Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions in the world for vagabonds. The low cost of living, exotic cultures and fantastic food make it a permanent fixture on most itineraries.
But how much money do you need? On the New York Times travel blog In Transit, a writer attempts to map out a Southeast Asia budget. Writer David G. Allen wrote a detailed, informative breakdown. Most helpful, there are lots of links to NY Times articles related to all the major destinations in Southeast Asia.
Having recently completed a 5-month trip around the region myself, I can add my two cents. I was more “flashpacker” then backpacker, taking Air Asia flights, staying in nice guesthouses or budget hotels I found on Travel Fish, and eating in sit-down restaurants (check out Chowhound.com’s Greater Asia forum).
My rough costs were about US$1,000 a month. If you take long-distance buses, stay in the cheapest motels and eat from street stalls, you could do it for dramatically less.


July 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Absolutely much less than than that if you’re staying in even lower cost places like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. In Siem Reap I had a hostel room for $6US a night. Six. HOTEL, not hostel.
July 6th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Thanks for the advice on budgeting for a trip through Southeast Asia. It can become confusing with exchange rates and currencies. Sometimes you under or over estimate your travel expenses. I guess it comes down what your agenda is and where you’d like to stay (hostels or hotels).
July 14th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Good to know. I’m heading to SE Asia next week and was kinda worried about that. $1000 a month sounds good if it includes some shopping, street food and clean place to sleep.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
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