Southeast Asia on a Shoestring Budget: Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore

Southeast Asia is a region known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. With popular destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, the region has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. However, traveling to these countries can be expensive, and budget-conscious travelers may wonder if it’s possible to explore the region on a shoestring budget.

In this post, we will provide you with two different itineraries – one for 10 days and another for 15 days – that will allow you to experience the best of Southeast Asia without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply looking for ways to save money on your trip, our itineraries will help you make the most of your time in these three amazing countries.

Visa requirements for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore

Visa requirements for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore may vary depending on your country of citizenship. As an Indian citizen, you will need to obtain a visa for all three countries. Here’s some information on how to apply for visas and their costs:

Thailand:

• Visa Type: Tourist Visa (single entry)
• Cost: $40 USD or 2,800 INR (subject to change)
• Application Process: You can apply for a Thai tourist visa online through the Thai Embassy or Consulate in India. You will need to fill out the application form and provide supporting documents such as your passport, flight details, and accommodation information. The processing time is usually around 3-5 business days. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.vfsglobal.com/thailand/india/tourist_visa.html

Malaysia:

• Visa Type: eVisa (single entry)
• Cost: $45 USD or 3,200 INR (subject to change)
• Application Process: You can apply for a Malaysia eVisa online through the official Malaysian government website or through authorized visa agents. You will need to provide your passport, flight details, and accommodation information. The processing time is usually around 2-3 business days. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.windowmalaysia.my/evisa/evisa.jsp

Singapore:

• Visa Type: Visit Visa (single entry)
• Cost: $30 USD or 2,100 INR (subject to change)
• Application Process: You can apply for a Singapore visit visa online through the official Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website or through authorized visa agents. You will need to provide your passport, flight details, and accommodation information. The processing time is usually around 3-5 business days. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.ica.gov.sg/apply/visa-to-enter-or-transit-in-singapore/overview

Note: The above information is subject to change and it's recommended to check the respective embassy/consulate websites for updated information.

Itinerary for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in a Single Trip

10-day itinerary for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in a single trip

Here’s a 10-day itinerary for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore with a focus on budget-friendly options:

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand

• Take a night flight from Delhi to Bangkok (approximately $80-100 one-way)
• Stay: Budget option – Baan Noppawong hotel in Bangkok (approximately $15-20 per night or 1000-1500 INR). Other options include Khaosan Art Hotel, Pannee Lodge, and Rest with Inn.
• Eat: Some of the vegetarian food options in Bangkok are Jay Fai, May Kaidee’s, Ethos, and Rasayana Retreat. A meal at these places costs around $5-10 or 350-700 INR.

Day 2-4: Bangkok

• Explore the city and visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew ($15 or 500 THB)
• Visit the floating markets (approximately $5-10 or 150-300 THB for boat ride)
• Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market (free)
• Stay: Budget option – Siam Mitr Hostel in Bangkok (approximately $15-20 per night or 1000-1500 INR). Other options include Khaosan Art Hotel, Pannee Lodge, and Rest with Inn.
• Eat: Some of the vegetarian food options in Bangkok are Jay Fai, May Kaidee’s, Ethos, and Rasayana Retreat. A meal at these places costs around $5-10 or 350-700 INR.

Day 5-6: Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Take an overnight train or bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (approximately $20-30 or 1500-2000 THB)
• Visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang (free)
• Hike in the nearby mountains and visit Doi Suthep ($5-10 or 150-300 THB for the entrance fee)
• Stay: Budget option – Green Sleep Hostel in Chiang Mai (approximately $10-15 per night or 700-1000 INR). Other options include Sleep Guesthouse, House No.11, and Julie Guesthouse.
• Eat: Some of the vegetarian food options in Chiang Mai are Pun Pun, Taste from Heaven, Aum Vegetarian, and Reform Kafe. A meal at these places costs around $5-10 or 150-300 THB.

Day 7-8: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Take an overnight train or bus from Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur (approximately $30-40 or 125-175 MYR)
• Visit the Petronas Twin Towers (free to visit the park and take pictures, $20-25 or 80-100 MYR to go up to the observation deck)
• Visit Batu Caves (free)
• Visit Merdeka Square (free)
• Stay: Budget option – Backhome KL in Kuala Lumpur (approximately $20-25 per night or 80-100 MYR). Other options include Rain Forest Bed & Breakfast, Lantern Hotel, and Wolo Bukit Bintang.
• Eat: Some of the vegetarian food options in Kuala Lumpur are Annalakshmi, Ganga Cafe, Mr. Naan & Mrs. Idly, and Simple Life. A meal at these places costs around $5-10 or 20-40 MYR.

Day 9-10: Singapore

• Take an overnight train or bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (approximately $20-30 or 25-40 SGD)
• Visit Gardens by the Bay ($15 or 28 SGD)
• Visit Marina Bay Sands ($23 or 38 SGD for the observation deck)
• Visit Sentosa Island ($20-30 or $30-40 SGD for cable car and attractions)
• Stay: Budget option – The Pod @ Beach Road in Singapore (approximately $25-30 per night or 35-40 SGD). Other options include Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel, The Bohemian Chic Hostel, and Bunc@Radius Clarke Quay.
• Eat: Some of the vegetarian food options in Singapore are Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant, Annalakshmi, The Boneless Kitchen, and Komala Vilas. A meal at these places costs around $5-10 or 7-14 SGD.

Total estimated cost for the 10-day trip:

• Flight from Delhi to Bangkok: $80-100
• Accommodation: $100-130 or 7000-9500 INR
• Transportation: $100-140 or 7500-10,500 INR
• Attractions and food: $150-200 or 11,000-15,000 INR

Note: These costs are estimates and can vary depending on the time of travel, availability of accommodation, and the type of transportation chosen. Additionally, it is advisable to check for any visa requirements beforehand and factor those costs into the overall budget.

Read also: 10 Best Beginner Trekking Routes in India: A Comprehensive Guide

15-day itinerary for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in a single trip

Here’s a 15-day itinerary for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore with a focus on budget-friendly options:

Day 1-3: Bangkok, Thailand

• Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and take a riverboat tour
• Check out the Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping and street food
• Transportation: Take a train or bus to the next destination
• Stay: Budget option – NapPark Hostel at Khao San (approximately $10-15 per night or 300-500 THB). Other options include The Yard Hostel, Mad Monkey Hostel, and Lub d Bangkok Silom Hostel.
• Eat: Vegetarian options in Bangkok include Ethos Vegetarian Restaurant, Mango Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant, and May Veggie Home. A meal at these places costs around $3-8 or 100-250 THB.

Day 4-6: Krabi, Thailand

• Visit Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach
• Explore the Tiger Cave Temple and Krabi Town
• Go island hopping to Koh Poda, Koh Kai, and Koh Mor
• Transportation: Take a bus or train to Hat Yai, then take a bus to Penang, Malaysia
• Stay: Budget option – Pak-Up Hostel in Krabi (approximately $10-15 per night or 300-500 THB). Other options include Slumber Party Hostel, Blanco Hostel, and Sleep Easy Hostel.
• Eat: Vegetarian food options in Krabi are limited, but some restaurants that offer veg dishes are Viva Restaurant, Govinda’s Restaurant, and Ko Dam Kitchen Vegetarian. A meal at these places costs around $3-8 or 100-250 THB.

Day 7-9: Penang, Malaysia

• Visit George Town and explore the street art
• Take a food tour and try local delicacies
• Check out the Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple
• Transportation: Take a bus or train to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Stay: Budget option – Reggae Mansion Hostel in George Town (approximately $10-15 per night or 40-60 MYR). Other options include The Frame Guesthouse, Red Inn Court, and Container Hotel.
• Eat: Vegetarian options in Penang include Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant, Sri Ananda Bahwan, and Sushi Kitchen. A meal at these places costs around $3-8 or 10-25 MYR.

Day 10-12: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Visit the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower
• Explore the Batu Caves and Thean Hou Temple
• Check out the street art in the city
• Transportation: Take a train or bus to Singapore
• Stay: Budget option – The Pod @ Beach Road in Singapore (approximately $25-30 per night or 35-40 SGD). Other options include Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel, The Bohemian Chic Hostel, and Bunc@Radius Clarke Quay.
• Eat: Vegetarian options in Kuala Lumpur include Ganga Cafe, WTF Restaurant, and Annalakshmi. A meal at these places costs around $3-8 or 10-25 MYR.

Day 13-15: Singapore

• Visit the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
• Explore the Chinatown and Little India neighborhoods
• Take a cable car ride to Sentosa Island and visit Universal Studios
• Transportation: Fly back to Delhi from Singapore
• Stay: Budget option – The Pod @ Beach Road in Singapore (approximately $25-30 per night or 35-40 SGD). Other options include Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel, The Bohemian Chic Hostel, and Bunc@Radius Clarke Quay.
• Eat: Vegetarian options in Singapore include Komala Vilas, Annalakshmi, and Real Food. A meal at these places costs around $5-10 or 7-14 SGD.

Total Estimated Cost:

• Flight from Delhi to Bangkok: $150-200 or 11,000-15,000 INR
• Train/bus transportation within Thailand: $50-70 or 3,500-5,000 INR
• Flight from Krabi to Penang: $30-50 or 2,000-3,500 INR
• Train/bus transportation within Malaysia: $40-60 or 2,800-4,200 INR
• Train/bus transportation from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore: $20-30 or 1,400-2,100 INR
• Flight from Singapore to Delhi: $150-200 or 11,000-15,000 INR
• Total estimated transportation cost: $440-610 or 31,000-43,000 INR
• Accommodation for 14 nights: $190-225 or 13,000-16,000 INR
• Total estimated accommodation cost: $190-225 or 13,000-16,000 INR
• Food and drinks for 15 days: $180-240 or 12,500-17,000 INR
• Total estimated food cost: $180-240 or 12,500-17,000 INR
• Total estimated cost: $810-1075 or 57,000-76,000 INR

Note: The above estimates are based on budget-friendly options and may vary depending on the season, availability, and individual preferences.

Things that you should consider carrying with you on your trip

Here are some essential things that you should consider carrying with you on your trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore:

1. Passport and visa: Make sure you have a valid passport and visa for each country you are visiting.
2. Travel documents: Keep your flight tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and other important documents in a safe and easily accessible place.
3. Money: Carry some cash in the local currency and your credit or debit card. You can withdraw money from ATMs, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand in case of emergencies.
4. Power adapter and charger: Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore use different types of power sockets, so make sure you bring a universal power adapter and charger for your electronic devices.
5. Clothing and footwear: Pack comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and activities you have planned. Bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals, and appropriate footwear for any water activities.
6. Toiletries: Bring your own toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and sunscreen.
7. Medications: If you are taking any medications, make sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.
8. Camera and accessories: Capture your memories with a camera and accessories such as memory cards, batteries, and chargers.
9. Travel guidebook: Consider bringing a travel guidebook or downloading a travel app to help you navigate and discover new places.
10. Daypack: Bring a small daypack to carry your essentials while exploring the cities and attractions.

Travel tips for your trip

Here are some travel tips for your trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore:

1. Research the local customs and etiquette before your trip. Different cultures may have different norms and it’s important to be respectful and mindful of them.
2. Pack appropriately for the weather and activities. Thailand and Malaysia are generally hot and humid, while Singapore has a tropical climate with occasional rain showers. Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Depending on your itinerary, you may also need appropriate shoes and gear for activities like hiking, swimming, or sightseeing.
3. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle with you and refill it as needed.
4. Be cautious with street food and tap water. While local cuisine can be tempting, it’s important to be careful with food and water hygiene to avoid getting sick. Stick to reputable restaurants and bottled water or use a water filter bottle.
5. Learn some basic phrases in the local language. While English is widely spoken in these countries, locals may appreciate your effort to speak their language. Knowing some basic phrases like hello, thank you, and excuse me can go a long way.
6. Be aware of scams and tourist traps. Unfortunately, some areas may have scams or overpriced tourist attractions. Do some research beforehand and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
7. Keep your valuables and documents safe. Use a secure bag or wallet to carry your passport, cash, and credit cards. Keep backups of important documents and store them in a safe place.
8. Respect the local environment and wildlife. Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have many natural wonders and it’s important to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment. Avoid littering, respect wildlife, and follow responsible tourism practices.
9. Take advantage of public transportation. These countries have efficient public transportation systems that can save you time and money compared to taxis or private cars. Consider using buses, trains, or local ferries to get around.
10. Finally, enjoy your trip and be open to new experiences. These countries have a lot to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, and sights. Be open to new experiences and make the most of your trip.

Conclusion

Southeast Asia is a destination that can be experienced on any budget, and with careful planning, you can enjoy all the highlights of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore without breaking the bank. From street food to budget accommodations, there are plenty of options to make your trip affordable. With our travel guide, you can now embark on your Southeast Asian adventure with confidence, knowing that you can experience everything this amazing region has to offer, on a shoestring budget. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to explore Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore without spending a fortune!