How I Traveled Southeast Asia for $20 a Day
Southeast Asia is a dream destination for budget travelers, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and delicious food—all at remarkably affordable prices. With careful planning and smart choices, I managed to explore this vibrant region on just $20 a day. Here’s how I did it:
1. Choosing Budget-Friendly Destinations
Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia are incredibly traveler-friendly and offer a high value for your money. Avoiding tourist hotspots like Singapore or certain luxury islands helped keep costs down.
Example Costs:
- Daily hostel dorm bed: $5–$8
- Street food meal: $1–$3
- Public transportation: $1–$2
2. Accommodations: Affordable and Unique
- Hostels: Hostels with dormitories are not only cheap but also a great way to meet fellow travelers.
- Guesthouses: Local guesthouses often provide private rooms at hostel prices.
- Homestays: Apps like Couchsurfing or homestay platforms allowed me to stay with locals for free or at minimal costs.
Tip: Booking accommodations directly through local platforms or on arrival often leads to better deals.
3. Eating Like a Local
Street food was my go-to for authentic, delicious, and affordable meals. Night markets and roadside stalls served up incredible dishes like pad Thai, pho, and nasi goreng for less than $3.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Thailand: Pad Krapow (Basil Chicken), Mango Sticky Rice
- Vietnam: Banh Mi, Pho
- Indonesia: Satay, Gado-Gado
Tip: Stick to stalls with long lines—they’re often tastier and safer.
4. Smart Transportation Choices
- Public Transit: Buses, tuk-tuks, and local trains were my main modes of transport. Apps like Grab in cities made ride-sharing affordable and reliable.
- Overnight Buses/Trains: These saved money on accommodations while covering long distances.
- Motorbike Rentals: In places like Vietnam and Thailand, renting a motorbike for $5–$10 per day provided freedom and saved on transportation costs.
5. Activities on a Budget
Many of the best experiences in Southeast Asia are free or low-cost:
- Nature: Hiking, beaches, and waterfalls are abundant and often free.
- Temples: Iconic sites like Angkor Wat or Borobudur are budget-friendly (though tickets like Angkor Wat require advance planning).
- Local Markets: Great for souvenirs, cultural indulgence, and inexpensive meals.
Tip: Research free walking tours or visit attractions during free-entry hours.
6. Saving on Extras
- SIM Cards: Local SIM cards with data were a cheap way to stay connected, costing as little as $5 per month.
- Travel Insurance: Essential for peace of mind, I opted for a budget-friendly travel insurance plan tailored to long-term travelers.
- DIY Tours: Instead of expensive tour packages, I created my own itineraries using blogs, guidebooks, and apps.
Sample Budget Breakdown for a Day
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm Bed | $6 |
| Meals (3x street food) | $6 |
| Transportation | $2 |
| Sightseeing | $4 |
| Snacks/Miscellaneous | $2 |
| Total | $20 |
7. Lessons Learned
- Flexibility is Key: Being open to last-minute changes allowed me to take advantage of deals and recommendations.
- Travel Slow: Spending more time in fewer places reduced transport costs and let me experience destinations more deeply.
- Off-Season Travel: Avoiding peak tourist seasons meant cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Southeast Asia proved that unforgettable adventures don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By traveling smart and embracing the local way of life, I not only stayed within my budget but also experienced the region’s culture and beauty in a meaningful way.