Budget Travel: Southeast Asia

Thailand

Bangkok street food under $2 a plate — pad thai, mango sticky rice, boat noodles

Overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai save a hotel night and cost ~$15

Temple circuit in Chiang Mai Old City — most are free or accept small donations

Vietnam

Motorbike rentals around $5/day — the real way to see the countryside

A bowl of pho costs $1-2 on the street and is better than any restaurant version

Halong Bay budget boats: 2-day/1-night cruise for under $80 including meals

Indonesia

Bali is 2-3x pricier than Java — go east to Yogyakarta for temples at a fraction of the cost

Gojek app for rides everywhere — cheaper and safer than haggling with taxi drivers

Eat at warungs (family-run stalls) — nasi campur for under $1.50

General Tips

Haggle respectfully — start at 50% of asking price, meet in the middle with a smile

Eat where the locals eat — if the menu is only in English, you are overpaying

Shoulder season (May-June, Sep-Oct) — lower prices, fewer crowds, still great weather