14 Days Southeast Asia Budget Itinerary
This 14-day itinerary explores the vibrant cities of Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on cultural immersion and budget-friendly experiences. Expect ancient temples, bustling markets, and delicious street food.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$420-$700 total estimate
Best Time
November to February
Activities
56
Daily Avg
$40/day
Cities
Bangkok (3d), Siem Reap (4d), Ho Chi Minh City (7d)
Pace
Moderate
Southeast Asia offers a diverse tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It's also a budget-friendly destination perfect for backpackers.
Your itinerary covers 10 of 12 must-have experiences
Temple Visits
Day 1: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Street Food
Day 2: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Historical Sites
Day 2: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
Markets
Day 2: Chatuchak Weekend Market (if applicable)
River Cruises
Day 11: Mekong Delta Day Trip
Cultural Performances
Day 6: Dinner & Apsara Dance Show (optional)
Rooftop Bars
Day 3: Rooftop Bar (optional)
Floating Villages
Day 7: Kampong Phluk Floating Village
War History
Day 8: War Remnants Museum
Local Transportation
Day 2: Dinner
Bargaining
e.g., Markets, Souvenir Shops
Cooking Class
e.g., Thai Cooking Class (Bangkok), Khmer Cooking Class (Siem Reap)
Southeast Asia offers a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, blending fresh ingredients with bold flavors and unique cooking techniques. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, prepare for a delicious adventure exploring the region's iconic dishes and local specialties. Be prepared for a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami tastes.
Must-Try Dishes
Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, egg, and bean sprouts, tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce. A classic Thai dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
π Street food stalls, restaurants throughout Thailand
A fragrant noodle soup with broth (typically beef or chicken), rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). A comforting and flavorful Vietnamese staple.
π Street food stalls, restaurants in Vietnam, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
A spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, prawns, fish cakes, and tofu puffs. There are many regional variations, from the sour Assam Laksa to the creamy Curry Laksa.
π Hawker centers, restaurants in Malaysia and Singapore
A savory dish of meat (chicken or pork) braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. A national dish of the Philippines, known for its tangy and umami flavors.
π Restaurants, home-style eateries throughout the Philippines
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its diverse Chinese cuisine and bustling street food scene.
Known for its traditional Vietnamese dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
Known for its Peranakan cuisine and hawker food.
Known for distinct ethnic cuisines and hawker fare
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. Look for tofu dishes, vegetable curries, and salads. When ordering, clearly specify your dietary requirements. For halal food, seek out restaurants with halal certification, particularly in Muslim-majority areas. Be mindful of common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, and soy sauce.
In many Southeast Asian countries, it's customary to use a fork and spoon. Chopsticks are typically used for noodle dishes. Avoid sticking your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral offering. It's polite to try a little bit of everything offered. Sharing food is common. Avoid wasting food, as it's considered disrespectful.
Songkran (Thai New Year)
AprilWater festival celebrated throughout Thailand, expect large crowds and water fights.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
NovemberCambodia's Water Festival celebrates the end of the monsoon season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow.
π£οΈInteresting Detours & Side Trips
- πΆArrive at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airport and take the Airport Rail Link or a taxi/bus to Khao San Road.$5
2:00 PM - Check into Hostel
Settle into your hostel in the Khao San Road area.
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- πΆTake a taxi or tuk-tuk from Khao San Road to Wat Arun.$2
4:00 PM - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Explore the iconic temple on the Chao Phraya River.
Book on Klook - πΆWalk around Khao San Road to find a street food stall.$3
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Street Food Stall
Enjoy authentic Thai street food.
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- πΆExplore Khao San Road on foot.
Khao San Road
Central location, budget-friendly options, vibrant nightlife.
π Best Time to Visit
November to February
During the peak season, Southeast Asia experiences warm and sunny weather with low humidity. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region's attractions. Temperatures are generally comfortable, but it can get hot during midday.
November to February is the dry season in much of Southeast Asia, making it the most popular time to visit. Expect pleasant weather and fewer rain showers.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in late January or early February can cause closures and increased prices.
Travel
$150Accommodation
$140Food
$140Activities
$30Embrace street food and local markets for incredibly delicious and affordable meals; this is where you'll find the most authentic flavors at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Utilize local transportation options like buses, trains, and ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek) instead of private taxis for significant savings on getting around.
Invest in a unique experience, such as a multi-day liveaboard diving trip, a cooking class to master local cuisine, or a luxurious traditional spa treatment.
Consider one or two nights in a boutique hotel or a resort with stunning views, particularly in a scenic location like an island or mountain retreat, for a memorable treat.
Always negotiate prices politely when shopping in markets; a general rule of thumb is to aim for 20-50% off the initial asking price, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
Look for eateries packed with locals β this is a reliable sign of good, authentic, and safe food at local prices. Don't be afraid to try small, unassuming stalls.
- Learn basic phrases in the local languages.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
- Try the local street food, but be mindful of hygiene.
- 1Lightweight clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Sunscreen and insect repellent
- 4Universal adapter
- 5First-aid kit
Visa Requirements
Check visa requirements for your nationality for each country you plan to visit; apply well in advance if necessary (some allow visa on arrival, others require prior application).
International Flights
Book 3-6 months ahead for the best prices, especially for peak season travel or popular routes.
Accommodation
Book popular hotels/hostels 1-3 months in advance, particularly for high season, specific events, or highly-rated boutique stays.
Popular Tours & Attractions
Book major tours (e.g., Angkor Wat multi-day passes, Ha Long Bay cruises, popular island hopping trips) 1-2 months ahead as they can sell out, especially premium options.
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking your first trip component to cover potential cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
eSIM or Local SIM
Purchase an eSIM online before departure or plan to buy a physical SIM card upon arrival at the airport for immediate connectivity.
Domestic Flights / Long-distance Train & Bus Tickets
For popular internal routes (e.g., Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City), book 2-4 weeks in advance to secure seats and better prices, particularly if traveling on a specific schedule.
Airport Transfers
Arrange transfers in advance, especially for late-night arrivals or if you prefer a hassle-free start; often available via hotel or Klook.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details β such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options β closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
π Airalo website or app
π Airport kiosks, convenience stores, telco shops
π Klook website or app
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Some public spaces also offer free WiFi, but the connection may be unreliable. Quality can vary greatly. Be cautious when using public WiFi, especially for sensitive transactions.
Useful Apps
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for the best data rates and coverage. Check the coverage map of the local telco before purchasing. Download offline maps and translation data before your trip. Be aware of roaming charges if you use your home country's SIM card. Consider using a VPN for added security when using public WiFi.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas. Exercise caution when traveling at night and avoid scams.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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