How to Backpack Southeast Asia on $50 a Day
To stay under $50 a day, prioritize local street food, utilize overnight buses to save on accommodation, and stick to slower-paced travel between countries. Avoid western-style bars and tourist-centric day tours, opting instead for public transit and walking tours.
- Master the street food habit. Avoid sit-down restaurants with menus in English. Eat at stalls where locals are queuing. A meal of pad thai or pho at a street stall costs $2–$3, whereas a cafe meal will cost $8–$12.
- Use overnight transport. Book 'sleeper' buses or trains for long distances between cities. This covers your transit cost and saves you one night of hostel fees. Use platforms like 12Go.asia to compare prices.
- Choose dorms carefully. Book 8-to-12-bed dorms in hostels with high ratings for cleanliness, not party reputation. Budget $8–$12 per night for a bed, which usually includes a locker and Wi-Fi.
- Skip the domestic flights. Flights are budget killers. Plan a overland route (e.g., the Banana Pancake Trail) using buses and trains to keep travel costs to an average of $5–$10 per day when averaged out over a month.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Never drink tap water in Southeast Asia. Use a filtered bottle or buy large jugs to refill your personal bottle.
- How do I carry my money safely?
- Use a bank card that reimburses ATM fees (like Charles Schwab) and keep a backup debit card and $200 USD in cash hidden in your luggage.
- Should I book everything in advance?
- Only book your first two nights in each city. Flexibility allows you to adjust your budget based on local prices and travel with friends you meet along the way.