Amsterdam, Netherlands
The peaceful canals of Amsterdam in the morning. You wouldn’t have guessed that just a few hours earlier this place was crawling with drunks, drug dealers, and hookers.
Tag Archives: travel
Travel Photo of the Week: Athen’s Highest Point
Athens, Greece
Mount Lycabettus (also known as Lycabettos, Lykabettos or Lykavittos) is a great spot to view Greece’s immense capital city from. The hill is the tallest in Athens and is the home to the Chapel of St. George, along with an open-air theatre and a restaurant. Climb the stairs or take the funicular to the top. This photo was taken from the Acropolis.
Travel Photo of the Week: Turkey Family Crossing
Playa Jibacoa, Cuba
Mamá turkey guides her poults across this Cuban country road.
Travel Photo of the Week: Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace
London, England
Victoria Memorial sits in the centre of Queen’s Gardens in front of Buckingham Palace. It was created in remembrance of Queen Victoria who reigned over the kingdom from 1837 to 1901. The memorial is big (unlike the former queen) and the statue in the photo is just one of many that make up the monument.
How much does it cost to travel to Southeast Asia?
If you’re wondering how much to budget for your trip to Southeast Asia, you’ve come to the right place. What follows is a spending summary to give fellow travelers an idea of how much it costs to travel in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and (sort of) Singapore. You will also find a daily budget estimate below each table.
We are frugal travelers which means we don’t spend a lot of money on things like souvenirs, fancy meals, fabulous hotels, or first-class tickets. We do, however, like to maximize the bang for our buck; this requires planning and research on our part. We are a couple, and this gives us an advantage when traveling as we can split everything 50/50. In fact, a shared double room often tends to work out cheaper than the cost of a dorm bed.
“Day Trips etc.” includes admission fees, taxis, public transit fares, beer money, laundry, sundries, and the odd souvenir.
“Transport” is the cost of transportation between cities: buses, trains, boats, etc.
The numbers which follow are on a per person basis.
We scored a one-way flight from New York (JFK) to Bangkok, Thailand via Shanghai, China with China Eastern Airlines for $582.50 per person. This cost is not included in the numbers below.
Thailand
29 days
| THB (฿) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 5491 | 189.40 |
| Food | 5682 | 196.00 |
| Day Trips etc. | 3425 | 118.20 |
| Transport | 4166 | 143.90 |
| Total | ฿18,764 | $647.50 |
These numbers include an internal flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and the Bangkok airport departure tax (฿700).
Daily budget for Thailand: CAD$22.30 per day.
Click here for more information on how to travel to Thailand on this budget.
Cambodia
22 days
KHR ( ) |
US ($) | |
| Accommodation | 386,286 | 97.00 |
| Food | 741,709 | 186.25 |
| Day Trips etc. | 454,943 | 114.25 |
| Transport | 297,654 | 74.75 |
| Total | KHR1,880,592 |
$472.25 |
Daily budget for Cambodia: US$21.50 per day.
This does not include a visa for Cambodia which costs US$20 at Phnom Penh airport, or the flight from Bangkok which cost about $60. This brings the total for our Cambodia expenses to US$532.25.
Click here for more information on how to travel to Cambodia on this budget.
Laos
23 days
| LAK (₭) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 916,500 | 119.70 |
| Food | 1,054,500 | 137.90 |
| Day Trips etc. | 636,500 | 83.20 |
| Transport | 385,000 | 50.30 |
| Total | ₭2,992,500 | $391.10 |
Daily budget for Laos: CAD$17 per day.
This does not include the CAD$48 visa-on-arrival for Laos which we received at the Cambodia-Laos land border. Including the visa, this brings our total for Laos to $439.10.
Click here for more information on how to travel to Laos on this budget.
Vietnam
22 days
| VND (₫) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 3,311,000 | 162.90 |
| Food | 3,873,000 | 190.60 |
| Day Trips etc. | 815,500 | 40.10 |
| Transport | 1,191,000 | 58.60 |
| Total | ₫9,190,500 |
$452.20 |
Daily budget for Vietnam: CAD$20.50 per day.
This does not include the CAD$45 visa that we purchased from the Vietnamese embassy in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This brings our total to $497.20.
Click here for more information on how to travel to Vietnam on this budget.
The Philippines
16 days
| PHP (₱) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 5300 | 134.00 |
| Food | 8113.50 | 205.00 |
| Day Trips etc. | 1030 | 26.00 |
| Transport | 760 | 19.20 |
| Total | ₱15,203.50 | $384.20 |
Daily budget for the Philippines: CAD$24 per day.
This does not include a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Puerto Princesa via Manila which cost $170. This brings our total for the Philippines to $554.20.
Click here for more information on how to travel to the Philippines on this budget.
Malaysia
24 days
| MYR (RM) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 799.40 | 265.60 |
| Food | 640.45 | 212.80 |
| Day Trips etc. | 342.00 | 113.60 |
| Transport | 319.50 | 106.20 |
| Total | RM798.55 | $698.20 |
Daily budget for Malaysia: CAD$29 per day.
This does not include a flight from Puerto Princesa, Philippines to Kota Kinabalu for $35 or a flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur for $65.50. Including these, our total for Malaysia is $798.70.
Click here for more information on how to travel to Malaysia on this budget.
Singapore
2 days
| SGD ($) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 80.00 | 66.30 |
| Food | 32.00 | 26.50 |
| Day Trips etc. | 3.60 | 3.00 |
| Transport | 7.40 | 6.10 |
| Total | $123.00 | $101.90 |
Daily budget for Singapore: CAD$51 per day.
We picked up a cheap flight home from Singapore to Toronto by using Flightfox. If you are looking for cheap flights, check out our review of Flightfox, and use this referral link to save yourself 25%.
Click here for more information on how to travel to Singapore on this budget.
Traveling to South America? Check out our daily budgets for South America.
Where to go in Slovakia
If you are planning a trip to Slovakia, here are some of Itchy Feet’s suggestions for places to visit in the Bratislava area, as well as some day trips outside of the city. If you have a little more time on your hands, why not head east to Poprad for a few days?
Close to or in Bratislava
Bratislava Forest Park or Bratislavský lesný park - The beauty of Bratislava is that you are never far from hiking opportunities. Bratislava Forest Park is located in the hills of the Small Carpathians, so a short ride on the public transport will take you into the forested hills surrounding the city. Enjoy the peace and quiet, swim in the lakes, bring a picnic, stay into the evening, have a barbecue, and sit around a fire pit. Take a look at a map of the area. Two areas within the park that are great to visit are:
- Železná studienka - This is a fun place to spend the day. There are many hiking trails and lakes and of course picnic areas and parks for kids. To get there take trolleybus 212 from Hodzovo namestie to Patronka, from there take bus 43 to Železná studnička.
- Koliba and the Kamzík TV Tower – Also a popular skiing spot in the winter, during the summer make the hike up to the TV Tower. Koliba is only 10 minutes from the city centre and is a great place to get out of the city, barbeque, and relax in the peace of the forest. During the summer you can take a chairlift to Železná studienka. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous then try your hand at Lanoland, a rope course with obstacles and zip lines. To get to Koliba take trolleybus 203 from Hodzovo namestie to Koliba.
Strkovec Lake or Strkovecke Jazero, Bratislava - A man-made lake popular with sunbathers, swimmers, and runners alike in the Ruzinov neighbourhood of Bratislava. In the summer take advantage of the volleyball courts, tennis courts, trampolines for children, and why not rent some Segways to zip around the lake. In the winter try your hand at ice-skating. To get to the lake take tram 9 from Obchodna (near the historic centre).
Bratislava Zoo – What’s to say? It’s a zoo. And a DinoPark! (Admission: summer 4.50 EUR, winter 3.50 EUR) Depending on where you are, take city buses number 30, 31, 32, 37, 39, or 92 bus stop “Zoo”.
Devin Castle – Only 10 km from Bratislava city centre, Devin Castle offers panoramic views of the area. Devin lies in ruins after being destroyed by Napoleon, and is considered a national symbol. If the weather is nice, it is possible to hike to the castle: take bus 83 from Hodzovo namestie to the Zatevna stop, walk to the old church (about 10 minutes), from there follow the yellow-marked hiking path to the castle. (Admission: about 1.50 EUR) Take bus 28 or 29 (weekdays only) from Most SNP, or take a boat along the Danube (return 8 EUR)!
Modra – Home to Ľudovít Štúr: leader of the Slovak national revival, and champion of the contemporary Slovak language. Modra is also Slovak wine country. Take a leisurely walk around the city and wander through the vineyards. If you would like to taste the wine, simply ring the bell on the house. Modra is a one-hour bus ride from Bratislava’s main bus station (1.65 EUR).
Trnava – Trnava is nicknamed “Little Rome” because of the many churches throughout the city centre. Trnava is a beautiful, well-preserved, historic city to visit. A perfect day trip from Bratislava. Trnava is a one-hour train ride from Bratislava’s train station: Hlavna Stanica (2.20 EUR), or a one-hour bus ride from Mlynske Nivy bus station (2.75 EUR).
Nitra – Take a walk to the castle and marvel at the massive walls, then climb up and enjoy the view. There are many things to see in Nitra; take a look at the city of Nitra’s website for some options. Nitra is a 90-minute bus ride from Bratislava’s Mlynske Nivy bus station (4.50 EUR).
Red Stone Castle or Hrad Červený Kameň – Built around 1240, Cerveny Kamen (admission 6 EUR, English tour 7 EUR) is a well-preserved castle in beautiful grounds. Bring a picnic! Take a bus from Bratislava’s main bus station (90 minutes) to the town of Casta and walk to the castle via a well-marked route.
Trenčín - Trencin is arguably one of Slovakia’s most beautiful towns. The castle (the third largest in Slovakia) hangs over the city and is visible from the town square. In the rocks below the castle is a famous Roman inscription dating from 179 AD; it is the most northern evidence of Roman soldiers in Europe. The inscription can be viewed from within the Hotel Tatra. Take a train from Bratislava to Trencin, 90 minutes, 5-7 EUR.
One- or two-day trips from Bratislava
Banská Štiavnica – On the UNESCO World Heritage List, Banska Stiavnica is an old silver mining town. The historic city centre is very compact and easily walkable. Banska Stiavnica is a 3- or 4-hour bus ride (about 10 EUR) from Bratislava’s main bus station.
- Once in Banská Štiavnica hike the trail to the top of Sitno Hill. The red-signed trail starts at Radničné Square in Banska Stiavnica and takes you on a challenging hike to the top of Sitno where you will be afforded a beautiful 360-degree view of the area. The wooden stairs to the top were killer but the Slovaks, old and young alike, were doing it with ease. We brought plenty of picnic supplies for stops along the way and completed the hike in a mere five-and-a-half hours.
Banská Bystrica - Visit beautiful churches, ancient city walls, the Museum of Slovak National Uprising, climb the clock tower and enjoy the view (1 EUR), sit in the large square and enjoy a coffee in the sunshine. Take a bus or train, 3.5 hours, 10 EUR from Bratislava.
Donovaly - From Banska Bystrica’s bus station it takes just 30 minutes and 1.80 EUR to get to Donovaly by bus. On the border of the Fatras and the Tatras, two of Slovakia’s national parks, Donovaly is a popular winter sport spot; but is equally popular in the summer for its hiking.
Bojnice Castle – Built in the 12th century, Slovakia’s most popular castle is every Disney princess’ dream. Day and night tours are available (5.70 EUR, 6.70 EUR respectively). Bojnice is also home to the annual International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits in May. From Bratislava it is about 3.5 hours, 8-12 EUR, bus or train/bus combination. From Banska Bystrica it is a 2-hour bus ride via the nearby town of Prievidza (5 EUR).
Further afield: Eastern Slovakia
Poprad – Poprad is the “gateway to the High Tatras”, so named for its access to hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains. Before you head out to the mountains, wander the city and its historic buildings while the snow-capped mountains loom in the background, and if you need to beat the heat take a dip at AquaCity water park. Find a reason to take a bus from Poprad and enjoy the bus station with the best view in Slovakia. Take a train from Bratislava’s main train station: 4-4.5 hours, 9-16 EUR.
Slovak Paradise National Park or Slovensky Raj - A wonderful protected natural area where waterfalls, valleys, gorges, caves, and canyons abound. There are over 300 km of hiking trails which will have you crossing rivers and climbing waterfalls with ladders, chains, and bridges. Tackling any of the hikes in this park will be a highlight of your trip to Slovakia. Take a bus from Poprad to Dedinky, 1 hour, 2.10 EUR.
High Tatras – Stary Smokovec is a good starting point for any hiking or skiing you would like to do in the High Tatras. This website has tourist hiking maps of the High Tatras. Take a bus from Poprad to Stary Smokovec, 2o minutes, 0.85 EUR. Take the Tatra Electric Railway from Poprad to Stary Smokovec, 25 minutes, 1.50 EUR.
Levoča - Another contender for most beautiful town in Slovakia, Levoca is a stepping stone to Spis castle, and home to the Cage of Shame. Take a bus from Poprad to Levoča (50 minutes, 1.60 EUR).
Spiš Castle or Spišský hrad – Spis castle is extremely impressive. The ruins lie 200 m above the nearby town of Spisske Pohradie; it is one of the biggest castles in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (admission 5 EUR). Take a bus to Spišské Podhradie from Poprad (about 1 hour, 2.15 EUR) or Levoča (30 minutes, 1 EUR).
Click here for more on Slovakia.
Links
Bratislava’s Public Transit website
Vietnam
Click on a city for more information
How much to budget for a trip to Vietnam
22 days
| VND (₫) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 3,311,000 | 162.90 |
| Food | 3,873,000 | 190.60 |
| Day Trips etc. | 815,500 | 40.10 |
| Transport | 1,191,000 | 58.60 |
| Total | ₫9,190,500 |
$452.20 |
Daily budget for Vietnam: CAD$20.50 per day.
This does not include the CAD$45 visa that we purchased from the Vietnamese embassy in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This brings our total to $497.20.
Traveling somewhere else in Southeast Asia? Click here for more daily budgets.
Singapore
How much to budget for a trip to Singapore
2 days
| SGD ($) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 80.00 | 66.30 |
| Food | 32.00 | 26.50 |
| Day Trips etc. | 3.60 | 3.00 |
| Transport | 7.40 | 6.10 |
| Total | $123.00 | $101.90 |
Daily budget for Singapore: CAD$51 per day.
Traveling somewhere else in Southeast Asia? Click here for more daily budgets.
Malaysia
Click on a city for more information
How much to budget for a trip to Malaysia
24 days
| MYR (RM) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 799.40 | 265.60 |
| Food | 640.45 | 212.80 |
| Day Trips etc. | 342.00 | 113.60 |
| Transport | 319.50 | 106.20 |
| Total | RM798.55 | $698.20 |
Daily budget for Malaysia: CAD$29 per day.
This does not include a flight from Puerto Princesa, Philippines to Kota Kinabalu for $35 or a flight from Sendakan to Kuala Lumpur for $65.50. Including these, our total for Malaysia is $798.70.
Traveling somewhere else in Southeast Asia? Click here for more daily budgets.
The Philippines
Click on a city for more information
How much to budget for a trip to The Philippines
16 days
| PHP (₱) | CAD ($) | |
| Accommodation | 5300 | 134.00 |
| Food | 8113.50 | 205.00 |
| Day Trips etc. | 1030 | 26.00 |
| Transport | 760 | 19.20 |
| Total | ₱15,203.50 | $384.20 |
Daily budget for the Philippines: CAD$24 per day.
This does not include a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Puerto Princesa via Manila which cost $170. This brings our total for the Philippines to $554.20.
Traveling somewhere else in Southeast Asia? Click here for more daily budgets.
