Southeast Asia

Thailand

Islands, jungle, and world-class street food — Thailand is the easiest place to start a budget trip through Asia, with a travel infrastructure built for shoestring travelers.

The Bangkok skyline of high-rises and glass towers under a dusky sky

Thailand pairs low prices with an easy, well-worn travel infrastructure, which is why it’s often the first stop for people backpacking Southeast Asia.

Why it’s cheap

Street food stalls serve full meals for $1–3, dorm beds start around $6, and overnight buses and trains make long-distance travel affordable and efficient.

Getting around

Buses and trains link every major region, and budget domestic flights (often under $30) make it easy to skip long overland legs when time is tight.

Where budget meets comfort

Chiang Mai and Koh Lanta offer excellent value guesthouses with real comfort — pools, breakfast, and strong wifi — often for $15–20 a night.