the top-rated cheap spots of the country where Angelina Jolie fought multi-armed stone demons in the role of Lara Croft.

Go to the main sea resort of the country – Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is a fantastic place to have a beach holiday. If you get bored of relaxing, the temples of Wat Leu will open you up to the marvelous world of ancient Cambodia.

Siem Reap – A mecca for adventure lovers

Siem Reap has many things to see and do that the most tempted adventure-seekers will need at least three days in this city. Even if adventure and history are not your cup of tea, the Angkor Wat temple will still amaze you.

See where the past and present meet in Phnom Penh

The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, was once one of the most beautiful cities in French colonial Asia before numerous wars destroyed the city. But nowadays, it is a lovely metropolis where posh modern buildings and ancient holdovers like the Royal Palace mix together.

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Laos – A vacation here is as good as Thailand, but much cheaper

Laos is the country where time stops. The relaxed, leisurely atmosphere, and the friendly Laotians who have retained the same way of life for hundreds of years, have made Laos an unconventional dream destination.

Laos is moderately wild, exotic, and much cheaper than neighboring Vietnam and Thailand. There is no sea here, but ancient temples are dotted among tropical forests and picturesque mountains.

Best places to visit in Laos

Regarding travel, Laos can be divided into three regions-North, Center, and South. Each part is exciting and unique in its own way.

Luang Prabang – Come here if you want to see one of the most outstanding cities of Asia

Luang Prabang is Laos’s ancient city and a fascinating place to visit. It’s on its way to making it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. No one can feel indifferent about it after visiting its monasteries and temples, like the Wat Xieng Thong Monastery or the That Chomsi Pagoda.

Wake up early to see a procession of Buddhist monks through the streets. An old, respected tradition that is repeated every day in Luang Prabang.

Si Phan Don – A place for a cozy escape

Head south to Si Phan Don to experience authentic tropical laziness. Si Phan Don is a cluster of islands: during the dry season, the waters descend, and thousands more small islands appear on the surface, which again disappear underwater during the rainy season. It’s a stunning picturesque view away from civilization.

The most oversized island, Don Khong, is a languorous, genuine place to spend your holiday on a hammock at the beach.

Two smaller islands, Don Khon and Don Det, are kind of a backpacker mecca with a multitude of budget accommodation options.

Vientiane – A day or two in the tiny capital

To be fair, you shouldn’t expect much from Vientiane: the capital is really small, and tourists mostly don’t stay there for a long time. Usually, they stop there for a few days on their way to the popular village of Vang Vieng. Nevertheless, if you spend several days in the capital, you will be satisfied by the abundance of incredible temples and other architectural masterpieces that can be found in various corners.

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Indonesia – An inexpensive paradise on Earth

Indonesia is worth visiting for its unique geographical position: it connects two continents and separates two oceans. It holds a unique biodiversity and stunning forms of nature. Wait until you see what the cultural side of this vast country can offer you when you visit.

Best places to visit in Indonesia

Since Indonesia is quite a popular destination, let’s look at less promoted and more budget-friendly places.

Jimbaran – A cozy village and heaven for foodies on a budget

The small village of Jimbaran is located not far from the big city of Denpasar and is surrounded by a calm bay. When you kick back on the local beach, you can see planes landing over your head at the airport. Jimbaran is an ideal place for foodies: the cheapest seafood you can get is shark, and it only costs just $1 for a kilogram

If you’re a lover of nighttime, come to Kuta

Kuta Beach is a hot spot for those who adore parties and vibrant nightlife. This place has everything that those who travel for nighttime entertainment: various bars, fancy discos, well-lit streets through to the morning, and bustling night markets.

Of course, daytime attractions are also available, including the Waterboom Park water park and thrilling parks for fans of bungee jumping (Adrenaline Park, Bali Bangy).

Indonesia can be great even without the sea – Check out Jakarta

Indonesia’s capital has no sea, yet the metropolis is charming. The former ancient seaport will leave a positive impression on shoppers and foodies. Large shopping malls have everything for those looking to drop a few dollars. Restaurants and street food counters offer extensive menus at reasonable prices. In addition, there are many interesting museums and spacious parks for kids and adults.

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Bangladesh – A country of immense kindness

Bangladesh is a country of stunning nature, great tourism potential, and, unfortunately, high poverty levels. But do not rush to the conclusion that Bangladesh is not safe – on the contrary, all travelers have noted that the local people are very friendly, the crime rate is extremely low, and tourists are welcomed as dear guests.

Best places to visit in Bangladesh

Bangladesh itself is a cheap country, but you should know which are the most affordable places to see if you’re on a budget.

Find the longest beach in the world in Cox’s Bazar

Cox’s Bazar is the only seaside area in Bangladesh. Come and relax on delightful beaches with golden sand and clear water. Cox’s Bazar holds the longest natural beach in the world, at a length of 125 km.

Chittagong – A big city with a big history

Chittagong, officially called Chattogram, has a rich history you can discover by walking around the city’s cute streets. The city is known as the “cemetery of ships” due to an abandoned ship fleet placed there: you can walk on the coastline, and thousands of dismantled ships will be scattered along it.

Experience Banglasedhi life in Dhaka

Dhaka is not that big of a city. Spend one or two days there to experience every day Bangladesh life. The main attractions are the Pink Palace, the Lalbagh Fort, and the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

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The Philippines – The homeland of karaoke and the only Christian country in Asia

If you think karaoke was invented in Japan, here is a big surprise: it actually comes from the Philippines. The Philippines is a musical nation. Don’t be surprised if the locals make you sing and dance with them.

The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia, meaning travelers will feel comfortable regarding religious or alcohol rules during the trip.

The country is dotted with perfect white sand beaches and incredibly beautiful coral reefs.

Best places to visit in the Philippines

Look at these top-rated affordable spots in the Philippines.

Discover a tropical fairy tale in Boracay

Boracay is blessed with stunning sceneries we’re used to seeing in romantic movies set on tropical islands. On one side is White Beach, which is perfect for those who like a calm and laid-back holiday with swimming and lying around. On the other side, there is Bulabog, with its constant crashing waves, mostly for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Manila – A capital where you can relax

Though it is the capital and is known to be chaotic at the best times, there are cozy corners in Manila where you can escape from the commotion and chill out on the beach. Besides sea leisure, tourists can also see many unique architectural and historical monuments of the ancient city.

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Want to find more about the cheapest vacation places? Read more on Kiwi.com Stories

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10 Of The Cheapest Countries In Asia For Budget Travellers

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10 of The Cheapest Countries in Asia for Budget Travellers

1. thailand, best volunteer opportunities in thailand.

• Budget Hostel: $10 for a dorm/$25 for a private room
• Local beer: $2 
• Budget Restaurant per person: Street food 30-60 baht ($1-2 USD) Restaurant Meal around 90 – 150 baht

2. The Philippines

Best volunteer opportunities in the philippines.

• Budget Hostel: $10 for a private room/$5 for a dorm
• Local beer: $1.20
• Budget Restaurant: street food $5/meal in restaurant $12

Best Volunteer Opportunities in Laos

• Budget Hostel: Dorm $5-10/ private room $15 
• Local beer: $1
• Budget Restaurant per person: $2 street food/$10 for 2 course meal + beer in restaurant

Best Volunteer Opportunities in India

• Budget Restaurant per person: $2 for curry & rice/ $1 dosa

5. Mongolia

• Touristic yurt camps: these will have the most home comforts
• Guest-yurts by nomadic families: the most authentic style of yurt
• Camping: the closest to nature but you’ll need to bring your own supplies

Best Volunteer Opportunities in Mongolia

• Accommodation: $35+ Mongolian yurt
• Budget Restaurant per person: $10 restaurant including drinks/ $3 street food

Best Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal

7. Sri Lanka

Best volunteer opportunities in sri lanka.

• Budget Hostel: $7
• Budget Restaurant per person: $5 (seafood & streetfood is particularly cheap)

8. Cambodia 

Best volunteer opportunities in cambodia.

• Budget Hostel: $10 for a private room/$5 for a shared dorm
• Local beer: $0.50
• Budget local meal per person: $3

9. Vietnam 

Best volunteer opportunities in vietnam.

• Budget Hostel: $15 for a private room/$5 for a shared dorm

10. Indonesia

Best volunteer opportunities in indonesia.

• Local beer: $2
• Budget local meal per person: $3-$5

About Lauren

Growing up in a small coastal village in Scotland inspired Lauren to seek adventure and challenge the norm. Armed with just her backpack and trusty travel companion Darren, she quit her day job to liv ... show more... e her daydream and travel the world! ​​​​​After their first Workaway in 2017, they had officially caught the travel bug and decided to share behind the scenes from life on the road through their travel blog Faramagan. Their blog shares the tales (and fails) of two clueless millennials avoiding adulthood one adventure at a time with Darren the technical wizard and Lauren the content creator. When the backpack is off, Lauren can usually be found cooking, writing or attempting yoga while saving for her next plane ticket.

View all posts by Lauren

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Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit on a Budget

We all want adventure in the great wide somewhere, but sometimes our bank accounts don't coordinate. Luckily, a lack of funds doesn't mean we have to give up travel, just that we have to forget the idea of luxury resorts and yachts. 

Asia is known for being a perfect affordable travel destination, providing amazing experiences, rich history and great food for a very reasonable price. Vietnam and Thailand come to mind first, but there are several other low-cost countries you can venture around for less than $100 a day. 

These are the cheapest Asian countries to visit on a budget.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

Average daily cost: $98*

As one of the smallest countries in Asia, Taiwan is often overlooked by travelers. But those wise enough to get to this island nation find one of the coolest places on the whole entire continent. 

Let us put it like this — we have never  met anyone  who didn't like Taiwan. There are very few other places that hold this honor. The locals are notoriously open and friendly (Taiwan is often deemed as the safest and most welcoming Asian country for LGBTQIA people), and there are a million things to do.

Taipei offers a typical bustling city vibe and great nightlife. It's also just a short train ride away from beaches and mountains. Food, particularly in street stalls, is very affordable and delicious. And it's easy to find bargain prices for accommodations. What's not to like?

*All average daily costs are based on estimates from Budget Your Trip .

Best Budget Stay in Taiwan

For less than $20 a night, you can enjoy an actual hotel experience at the Yi Su Hotel – Taipei Ningxia .

That's right, you don't have to stay in a hostel dorm to keep within budget. Amenities include free tea and coffee-making facilities in-suite, air conditioning and free WiFi.

13. Thailand

Average daily cost: $94

Ah, Thailand, the place where every backpacker with no money and a proclivity for walking around barefoot ends up. The large Southeast Asian country has an undeniable charm with swirling temples hiding giant golden Buddhas, jungles vibrating to the stomps of elephants, limestone cliffs dipping into turquoise waters and some of the best food you will ever eat in your life. And it offers all this for very, very cheap. 

It's really no wonder why this country has become a broke gap-year traveler paradise, though some (us) would argue that this popularity has brought overtourism and overdevelopment to the country.

Our advice would be to head to the touristy spots for a couple of days and then hop to other places that aren't yet plagued with stalls selling tacky T-shirts to tourists. Oh, and get a Thai massage as often as possible.

Best Budget Stay in Thailand

For about $10 a night, the Flower Power Farm Village & Restaurant offers an idyllic escape on the island of Ko Phayam.

It offers simple and cozy bungalows, a restaurant that serves fruits right from the property and a peaceful setting. 

12. South Korea

Average daily cost: $93

It's a bit surprising to see South Korea have a slightly lower average cost than Thailand, though we suspect this has to do with the fact that there are many ultra-luxury Thai resorts. 

Still, the beautiful peninsula of South Korea is much more affordable than people think. Accommodations will be your biggest expense, and food is generally very cheap and very good. You can easily pay $10-$15 for a Korean BBQ dinner at a restaurant in Hongdae, one of the most frequented nightlife districts in Seoul (yes, New York's K-Town prices are an absolute scam). Other delicious dishes like red pepper soup (gochujang) or kimchi fried rice are generally under 10 dollars — and that's including all the numerous and generous side dishes.

Soju is also extremely cheap , as is norebang (the Korean equivalent of karaoke), so going out and having fun won't leave you destitute. Plus, you can travel around the country in the low-cost and highly efficient train and bus system. 

Best Budget Stay in South Korea

Accommodation isn't cheap in Korea, especially in Seoul. But Hostel Korea provides a stay in a convenient location for less than $30 a night. 

If that's still over budget for you, let us bring you into a local secret: jjimjilbangs. These public bathhouses are great for relaxing during the day. But people often also stay the night in the common areas where day users take naps.

Average daily cost: $69

It's difficult to make sweeping statements about the second-largest country on Earth. But we can say with certainty that a budget trip to China is easy to achieve.

Large cities offer something for every budget, from accommodations to food and things to do. Landmarks are also fairly priced. For instance, the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing is less than $10.

Outside of the major metropolises, food and accommodations are even cheaper, though you're also less likely to find someone who speaks English. Hey, that's part of the adventure.

While traveling within China with a limited budget, keep in mind that you'll need to pay around $140 to apply for a travel visa.

Best Budget Stay in China

You'll have to pay around $50 a night to stay at the Ibis Hotel Beijing Guloudajie , but that's a great deal for Beijing. 

In smaller cities or more rural areas of the country, you'll be able to find much better prices.

10. Malaysia

Average daily cost: $68

Bordering Thailand and Indonesia, many travelers make the mistake of skipping over Malaysia. Most people associate the country with its ultra-modern capital Kuala Lumpur, whose iconic Petronas Twin Towers give off a feeling of opulence rather than being budget-friendly. Thankfully, this couldn't be farther from the truth. 

The country is split into two main parts. One is at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and the other is in Borneo. While we personally think Borneo is one of the coolest places you could ever visit (two words: pigmy elephants), it's more cost-effective to head to the "mainland."

Besides visiting modern cities, you can go to temples hidden in caves, visit national parks and enjoy perfect beaches that aren't as overrun by tourists as those in neighboring Thailand.

Best Budget Stay in Malaysia

At Moon Eleven Hostel , you can spend a night in Kuala Lumpur for about $11.

Even better, a private room will only set you back $15.

9. The Philippines

Average daily cost: $56

With more than 7,000 islands (2,000 of which are inhabited), no one ever really gets to see the entire Philippines. But you can definitely enjoy parts of it without breaking the bank. Use Manila to fly in and out of the country, as flights will be cheaper, but don't stay too long here. Leave the dizzying capital behind in favor of some of the absolute best and most beautiful beaches in Asia (and the world). 

El Nido, in Palawan, has become a favored place to visit after Boracay temporarily shut down due to overtourism. You won't find the quiet secluded island you would've seen a decade ago, but if you choose your location right, you'll still get plenty of time to enjoy nature without pollution and crowds. 

Beer, food and accommodations are so cheap that many people stay an entire month. And then they simply leave because that's the limit for visa-less travel.

Best Budget Stay in the Philippines

You don't have to spend the big bucks to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of El Nido.

Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach offers dorms for $8 to $30, and it's located right on the sand. 

7. Vietnam (Tie)

Average daily cost: $52

It may be cliché, but Vietnam is one of our most favorite countries in the entire world. Yes, there are so many motorcycles that they often require entire sidewalks as parking spaces. And yes, crossing the street can be scary. But these don't even count as minor inconveniences, really.

You'll forget about obstructed sidewalk when you're being revitalized by a hot plate of pho or in complete awe seeing one man and five dogs ride down the street on a single bike (true story).

Plus, the long country has incredibly diverse landscapes — from beaches to rice terraces to cities hiding a colonial past. The most astonishing place is without a doubt Ha Long Bay. Limestone cliffs form a dragon descending into emerald waters that, at the right time of year, glow with magical bioluminescence .

Like Thailand, Vietnam is a backpacker's delight, one that most people begrudgingly leave, wanting to come back as soon as possible. 

Best Budget Stay in Vietnam

Stay in a renovated Art Deco building in Hanoi's Old Quarter at Little Charm Hanoi Hostel and Homestay. The price is dirt cheap — we're talking around $10 a night, and the reviews are great.

Plus, there's a pool that helps you escape the heat of the Vietnamese city.

7. Bangladesh (Tie)

Bangladesh is just as cheap as Vietnam but definitely not as popular. The South Asian country has historically been ignored by travelers, probably because it still lacks a developed international tourism infrastructure. In our book, this is a plus. 

Travelers who want to get off the backpacker trail but still want an affordable (and veritable) adventure will love Bangladesh. You won't have a cushy vacation where English-speaking staff caters to your every need. But you'll get to see how people really live when they're not shaping themselves to the tourism industry.

And you definitely won't find entire streets that exist for the sole purpose of selling cheesy souvenirs to drunk tourists (sorry Thailand, it's hard to psychologically recover from Khaosan Road). 

Learn a bit of the local language (which you should do anyway when you travel), and dive head first into an intrepid quest. 

Best Budget Stay in Bangladesh

How often do you get to stay at a four-star hotel for $52 a night?

Enjoy luxury on a budget at the Hotel Omni Residency in Dhaka. 

5. Indonesia (Tie)

Average daily cost: $50

Few places embody the spirit of digital nomadism as much as Bali. Or, depending on how you look at it, few places have been invaded by remote workers as much as this Indonesian island. 

Either way, it's undeniable that Indonesia has landscapes so beautiful they will make you cry, as well as intricate temples, tall volcanic peaks that provide great sunrise views and plenty of secluded beaches.

For around $50 a day, you can enjoy a jungle bungalow not far from the beach on many islands, including Bali. This unrivaled charm at a great price is what has attracted so many expats to the country. If you have time, try to island-hop a bit, as each region has its distinct culture, cuisine and landscape.

Best Budget Stay in Indonesia

A villa with a pool that's a five-minute walk from the beach usually costs money.

But at Villa Purin Royan , you'll enjoy great amenities and a great location for less than $10 a night.

5. Cambodia (Tie)

Most people go to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat and then leave without a second thought. And don't get us wrong, the largest religious complex on Earth is one of the most awe-inspiring places you will ever see. It's also affordable for pretty much any traveler, especially since everything else is so economical. 

But after crossing that off your bucket list, make plans to head back to the country and visit its less-explored (and even more affordable) areas. Many travelers rent a motorbike for the entirety of their stay and explore freely, but hiring a tuk-tuk driver is also doable.

Plus, if you ask, they can take you to the places where locals eat. Based on our personal experience, these are more than 10 times cheaper than the touristy eateries. 

Best Budget Stay in Cambodia

Siem Reap travelers who stay at Happy Guesthouse seem to indeed leave quite happy.

Part of that is the cheap price (around $13 a night), but we imagine the accommodation's great hospitality, convenient location and good vibes have something to do with it as well. 

Average daily cost: $33

Heading to India with few earthly possessions to seek spiritual enlightenment is so overdone, that it has almost become a cartoonish representation of travelers. But you don't have to "Eat, Pray, Love" your trip to India. In fact, we encourage you not to.

It's entirely possible to experience all the best things this country has to offer without being reductionist about its religion and culture. And you can do so with very little money. This is part of what has driven droves of young travelers to the region since the 1960s. 

What's best, because India is so incredibly big (it's the seventh-largest country in the world), you can go back again and again and never step into the same river twice. The country provides a lifetime of wallet-friendly travel experiences.

Best Budget Stay in India

At New Delhi's Mavens White Gurgaon you'll get amenities like free bike rentals, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV for as little as $7. 

There's also a shared kitchen where you can cook meals if you're looking to save even more money.

Average daily cost: $32

Similar to India, Nepal offers temples, mouthwatering food and the Himalayas for a little over $30 a day. 

Many people come to try to conquer the crown jewel of the country: Mount Everest. And while that's definitely an experience only for the rich or sponsored, climbing other areas of the impressive mountain range, or getting to Everest Base Camp is not out of reach for the average traveler. 

Outside of the mountains, you'll find deep spiritualism, not unlike that of Nepal's neighbor, but one that has not yet been as exploited for the sake of pleasing tourists. And do we even have to mention momos? We'd get on a plane just for Nepalese dumplings any day.

Best Budget Stay in Nepal

You'd usually expect only hostels to be as cheap as $6 a night, but Hotel Lapha offers a no-frills experience that doesn't require you to share a room or a bathroom. 

The hotel is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Garden of Dreams and the Narayanhity Palace Museum in Kathmandu.

1. Sri Lanka (Tie)

Average daily cost: $19

India, Nepal and Bangladesh are not the only affordable places on the Indian subcontinent. The clear winner in terms of cost-effectiveness is the very underrated island of Sri Lanka. 

Floating on the Indian Ocean not too far from India, Sri Lanka is a hidden treasure. Tourism was driven away by conflict in the '90s and early 2000s, but the area has enjoyed relative stability for many years now, and it won't be too long until groups of travelers start popping up more and more frequently on its shores. 

Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions, as evidenced by the imposing temples scattered throughout the country. There are also landmarks that are almost hard to believe, like the City of Sigiriya, an ancient settlement almost entirely carved into a 660-foot-tall rock.

Sri Lanka ties with another underrated destination as the cheapest country in Asia.

Best Budget Stay in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is so affordable, that you can stay at a three-star hotel for $10. Sure, you could find even cheaper hostels, but for just a few more bucks, we'd recommend staying at Hive 68 . You'll get a private room and bathroom and could also have a private balcony overlooking the water.

Or treat yourself to a five-star hotel for only $57 a night by booking the Mandarina Colombo .

1. Laos (Tie)

If you're looking for the absolute cheapest Asian country to visit and don't want to do Sri Lanka, head to Laos. It's interesting that this country hasn't been invaded by tourists like its neighboring countries, though many committed gap-year travelers do take the time to cross into it from Vietnam or Thailand. 

But regardless of why it's managed to keep overtourism at bay, the authenticity of Laos is what makes it a memorable destination. Even Vientiane, the capital, is nowhere near as busy and loud as its counterparts, even though it has many beautiful temples.

With a delightfully slow pace and prices that few other countries could offer, Laos should top your list of the best Asian countries.

Best Budget Stay in Laos

Located in the Vientianne city center, the three-star V Hotel costs about $6 a night. While amenities are limited, you won't have to stay in a dorm, and many of the rooms have private balconies. 

Plus, you'll be in the middle of the action and close to landmarks like the Lao National Museum.

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Five stars for Prestigo for all the things they made for our trip! From the moment we contacted them, we knew we were in good hands. Dat's responsiveness on What's App made us feel reassured, and this level of attention continued throughout our trip. The drivers were always punctual, the guides were engaging and informative, and the itinerary was tailored to our interests. The accommodations were comfortable, and the balance between organized activities and free time was just right. We wouldn't hesitate to book with Prestigo again for our next Southeast Asia adventure!

Embarking on a 16-day trip across three countries with two girls like us was the most daring thing we've done, and it turned out to be the most rewarding. The activities and experiences in each country were grea, and Dat's constant support made the journey feel like home. we enjoyed and made new friends during 16 days. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure—I highly recommend it to everyone!

The tour guide were all very helpful, good and go out of their way to make our journey fun n amazing. I will book all my trips n recommend to all my friends your companies excellent service. Iam very please to the iteniraries n the hotel we stayed in. Thank u very much to make my holiday more enjoyable ?

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I spent 3 nights in Asia's least visited country. It also turned out to be the most expensive.

• Marielle Descalsota has spent over $30,000 on travel in the last two years.
• Timor-Leste is one of the most expensive countries she's traveled to.
• Here, she breaks down how much she spent in Timor-Leste, including flights, hotels, dining, and more.

I graduated from college two years ago and set a goal for myself to visit at least 50 countries before I turn 30.

Even while maintaining a full-time job throughout most of my travels, I've already managed to tick 20 off the list. I've traveled to six countries in Europe and 14 across Asia .

I spent about a quarter of my salary over the past two years on travel expenses, which have added up to over $30,000. I've managed to stay on a tight budget even in upscale destinations like the Maldives — where I spent less than $1,000 on a five-day trip — and backpacked on a few dollars a day in cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur .

But on a recent trip to Timor-Leste in May — a country in the South Pacific smaller in size than the state of Connecticut — I found budgeting more difficult than ever. The country comprises half of Timor Island — which it shares with Indonesia — and is known for its unspoiled waters and vibrant coral reefs.

It's one of the world's least-visited countries , making airfare and hotel rates more expensive than many countries in Asia.

Timor-Leste is on the United Nations' list of the world's least-developed countries . It's also one of the more expensive countries in the region, due to high trade costs, according to Development Asia . In addition to the centavo, which is only minted in coins, the country uses the US dollar , too — a stronger currency than what's used in nearby countries, including Indonesia and Australia.

Here's a breakdown of what I spent in Timor-Leste.

Cost of return plane tickets from Bali to Dili: $500

Getting to Timor-Leste isn't easy. When I was traveling, Bali, Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia, were the only cities with flights to Dili, the capital, where the country's only international airport is located. Only two airlines — the Indonesian low-cost carrier Citilink and the local airline Aero Dili — fly between Bali and Dili. The flight from Bali is less than two hours long — while there are no direct flights from the US to Bali, stopovers through bigger airports like Singapore and Tokyo are often used.

I booked a return ticket with Citilink about three weeks before departure for $500 — which was around $100 cheaper than Aero Dili. This included a front-row seat reservation and a 44-lb checked bag allowance.

Cost of hotel stay for three nights: $500

Timor-Leste only has a handful of three-star hotels and no luxury accommodations. While Hilton plans to open a hotel in Dili's business district later this year, there were no international hotel chains when I visited.

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Many travelers stay in guesthouses by the beach, which only have basic amenities such as fans and mosquito nets. I booked an entry-level room for three nights at Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments for around $500, including tax.

While the room itself was basic — and had its fair share of critters — the hotel had a stunning view of Atauro, one of Timor Leste's two offshore islands. It was also located above a small mall, which made eating out easy.

Cost of transportation: $90

Ride-hailing services weren't available in Timor-Leste, and taxi services are limited to the city center. I was quoted $20 per hour to rent a car, and I wasn't willing to pay $200 for a day.

Fortunately, I met a local guide who charged $30 per day to tour me around Dili on a scooter. I found it an inexpensive and efficient way to travel from the gorgeous white-sand beaches to the beautiful tropical mountains.

Cost of food: $180

Food in Dili is surprisingly international. Despite only a handful of international food chains — including Burger King and Gloria Jean's Coffee — operating in Timor Leste, Western food like burgers are ubiquitous. I ate mostly local Timorese food and Indonesian fare.

I had set a daily budget of around $60 for meals, drinks, and snacks for my guide and me. While a plate of nasi goreng — Indonesian fried rice — costs around $3 to $4 in Bali, I paid around $15 for the dish in Dili. At a local café, I paid $8 for a small plate of jackfruit, carrots, lettuce, and tortillas.

Miscellaneous costs: $415

Before my trip, I spent $15 on an eSIM and $20 on travel insurance . When I arrived in Timor-Leste, I had to pay $30 for the visa-on-arrival, which allowed me to stay in the country for 30 days.

Souvenirs in Timor-Leste are expensive. I purchased a small handmade bag and sarong from the local Tais market — a type of weave indigenous to the country — for around $70. I snagged a handmade belt at another shop for $30. I bought several bags of Timorese coffee — the country's second-biggest export — for $50.

I didn't expect to find Western makeup products in Timor-Leste, so I bought a few items when I did find them at a local grocery for $70, although at a substantial markup compared to what they cost on retailers like Amazon .

I didn't spend much on sightseeing as most of my time was spent swimming at the beach and exploring the tropical mountains. For activities, I spent $30 on a massage at a traditional Chinese spa and $50 on a half-day scuba diving trip at the coast. I budgeted about $50 for tips.

While traveling to Timor-Leste was expensive, the stunning views were worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Watch: Pearl lobsters cost more than 6 times as much as Maine lobsters. Here's why they're so expensive.

• Main content

How much does it really cost to travel in Asia for six months?

“But I (we) don’t’ have enough money to travel for half a year!”

This is maybe the biggest objection people have against traveling. If that sounds like you, then this is a must-read.

Nicole tracked every single Euro she has spent on the road and we have decided to give you our exact and real numbers on:

• How much did we spent traveling six months from Tehran to Bangkok
• What exactly did we spend this money on by category
• How much money did we spent in each country
• What kind of luxury can you afford with this kind of budget
• And where the biggest potentials are to save a buck or two 

The absolute number for one person

7006,52 Euro.

Well, that’s it? Yes, that is the exact amount Nicole has spent in six months traveling through Asia (Kevin’s number is basically the same though there might be a couple of extra beers ;-)).

Obviously, simply having a number doesn’t necessarily help. After all, there are very different styles to travel. We have met some people who were mainly hitchhiking and spent less than 500 Euros a month.

So, what does 7006,52 Euro buy you?

Travel budget breakdown by category

Food: 1005.21 Euro

All in all, we mostly ate out in restaurants or grabbed some street food (extremely good value for money in China and most of South East Asia). When we enjoyed the luxury of having a kitchen we also cooked though in lots of places it isn’t necessarily cheaper than getting street food. The 350 Euros we spent on buying food in (super-)markets also includes our gigantic appetite for chocolate and Snickers :)

Flights: 1039.05 Euro

Even if you are a frugal traveler, flights can really mess up your budget. Generally, they are the most expensive (and probably most environmentally unfriendly) way to get you from A to B in Asia. So we tried to stay off them, which was not entirely possible. We flew

• From Frankfurt to Tehran (to start our trip)
• From Beijing to Hong Kong (for a visa run)
• From Chengdu to Denpasar, Bali (otherwise it’s really hard to get from China to Indo)
• From Denpasar, Bali to Bangkok
• And from Bangkok back to Munich (to end our trip)

We booked most of our flights on Skyscanner, but we avoided AirAsia because of their horrible records of incidents ;-).

Other modes of transport: 1305.28 Euro

This includes trains, long-distance buses, other buses, taxis and UBER, a couple of crazy boat trips and scooter and bike rentals.

Although this may seem like a low price tag for 180 days on the road we almost never chose the cheapest option available. For instance, in Iran, we always took VIP buses, in China, we traveled mostly by sleeper trains and in South East Asia, we regularly opted for the minivan instead of the larger (slower) buses.

However, we avoided private transport (such as hiring a driver for getting around) as much as possible and when we were in bigger cities, we also opted for public transport most of the time.

Visa: 467.15 Euro

Health Insurance: 203.81

Entrance fees: 210.08 Euro

Organized trips and tours: 640.06

We traveled mostly independently, but now and then, we booked an organized tour. Among others, this includes horse-trekking in Kyrgyzstan, a road trip through the Pamir mountains in Tajikistan and a guided trekking tour through hidden villages in Laos.

Sports and Fitness: 557.64 Euros

This amount is probably one you might not necessarily spend while travelling. But as our goal for spending a month on Bali was to improve our surf skills, we took a lot of surf classes. In addition to that we joined a couple of Yoga classes and rented climbing equipment for some days in China and Laos.

Clothes: 204.63 Euros

We almost never went shopping or bought anything (our backpacks were anyway full and didn’t allow for shopping). Still, while “settling” for some weeks on Bali, we didn’t entirely manage to avoid the many small, fancy shops :). Also, both of us bought board shorts and shirts for surfing.

Medicine & Cosmetics: 65.84 Euro

The Rest (a.k.a, bars, massages, souvenirs and miscellaneous): 205.45 Euro

What’s not included?

The above number doesn’t include travel gear that we bought before the trip (we will do an extra blog post on this one) and necessary vaccination and other medial check-ups (cause they are free in Germany, duh, but we know that depending on the country, this may be quite some extra money). Also, not included are subscriptions that just ran along during the trip like Spotify, Netflix and ExpressVPN.

Travel budget breakdown by country

Azerbaijan: 44.45 Euros

We only spent five days in Azerbaijan, so the amount is heavily inflated by the boat trip we had to pay to get over the Caspian Sea. We feel like that Azerbaijan is about comparable to Iran.

Kazakhstan: 25.87 Euros

Again, not really representative since we only spent four days in Kazakhstan. Generally, organized tours seem to be pretty expensive: We were quoted USD 60 per person per day for hiring a driver to get us into the desert (which we didn’t do).

Uzbekistan: 17.86 Euros

Heavily underrated and cheap country! This budget includes the Uzbek visa, some pretty expensive tours, double room accommodation and several taxi transport between cities!

Tajikistan: 45.01 Euros

What, isn’t Tajikistan supposed to be rather cheap? Yes, overall, it should not be more expensive than Uzbekistan. However, the majority of the cost comes from hiring a car and driver for several days to roadtrip the Pamir as well as the visa.

Kyrgyzstan: 26.23 Euros

Another really affordable country. This budget includes a three-days horse trekking tour as well as crossing the Torugart pass into China. We don’t know why we did it, but that was USD 200 for each of us (at least the views of the pass were amazing and it saved us some time and extra train rides in China…). If you exclude the Torugart pass, you would arrive at a whopping 19,74 Euros per day!

China: 29.41 Euros

In China, a lot depends on how you travel, what you eat etc. Since we traveled all the way from Xinjiang, the very West of China, to Beijing, then flew to Hongkong just to travel back up north, we spent an average of 11,74 Euros per day for staying on the road, which is really expensive. On the other hand, we saved some money because we stayed at Kevin’s family for about 10 nights in Beijing and Yichang. Otherwise, hostel accommodation is about 50 RMB (or 6 Euros) per person per night, street food is about 15 RMB (or 2 Euros) per meal, so rather average. Entrances are on the expensive side compared to Iran or Uzbekistan.

Indonesia: 42.99 Euros

Our most expensive country! Even excluding the flights to get there and away, we spent 34,59 Euros per day per person. The big difference here is our rich leisure program, which included a lot of (!) surf and yoga classes and the more than average shopping we did on Bali. We also spent more money on food in Bali because psychologically, we weren’t ready to survive on Nasi Goreng only. So we ate lots of organic, hipster bowls.

Thailand: 27.45 Euros

We only spent three nights in Bangkok, so not a really representative number. Our feeling is that hostels in Bangkok are quite expensive. Food is ok if you stick to the streets.

Cambodia: 36.49 Euros

Pretty average costs in general. The budget includes a very expensive tour to an elephant sanctuary as well as the expensive (but obligatory) ticket to Angkor Wat.

Laos: 32.52 Euros

Cheaper than Cambodia with regard to food and transportation. The most expensive single experience was a hiking trip through hidden villages in the north of Laos which significantly drove the average cost up. Renting climbing gear for a couple of days in Thakek was cheap (compared to Germany), but still added up.

What kind of luxuries did we afford?

Double-room accommodation

The standard and cheapest accommodation for backpackers is obviously the shared dorm. Traveling as a couple however, we mostly opted for the added privacy of a double room. Added bonus, in most of Central Asia as well as China, it’s about the same or only slightly more expensive than dorms.

Sleeper trains, VIP buses and non-AirAsia flights

We definitely had above average costs on the road. We took the luxury of not using the crappiest mode of transportation ever. That means: VIP sleeper buses in Iran, minivans instead of buses in South East Asia (much faster) and sleeper trains in China. Also, to get to and from Indonesia, we decided against AirAsia because of their horrible safety record.

Pamir Highway, Torugart Pass, surf, yoga and other expensive tours

Every once in a while, we spend some ridiculous amount of money on some really expensive tours and activities. But hey, that’s the main reason we travel anyway right?

Top moneysaving tips!

Make use of differing exchange rates!

This didn’t seem very important to us in the beginning. But in some countries, it really matters. For instance, in Iran, the exchange rate may differ tremendously from exchange booth to exchange booth and all of these are still cheaper than the official one! Also, in Uzbekistan, the exchange rate for both USD and Euros was essentially the same. But since the one Euro is worth about 20% more than one USD, exchanging Euros would lose you a lot of money!

AirBnB and scooter on Bali:

As we have already mentioned, Indonesia was quite expensive for us, mainly because of all the surf and yoga. We tried to save money elsewhere. On AirBnB, there are often hefty discounts if you rent a place for a week or a month (sometimes up to 50%). So if you know you are going to spend some time to recover in one place, book early!

Same goes for scooter, which is already way cheaper than taxis or hiring a driver. But again, you can get serious discounts if you just rent one machine for the entire duration of your stay.

Independent trekking:

Organized tours are always really expensive no matter where you go. We were able to save a lot by going independently. Specifically for Kyrgyzstan, there is tons of information online and you can rent (sort of) decent equipment in the big mountain hubs which makes a tour mostly irrelevant. Apart from Kyrgyzstan, we also hit the road on our own in Iran and China, though it would be more difficult to rent equipment.

Couchsurfing in Iran:

As we have mentioned, hostels in Iran are pretty expensive. And couchsurfing doesn’t only save you some money, but also gives you an authentic glimpse into the culture of local people!

So, as you can see, traveling does not have to cost a fortune. In fact, living for half a year in Germany/Europe is often much more expensive. This is the case even if you just don’t want to sleep in dorms or use crappy buses anymore. And as we have already said, you would be able to travel for a couple of months in Central and South East Asia with an even lower budget than we did! So, start saving some extra Euros each month and you would be able to start your trip quite soon!

What kind of luxuries do you afford while you travel? What are your favorite money-saving tips? Let us know in the comments!

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More money could result in fewer trips to ER, study suggests

FILE - A cyclist rides along a street near the Tobin Memorial Bridge, background, in Chelsea, Mass., on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. After nearly 1,750 low-income people in the Boston suburb won a lottery to receive monthly stipends from the city from November 2020 to August 2021, researchers found that winners visited emergency departments significantly less than people who did not receive the monthly payments. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

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Giving cash to poor people could result in fewer emergency department visits, a new study suggests.

The study published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at almost 2,900 low-income people who applied for a lottery in the Boston suburb of Chelsea, Massachusetts. Nearly 1,750 of them got up to $400 per month from November 2020 to August 2021.

The researchers then looked at health records and found that those who received the money had 27% fewer visits an emergency room in the nine-month period compared with those who didn’t receive the monthly payments.

“We can trust the poor with money,” said co-author Dr. Sumit Agarwal, a physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “There’s this narrative out there that you give people cash and they spend it on drugs and alcohol. I think we’re one of the first studies to really rigorously and empirically show that’s not the case.”

The correlation between poverty and poor health outcomes is well-established. But it’s still unclear if increasing basic income in the U.S. could improve health outcomes.

People in the study who received money used the emergency room less for medical issues related to behavioral health and substance use. There were no significant differences between the two groups in regular doctor visits or prescriptions, the researchers found, though people with the added income used more outpatient specialty care.

The cash recipients’ financial stability seemed to decrease their stress levels, which generally improved their health, leading to fewer emergency room trips, Agarwal said.

Prior studies on income support have shown modest — or no — effects on health because they’ve largely looked at one-time payments, had fewer participants and relied on self-reported data, according to the authors.

In contrast, the Chelsea study uses administrative health data and took into account a longer time frame, which Agarwal said paints a more “complete picture.”

Sara Rosenbaum, of George Washington University’s School of Public Health and Health Services, was not involved in the study. She said the research appears to be one of the first papers to link the health benefits of higher income over time to a reduction in health care costs and spending.

The lottery was originally intended to ease all-around costs for residents of Chelsea, a densely populated city with many low-income immigrant residents. The city was particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, said then-city manager Tom Ambrosino.

“We came up with this plan to just give people money,” he said. “Give them a debit card. Load it with cash, and it’ll be so much easier and more dignified for people.”

Ambrosino figured the program, which he said cost the city about $700,000 a month, would have positive effects, but he didn’t expect the direct impact on health.

“I was kind of pleasantly surprised,” he said. “It supports the proposition that universal basic income programs do work and they aren’t wasteful. People spend money on the things that we want them to spend money on: essentials.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

What we know about CrowdStrike’s update fail that’s causing global outages and travel chaos

A faulty software update issued by security giant CrowdStrike has resulted in a massive overnight outage that’s affected Windows computers around the world , disrupting businesses, airports, train stations, banks, broadcasters and the healthcare sector.

CrowdStrike said the outage was not caused by a cyberattack, but was the result of a “defect” in a software update for its flagship security product, Falcon Sensor. The defect caused any Windows computers that Falcon is installed on to crash without fully loading.

“The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” said CrowdStrike in a statement on Friday . Some businesses and organizations are beginning to recover, but many expect the outages to drag on into the weekend or next week given the complexity of the fix. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz told NBC News that it may take “some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.” In a later tweet , Kurtz apologized for the disruption.

Here’s everything you need to know about the outages.

What happened?

Late Thursday into Friday, reports began to emerge of IT problems wherein Windows computers were getting stuck with the infamous “blue screen of death” — a bright blue error screen with a message that displays when Windows encounters a critical failure, crashes or cannot load.

The outages were first noticed in Australia early on Friday, and reports quickly came in from the rest of Asia and Europe as the regions began their day, as well as the United States.

Within a short time, CrowdStrike confirmed that a software update for Falcon had malfunctioned and was causing Windows computers that had the software installed to crash. Falcon lets CrowdStrike remotely analyze and check for malicious threats and malware on installed computers.

At around the same time, Microsoft reported a significant outage at one of its most used Azure cloud regions covering much of the central United States. A spokesperson for Microsoft told TechCrunch that its outage was unrelated to CrowdStrike’s incident .

Around Friday noon (Eastern time), Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X saying the company is aware of the CrowdStrike botched update and is “working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online.”

What is CrowdStrike and what does Falcon Sensor do?

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011, has quickly grown into a cybersecurity giant. Today the company provides software and services to 29,000 corporate customers, including around half of Fortune 500 companies, 43 out of 50 U.S. states and eight out of the top 10 tech firms, according to its website .

The company’s cybersecurity software, Falcon, is used by enterprises to manage security on millions of computers around the world. These businesses include large corporations, hospitals, transportation hubs and government departments. Most consumer devices do not run Falcon and are unaffected by this outage.

One of the company’s biggest recent claims to fame was when it caught a group of Russian government hackers breaking into the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. CrowdStrike is also known for using memorable animal-themed names for the hacking groups it tracks based on their nationality, such as: Fancy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU; Cozy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR; Gothic Panda , believed to be a Chinese government group; and Charming Kitten , believed to be an Iranian state-backed group. The company even makes action figures to represent these groups, which it sells as swag .

CrowdStrike is so big it’s one of the sponsors of the Mercedes F1 team , and this year even aired a Super Bowl ad — a first for a cybersecurity company. 

Who are the outages affecting?

Practically anyone who during their everyday life interacts with a computer system running software from CrowdStrike is affected, even if the computer isn’t theirs. 

These devices include the cash registers at grocery stores, departure boards at airports and train stations, school computers, your work-issued laptops and desktops, airport check-in systems, airlines’ own ticketing and scheduling platforms, healthcare networks and many more. Because CrowdStrike’s software is so ubiquitous, the outages are causing chaos around the world in a variety of ways. A single affected Windows computer in a fleet of systems could be enough to disrupt the network. 

TechCrunch reporters around the world are seeing and experiencing outages, including at points of travel, doctors’ offices and online. Early on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration put in effect a ground stop, effectively grounding flights across the United States, citing the disruption. It looks like so far the national Amtrak rail network is functioning as normal. 

What is the U.S. government doing so far?

Given that the problem stems from a company, there isn’t much that the U.S. federal government can do. According to a pool report, President Biden was briefed on the CrowdStrike outage, and “his team is in touch with CrowdStrike and impacted entities.” That’s in large part because the federal government is a customer of CrowdStrike and also affected.

Several federal agencies are affected by the incident, including the Department of Education , and Social Security Administration, which said Friday that it closed its offices as a result of the outage.

The pool report said Biden’s team is “engaged across the interagency to get sector by sector updates throughout the day and is standing by to provide assistance as needed.” 

In a separate tweet, Homeland Security said it was working with its U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA, CrowdStrike and Microsoft — as well as its federal, state, local and critical infrastructure partners — to “fully assess and address system outages.”

There will no doubt be questions for CrowdStrike (and to some extent Microsoft, whose unrelated outage also caused disruption overnight for its customers) from government and congressional investigators. 

For now, the immediate focus will be on the recovery of affected systems.

How do affected customers fix their Windows computers?

The major problem here is that CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software malfunctioned, causing Windows machines to crash, and there’s no easy way to fix that. 

So far, CrowdStrike has issued a patch, and it has also detailed a workaround that could help affected systems function normally until it has a permanent solution. One option is for users to “reboot the [affected computer] to give it an opportunity to download the reverted channel file,” referring to the fixed file.

In a message to users , CrowdStrike detailed a few steps customers can take, one of which requires physical access to an affected system to remove the defective file. CrowdStrike says users should boot the computer into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to the CrowdStrike directory, and delete the faulty file “C-00000291*.sys.”

The wider problem with having to fix the file manually could be a major headache for companies and organizations with large numbers of computers, or Windows-powered servers in datacenters or locations that might be in another region, or an entirely different country.

CISA warns that malicious actors are ‘taking advantage’ of the outage

In a statement on Friday, CISA attributed the outages to the faulty CrowdStrike update and that the issue was not due to a cyberattack. CISA said that it was “working closely with CrowdStrike and federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, as well as critical infrastructure and international partners to assess impacts and support remediation efforts.”

CISA did note, however, that it has “observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity.” The cybersecurity agency did not provide more specifics, but warned organizations to stay vigilant.

Malicious actors can and will exploit confusion and chaos to carry out cyberattacks on their own. Rachel Tobac, a social engineering expert and founder of cybersecurity firm SocialProof Security, said in a series of posts on X to “verify people are who they say they are before taking sensitive actions.”

“Criminals will attempt to use this IT outage to pretend to be IT to you or you to IT to steal access, passwords, codes, etc.,” Tobac said.

What do we know about misinformation so far?

It’s easy to understand why some might have thought that this outage was a cyberattack. Sudden outages, blue screens at airports, office computers filled with error messages, and chaos and confusion. As you might expect, a fair amount of misinformation is already flying around , even as social media sites incorrectly flag trending topics like “cyberattack.”

Remember to check official sources of news and information, and if something seems too good to be true, it might just well be.

TechCrunch will keep this report updated throughout the day.

TechCrunch’s Ram Iyer contributed reporting.

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