Asia

[Ambs]

hey everyone! so I'm looking into my next big trip and I cannot refuse this Cathay Pacific offer my friend told me about ($1600 for 21 day-23 cities). I was wondering how much $ I should bring... Ok I'm sooo cheap, I was in Europe last summer and I did it on 55 euros a day for 2 months.

I was thinking:

Tokyo (3 days)
Hong Kong (3 days)
Bali (4 days)
Singapore (3 days)
Bangkok (4 days)

4 days left for traveling or whatever comes along.
On average how much $ should I bring for hostel, food, attractions?

Thank youuuuuuuu

[LiveFreeorDie]

Just as a general rule, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo are very expensive, figure on European costs at least, if not more. HK and Tokyo in particular are very pricey.

Bali is certainly less and Bangkok can be done very cheaply - possibly on half of your European spend if you are not too picky (and assuming you don't drink alcohol much).

Not sure if you can, but if you are flexible on your itinerary and you want to have a longer trip or if you want to have to scrimp less I would recommend keeping to SEA countries - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia (other than Bali), Malaysia. You can stay very cheaply in these countries. I also think they present more unique cultural experiences. Tokyo, HK and Singapore are all first world destinations - they are still very much Asian, but there are also Starbucks and McDonalds on every corner. It's all a matter of taste, but I would at least consider dropping Singapore from the list and spending more time in Thailand. Singapore is really just a hodgepodge of other Asian countries wrapped in a westernized 1st world shell. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!!

[Ambs]

so how about I skip Singapore in that case and go to Taipei instead?... I am thinking I should be ok w/ $75CAN/day... can it be done or will i have to sell a kidney to the black market for $? lol

[Ambs]

I don't drink either!!!

[LiveFreeorDie]

Taipei is slightly cheaper than Singapore and is more traditional Chinese - I think that is definately a better alternative if it's included in your airfare. Just don't get caught at the top of the Taipei 101 building in an earthquake!:D

As long as you do not drink I think you should be okay money wise. Tokyo I am the least sure about however, because that is the one place on your list I haven't been but I have heard a lot about how pricey it is. As long as you stick to seeing sites that are inexpensive, use metros and walk a lot, no problem. As expensive as HK is, for example, the Star Ferry that runs between HK Island and Kowloon is very cheap. Just wandering the streets and checking things out is a great way to spend the day there.

Most Asian countries have a lot of street vendors selling assorted food - don't be afraid to eat the street food - its generally good and very cheap, but check out the vendors and go to the ones that are busiest.

Save your shopping for Thailand, its definately the cheapest place for all sorts of clothes and other handcrafts.

If this is your first trip to Asia it will be an eye opening and wonderful trip!!

[Ambs]

Thank you soooo much I can't wait to go now hehe! I'm bringing $1500CAN so I hope that's enough! Your confirmation has made my day lol