Southeast Asia on $30 a Day: The Complete Budget Guide

Southeast Asia remains the world's premier backpacking region for one simple reason: you can have extraordinary experiences on an extraordinarily small budget. Temple complexes that rival anything in Europe, beaches that outshine the Caribbean, food that rivals the world's best restaurants, and a travel infrastructure built by decades of backpacker culture -- all available for $30 a day or less.

But $30/day is not automatic. Thailand's popular islands can burn through $60-80/day if you are not careful, and tourist-trap restaurants in Siem Reap or Bali charge European prices for mediocre food. This guide provides the specific knowledge you need to travel well on $30/day across seven Southeast Asian countries.

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The $30/Day Budget Framework

Here is how $30 breaks down across the region:

Category	Budget Range	Strategy
Accommodation	$5-12	Dorm beds, fan rooms, guesthouses
Food	$5-10	Street food, local restaurants, markets
Transport	$3-8	Local buses, shared transport, motorbike rental
Activities	$2-5	Free temples, nature, selective paid attractions
Buffer	$2-5	Snacks, drinks, miscellaneous

This budget is most comfortable in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, moderately tight in Thailand and the Philippines, and requires discipline in Indonesia (especially Bali).

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Country-by-Country Breakdown

Thailand -- $28-40/day

Thailand is the gateway to Southeast Asia for most travelers and has the best-developed backpacker infrastructure in the region. It is no longer the cheapest country in Southeast Asia -- rising tourism and development have pushed prices up -- but it remains very affordable if you stay strategic.

Accommodation: $6-15/night

• Bangkok dorm beds: $6-10 at hostels in the Khao San Road area, Silom, or Sukhumvit
• Chiang Mai guesthouses: $5-8 for a fan room, $10-15 for AC
• Islands (Koh Tao, Koh Lanta): $8-15 for basic bungalows, more on Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi
• Money saver: Avoid Khao San Road accommodation (overpriced for quality). Stay in the Banglamphu neighborhood one street over for better value.

Food: $5-10/day

• Street food meals: $1-2 (pad thai, som tam, khao pad from vendors and market stalls)
• Local restaurant meals: $1.50-3 (look for places with Thai script menus and no English)
• 7-Eleven meals: $1.50-2.50 (toasted sandwiches, rice dishes, surprisingly decent quality)
• Night market meals: $1.50-3
• Money saver: Eat at university canteens near Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, or Chiang Mai University. Full meals cost $1-1.50.

Transport: $3-6/day

• Bangkok BTS/MRT: $0.50-1.50 per ride
• Chiang Mai songthaew (red truck): $0.60 per ride in the old city
• Intercity buses: Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight bus $15-20, Bangkok to Surat Thani $10-15
• Motorbike rental: $5-7/day in Chiang Mai and the islands
• Money saver: Book bus tickets directly at the bus station, not through travel agencies that add a $2-5 markup.

Where to Splurge vs. Save:

• Splurge: A cooking class in Chiang Mai ($25-35, skills you will use forever), diving certification on Koh Tao ($250-300, cheapest in the world)
• Save: Skip the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan (overpriced, overcrowded). The half-moon parties at the Jungle Experience are better and cheaper.

Vietnam -- $22-30/day

Vietnam is where budget travelers get the most value in Southeast Asia. The food is among the best in the world, the scenery ranges from karst-studded bays to terraced highlands, and the travel infrastructure (sleeper buses, trains) is excellent.

Accommodation: $4-10/night

• Hostel dorms in Hanoi/HCMC: $4-7
• Guesthouse fan rooms in smaller cities: $5-8
• Homestays in Sa Pa or Ha Giang: $5-8 including dinner and breakfast
• Money saver: In Hoi An, stay in An Bang village (3 km from the old town) where guesthouses charge $6-10 versus $15-20 in the old town itself.

Food: $4-7/day

• Pho bo (beef noodle soup): $1.50-2
• Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich): $0.75-1.25
• Com tam (broken rice plate): $1.50-2
• Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da): $0.50-1
• Bun cha in Hanoi: $1.50-2 (the dish Obama ate with Anthony Bourdain)
• Money saver: Eat at com binh dan (people's restaurants) where you point at pre-made dishes displayed in a glass case. A full plate with rice and 2-3 dishes costs $1-1.50.

Transport: $3-6/day

• Sleeper buses: Hanoi to Hue $10-12, HCMC to Da Lat $8-10
• Reunification Express train: Hanoi to Da Nang $8-15 (soft seat/hard sleeper)
• Motorbike rental: $5-7/day
• Grab (ride-hailing app): $0.50-2 for city rides
• Money saver: The Ha Giang Loop by motorbike is one of the greatest road trips in Asia. Rent a semi-automatic bike in Ha Giang city for $6-8/day and spend 3-4 days riding through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the planet.

Where to Splurge vs. Save:

• Splurge: An overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay ($60-80 for a budget boat, still much cheaper than the $200+ luxury boats and a lifetime experience)
• Save: Skip the Cu Chi Tunnels tour from HCMC ($20-30 including transport) and visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels near the DMZ instead (free or nearly free, far more authentic, and without the crowds)

Cambodia -- $18-28/day

Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia and offers a powerful combination of ancient history, beautiful coastline, and warm hospitality. The country's dark history adds depth that makes the experience more meaningful than a typical beach-and-temples trip.

Accommodation: $4-10/night

• Phnom Penh dorm beds: $3-5
• Siem Reap guesthouses: $5-10
• Koh Rong Sanloem bungalows: $8-15
• Kampot guesthouses: $4-8
• Money saver: In Siem Reap, stay on the east side of the river. Guesthouses are newer, quieter, and $2-4 cheaper than those on Pub Street side.

Food: $3-6/day

• Street food meals: $1-1.50
• Local restaurant meals: $1.50-3
• Fish amok (national dish): $2-3 at a local place
• Fresh fruit shakes: $0.50-1
• Draft beer (Angkor or Cambodia): $0.25-0.50 at happy hour
• Money saver: In Siem Reap, eat at the Khmer restaurants along Street 60, away from the Pub Street tourist zone. Same food, half the price.

Transport: $2-5/day

• Tuk-tuk rides: $1-3
• Phnom Penh to Siem Reap bus: $8-12
• Siem Reap to Sihanoukville bus: $10-15
• Kampot to Koh Rong ferry: $10-12
• Money saver: Rent a bicycle in Siem Reap ($2/day) and cycle to the closer Angkor temples independently. The Angkor Wat sunrise is only 6 km from the city center.

Where to Splurge vs. Save:

• Splurge: The three-day Angkor pass ($62). Do not try to see everything in one day. The three-day pass allows for a relaxed pace and includes spectacular lesser-known temples like Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, and the Roluos Group.
• Save: Skip the Sihanoukville beach scene (overdeveloped and disappointing) and head directly to Koh Rong Sanloem for pristine, quiet beaches.

Laos -- $18-25/day

Laos is the most relaxed country in Southeast Asia, and traveling there naturally costs less because the pace discourages the kind of activity-cramming that burns through budgets elsewhere. Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and the 4000 Islands region are the main draws, with the slow boat down the Mekong being one of the defining Southeast Asian experiences.

Accommodation: $4-10/night

• Vientiane guesthouses: $5-8
• Luang Prabang dorm beds: $4-6, guesthouses $8-12
• 4000 Islands bungalows: $4-7
• Money saver: On Don Det (4000 Islands), the bungalows on the quieter west side cost $2-3 less than the east-side sunset bungalows and are just as nice.

Food: $3-5/day

• Khao piak sen (noodle soup): $1-1.50
• Laap (minced meat salad): $1.50-2
• Baguette sandwiches (French colonial influence): $1-2
• Night market buffet in Luang Prabang: $1.50 for a heaped plate
• Money saver: The Luang Prabang night market vegetarian buffet (Sisavangvong Road) lets you pile a plate high with curries, noodles, and stir-fries for 15,000 kip ($1.50).

Transport: $3-6/day

• Slow boat Huay Xai to Luang Prabang: $25-35 for two days
• Minivan Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: $10-15
• Bicycle rental: $1-2/day
• Money saver: Take the slow boat instead of flying. The two-day Mekong journey from the Thai border to Luang Prabang costs $25-35 and is one of the great travel experiences in Asia.

Indonesia -- $22-35/day

Indonesia requires the most budget discipline because Bali prices have inflated dramatically. The trick is spending minimal time in tourist-heavy Bali and more time exploring the rest of the archipelago, which remains genuinely cheap.

Accommodation: $5-15/night

• Yogyakarta guesthouses: $5-8
• Flores homestays: $5-10
• Bali (Ubud) dorm beds: $6-10
• Bali (Canggu/Seminyak): $10-20 (more expensive)
• Nusa Penida guesthouses: $8-12
• Money saver: On Java and Flores, ask locals about homestays (not listed on apps). You will find clean rooms for $3-5 with breakfast included.

Food: $3-7/day

• Nasi goreng from a warung: $0.75-1.50
• Mie goreng (fried noodles): $0.75-1.50
• Nasi campur (mixed rice plate): $1-2
• Bakso (meatball soup): $0.50-1
• Bali tourist restaurant meal: $5-8 (the premium you pay for the Instagram setting)
• Money saver: Eat at warungs (local food stalls) rather than restaurants with English menus. The food is better and costs one-third the price.

Transport: $3-8/day

• Motorbike rental: $4-6/day
• Domestic flights (Lion Air, Citilink): $20-50 one-way
• Local buses on Java: $1-5 depending on distance
• Ferries between islands: $1-10
• Money saver: Book domestic flights on the Traveloka app for the best prices. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently cheapest.

Philippines -- $25-38/day

The Philippines is slightly more expensive than mainland Southeast Asia due to its island geography (transport between islands adds up), but the beaches, diving, and hospitality are exceptional value.

Accommodation: $6-15/night

• Manila dorm beds: $6-10
• El Nido guesthouses: $10-18
• Siargao guesthouses: $8-12
• Bohol homestays: $6-10
• Money saver: In El Nido, stay in Corong-Corong rather than the town center. Guesthouses are newer, quieter, and $3-5 cheaper.

Food: $5-8/day

• Carinderia (local eatery) meals: $1-2
• Adobo, sinigang, or kare-kare at local restaurants: $1.50-3
• Halo-halo (shaved ice dessert): $1
• Money saver: Eat at carinderias where you point at pre-made dishes. A full meal with rice costs $1-1.50.

Transport: $5-10/day

• Jeepney rides: $0.20-0.40
• Tricycle rides: $0.50-1
• Island-hopping tours: $15-25 per day including lunch
• Domestic flights: $25-50 one-way on Cebu Pacific (book 2-3 weeks in advance)
• Money saver: Cebu Pacific runs regular peso sale promotions with base fares as low as 1 peso ($0.02) plus taxes and fees (total $10-15). Follow their social media for announcements.

Myanmar -- $22-30/day

Myanmar has experienced political upheaval in recent years, and travel conditions vary by region. Check current advisories before planning a trip. For areas that are stable and welcoming visitors, the country offers some of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary cultural experiences at very low cost.

Accommodation: $5-12/night

• Bagan guesthouses: $8-12
• Mandalay guesthouses: $5-10
• Inle Lake guesthouses: $6-10

Food: $3-5/day

• Mohinga (fish noodle soup, the national dish): $0.50-1
• Tea shop meals: $1-2
• Shan noodles: $0.50-1

Transport: $3-5/day

• Local buses: $1-3
• Yangon to Bagan overnight bus: $10-15
• Bicycle rental in Bagan: $2-3/day

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Recommended Budget Routes

The Classic 4-Week Route (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam)

Bangkok (3 days) > bus to Siem Reap (4 days) > bus to Phnom Penh (2 days) > bus to Ho Chi Minh City (3 days) > sleeper bus to Da Lat (2 days) > bus to Hoi An (3 days) > train to Hue (2 days) > sleeper bus to Hanoi (3 days) > shuttle to Ha Long Bay (2 days) > fly home from Hanoi

Estimated total (28 days at $28/day): $784

The Deep Dive 6-Week Route (Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia)

Hanoi (3 days) > Ha Giang Loop (4 days) > bus to Sa Pa (3 days) > bus back to Hanoi > slow boat to Luang Prabang (2 days) > Luang Prabang (3 days) > bus to Vang Vieng (3 days) > bus to Vientiane (2 days) > fly to Chiang Mai (4 days) > bus to Pai (3 days) > return to Chiang Mai > fly to Bangkok (2 days) > fly to Siem Reap (4 days) > bus to Kampot (3 days) > bus to Koh Rong Sanloem (4 days) > back to Phnom Penh, fly home

Estimated total (42 days at $26/day): $1,092

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Universal Money-Saving Tips for Southeast Asia

Negotiate, But Fairly

Bargaining is expected for tuk-tuks, market goods, and unlicensed taxis. It is not expected in restaurants, shops with fixed prices, or with street food vendors. A good target is 60-70% of the first asking price.

Use Grab and Local Ride-Hailing Apps

Grab (the region's Uber equivalent) operates across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Myanmar. Metered ride-hailing eliminates negotiation stress and tourist overcharging. It is consistently cheaper than negotiating with tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi drivers in cities.

Carry Cash in Local Currency

ATM fees in Southeast Asia run $4-6 per withdrawal, regardless of amount. Withdraw the maximum allowed (usually $200-300 equivalent) to minimize fee frequency. Use a Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Charles Schwab debit card to avoid additional foreign transaction fees.

Travel Slowly

Moving between cities every day or two is the fastest way to blow a budget in Southeast Asia. Transport, even cheap transport, adds up. Plus, every new city means an arrival day of inefficiency where you spend money figuring out where to eat and sleep. Staying 4-5 nights in each place lets you find the cheap local spots and settle into a routine.

Use TripGenie to Optimize Your Route

An AI travel planner like TripGenie can calculate the most cost-efficient routing between your desired destinations, factoring in transport costs, accommodation prices, and seasonal variations. Input your budget and dates, and let the algorithm build an itinerary that maximizes experiences while minimizing waste.

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Southeast Asia at $30/day is not about deprivation. It is about understanding the local economy, eating where locals eat, sleeping in locally owned guesthouses, and prioritizing the experiences -- temples at dawn, motorbike rides through rice paddies, streetside bowls of pho, conversations with fellow travelers -- that cost next to nothing and stay with you forever.