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A Wat in Bangkok's Grand Palace
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.
@Backpack Foodie & Kim:...
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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