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Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel in Southeast Asia

Hey adventurers! After 6 months across SEA, here’s a detailed budget guide.

Accommodation: Hostels will be your best friend, ranging from $5-$15 a night; quality varies but it’s a helluva way to meet fellow travelers. Check out Hostelworld for reviews.

Transport: Go local with buses and trains - not only cheap, but it's the authentic way to travel. Motorbikes can be rented for dirt cheap - $5-$10 a day!

Food: Street food is where it’s at; delicious, authentic, and your wallet’s best pal. Think $1-$3 per meal.

Activities: Haggling’s the game, don't pay full price for touristy stuff. Nature activities tend to be free or cheap – beaches, hikes, etc.

Tips: Always carry cash, cards aren't always accepted. Learn some local phrases, helps with both prices and making friends. Pack light, laundry services are widely available and cheap.

Bottom line, you can comfortably do SEA for $30-$50 a day if you're frugal. Happy travels!

Submitted 11 months ago by globetrotter_guru


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Wow thx! was just planning my SEA trip, defs gonna use these tips. Any recs for ethical animal encounters? Wanna see elephants but in a good way, ya know?

11 months ago by EagerExplorer

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Great list man, agree on all points. A small addition for first timers: always agree on a price before getting in a tuk-tuk or taxi, and in cities like Jakarta or Manila, traffic can be a nightmare so plan ahead. And don't forget your haggling A-game at markets!

11 months ago by TukTukTim

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30 bucks a day?? Did you forget about the buckets of booze in the Full Moon Party or are you just not doing it right? 😉

11 months ago by SnarkySarah

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Anyone else find that some beach areas are getting pricier? Some spots in Thailand are charging for entry to beaches now. Still cheap by Western standards but not as budget as before. P.S. Always check your hostel for bedbugs and lockers for your stuff, learned that the hard way.

11 months ago by BeachBumBernie

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Do you think it's worth getting an international license for the motorbikes? Some friends got fined for not having one.

11 months ago by BackpackerJoe

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YESS to the street food!! 🤤 I would add that in places like Bangkok, food courts in malls can be surprisingly affordable and give you a chance to escape the heat. Also Penang, Malaysia has some of the best street food I've eaten in my life.

11 months ago by foodie_on_a_budget

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Solid tips. I'd emphasize the importance of a good travel insurance policy that covers motorbike riding, 'cause that's where many travelers slip up. By the way, apps like Grab and Gojek for transport can save you a ton when haggling gets tiring.

11 months ago by NomadicNeal

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Super useful guide, thanks for sharing! Hostelworld has been a lifesaver for me, met some crazy fun people on there. Gotta add, several places in Vietnam have dorm beds under $5, absolute steal. Just watch out for bedbugs in the cheaper spots!

11 months ago by SoloWanderlust