With inflation concerns dominating travel conversations, a couple's transparent breakdown of 12 months traveling Southeast Asia offers valuable data: comfortable mid-range travel in the region is still achievable—but not all countries are created equal.
The couple spent approximately €30,000 total (€15,000 per person) across nine countries over a full year, averaging €40 per day per person (roughly $43 USD). Their budget covered accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and visas—everything except flights to and from the region.
The detailed breakdown shared on r/backpacking reveals surprising cost differences between destinations that travelers often lump together:
Cheapest destinations: • Laos: €28/day per person • Indonesia (first visit): €33/day • Malaysia: €34/day • Vietnam: €34/day
Mid-range: • Indonesia (Bali/Lombok): €35/day • Philippines: €36/day • Thailand (outside holidays): €37/day
Most expensive: • Cambodia: €45/day • Thailand (Christmas/New Year): €48/day
The Cambodia figure stands out—many budget travelers assume Cambodia is among the cheapest countries in the region, but the couple's data suggests otherwise. Rising accommodation costs in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, combined with relatively expensive tourist site entrance fees (Angkor Wat passes start at $37/day), push daily costs higher than Vietnam or Laos.
Thailand's holiday premium is equally noteworthy. The same country cost 30% more during the Christmas/New Year period compared to regular months, demonstrating the significant impact of seasonal pricing on long-term budgets.


