Unlike Western countries, Southeast Asia is much more affordable whether you're looking for budget-friendly travel or luxury experiences.
To gain a clearer understanding of the expenses associated with a Southeast Asia tour, we've highlighted the key costs and provided suggestions on how to craft your ideal trip without burning a hole in your wallet.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel Around Southeast Asia?
As a first-timer, you're usually advised to stay in Southeast Asia for 2 to 3 weeks. A personalized private tour could efficiently deal with travel logistics and offer a stress-free travel experience, especially for those traveling with family or a partner.
Typically, a multiple-country private tour costs about US$200 to US$250 per person per day, including quality hotels, private local tours, and flights within Southeast Asia. Kids under 10 could get a 30–50% discount.
If you prefer to have an in-depth exploration of a single country, prices vary slightly between countries. You could expect the daily cost to be more than US$250 in Singapore and Indonesia, while in Vietnam and Cambodia, it is less than US$200. For the remaining countries, the daily costs range from US$200 to US$250.
For over 20 years, Asia Highlights has provided premium private tours for over 10,000 groups a year. We are experienced in offering a worry-free Southeast Asia trip, whether it's for family fun, a romantic getaway, or checking something off of a bucket list. Explore the region with our highly-appreciated guides and drivers, and capture memorable moments with our exclusive activities.
You could check out some of our handpicked tours for more price details:
- 12-Day Thailand Family Vacation: from US$2,499 p/p
- 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour: from US$2,733 per adult, US$2,049 per child
- 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam: from US$4,229 p/p
Want to create your dream trip as per your schedule and interests? Contact us for a tailor-made itinerary!
The Most Expensive and Cheapest Times to Go to Southeast Asia
The most expensive times usually coincide with the best weather or the festival season (Christmas and New Year holidays). Most SE Asian countries experience their best weather between November and April, while Indonesia's optimal time is from April to October. If you're traveling during these peak seasons, be prepared for higher costs. Early booking could sometimes be beneficial in securing better deals.
Costs tend to reach their lowest point during the rainy season, primarily from May to October. In Indonesia, this is from November to March. Traveling during the rainy season doesn't necessarily mean you would have a bad experience, as the rainfall mostly occurs as short downpours in the late hours. If you don't mind the extra rain, you could take advantage of significant discounts (20–50%) on flights and hotels.
More ideas on the best times to visit Southeast Asia.
Cost of International Flights to Southeast Asia
Return flights from America or Europe generally cost from US$800 to US$2,000+, while those from Australia and New Zealand are cheaper, ranging from US$300 to US$1,500. The actual airfare depends on your route and seat preferences.
Singapore and Bangkok are the top air hubs in Southeast Asia. Choose Singapore for a better connection to Indonesia and Malaysia, and opt for Bangkok if you're heading to mainland destinations, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
Concerning the costs, flights to Bangkok are cheaper than those to Singapore if you're from America or Europe. For Australians and New Zealanders, Singapore would be a faster and more cost-effective choice.
Check how to plan a trip to Southeast Asia, including couples' trip and family trip>>>
Cost of Accommodation in Southeast Asia
As a backpackers' mecca region, you could easily find hostels at low costs in many SE Asian countries. But for a more comfortable stay, we highly recommend 4- or 5-star hotels.
The room rates for a 4-star hotel range from US$70 to US$130 per room per night, while a 5-star hotel starts from US$150 per room per night. For the same quality service, room rates in coastal cities are higher than those inland. Additionally, the more developed the city you stay in, the more choices you would have.
As a travel agent, we collaborate with many hotels to offer competitive prices. Simultaneously, we have carefully-selected high-quality hotels within the same price range, whether you prefer adult-only or family-friendly options. In addition to international hotels, we've thoughtfully selected distinctive boutique hotels for you and your loved one(s), such as floating hotels in Kanchanaburi, bungalows just a few steps from the beaches in Phuket, as well as jungle hotels and clifftop hotels with infinity pools in Bali.
Unveil the handpicked itineraries for 10 days, 2 weeks or 3 weeks in Southeast Asia>>>
Cost of Transportation in Southeast Asia
For long-distance travel, especially between countries, flights are the fastest (typically about 1 hour) and most comfortable option, with fares ranging from $60 to $150. For a more relaxed pace, an 8-day Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia would be a good choice.
For shorter trips, private transfers are highly recommended. They help to create a stress-free vacation without route worries and lots of walking from/to public transportation. They also provide flexibility for your schedule and itinerary.
Overwhelmed by the logistics of your Southeast Asia trip? Leave your interests and requests, and your travel expert will personalize a private tour for you within 24 hours!
Cost of Food in Southeast Asia
Dining is generally inexpensive. Southeast Asia provides abundant food choices: nice street food at US$1–3 per person, affordable meals at local restaurants at US$4–20 per person, and fine dining at US$60+ per person. If you're looking for Western food, the price would go up by at least 20%.
The food costs may vary slightly across different countries. Well-developed countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, tend to be more expensive, whereas less-developed countries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, are generally more affordable.
Unlock expert tips for your Singapore and Bali trip planning>>>
Cost of Attractions/Activities in Southeast Asia
When traveling in Southeast Asia, expenses for entrance fees primarily focus on each country's iconic attractions and unique activities.
In Southeast Asia, beaches, temples, and museums are mainly free and some of them cost just US$3–5. However, the prices of historical landmarks would increase to between $15 and US$60, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Grand Palace in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia.
The local cultural shows cost about US$20–50 per person. A street food walking tour, a countryside biking tour, or a trip to an elephant sanctuary costs from US$50–100 per person.
Certainly, seaside activities are not to be missed in a Southeast Asia trip. Island-hopping tours with snorkeling experiences usually cost more than US$120.
If you're willing to pay extra for a more exclusive experience, we could also customize it for you, such as a local wedding experience.
Cost of Visas to Southeast Asian Countries
Americans and Europeans enjoy visa-free policies in most countries in SE Asia. But, when traveling to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, you're expected to pay a visa fee of about US$25 to US$50 per country for a 30-day stay. The longer you stay, the more you have to pay.
Further reading:
- Itinerary options for 2 weeks in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia
Discover Southeast Asia With Us
You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.