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Since 2019, I have been traversing throughout Southeast Asia, and over the passage of time, I have noticed a huge transformation, particularly in the price of excursions in the Southeast Asian region**.
One of the questions I hear most often when I’m on the road or checking my emails is “What kind of budget should I plan for a trip to Southeast Asia?” Unfortunately, there is no single answer to that question since everyone’s travel style and requirements are different. However, if you don’t plan properly, you could be setting yourself up for a trip that falls short of your expectations. That’s why it’s important to come up with a Southeast Asia travel budget that will help you get the most out of your journey.
Prior to beginning your backpacking journey throughout Southeast Asia, let’s start by noting down the countries that you wish to explore and the optimal amount of time to spend in each destination. This way, we can calculate the daily spending plan for your trip around Southeast Asia.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD BE SPENT IN EACH OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
- Brunei – Spending 1-2 weeks is enough to take in the sights this tiny nation has to offer.
- Cambodia – A two to three-week trip is enough to explore this captivating destination.
- Laos – Venturing for three weeks is optimal, allowing you to rent a motorbike and travel at your own pace.
- Indonesia – A month, or more, is needed to explore the 17.5K islands of this country.
- Malaysia – Three weeks is sufficient, but if you’d like to travel in your own way, consider renting a motorbike.
- Myanmar – A single entry visa is only valid for 28 days, however, if you would like to stay longer, you can always get another visa.
- Philippines – Taking a month, or more, is necessary as the country has 7,000+ islands, most of which can be reached by ferry or airplane.
- Singapore – Two weeks is enough time to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
- Thailand – Four weeks is an ideal duration for taking in the islands.
- Timor-Leste – A two-week stay is recommended.
- Vietnam – Three weeks on a motorbike or two and a half weeks using public transportation is optimal.
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HINT: If you have the luxury of time, devote as much as you can to discovering the lesser-known parts of your destination. There is no such thing as spending too much time in areas that truly captivate you.
JOURNEY RESOURCES FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA
- LODGING
- TRANSPORTATION (BUSES, FERRIES, FLIGHTS, AND TRAINS)
- COST-EFFECTIVE TRIPS
- AFFORDABLE FLIGHTS
- TRAVEL PROTECTION
- VISA SUPPORT E
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HOW MUCH MONEY DOES ONE NEED TO TRAVEL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY COUNTRY?
This piece offers a general **ballpark figure in terms of budgeting for a backpacking excursion in Southeast Asia. It should be noted that different travelers have different ways of exploring; consequently, even those who like to stay in private lodgings can still go backpacking in this area.
In order to determine your preference, you should consider how much you want to spend on different items. For instance, you may choose to allocate more money for accommodation and less for food. As for me, I typically opt for an economical approach when it comes to accommodation and transportation, but I am more inclined to invest in food and excursions.
DESIGNATION: VOA (Visa On Arrival) | Amounts are in United States Dollars
How Much Money Someone Might Need to Take a Trip to Brunei
Estimating the amount of money that would be needed for a journey to Brunei can be difficult. Nonetheless, with a bit of careful planning, one can make sure they have enough funds to have a memorable experience.
The Saifuddin Mosque can be seen in an image from Pixabay.com, which is part of the ultimate Southeast Asia travel budget. 
Despite its small size, Brunei, which is located close to Malaysia, has much to offer visitors. Its landscapes are breathtaking and the local cuisine is sure to delight. Furthermore, since the country is relatively petite, touring Brunei is both easy and affordable.
Visa Requirements: Brunei offers free visa and visa on arrival – have a look at the list Accommodation: Budget-friendly options for $10 – check out the options private Rooms: Can be found for $18Food: Meals range from $3-$5Transportation: Short rides within the city cost $1Tours: Plenty of free activities in Brunei, or take a look at these things to do
Outlining a Trip to Cambodia on a Budget
Planning a trip to Cambodia can be done without breaking the bank. One of the most important aspects of budgeting for a Cambodia trip is to determine how much money will be needed for the journey. Allocating a certain amount of money for each expense can help keep costs down and ensure travelers get the most out of their experience.
When you first arrive in Cambodia, you’ll find smiling faces in the temples of Siem Reap’s Angkor! 
Upon visiting this country, you’ll be graced by the cheerful demeanors of people in the Angkor temple complex.
Exploring Southeast Asia is known to be economical, but no one warned me of how budget-friendly backpacking in Cambodia can be! If you want to visit this part of Asia with minimal expenses, Cambodia is the place to go. Though the Cambodian prices appear to be more costly because of the US dollar, if you look closer and compare them to the prices in Thailand or Vietnam, they are in fact the least expensive.
Visa: Tourists can get a 30-day VOA; please refer to the visa guide for more information. Apply now!
Dorm: Accommodations range from $2-$5; you can view a list of the hostels I stayed in Cambodia here.
Private room: Private rooms are offered at $5-$15.
Food: Street food vendors typically charge $1, small restaurants average $2, and regular sit-down restaurants range from $3-$4.
Sim Card: Cellcard offers 4-dollar plans with 30 GB of data per month.
Transportation: A 6-hour bus ride will cost around $8.
Motorbike: Motorbikes are a bit pricier in Cambodia; you can expect to pay $300-$400.
Tours: Short-day tours normally include transportation and cost $5. Tours are available for only $15 in Phnom Penh.
What it Costs to Vacation in Indonesia
A trip to Indonesia can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you like. Depending on your tastes and preferences, you can find a variety of ways to save money and still have an enjoyable vacation. Knowing your budget and planning ahead of time can help you get the most out of your Indonesia travel experience.
An image of the Ultimate Southeast Asia Travel Budget can be seen here: 
. This budget is the ultimate guide for those planning a trip to the Southeast Asia region.
Are you looking for an exciting experience? Then why not visit the country with 17,000 islands and numerous active volcanoes? Indonesia is a great place to explore and is very budget-friendly. Bali is one of the most popular cities in the country; visit Bali on a budget for more information.
Visa: Nearly everyone around the world is eligible to receive a free visa for thirty days – verify if you require a visa.
Dorm: Accommodations in Indonesia starting from as low as $5 can be found here. In Bali, have a look at the list of accommodations.
Private room: A private room can be availed for $10.
Food: Street vendors offer delicious meals at a cost of $2, and avoid tourist-covered areas to get cheaper food.
Sim Card: You can get a SIM card from XL or Telkomsel for $10, and it comes with 12 GB of data.
Transportation: Intercity public transportation costs only $0.50, and ferries cost approximately $2-$3.
Motorbike: Motorbikes are available for a fee ranging from $5 to $20 per day.
Tours: Check out these amazing tours starting from $30.
Planning a Trip to Malaysia and Figuring Out the Financial Requirements
A budget for travel in Southeast Asia can be seen in the image below:
I hadn’t anticipated going to Malaysia, but I am very happy that I did. The people there are extremely pleasant and the cuisine is absolutely delicious. Furthermore, Malaysia is ideal for tourists who are on a budget. Langkawi, in particular, is a great choice since it is a tax-free island and the most reasonably priced destination in Southeast Asia. For more information, please refer to this Malaysia travel cost guide.
Visa Requirements: 90 Days of Free Entry for EU Citizens – Apply Here! (See the Visa Guide for Malaysia for more details)
Dorms: Range from $5-$8 (See Hostels I’ve personally stayed in Malaysia for more information )
Private Rooms: Cost approximately $10-$15
Food: $2 per meal
SIM Card: $10 for Digi, and they offer 10 GB for 30 days of high-speed internet nationwide
Transportation: Domestic flights cost $18, while a 9-hour bus ride is $15
Tours: Langkawi has $15 tours, which can be pricey in Kuala Lumpur – but affordable ones can be found here.
Estimating the Cost of a Trip to Myanmar
Figuring out what a Myanmar trip is going to cost can be tricky. However, by having an understanding of the cost of accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, it is possible to estimate the overall budget for the journey.
Visiting Bagan, Myanmar is a must!
My expectations for affordability in Myanmar were not met, yet, I was still able to explore the country for 21 days with a $750 budget. This included a single flight from Bangkok and a bus ride from the Myanmar border to the city. The accommodation was the most expensive, so I advise traveling with someone and splitting a private room instead of a dorm. Additionally, I took advantage of hitchhiking while there and found that staying in monasteries was a great experience that I highly recommend.
Visa: ASEAN citizens can obtain a free visa – Apply now; please check the visa guide for Myanmar for more information.
Dorm: Accommodation costs range from $8 to $10.
Private room: A single room can be found for $10-20.
Food: Meals range from $1.5 to $2.
Sim Card: A Telenor card costs $10; however, the internet in Myanmar is generally quite slow.
Transportation: $10 will get you a 9-hour bus ride.
Tours: Admission fees in archaeological areas like Bagan and Mandalay Hill will cost around $20. It can be hard to find reliable tour agencies in Myanmar, so my recommendations are a great resource.
Estimating Expenses for a Trip to the Philippines
The amount of money that travelers need to set aside for a journey to the Philippines will vary depending on the individual’s budget and the type of trip they are planning. Factors such as the length of the stay, the number of people, the activities they choose to do, and the type of accommodation will all affect the total cost. It is essential to create a budget that covers all the necessary expenses so that visitors can enjoy their trip without the worry of running out of money.
The Philippines is home to an array of festivals! An image of some of them is shown below.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
If you choose to experience the wonders of the Philippines, flights from neighboring nations can be relatively inexpensive – just $50 for a single journey. The locals are warm and welcoming, speaking English, and the stunning scenery found there will take your breath away. Furthermore, the Philippines is surrounded by no other nations, only 7,000+ islands.
Visa: The Philippines offers free visa and visa on arrival, consult the visa guide for more details.
Dorm: Accommodation in a dormitory can be obtained for as low as $5, find the best hostels to stay in.
Private room: A private room will cost between $8 and $10.
Food: Street food can be had for as little as $.50, while fast food and casual restaurants will set you back by $1 and $1.5 respectively.
Sim Card: For a Sim card, you can get a Globe card for $10, though take note that the internet connectivity in the Philippines is not very good. Personally, I use the Talk N’ Text company and can register for unlimited mobile data for just $.50 valid for 24 hours, which I can then use as a hotspot for my laptop.
Transportation: You can get a 9-hour non-AC bus ride for $5.
Tours: Tour packages for 10 days can be availed for as low as $30 – check out the organized tours available.
Funding a Trip to Singapore
In terms of money, what does it take to plan a journey to Singapore? What does one need to know about allocating a budget for an excursion to Lion City?
A photograph of Marina Bay in Singapore is featured in this post, with credit given to Pixabay.com. This post is discussing the ultimate travel budget for Southeast Asia.
Given the hefty costs of living and traveling in Singapore, it can still be included in one’s itinerary. This is due to the nation’s affluent economy, convenient public transportation, and majestic skyscrapers. Many voyagers are inquisitive about what Singapore is like.
Visa: Europeans, North and South Americans, and Southeast Asians may be eligible for a free visa – see if you need one here.
Dorm: Accommodation can be found for $15 at affordable hostels in Singapore.
Private room: Alternatively, private rooms cost $30.
Food: Delicious yet inexpensive food can be found for as little as $2 from hawkers.
Sim Card: Klook travel sim cards are available at Changi Airport for $10 and come with 100 GB of mobile data.
Transportation: Use the regular train card (up to 6 times) or the EZ Link Card for public transportation at the price of $1.50.
Tours: Sightseeing tours of around $20 can be found – check here for more information.
Trip Expenses in Thailand
A budget for traveling to Thailand should be considered prior to departure. It is important to have an idea of the approximate amount of money that will be needed for the entire trip. This amount will vary depending on the type of accommodation, transportation, and activities one plans to participate in. To help plan a realistic budget, it is useful to research the average cost of food, lodging, and transportation in the area. Additionally, it is important to factor in any planned activities or excursions that may have an extra cost. All of these elements should be taken into account when creating a budget for a trip to Thailand.
A picture of exciting activities one can experience in Thailand can be seen above, the photograph is provided courtesy of Pixabay.com.
This land of captivating islands, Thailand, enchants visitors with its delightful scenery and exquisite local cuisine. Despite the annual influx of tourists, it continues to be a popular destination among backpackers and holiday-goers.
Visa: You can get a free visa and VOA by checking out my Thailand visa guide.
Dorm: Accommodation can be found for as low as $5 by looking at affordable hostels in Thailand.
Private room: You can find a private room for $10.
Food: Street food and light meals can be found for $1-$2 and $4 respectively.
Sim Card: Tourists can buy a sim card for $10 at the airport or at any 7-Eleven store.
Transportation: The subway costs $1.50 and a 9-hour bus ride will cost you $12.
Motorbike: You can rent a motorbike for $15 per day – just make sure you have a valid driver’s license in Thailand.
Tours: Transportation-based tours typically cost between $10-$20, but you can find more affordable organized tours for as low as $22.
What your bank balance looks like when traveling in Timor-Leste
Travel in Timor-Leste can be expensive, so it is important to plan ahead and figure out your budget in order to ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience. Knowing how much you will have to spend on accommodation, food, sightseeing, and other activities can help you to make the most of your trip.
Timor Lest’s Traditional Wooden Homes | Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Have you considered exploring Timor-Leste? It’s a great destination to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular Southeast Asian countries. This is the only other country in Asia besides the Philippines where Catholicism is the main religion and US dollars are widely accepted.
No visa fee is required for Europeans to enter East Timor. Staying in a dorm at the renowned backpacker hostel in Timor Leste is priced at $12, while a private room costs $30. The local food options range from $2 to $5, with street food and decent restaurants available. Transportation for a one-hour bus ride is priced at $2. For those interested in sightseeing, small-day tours are offered at the cost of $20. Further information about the tours can be found here.
What to Consider Financially When Visiting Vietnam
When one is looking to travel to Vietnam, it is important to be aware of the estimated budget they will need. Therefore, it is important to consider the costs of travel, accommodation, food, and activities.
A picture of 5 of the most budget-friendly getaways outside the Philippines for 2017 is shown below.
A visit to Vietnam was once considered a budget-friendly trip. However, the influx of tourists has caused the economy to increase and the cost of living has gone up. When I explored the country two years ago, I was able to find a hostel for just $3 per bunk bed. Now, while it is still a relatively inexpensive destination, prices are becoming more expensive.
Visa: Free visa for ASEAN – consult the Visa Guide to Vietnam and apply online to obtain your visa in no time!
Dorm: Dorms range from $5-$8 – Top Hostels in Vietnam
Private room: Private rooms cost between $10-$20
Food: Street food is $1.5-$2, while casual restaurants are $3-$5
Sim Card: Viettel sim cards can be purchased for $8 and offer 5 GB data valid for 30 days
Transportation: Take a 4.5-hour bus for $8
Motorbike: Second-hand motorbikes can range from $200-$350 – Hanoi is a better place to purchase one than Ho Chi Minh City –More info on motorbiking in Vietnam
Tours: Transportation-only tours cost around $5 per day – there are tours available for as little as $9
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD BE ALLOTTED IN A DAY FOR EXPLORING SOUTHEAST ASIA?
Three different groupings can be made when it comes to the countries located in Southeast Asia.
I would allocate $35 per day for the first group, which includes Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Myanmar. In those countries, both the accommodation and meals are relatively expensive, while the transportation and tours cost nearly the same.
The second group of countries; Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia can be visited on a budget of approximately $30 a day. I find these places to be quite economical in terms of accommodation, food, and transportation. It is even possible to find tours at a budget-friendly price. Accommodation can be as cheap as $5, unless you choose to stay in heavily tourist areas such as Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia or Canggu, the main tourist destination in Bali, Indonesia.
The third group of countries – Singapore, Timor Leste, and Brunei – can be quite pricey for travelers. Singapore in particular can be expensive with dorm rooms costing around $18 per night, a can of beer being $5, and meals for $5. Timor Leste and Brunei are also not cheap for tours and transportation, especially when flying there. To really make the most of your time in this group of countries, you should plan to spend at least $40-$50 per day.
In conclusion, it is estimated that an individual should plan on spending between $25-$40/day to save money for the second group of items and be prepared to budget more for the third group.
This budget guide to Southeast Asia has hopefully given you an idea of what it is like to journey in that area and set you on the correct path for planning. Though travel is not always easy, remember that in the future you will look back on it fondly with tales that are yours and yours alone.
Are you all set to take a trip to Southeast Asia and not spend a fortune? If you have already been in this area, please tell us what is the most economical or expensive destination or if you have a great suggestion to share!
It is apparent that the effect of the pandemic has been far-reaching and has had an immense impact on people’s lives. Many have suffered financially, while others have been forced to come to terms with the health risks posed by the virus. Moreover, social distancing measures have limited physical contact, which has had a profound effect on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being.
