Ever wondered if it’s possible to explore the vibrant cultures of Asia, discover lush landscapes, and actually enjoy cities like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur without breaking the bank?
Well, I’m here to tell you, it’s totally doable, and I did for a few months. I’m going to show you how to make every dollar stretch in a cheaper travel destination.
Let’s face it, this wouldn’t really work in Europe or in the States, but in Southeast Asia, yes, this is more than possible.
Here’s what I did, and what you can do too, to travel on only $10 a day!
Southeast Asia on Just $10 a Day: Overview
Is it Possible to Travel Cheap? Yes!
Traveling on the cheap isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality for many who choose to explore Southeast Asia. This part of the world is a haven for backpackers and budget travelers, thanks to its affordable accommodations, cheap street food, and endless cheap activities.
With a little planning, you can make your travel funds last longer than you’d think. Remember this word – Planning.
If you travel and plan everything last minute, it will be nearly impossible to complete this $10 challenge, but if you book your hotels, buses, and tours ahead of time, your future self will be glad you did.
Also, there are free activities pretty much everywhere – Here’s a selfie where I enjoyed a waterfall in Dumaguete Philippines for nothing – There was no entrance fee.
What to Consider for a Budget Trip?
When planning a budget trip, the key is to prioritize your spending. Focus on what experiences are most important to you. Is it tasting every local dish, visiting ancient temples, or perhaps, immersing yourself in the natural beauty?
When I did travel on $10 a day, I sacrificed a lot of nice restaurants and tours I really wanted to do. I took a 3rd class train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, didn’t go to a rooftop bar when I wanted to, and skipped taxis.
Instead, I had a ton of delicious street food, rented cheap bikes and scooters, and slept in hostels. And guess what, I had an amazing time!
Decide what you can skimp on (maybe that air-conditioned room isn’t necessary) and where you’d rather splurge (like a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience).
Here’s a photo of my time in Da Nang, Vietnam. It was a Saturday night and there was the famous fire show, where the bridge spits fire and water. This was a ton of fun, have some laughs with the locals, and didn’t spend a penny!
How to Save Money When Traveling?
Saving money on the road comes down to a few critical strategies:
- Stay Local: Opt for accommodations, eateries, and transport that locals use. Don’t be scared to ask locals where they eat, many times, they’re happy to take you there and sometimes even invite you!
- Be Flexible: Sometimes, the cheapest adventures come from the most unexpected plans. Yes, you should still plan ahead of time, but keeping a free day in each location is great to get out there and meet other travelers or have a cheap beer around your hostel.
- Travel Light: Avoid extra fees on transport by packing only what you need. I’ve been minimalist for a while and my wallet (and my back) are still thankful for that!
That being said, while it’s definitely doable to travel cheaply, and nearly for free, there’s one thing you shouldn’t be stingy on – Travel insurance.
That’s right, as I explained in countless blog posts, I found myself in pretty bad situations in terms of health when I was in Thailand and Hong Kong, and I was so thankful that I invested in travel insurance.
I personally use SafetyWing, which is amazing in keeping me covered everywhere I go, and I recommend you check them too, this is for your own good.
How I Traveled Southeast Asia on $10 a Day
Planning and Preparation
Budgeting: My daily budget was simple – $5 for accommodation, $2 for food, $2 for transportation, and $3 for activities or emergencies. It sounds tight, but it’s more than doable with the right approach.
I planned my hotels during Black Friday, and Booking. com had great offers, and I managed to stay in a hostel in Chiang Mai for only $37 a week, which was amazing in terms of price. Plus, the location was near the old town.
Packing Essentials: I packed light, with just a backpack containing versatile clothing, a reusable water bottle, basic toiletries, and, importantly, a smartphone with an e-sim. Yes, it’s better to invest in an e-sim instead of spending money in each country you visit. Some packages are valid throughout Southeast Asia, so that’s convenient.
Resources and Research: Pre-trip, I spent hours scrolling through blogs, downloading travel apps, and marking must-visit spots on maps. This groundwork was crucial in making informed, budget-friendly decisions on the go.
Also, as I said before, no matter where you go, there will be free things to do. Whether you’re in Bangkok, Manila, or Ho Chi Minh city, you can visit temples for free, have a free walking tour, or just chill at the hostel and have a great time with other travelers.
Here’s a photo of me visiting the Lady Buddha in Da Nang Vietnam which has no entrance fee and that makes the perfect afternoon out on a budget.
Accommodation on a Budget
Types of Budget Accommodations: Southeast Asia is blessed with an array of cheap places to stay – think $2-a-night hammocks in Laos, $2 dorm beds in Cambodia, and cozy homestays in Vietnam for just a bit more.
That sounds unreal and many don’t believe me when I say it, but if you use the filters on your hotel booking platforms and check the cheapest properties, you’ll often find super cheap spots. Yes, you do sometimes sacrifice the quality, but hey, it’s just a night at the hotel.
Finding Cheap Stays: I leaned heavily on websites like Hostelworld. You can take a risk and, just walk into a hostel and negotiate a rate, which works wonders if you know how to do it.
Also, if you have some followers on social media (read, at least a thousand), you’ll always find some cheap hostels that’ll give you a better price if you share photos and opinions about your stay.
Memorable Stays: A $3-per-night guesthouse in the Philippines led to an impromptu karaoke night with the owners, proving that budget accommodation doesn’t mean skimping on memorable experiences! Believe me, that was the best night ever!
Eating and Drinking
The secret to eating well on a budget in Southeast Asia? Street food! Meals can cost as little as $0.50. I lived on Pho in Vietnam, Pad Thai by the roadside stalls in Thailand, and pancakes in Indonesia.
Not only is street food cheap, but it’s also a window into the local culture and cuisine.
I was a bit skeptical at first, but at the end, if the locals can eat it, why can’t you! Plus, I had my travel insurance that covered me no matter what, so there was that.
Here below was my meal in Koh Larn, Thailand. I spent only 30 baht to get there, which is $1, and this meal was 40 baht, which is a little over $1!
Transportation
This is a big one when it comes to traveling.
I avoided flights and taxis, sticking to buses, trains, and rented motorbikes for the true local experience. Not only is this cheaper, but it also offers a unique view of the country you’re traveling through.
For instance, a $2 bus ride in Bohol Philippines was an adventure in itself, filled with friendly locals, chickens, and unforgettable landscapes. I recommend booking your tickets on 12Go Asia, which are normally very cheap.
Free and Cheap Activities
The beauty of Southeast Asia lies in its wealth of free and cheap activities.
I explored ancient temples in Cambodia without spending a dime, lounged on stunning beaches in Thailand, hiked to breathtaking viewpoints in Chiang Mai, and wandered through endless markets without ever feeling bored.
And if you want to buy some souvenirs, getting a cheap pin or a magnet is always a good idea. I still remember a pin with the Thai flag at a night market in Krabi that cost only 10 baht, or about $0.30 – Can you beat that?
Also, the photo below is at the Tiger Cave Temple in Southern Thailand, and it doesn’t cost a penny, which means a free hike with stunning landscapes!
Conclusion: Yes, you can travel on $10 a day
Here was all you had to know about traveling in Southeast Asia for only $10 a day. Is it easy? Most of the time, it’s not bad and you get used to it. But sometimes, you really want a pizza, a nice croissant, or some mac and cheese instead of street food, and that’s something to consider.
While I did travel cheap, I had some money saved on my bank account, which I used every so often for occasional flights, nice meals once a fortnight, or day tours I really wanted to take, and that made the whole trip much better.
What about you? Are you up for the challenge? Let me know if this guide helped!
