Secrets to Saving Money While Backpacking in Southeast Asia

Eating street food, taking buses instead of planes, or not buying all-inclusive tours will help you save a lot of expenses.

Traveling in Asia in general and Southeast Asia in particular always attracts Western tourists due to its rich culture and excellent street food. In her latest article, travel expert Neecey Beresford shared some valuable tips with readers, especially those from Western countries, for a fascinating trip at the most affordable price.

1. Utilize various modes of transportation

One of the useful tips when traveling through this area is to always use the most affordable means of transportation possible. You should explore various options before making a decision.

Try purchasing a night bus ticket in Vietnam, sleeping on the second floor on double-decker buses in Thailand or Malaysia at a more comfortable price. Although it may not be as convenient, this will save you a considerable amount compared to booking a direct flight. Additionally, sleeping overnight on a bus will save you from spending an extra night in a hotel and allow you to interact and make friends with like-minded people on the journey.

During long journeys, there won't be many stops for you to eat, so remember to bring plenty of snacks to soothe hunger. A thin blanket, a sleeping pillow, and an eye mask will help you sleep better on the bumpy 'bed' throughout the night.

2. Enjoy street food and local specialties

If you have aversions to street food, it's best to overcome them before setting off because these dishes are what define the culinary identity of Southeast Asian countries. It seems like the most unique and appealing dishes are only sold on the streets rather than in upscale restaurants.

Moreover, their prices are unbelievably cheap. With just 1 USD, tourists still have plenty of options. As a result, the cost of dining decreases significantly. Therefore, book a hotel room right in the busiest dining areas like Pratunam in Bangkok, Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur, or Chinatown and Bugis in Singapore so you don't have to worry much about your stomach and expenses for this category.

Regarding drinks in Southeast Asia, local beer brands are considerably cheaper than famous branded beers or alcoholic beverages like cocktails. When going to entertainment venues such as bars and pubs, Western tourists often suggest ordering cheap drinks originating from that country to have more experiences while saving money. According to a study, this can reduce your expenses by up to 50% compared to just sticking with famous beer brands.

Another option is to drink various types of fruit juices, which are specialties not to be missed when visiting tropical countries. Especially for Western tourists, it's hard to imagine a glass of delicious, refreshing fruit juice, freshly made before your eyes, costing less than 1 USD.

3. Bargain when shopping

Bargaining is a must-have skill when shopping if you don't want to be ripped off. Sometimes, there won't be fixed prices but rather depend on your negotiating skills with the shopkeeper. In Laos, bargaining is quite easy, in Thailand, it's a bit challenging but overall, the sellers are quite easygoing. However, in Vietnam, this is truly a big challenge, especially for Western visitors.

Neecey Beresford shares that it seems like shop owners in Vietnam will show annoyance if they know you're just browsing or taking photos without actually intending to buy. Therefore, it's best not to annoy them.

Usually, the starting prices are 'sky-high', don't hesitate to negotiate them down but with a friendly attitude. The sellers will gradually lower the price for you. You should also learn some bargaining tips like not showing too much interest in something on the shelf, checking prices from other stores, always smiling, pretending to walk away, etc.

4. Stay in dormitory hostels

Accommodation can consume a lot of your money on the trip. The bigger the city, the higher the fee. If in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, with 50 USD, tourists can choose a 3-4 star hotel room with many comfortable amenities, while in Singapore, this price range is only enough for a basic room in a guesthouse.

If traveling in a large group, staying in dormitory hostels is the perfect choice for those with modest budgets. Tourists can rent a large room with 6 to 10 beds at a price per person of only about 10 USD per night. This not only saves money but also creates a cheerful atmosphere, providing opportunities to socialize and make friends with like-minded 'backpackers'.

5. Always negotiate taxi fares before traveling

Taxis, tuk-tuks, or cyclos in most Southeast Asian countries rarely have fixed prices. If you're traveling on a tight budget, be cautious before boarding these types of vehicles. In reality, many backpackers have painful experiences with drivers, as the fare for a few kilometers can equal a night's stay at a 5-star hotel.

Negotiating prices, confirming whether you need to tip the driver, and requesting not to stop at roadside shops are essential tasks to do before getting into the vehicle.

However, even after negotiating, the price can still change when you arrive at your destination, where you have little chance to complain. Therefore, it's advisable to carry a certain amount of cash with you to prevent the worst-case scenario. Travelers should also keep the hotline number of the local tourism authorities handy in case they are overcharged.

6. Avoid buying all-inclusive tours

Even when visiting famously low-cost destinations, you should remain vigilant to avoid tourist traps. All-inclusive tours are a prime example, often priced much higher than their actual value. You should also be cautious when tour guides lead you to shopping places where they receive commissions afterward.

Blogger Neecey Beresford issued a warning example with the Mekong Delta tour in Vietnam, where many Western visitors were taken on a detour through orchards, wasting time and having to buy fruits at prices much higher than the market rate.

To avoid these pitfalls, backpackers often research information online and devise their own travel plans. If traveling in a group, in places without bus routes, you can hire a local guide and a taxi; that's how you can start your journey.

Only book tours in cases where you can't go independently due to strict legal regulations, such as the Son Doong Cave exploration tour in Quang Binh.

Source: Ngôi Sao

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour