Southeast Asia is a paradise for budget traveler’s, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and affordable accommodations, transport, and food. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, relaxing on pristine beaches, or trekking through lush jungles, there’s no shortage of adventure-friendly and cost-effective destinations.
Here are the best budget travel destinations in Southeast Asia for backpackers, complete with travel tips, estimated costs in £, and the best seasons to visit.
1. Vietnam – The Backpacker’s Dream
💰 Budget: £15–£30 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: March–April, September–November
Why Go?
Vietnam is one of the cheapest and most exciting backpacking destinations. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Sapa, there’s something for every traveler.
Top Experiences
✔️ Cruise through Ha Long Bay on a budget-friendly boat tour
✔️ Trek in the terraced rice fields of Sapa
✔️ Ride a motorbike through the Ha Giang Loop for breathtaking views
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Eat at street food stalls (delicious meals for under £1)
✅ Use budget-friendly sleeper buses for long-distance travel
✅ Stay in hostels for as little as £5 per night
🧳 Packing Tip: Bring a light rain jacket for unexpected showers and comfortable walking shoes for city explorations.
2. Thailand – The Classic Backpacker Destination
💰 Budget: £20–£35 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: November–April
Why Go?
Thailand is famous for its beautiful islands, ancient temples, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re partying at a Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan or trekking in Chiang Mai, Thailand is perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Top Experiences
✔️ Island-hop between Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi
✔️ Visit Bangkok’s temples and bustling street markets
✔️ Trek through the jungles of Northern Thailand
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in dorm rooms (£5–£10 per night) or bamboo bungalows (£10–£15)
✅ Eat at local night markets for cheap, delicious meals (£1–£3)
✅ Use Grab (Asia’s Uber) for affordable transport
🧳 Packing Tip: A sarong is handy for temple visits, beach days, and even as a makeshift towel.
3. Cambodia – History and Adventure on a Budget
💰 Budget: £10–£25 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: November–March
Why Go?
Cambodia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is a must-see, but there’s so much more, from quiet coastal towns to lush countryside.
Top Experiences
✔️ Explore Angkor Wat at sunrise (£30 entrance fee for a day pass)
✔️ Relax in the laid-back riverside town of Kampot
✔️ Party on a budget in Koh Rong’s backpacker paradise
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in budget hostels for £3–£7 per night
✅ Get cheap bus rides between cities (£5–£10)
✅ Eat at local restaurants for meals under £2
🧳 Packing Tip: A headlamp or flashlight is useful for power outages and exploring temples early in the morning.
4. Laos – Off-the-Beaten-Path Beauty
💰 Budget: £10–£20 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: November–April
Why Go?
Laos is less touristy than its neighbors, making it a great choice for slow travel. It’s packed with lush jungles, waterfalls, and sleepy villages perfect for unwinding.
Top Experiences
✔️ Go tubing down the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng
✔️ Swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Falls
✔️ Explore Luang Prabang’s night market and temples
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Take local buses (£3–£8 for long distances)
✅ Get a slow boat to Thailand for an affordable scenic ride
✅ Enjoy cheap street food for under £1 per meal
🧳 Packing Tip: Bug spray is essential—mosquitoes are everywhere!
5. Indonesia – Budget Bliss for Beach Lovers
💰 Budget: £15–£30 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: April–October
Why Go?
Indonesia is a huge and diverse country with cheap accommodation, incredible surfing, and stunning temples. Bali is a favorite, but places like Lombok and Yogyakarta are even more affordable.
Top Experiences
✔️ Surf in Canggu or Uluwatu on a budget
✔️ Visit Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta
✔️ Hike Mount Bromo for a breathtaking sunrise
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in guesthouses for £5–£10 per night
✅ Rent a motorbike (£3 per day) instead of taxis
✅ Eat at warungs (local restaurants) for meals under £2
🧳 Packing Tip: A dry bag is great for island-hopping adventures.
6. The Philippines – Cheap Island-Hopping Paradise
💰 Budget: £15–£30 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: December–May
Why Go?
The Philippines is perfect for backpackers looking for cheap island-hopping, pristine beaches, and adventure sports.
Top Experiences
✔️ Snorkel with whale sharks in Cebu
✔️ Island-hop in El Nido and Coron
✔️ Explore rice terraces in Banaue
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in budget hostels for £5–£10 per night
✅ Take ferries instead of expensive flights
✅ Eat at carinderias (local food stalls) for meals under £2
🧳 Packing Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
7. Myanmar – Budget-Friendly and Less Touristy
💰 Budget: £10–£20 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: November–February
Why Go?
Myanmar is one of the least-visited yet most rewarding destinations in Southeast Asia. From golden pagodas to remote villages, it offers authentic cultural experiences at low prices.
Top Experiences
✔️ Explore the ancient temples of Bagan by bike or e-scooter
✔️ Trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake through breathtaking countryside
✔️ Visit the golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in budget guesthouses for £5–£10 per night
✅ Travel by overnight bus to save money on accommodations
✅ Eat at local tea shops for meals under £2
🧳 Packing Tip: Bring USD in cash, as ATMs are unreliable in remote areas.
8. Timor-Leste – A Hidden Gem for Budget Traveler’s
💰 Budget: £15–£25 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: May–October
Why Go?
Timor-Leste is one of the most overlooked and cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia. It offers unspoiled beaches, world-class diving, and mountainous landscapes.
Top Experiences
✔️ Snorkel or dive in the pristine waters of Atauro Island
✔️ Hike to the top of Mount Ramelau for stunning sunrise views
✔️ Relax on untouched beaches with zero tourist crowds
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in homestays or local guesthouses for £7–£15 per night
✅ Eat at warungs (small eateries) for meals under £3
✅ Use local minibuses (“mikrolets”) for cheap transportation
🧳 Packing Tip: Bring snorkelling gear, as rentals can be limited in remote areas.
9. Malaysia – Affordable and Underrated for Backpackers
💰 Budget: £15–£30 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: December–April
Why Go?
Malaysia combines bustling cities, tropical islands, and stunning highlands at budget-friendly prices. Kuala Lumpur is an urban paradise, while Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands offer crystal-clear beaches.
Top Experiences
✔️ Wander through the street art-filled alleys of George Town, Penang
✔️ Hike through the Cameron Highlands tea plantations
✔️ Explore the rainforests of Borneo for cheap jungle treks
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in hostels for £5–£15 per night
✅ Eat at hawker stalls—delicious meals for under £2
✅ Use budget airlines like AirAsia for cheap domestic flights
🧳 Packing Tip: Bring a light sweater, as buses and shopping malls blast air conditioning.
10. Singapore (On a Budget!) – Luxury City on a Backpacker’s Wallet
💰 Budget: £25–£40 per day
☀️ Best time to visit: February–April, September–November
Why Go?
Singapore is known for being expensive, but backpackers can still explore this ultra-modern city without spending too much. With cheap food, free attractions, and excellent public transport, it’s a great stopover destination.
Top Experiences
✔️ Wander through Gardens by the Bay (free at night)
✔️ Enjoy stunning views from Marina Bay Sands Light Show (free)
✔️ Walk through the colourful streets of Little India and Chinatown
Budget Travel Tips
✅ Stay in budget hostels or capsule hotels (£10–£20 per night)
✅ Eat at hawker centers (delicious meals under £3)
✅ Use public transport instead of taxis
🧳 Packing Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle, as tap water is safe to drink—saving money on bottled water.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Southeast Asia Adventure on a Budget!
Southeast Asia is one of the cheapest and most exciting regions for backpackers. With affordable hostels, street food, and easy transportation, you can travel for weeks or even months without spending a fortune.
🌍 Which of these budget-friendly destinations will you visit first?
