Budget-Friendly Destinations to Visit in Southeast Asia

Travelling is one of the best investments. The memories it will create will always be there and the thrill of discovering new things. A different adventure awaits whether it’s a solo, couple, or family trip. For some people, a budget may be a constraint but there are amazing places in the world to visit without a high cost.

Southeast Asia is one of these places and it is home to different cultures, amazing beaches, and friendly people.  Accommodation, food, and transportation are affordable while enjoying the colors and flavors of Asia. Here are four of the best and budget-friendly places in the Southeast for a memorable vacation.

Philippines

The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands that will cater to any type of traveler. Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay are some of the most famous spots with tons to do and see. It is known for its crystal-clear beaches, historic sites, and hospitable people. The average daily expense is around $54 for travelers in these places. Meanwhile, accommodation for two is about $50 which goes lower if you go to a hostel.

Average expenses in a day’s meal is around $20 for restaurant meals, but it can go for as low as $12 for fastfood or street food. For that amount, you can taste their version of pork stew they call adobo and their dessert called halo-halo. For transportation, you can spend around $16-$20 depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

Vietnam

Even though Vietnam had a difficult modern history, it has persevered and has become one of the must-visit places when in Southeast Asia. Be ready for a culinary adventure with Vietnamese cuisine through hawkers, renew spirituality in temples, and learn about their culture.

Take a tour in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ninh Binh to see the beauty of Vietnam. Depending on where you are going, the average daily expense here is about $45 per day. You can try out banh mi and pho hoa with a budget of only $12 a day and about $7 on transportation.

Indonesia

When we say Indonesia, the first thing tourists think of is the Instagram-friendly city of Bali. Apart from Bali, there are other amazing cities across Indonesia worth visiting for the ultimate glam camping experience. Nusa Penida, Yogyakarta, Ubud, and Kuta are just some of the cities that may not be as famous but are still worth visiting.

You can escape into the wild in Indonesia, prepare to eat and pray, and fall in love with the country. A week for two person in Indonesia will cost $703 on average. While in the country, we recommending trying Nasi Goreng every day with just a budget of $15 a day. For traveling around locally, transportation will cost you around $7-$10.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most famous countries for foreigners in Southeast Asia. Tourism has set off Thailand’s economy which made getting around easier, especially in key cities. Apart from Bangkok’s bustling city and Phuket’s scenic beaches, there’s more to see in the Land of Smiles.

You can also visit Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.

A day in Thailand, on average, can cost about $70. For one day, expect to spend about $15 on food like authentic pad thai and tom yum and expect to pay around $12 on local commuting.

Wherever you choose to stay in Southeast Asia, these budget-friendly destinations will surely be memorable for you. Make the most of your travels by researching which places are suited for the kind of trip you want.

Most of all, make sure you enjoy it. Travel memories will be something you can always go back to anytime.