Southeast Asia Spending Recap
Our backpacking journey through Southeast Asia has been full of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering meals. However, to make the most of your adventure without breaking the bank, we have learned that budgeting is essential. In this post, we will delve into the nitty-gritty on budgeting while backpacking through these three lovely destinations we explored: Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam. We'll share our perspective on a travel budget as a couple and shed some light on the often-overlooked costs of transportation and flights that can significantly impact your overall budget.
Setting a Budget
Before embarking on your Southeast Asia adventure, it's essential to set a budget that aligns with your financial capabilities and travel aspirations. Start by asking yourself these questions:
Do I want to live comfortably, similar to how I am living now?
Can I sleep in accommodations without air conditioning?
Do I drink coffee routinely?
Is alcohol a regular part of my spending?
Am I comfortable walking or taking public transportation?
Am I comfortable sleeping in dormitory-style accommodations?
Do I have dietary needs or am I a picky eater?
Am I on a tight schedule to visit/see everything? (two-week vacation vs two-month journey)
The answers to these questions will significantly influence your budget and I think these are great things to know before diving into a trip like this. Below is a rough estimate of the daily expenses from each of the three countries that we as a couple spent during our travels:
Thailand: $80-100 per day
Bali, Indonesia: $90-110 per day
Vietnam: $70-90 per day
Keep in mind this is what we spent. This can vary significantly based on your travel style, location, and season. If you’re solo, I think dividing our budget in half would be a very attainable amount for traveling on your own.
While traveling through Southeast Asia, we had the advantage of being there during the off-season, which allowed us to stay in more upscale accommodations at a lower cost. For example, our current bungalow in Koh Lanta is priced at 600THB/night, which is approximately $16.50. However, once high season arrives in November, this rate is expected to increase to 1000THB/night, roughly $27.
Southeast Asia is renowned for its affordability but it is important to tailor your budget to your personal preferences and priorities. In our estimated daily expenses, I've factored in the cost of accommodations for two, meals along with our morning coffees, a moped rental, and some extra funds for miscellaneous expenses. I've come across internet posts claiming that you can get by on as little as $30 a day in Thailand, and indeed, that's possible. Nevertheless, this is where those above questions become relevant. If you're at ease with using public transportation, comfortable with non-AC accommodations, adept at finding affordable hostels or apartments for longer stays, plan to drink the free instant coffee, enjoy cooking for yourself, or prefer dining at small local eateries, then achieving this budget is feasible. However, if you're more like us and prefer to savor this adventure in comfort, I'd like to provide those who are interested with a more realistic budget to anticipate.
Budgeting in Southeast Asia: General Tips
Before getting into the specifics of each destination, let's explore some of our budgeting tips:
Daily Budget: Southeast Asia is known for being incredibly affordable. On average, you could get by on a daily budget of $40-$50 USD as a solo traveler; covering accommodation, food, transportation, and some activities. However, as a couple this was doubled for us.
Local Currency: Get acquainted with the local currency in each country. In Thailand, it's the Thai Baht; in Bali, it's the Indonesian Rupiah; and in Vietnam, it's the Vietnamese Dong. After three months of handling these different currencies, it keeps your brain on its toes. Consider using a currency calculator app to stay updated on daily currency fluctuations.
Accommodation: Hostels, homestays, and budget hotels are prevalent in all three countries. Dorm beds are the cheapest option, but we’ve also found that for us as a couple to get a dorm bed it’s roughly the same as a reasonable budget hotel room so we mix it up.
Street Food: One of the highlights of backpacking in Southeast Asia is the delicious street food. It's not only cheap but also a great way to experience the local culture and keep your spending low!
Transportation: Use local transportation like tuk-tuks, scooters, buses, or Grab instead of taxis. The Grab app is not only reliable but also offers safety features, such as checking in if the driver stops for an extended period. If I were traveling alone, I'd certainly prioritize using Grab whenever possible. Lastly, don't forget to negotiate prices if you decide to take tuk-tuks or taxis—haggling is the norm.
Haggling: Bargaining is a common practice in local markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially when shopping for souvenirs. Our tour guide advised us early in our travels to negotiate down at least 50%, if not 70%, of the original asking price, and this approach has proven successful every time!
Thailand: The Land of Smiles
Thailand is a backpacker's paradise with its vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Here's how the costs are for us as a couple:
Accommodation: Hostel dorm beds cost around $6-$12 per night, while we found budget hotels start at $16-25. Most of the places we've stayed in can be compared to Economy or Midscale hotels in the US—no frills, just a comfortable bed, AC, a hot shower, and sometimes a fridge. This suits us well, considering we spend minimal time in our room.
Food: Street food is your best friend in Thailand. You can enjoy meals from local stalls for as little as $1 to $3. A traditional iced latte in Thailand costs approximately $1.75 to $2.75, while beloved dishes like massaman curry typically range from $3 to $5. As a couple dining out, we allocate around $25 a day for meals in Thailand.
Activities: The cost of activities, such as temple visits, snorkeling, and exploring national parks can vary, but setting aside $10 to $20 per day for entertainment is a reasonable estimate. Entrance fees for parks are generally around $5 per person, and snorkeling adventures can start at $20 per person. Lately, we've aimed to pick one or two bigger activities a week to do.
Transportation: For cost-effective travel options, consider trains, buses, and tuk-tuks. Additionally, we've rented mopeds for a daily rate of $4 to $7. It's worth noting that in Thailand, some 12+ hour train rides may cost as much as a flight, so be sure to compare your options diligently.
Bali: The Island of Gods
Bali was an enchanting destination, with its lush landscapes, surf-ready beaches, and a rich spiritual culture. Although our visit was brief, specifically in Ubud, we managed to get a sense of the budget requirements for this area. Travelers planning a trip to Bali can anticipate similar budgets:
Accommodation: Hostels are affordable, starting at $10 for a dorm bed. We chose a private bungalow room at a guesthouse, which cost us around $13 per night. This open-air bungalow felt somewhat like camping, and after two nights without mosquito nets, we decided to upgrade to an enclosed hotel room with AC for $20 per night. While we found this budget-friendly option in Ubud, it's worth noting that other hotels can be on the pricier side, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 per night for an enclosed room with AC.
Food: Local warungs (small restaurants) serve delicious Indonesian cuisine at low prices. We had some of the best food of our journey here, especially at Sun Sun Warung. Expect to spend around $4-8 per person on a meal. An iced latte in Ubud typically costs between $2.25-$3.50. For us, our daily food expense averaged around $30. Keep in mind that Bali also has a share of touristy restaurants and cafes that offer picturesque settings for Instagram-worthy shots, but they may come with a higher price tag if you're willing to splurge.
Activities: Bali has a variety of activities, from surfing to temple visits to yoga classes. Allocate $10-$20 per day for adventures. The yoga classes I attended in Ubud, for example, were priced at 150k IDR or $9 to $10 per class.
Transportation: Scooter rentals are popular and cost-effective here in Bali, around $4-5 a day. Be sure to walk the area to find the best deal as some hotels upcharge their scooters. While transportation costs in Bali are similar to those in Thailand, it's important to note that getting around can be time-consuming due to traffic and the island's unique layout.
Vietnam: Where East Meets West
Vietnam's stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and affordable prices make it a great stop for backpackers. You'll find some cost-saving opportunities here:
Accommodation: Hostel prices are similar and start at $5-9 for dorm beds. What stood out for us was the affordability of hotels and homestays in Vietnam. These options often cost less than $20 per night, with some places offering spacious private rooms for as little as $12 per night.
Food: Vietnamese food is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. Banh Mi stands, offering hot sandwiches, can be found on every corner and typically priced at around $1.50. Additionally, iced lattes were notably cheaper here, ranging from $1.25 to $2. Our daily food budget of $25 worked well for us as a couple.
Activities: Vietnam has a wide range of exciting experiences, such as trekking through northern rice paddies, embarking on the famous Ha Giang Loop, or exploring the bustling shops of Hoi An. Allocate $10 to $20 per day for activities, but exercise caution when it comes to tourist traps, such as some Halong Bay cruises.
Transportation: Vietnam's public transportation is cost-effective, although expenses can accumulate if you plan to travel the entire length of the country like we did. Bus tickets are generally priced between $11 to $25 per person. If you're considering moped rentals, they can be found for around $5 to $6 per day.
Background Expenditures
Behind the scenes there are a few things that don’t make as big of an impact on our budget but continue to add to our spending that round out what we actually are spending every day.
Travel Insurance: We use SafetyWing for travel medical insurance and pay $45 per person each month. This covers us if we have any unexpected illness or injury, including expenses for a hospital, doctor, or prescription drugs.
eSIM: We chose to use Airalo and have loved this app. We started our journey with both of us purchasing 50 GB of data that was good for 90 days for $100. We are rolling into day number 80 and I have about 2 GB left so this worked out perfectly. Mason ran out a few weeks ago and was able to easily add a small amount for $5 to $10. It’s also possible to purchase a SIM card from the airport on arrival or 7 Eleven if you’re phone doesn’t have eSIM capabilities.
Medications: We didn’t really anticipate needing medications but have been so appreciative that pharmacies are accessible around Southeast Asia. We’ve purchased ear drops for an ear infection, antibiotics, Ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain, eye contact solution, and ointment for a stye. The cost of these items are reasonable considering you don’t have to go to the doctor to get a prescription but it is still adding to our spending. For example, the eye drops were around $2 and the antibiotics were roughly $8-10 for a 5 day pack.
Exchange Fees + Currency Conversion Fees: This was something new on our credit card statement this month. Initially, we got Thai Baht before leaving the US through Chase Bank, which was a smart move and spared us from these issues for the first few weeks. However, as of September, we needed to withdraw cash and began using cash advance on our credit card. We now learned that these cash withdrawals incur a $10 fee every time and also accrue interest from the moment you make the withdrawal. Adulting is not for the weak! We ended up paying over $130 in withdrawal fees and their interest this past month while getting the correct currency for the country we were in. While credit cards can be used at some places, they do come with a 3% surcharge. In hindsight, if we had the opportunity to do it all over again, we would invest some serious time in researching the best credit card for long-term travel.
Just two kids who didn’t realize all the little things that will add up while traveling - but now we do!
Flight and Transportation Costs
While Southeast Asia is generally affordable, flights can become a significant expense. To reduce these costs consider these tips:
Flexible Dates: Be flexible with your travel dates to find cheaper flights. All the more reason to come here open-minded with no set plans!
Use Budget Airlines: Low-cost carriers like AirAsia, VietJet, and Lion Air often offer affordable regional flights as low as $25.
Book in Advance: Plan your flights well in advance to secure lower prices but I would encourage you to add on that flight insurance!
Overland Travel: Consider overland travel between countries to save on airfare. Buses and trains are budget-friendly options that we’ve heard many other travelers do! We personally opted to fly to Vietnam from Thailand to save time.
Carry-On Luggage: You don't need a substantial amount of luggage for your Southeast Asia journey. After three months of travel, I've come to realize that I sometimes overpacked when lugging my bag around. I personally have this Osprey backpack, along with a smaller Osprey daypack for my laptop. It’s entirely feasible to manage with no more than a 45-liter backpack. Keep in mind that checked luggage can sometimes cost as much, if not more, than your actual flight.
October Budget
We missed out on Octoberfest events, but we certainly indulged in an October spending spree! I've prepared another bar graph illustrating our expenses for October. Unfortunately, we exceeded our goal of staying under $3,000 a month due to a few unexpected setbacks. One of these was a sudden change in our travel plans, leading us to leave Bali and return to Thailand. This required the purchase of new flights ($240+), leaving our previously booked, nonrefundable onward flight ($350+) from Bali to our next destination in the past. In hindsight, I wish we could have told ourselves two months ago to refrain from booking tickets far in advance without the safety net of flight insurance, we were naive. Moving forward, this is what we are now doing to put us in a better financial position if plans change because we’ve learned they sure can.
October Spending
You can clearly see that accommodations, food, and transportation are our biggest expenses. Our accommodations averaged $17 per night, our food budget, which includes meals, coffee, and any 7-Eleven runs, averaged about $31 per day, and transportation, including our planned flights, ferries to islands, Grabs, moped rentals, and gas, averaged around $23 per day. During the past 31 days we spent 9 of those days in Vietnam, 5 days in Bali, and 18 in Thailand so October had a mix of it all with multiple flights.
This month, we came in at a total of $3,365.90. While we didn't meet our goal, we weren't too far off and continue to learn along the way! During this past month, we were able to see and experience so much, and given that price tag along with our unexpected expenses, I'd say we did pretty well for two people! We had the opportunity to ride horses on an island beach, snorkel in some of the clearest waters in Thailand, attend multiple yoga classes, and indulge in amazing foods from all over.
Backpacking through Southeast Asia on a budget is very possible and incredibly rewarding once you’ve done it. I hope that this post has given you a rough idea of what you could plan for but also remind you that you won’t really know what to expect until you’re knee deep in your own journey. Everyone’s experience has been different but with some careful planning and an understanding of local costs, you can explore the beautiful destinations of Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, and more without breaking the bank. Whether you're traveling solo or as a couple, the appealing sights of Southeast Asia are within reach for all budget-conscious adventurers.
Embrace the beauty, culture, and affordability of this remarkable part of the world. Start planning your backpacking adventure and get outta town today!
