Explore 4 Countries, 30 Days, Under $800 (Excluding Flights!)
Southeast Asia is a backpacker’s paradise—lush jungles, ancient temples, vibrant cities, and beaches that stretch for miles. And the best part? You can experience it all on a shoestring budget. This 30-day itinerary covers Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, balancing adventure, culture, and affordability.
Why Southeast Asia?
- Affordability: Street food meals cost $1–$3; hostels start at $5/night.
- Infrastructure: Well-trodden backpacker trails with easy transport links.
- Diversity: From Angkor Wat’s temples to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, every day feels new.
Pre-Trip Essentials
- Visas:
- Thailand (30 days visa-free for many), Cambodia ($30 e-visa), Vietnam ($25 e-visa), Laos ($30 visa on arrival).
- Best Time to Go: November–March (dry season). Avoid April–October monsoons.
- Budget: Aim for $25–$40/day (accommodation, food, transport, activities).
- Packing: Lightweight backpack, quick-dry clothes, reusable water bottle, and a portable power bank.
The 30-Day Itinerary
(Total Estimated Cost: $750–$1,200 excluding flights)
Week 1: Thailand
- Days 1–4: Bangkok
- Stay: $5/night hostel in Khao San Road.
- Do: Free temple tours (Wat Arun, Wat Pho), $1 street food feasts (pad thai, mango sticky rice), and a $3 boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.
- Budget Tip: Skip taxis—use the $0.50 ferry or $1 tuk-tuk.
- Days 5–7: Chiang Mai
- Stay: $4/night hostel.
- Do: $10 cooking class, $15 elephant sanctuary visit, and free hiking at Doi Suthep.
- Transport: Overnight train from Bangkok ($15–$20).
Week 2: Cambodia
- Days 8–10: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
- Stay: $6/night hostel.
- Do: $20 3-day Angkor Wat pass (arrive at 5 AM for sunrise!). Eat $2 meals at Pub Street night market.
- Transport: $15 minivan from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap.
- Days 11–14: Phnom Penh
- Stay: $5/night hostel.
- Do: Free walking tour of the Royal Palace, $5 genocide museum entry, and sunset drinks on the river ($2 beers).
- Transport: $10 bus to Phnom Penh.
Week 3: Vietnam
- Days 15–18: Hoi An
- Stay: $7/night hostel.
- Do: Rent a bike for $1/day, explore lantern-lit streets for free, and tailor clothes for $20.
- Transport: $25 flight from Phnom Penh to Da Nang (book via AirAsia).
- Days 19–23: Hanoi
- Stay: $4/night hostel.
- Do: $5 egg coffee, $10 water puppet show, and day trip to Ha Long Bay ($35–$50 including transport/meals).
- Transport: $15 overnight bus to Hanoi.
Week 4: Laos
- Days 24–27: Luang Prabang
- Stay: $6/night hostel.
- Do: Free alms-giving ceremony (5 AM), $2 banana pancakes at a café, and $10 Kuang Si Falls day trip.
- Transport: $20 flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang.
- Days 28–30: Vang Vieng
- Stay: $5/night hostel.
- Do: Kayaking on Nam Song River ($5), cave exploring ($10), and sunset views over rice fields.
- Transport: $8 bus to Vang Vieng, then $15 bus back to Vientiane for departure.
Money-Saving Hacks
- Food: Stick to street food and local markets—$1–$3/meal.
- Transport: Use overnight buses/trains to save on accommodation.
- Activities: Prioritize free/cheap experiences (temples, hiking, public parks).
- Accommodation: Hostels with free breakfast or communal kitchens.
- Connectivity: Buy local SIM cards ($5–$10 for 15GB data).
Final Tips
- Flexibility: Prices vary by season. Negotiate bus fares in person.
- Safety: Keep valuables secure; avoid unlicensed taxis.
- Sustainability: Refuse plastic, support local businesses, and respect cultural sites.