Savings tips for traveling through Southeast Asia

From taxi to beer: Tips for those traveling on a budget in Southeast Asia.

With affordable accommodations, good and cheap food and drinks, Southeast Asia is the perfect destination for those on a tighter budget. Think of the fantastic and interesting countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.

No matter where you travel to, this part of Asia can be easily discovered with a small wallet. However, because the distances are great, you regularly use taxis, trains, buses or other means of transport and you are bound to be tempted by numerous souvenirs, a holiday can turn out to be more expensive than expected. So here are eight smart tips to make sure you don't pay too much and it doesn't end up being 'flat broke' in Thailand.

1. Take night buses and trains
Whenever possible, we recommend opting for night buses and trains. Long-distance travel in Southeast Asia is cheap and the network is very extensive. Everything is usually well organized. The locals mainly travel at night because travel is cheaper then and the journey is relatively relaxed. Most trains and buses have beds or reclining seats and air conditioning. There are people who prefer not to travel at night for safety reasons. But actually the same risk applies at night as during the day. Just don't lose track of your things and pay attention to what's going on around you. By traveling at night you save on hotel costs and you don't have to spend days traveling. You can spend that time visiting beautiful temples and an extra hour at the beach.

2. Book a seat instead of a bed
If you decide to travel by train at night, a seat is the cheapest solution. Make no mistake, the seats are far from equivalent to first-class travel, but at least you'll have more room to move around and recline them a bit. The most relaxed is a folding bed (usually there are 4 beds in a compartment), but these are not always hygienic and more expensive. Many trains are currently being renovated, including in Vietnam. There they exchange wagons from the 60s and 70s for modern models from Korea. Whether you choose a chair or a lounger, you always have the same facilities at your disposal. Just don't forget to bring earplugs, it can be quite noisy (part of the experience of the trip!).

3. Eat meals on the street, try street food
Many travelers do not dare to buy food from street stalls for fear of intestinal diseases or other worse things. The truth is different. On the streets of Southeast Asia, you will encounter the freshest food prepared on the spot. Good, healthy and cheap. Plus, isn't it part of your adventure? You can taste the tastiest dishes and meals in backstreets. From noodles with chicken to refined dim sum with sesame seeds. The vendors buy their produce fresh every day from local markets, so you can be sure you're eating something authentic. Check out popular spots where the locals like to go.

4. Drink Bia Hoi
To quench the thirst, opt for locally loved drinks if you don't want to go out of your budget. Every day at about five o'clock in the afternoon, the cafeterias in Vietnam are running out. People sit on plastic stools in the street. Bia Hi time! The beers are served for about 0,10 euro cents. The tastiest Asian bites such as steak dumplings pass by for about 0,50 euro cents per portion. Find a stool, watch the world go by, have a chat with people and enjoy. This daily ritual is quite common throughout Southeast Asia. Every country and every city has its own version of Bia Hoi, the beer brewed in Hanói.

Three of us in a Tuk-Tuk – sippakorn / Shutterstock.com

5. Bargain
Whenever possible, pride yourself on negotiating. Especially in large markets. This way you can be sure that you are paying the best price. Whether it concerns (fake) design items, a cup of tea or coffee. Shopkeepers and market vendors assume that there will be haggling, so there is no need to be ashamed. Sometimes the price suddenly goes up when they see that you are a tourist. That is why there is always room to negotiate about the price of the desired 'Prada' bag. You win a bargain and you have some money left over for Bia Hoi.

6. Leave your toothbrush at home
Excuse me? Yes, because most hostels and cheap hotels in Southeast Asia offer free kits with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and even razor blades. That is not to say that it is all of superior quality, but it will pass. This way you save on a few toiletries. In addition, it saves something in the luggage. Maybe an extra bikini or a book to read on Koh Phi Phi.

7. Avoid organized tours
Organized tours are sometimes fun and cheap and you also see the most beautiful parts of Southeast Asia. But in general it is advisable to arrange trips and tours on your own. The major cities in Southeast Asia have excellent bus networks. They will take you to your destination for little money. A (admittedly) challenging alternative is to rent a bicycle. For 3 euros you are already on the pedals and the adventure begins. For example, rent a bicycle if you want to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia, instead of opting for an organized tour with a rickety bus. See the sun rise there. An indescribable experience!

8. Agree a rate with the taxi driver
If you prefer wheeled vehicles, hop in a tuk tuk or tax. They can be found everywhere in most cities and towns. It is smart to agree on a fixed rate before you get on. And: try to negotiate a discount. This ensures that you have not lost a fortune once you reach your destination.

Just make sure you know exactly where to go and where to get off. It is well known that taxi drivers often drive in circles and include travel agencies and hotels in their route to sell travelers a tour or a certain accommodation. After that they also charge extra for the ride. Establishing the price and route immediately helps to prevent such practices.

Source: Skyscanner