Southeast Asia on a Budget

What college student isn’t afflicted with a painful case of wanderlust ? Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the money or the time to travel as much as we would like. If you’re looking to stretch your dollar as far as it can go (we’re talking $2 meals) without sacrificing beautiful sights, rich culture and delicious food, there’s no place better for you than Southeast Asia. Here are a few recommendations based on my most recent backpacking trip.

vietnam việt nam

Vietnam boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Southeast Asia, as well as some of its most bustling, metropolitan cities. Start in Hanoi, exploring the narrow alleyways, hearty street food and chaotic night markets. Next, escape the cacophony of the city for the nearby sanctuary of Ha Long Bay. Kayak through the local fishing villages, explore Cat Ba island, or navigate the intricate networks of caves. Vietnam is a truly beautiful country, it’s worth stopping by.

+ where to go : Hanoi / Ha Long Bay

+ what to eat : nem rán (crispy fried spring rolls)

+ what to drink : vietnamese iced coffee

+ where to stay : Hanoi Backpackers Hostel (8$ per night)

+ what to see : Museum of Ethnology, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Soi Sim Island

estimated budget for one week : $200 - $400

laos  ລາວ

After a week or two in the chaos that is metropolitan Vietnam, you’ll be ready to escape to it’s laid-back neighbor, the little-known Laos. Laos is a landlocked country nestled between Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, and is home to some of Asia’s most beautiful mountain landscapes and jungles. For $50, take a 30-hr bus ride (the misery is worth the adventure) from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, a small town in the center of the country famous for its plentiful Buddhist temples and monasteries (most of which have free admission). Visit Kuangsi National Park, where you can climb and swim in waterfalls and visit the Asian black bear sanctuary. In town, grab a $2 buffet style dinner in the alleyway food market, or stop by one of the many crêpe stalls that dot the streets. In the evenings, sip on a Beer Lao (no drinking age !) on the banks of the Mekong and watch the sunset. Luang Prabang may be small in size, but it’s laid back charm makes it one of Southeast Asia’s gems.

+ where to go : Luang Prabang

+ what to eat : whole grilled fish (fresh from the Mekong river)

+ what to drink : tropical fresh fruit smoothies

+ where to stay : Kounsavan Guest House ($6 per night)

+ what to see : Pak Ou Caves, Kuangsi Park, Phousi Hill

estimated budget for one week : $150 - $300

 cambodia  កម្ពុជា

For a country with such a dark history, Cambodia has emerged in the twenty first century as one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations – and for good reason. Besides having some of the regions most important historical sites, the rich and fascinating Khmer culture will make you never want to leave. Take a bus or plane from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap, where you’ll find vast networks of night markets, Apsara dance performances, and steaming pots of Khmer curry. If you’re feeling brave, take an hour to have fish nibble at your feet in one of the many roadside “piranha massage tanks”. Siem Reap’s biggest draw, however, is its proximity to the giant Angkor temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site well worth the $20 for a day pass. No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without a stop by in Siem Reap.

+ where to go : Siem Reap / Angkor

+ what to eat : amok (curried fish wrapped in banana leaf)

+ what to drink : anchor beer

+ where to stay : Angkor Park Guest House ($10 per night)

+ what to see : Angkor Wat, Bayon, Floating Village, Apsara show

estimated budget for one week : $150 - $300

indonesia  indonesia

If you have the money to spend on an extra plane flight and an extra week of travel, it’s well worth a trip to Bali, one of Indonesia’s most scenic islands. Get away from the crowded tourist scene in the south and instead head north for the jungle town of Ubud. Home to a number of artisans, Ubud’s quirky shops and restaurants will add something new to your Asian adventure. Stop by the monkey forest, take a walking tour of the rice fields and watch a gamelan performance. Indonesia is a diverse country, and Bali is one of its most stunning treasures.

+ where to go : Ubud

+ what to eat : nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice)

+ what to drink : es alpukat (frozen blended avocado, coffee and chocolate)

+ where to stay : The Happy Mango Tree ($10 per night)

+ what to see : Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Monkey Forest, Agung

estimated budget for one week : $300 - $500

Traveling on a budget is hard, and ultimately it will take a lot of work to save up for a trip no matter where you go. But if you’re looking for great value and incredible experiences, I highly recommend backpacking through Southeast Asia - you'll never forget it. 

bon voyage !

- henry