{"id":4384,"date":"2022-08-14T22:25:57","date_gmt":"2022-08-14T22:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traceyeaton.com\/?p=4384"},"modified":"2022-08-14T22:49:34","modified_gmt":"2022-08-14T22:49:34","slug":"southeast-asia-on-a-shoestring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traceyeaton.com\/index.php\/2022\/08\/14\/southeast-asia-on-a-shoestring\/","title":{"rendered":"Southeast Asia on a shoestring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Backpackers flock to Southeast Asia because it’s so affordable.
\n“…Backpacking in Southeast Asia is very cheap compared to traveling to other parts of the world,” according to the Broke Backpacker<\/a> website. “You don\u2019t have to count your pennies and hustle at every step of the way in order to enjoy a beer at the end of the day. I\u2019d say this part of the world takes the cake when it comes to budget backpacking.”
\nSome Thai officials say the country shouldn’t rely on cost alone to lure tourists.
\n“We cannot let people come to Thailand and say because it’s cheap,” Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters in Bangkok. “Instead they should say ‘because it works, it’s reasonable’, that’s where we can increase value.”
\nHe said Thailand should follow the example of luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton.
\n“Hold your ground. Sell premium. The more expensive, the more customers. Otherwise Louis Vuitton wouldn’t have any sales.”
\nFor now, though, Southeast Asia is a great place for budget travelers. I returned from Laos and Thailand earlier this month. I had no checked luggage – just an Osprey backpack as my carry-on. I planned only a few days ahead and tried not to spend more than $20 per night for lodging.
\nI decided early on that I didn’t need to see every single sight and attraction. I wanted to take some time to walk through neighborhoods, towns and villages without feeling I needed to rush on to the next spot right away.
\nBy the time the trip was over, I had walked 157 miles or more than five miles per day, according to my iPhone.
\nI traveled to Bangkok on Korean Air via JFK and Seoul. The ticket was pricey – $1,600 round trip – but it was the cheapest I could find when I booked the flight.
\nDuring the 12-plus hours from JFK to Seoul, I sat in economy, near the back of the plane, but legroom wasn’t bad and service was great.
\nIncheon Airport<\/a> was impressive – beautiful, modern, spacious. I especially liked the trees.
\nBelow are photos and links to the places where I stayed.<\/p>\n

La Locanda<\/a>, Bangkok – $21. It was around midnight when I arrived. I chose this neighborhood so I could explore Chinatown, where some vendors were taking advantage of a new law allowing the sale of marijuana. I also passed by restaurants offering shark fin.
\nLamphu House<\/a>, Bangkok – $15. Located in Bangkok’s Old Town. It’s touristy, but pedestrian friendly and fun to explore.
\nCasa Picasso Hotel and Restaurant<\/a>, Bangkok- $16. Also in Old Town, but I wanted to get out of the city and enjoy nature and so I didn’t stay long.<\/p>\n