![\"view](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2019\/seasiagetaround2.jpg\")
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Southeast Asia<\/a> may be a huge region \u2014 but it\u2019s super easy to get around. <\/p>\n It\u2019s well-traveled (backpackers have been following \u201cthe banana pancake trail\u201d since the late \u201960s), and there\u2019s an extensive network designed to ensure that you can easily get from A to B.<\/p>\n In Hanoi<\/a> and need to get to Bangkok<\/a>? In Vientiane<\/a> and want to go Malaysia<\/a>? No problem. Someone can arrange that. <\/p>\n But what\u2019s the best way to get around Southeast Asia on a budget? <\/p>\n How can you go from point A to point B in the most efficient and easiest manner? <\/p>\n Here\u2019s how you can travel around Southeast Asia on the cheap, with example prices and estimated travel times.<\/p>\n\n Here are some sample prices for some of the biggest routes (in USD): <\/p>\n Keep in mind two things, though:<\/p>\n If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia. The best place to find cheap flights is Skyscanner<\/a>. <\/p>\n Buses are generally run by a plethora of small operators (there is no version of Greyhound here). You simply go with the operator that services the route you want to travel or with the company the tourist agency or guesthouse set you up with. <\/p>\n In Southeast Asia, you don\u2019t have to plan ahead that much either. You simply show up at the bus station and buy your ticket! They use a first-come, first-serve basis but are rarely full. You don\u2019t need to book them in advance or online \u2014 although, if I know where I\u2019m going, I often book my bus the day before simply as a precaution. In all my years traveling this region, I\u2019ve never shown up and been turned away. <\/p>\n1. Get Around Southeast Asia By Flying<\/h3>\n
![\"an](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2019\/seasia_plane.jpg\")
\nThis is the quickest but most expensive way to get around Southeast Asia. There are a lot of budget airlines (like Ryanair or EasyJet in Europe) in the region: Scoot (merged with Tigerair), Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand<\/a>, and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam<\/a>. Lion Air serves Indonesia<\/a>, but its safety record is really spotty and I would not fly them.<\/p>\n\n
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2. Get Around Southeast Asia By Local or Tourist Bus<\/h3>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2019\/seasia_bus.jpg\")
\nThe easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. Buses will take you anywhere you want to go, no matter how far. <\/p>\n