The wonderful thing about travelling Asia is how far money stretches; the tricky thing is how easily it leaks away. Between cheap street food and tempting splurges, a budget can hold beautifully or unravel in a week. A simple structure keeps you honest without turning the trip into a spreadsheet.
Split the big three
Accommodation, transport and food are where the money goes. Book beds a little ahead in busy spots, use the excellent and cheap regional flights and trains for the long hops, and let street food carry most of your meals — it's often the best eating anyway. Nail these three and the rest is small change.
Budget for the splurges
A sensible budget isn't about saying no; it's about choosing your yeses. Set aside money for the villa week, the diving course or the tasting menu you actually care about, and economise on the forgettable nights in between. Guilt-free spending on the things that matter is the whole point.
Keep a rough tally
You don't need to log every coffee, but a loose daily sense of spend stops nasty surprises. Check in every few days, adjust, and the trip funds itself calmly all the way to the end — with enough left for one last great meal at the airport.
