Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Southeast Asia

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, food courts, occasional budget restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, local trains, walking, occasional motorbike taxis for short distances

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free temples and beaches, hiking, occasional museum entries, budget group tours

Eat at local markets and food courts instead of tourist restaurants - typically 50-70% cheaper than tourist areas

Use public transportation like buses and trains instead of taxis - saves 60-80% on transport costs

Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance during high season for 20-30% better rates

Stay in less touristy neighborhoods while remaining safe - accommodation typically 30-50% cheaper

Join group tours instead of private tours - usually 40-60% less expensive per person

Drink local beer and avoid imported alcohol - local options typically 70-80% cheaper

Use overnight buses or trains instead of flights plus hotels - can save 40-60% on combined costs

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning public transport - increases daily transport costs by 300-500%

Eating only in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically doubles food costs compared to local options

Not researching free activities like temples, beaches, and hiking trails - missing 30-50% of available experiences

Booking tours through hotels instead of comparing local operators - hotel bookings typically 40-80% more expensive