Backpacking Southeast Asia on $40 Per Day
To survive on $40 a day, you must prioritize street food, stay in hostel dorms, and prioritize bus travel over flights. Stick to countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Northern Thailand where your money goes furthest, and limit alcohol consumption to local beers.
- Choose the right countries. Focus your route on Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Northern Thailand. Avoid Singapore or Southern Japan, where daily costs will triple.
- Book hostels with free breakfast. Look for hostels priced at $8–$12 per night. Always verify that they include breakfast, which saves you $3–$5 every morning.
- Eat exclusively from street stalls. Sit-down restaurants with menus in English are a trap. Look for plastic stools and stalls serving one or two items. A bowl of pho or Pad Thai should cost between $1.50 and $2.50.
- Use public transit and overnight buses. Avoid taxis and ride-sharing apps like Grab. Use local buses and trains. Taking an overnight bus or train also saves you the cost of one night's accommodation.
- Does this budget include flights?
- No. This budget covers your daily living expenses on the ground. Flights are separate and should be budgeted for based on your home origin.
- Can I drink alcohol on this budget?
- Yes, but strictly stick to local beers. Cocktails and imported spirits will destroy your budget within two days.
- Is $40 enough for big excursions like Ha Long Bay?
- No. You must build a separate 'activity buffer' of $200 for one-off expensive trips like guided tours or diving certifications.