2-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary for Under $1000

This two-week route combines Vietnam and Thailand into one trip, using a cheap regional flight to connect them, and keeps the full budget — flights, food, lodging, and activities — under $1000.

Week 1: Vietnam

Days 1–3: Hanoi. Old Quarter street food, Hoan Kiem Lake, and a day trip to Ha Long Bay or the quieter Ninh Binh region.

Days 4–5: Hoi An. Fly or take an overnight train south; spend two days in the lantern-lit old town, cheap tailoring, and nearby beaches.

Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City. Wrap up Vietnam in the south, with markets, war history sites, and a day trip into the Mekong Delta.

Week 1 rough spend: $340 (accommodation, food, internal transport, activities)

Connecting flight

A budget flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok typically costs $40–70 if booked a few weeks ahead.

Rough spend: $55

Week 2: Thailand

Days 8–9: Bangkok. Temples, markets, and river-boat transport around the city.

Days 10–12: Chiang Mai. Overnight train or short flight north to the mountains — temples, night markets, and day trips into the surrounding hills.

Days 13–14: Krabi or Koh Lanta. Finish the trip on the islands, with beach time, snorkeling, and a relaxed close to a fast-paced two weeks.

Week 2 rough spend: $430 (accommodation, food, internal transport, activities, one domestic flight)

Total: roughly $825

That leaves a buffer of over $150 under the $1000 mark for souvenirs, an extra activity, or unplanned costs — without needing to cut corners on food or comfort along the way.

Making this route work

• Book the Vietnam–Thailand flight as early as you can; prices climb closer to departure.
• Use overnight trains and buses for at least two of the internal legs to save on accommodation.
• Keep 1–2 days completely unplanned as a buffer for delays, illness, or a place you simply want to stay longer.