Cost Breakdown: 28 Days in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia was probably one of the most inexpensive places I have ever traveled. Although we didn’t choose the cheapest way to travel through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, I still managed to only spend approximately $3,427.22 for 28 days in Southeast Asia.

If you are looking to spend less on a trip to SEA, you can easily cut costs by doing the following:

• Stay in dorm rooms in every location you visit
• Eat mainly street food or food from the grocery store and markets
• Take the bus or train between countries instead of flying
• Opt for less organized tours while there

*Note: All prices listed were my portion of the trip. There were 2 people on this trip, therefore these prices may defer or have a single person supplement if traveling alone. All prices are in USD and are approximate. 

Transportation

*Note: taxis that we took between places and from the airports were all included within the spending money amount below

Flight from Canada to Bangkok and Bangkok to Canada 
$1,131.00/each (roundtrip)

Internal Flights
$610.91/each (one-way)

Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
$19.00/each (2nd class)

TOTAL: $1,760.91/each

Accommodations

Bangkok, Thailand (Lub.d Siem Square)
Length: 3 nights
Room: Private double room with ensuite & 4 bed female dorm (we stayed here twice)
Price: FREE – We found Instagram contests to enter leading up to our trip and lucked out by winning 3 nights free!

Chiang Mai, Thailand (Hug Hostel)
Length: 3 nights
Room: 4 bed female dorm
Price: $35.45/each

Luang Prabang, Laos (Liberty Guesthouse)
Length: 3 nights
Room: Superior double bed private ensuite room
Price: $30.60/each

Hanoi, Vietnam (Little Hanoi Hostel)
Length: 3 nights
Room: Private twin room
Price: $30.00/each

Krabi, Thailand (Pak-Up Hostel)
Length: 1 night
Room: Deluxe 10 bed female dorm
Price: $16.20/each
*Note: We ended up paying less then the above price for this hostel because they messed up our reservation and we were in a mixed dorm instead

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand (Phi Phi Dream)
Length: 3 nights
Room: Standard private room with AC
Price: $61.34/each

Siem Reap, Cambodia (Mad Monkey Hostel)
Length: 4 nights
Room: Private twin standard room with AC
Price: $44.00/each

Ao Nang, Thailand (Havet House)
Length: 2 nights
Room: Standard 4 bed mixed dorm
Price: $12.27/each

TOTAL: $229.86/each

Tours

Chiang Mai, Thailand
Elephant Nature Park (2 day/1 night)
$178.00/each

Earth Eco Tour – Ziplining, White Water Rafting & Bamboo Rafting (Day Trip)
$62.00/each

Luang Prabang, Laos
Banana Boat Tours – Temples, Bears & Waterfalls (Day Trip)
$50.00/each

Hanoi, Vietnam
Halong Bay Tour – Kangaroo Cafe (2 day/1 night)
$109.00/each

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand 
Island Tour (Day Trip)
$30.00/each

Maya Bay Sleep Aboard (2 days/1 night)
$92.00/each

TOTAL: $521.00/each

Spending Money

This total cost includes food, shopping, entrance into attractions and transportation in taxis at each destination. Keep in mind that I also did my Christmas shopping there, and we did not eat the cheapest way possible, so this price could easily come down.

TOTAL: $915.45

Other SEA Reading Material:

• How to Travel SEA The Cheapest
• A Guide to Tourist Visas in SEA
• Packing for 28 Days in SEA