Southeast Asia: Bargains galore in our own backyard

Southeast Asia: Bargains galore in our own backyard Margie Mason, Associated Press/Hanoi

When planning months or even a year ahead for "the next big trip", money is inevitably one of the top deciding factors and often keeps travelers from even thinking about straying too far from home.

But instead of paying for a closet with no bath in London or a roadside motel in the United States, you can visit swaying palms, white sands, lush jungles and centuries-old ruins during high season at five-star hotels for a fraction of the cost.

It's all possible here in Southeast Asia, and it's even better when you are already based in the region.

Each of Southeast Asia's 11 countries -- Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- offers a very distinct culture and flavor.

Great beaches, superb shopping and divine food abound in nearly all of these destinations. And if budget is an overriding issue, there's no better place to wheel and deal to stretch your cash.

The region once crawled mainly with backpackers toting oversized rucksacks and staying in basic hostels and guest houses cooled by fans instead of air conditioning. But now average Joe travelers arriving with luggage on rollers are discovering that for US$50 or $60 a night, it's possible to bathe surrounded in marble and lounge on a private deck overlooking the ocean.

For those who like to have all the details planned out in advance, log on for limitless bargains. Sites like www.latestays.com are great for booking hotels in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

But if you like to see exactly what you're getting before handing over your credit card, then often the best deals can be had simply by showing up and haggling.

This may not be the best option during high season, which varies from place to place depending on the weather, and it won't likely work in more developed countries like Singapore. But in major tourist destinations like Phuket, Thailand, or Angkor Wat in Cambodia, if you're willing to run the risk that your top choice might be fully booked, and you don't mind scoping out a couple places before checking in, your efforts can often lead to a treasure and a deal.

Once you get settled, a little leg work can save a lot more. Instead of asking the hotel to book a driver or excursion for you, inquire at independent tourist agencies on the street. But even then, never book at the first place.

For instance, a British traveler on a tour of Vietnam's Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island recently paid $40 for a two-day tour, while an American couple on the same trip paid $13 (10) apiece.

The lesson learned is that it's best to shop around or try to cut the middle man out altogether by booking with the company actually running the tour.

Many booking agents, however, will insist that you take "tourist" boats, ferries, etc. True, that's often the easiest way to get from here to there, but local boats are great for short trips or crossings and they will save you a bundle.

For example, posh tourist boats from Bali to neighboring Nusa Lembongan can cost up to $40 each way for an hour ride. The local boat (the only locals on board are usually the captain and crew) costs about $5 each way for about 30 minutes longer on a more basic craft.

Since the tour companies obviously don't want you to know about this (often denying that a local boat exists), how do you find out about these deals?

Easy: Think and ask.

Guidebooks like Lonely Planet are helpful and there are tons of websites with prices, schedules and lots of other useful information including cheap domestic flights, trains, boats, etc. Travel chat rooms and message boards can also point you in the right direction.

But when in a pinch, ask a local. Drivers can be very helpful, especially if they think you might be looking for a ride to the place you're asking about.

One thing is essential, though -- negotiate a price upfront. Too many visitors make the mistake of hopping into taxis and expecting a metered fare only to have the driver tell them they owe $20 for a $5 ride.

Again, always ask and bargain. Hard.

The same goes with shopping. You're in Asia, so shopkeepers expect you to haggle. It can be exhausting and some tourists flat-out refuse to do it because it makes them feel cheap, but it's a part of life in most markets and stalls across the region.

The night markets in Bangkok, Thailand, for instance, overflow with faux designer bags, sunglasses and clothing along with traditional handmade wares. But vendors are sure to start out asking double, maybe even triple what the price should be. Hint: start out low. You can always go higher.

And when booking airline tickets, shop around using online search engines such as Orbitz.com or Expedia.com as well as individual carriers' sites and travel agencies specializing in Asian tours.

If you're planning on taking a domestic flight, say from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Malaysia, it's always cheaper to compare and book local carriers once you arrive rather than doing it all at once through a travel agent back home.

Weather varies greatly across the region and even within countries. Hanoi is oppressively hot in July and August but pleasant in October and November, while Ho Chi Minh City's rainy season typically lasts from May to November.

So, next time you start thinking about affordable vacations, add places in your own backyard to your list. You'll soon find that the real dilemma will be narrowing down where you want to go.