The Reverse Loop: a money-saving Australia + Southeast Asia backpacking route

Usually the cheapest way to do Australia + SEA — fly into Asia first, save Australia for last.

The route, leg by leg

1. ✈️ California → Bangkok · ~$420
   EVA/China Airlines/Korean sale fare, or ZipAir via Tokyo. Cheapest transpacific corridor.
2. 🚌 Bangkok → Chiang Mai & N. Thailand · ~$30
   Sleeper train up, slow-boat or bus into Laos if you like.
3. ✈️ Chiang Mai → Hanoi · ~$70
   Or overland through Laos (Luang Prabang) — slower, unforgettable.
4. 🚌 Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City · ~$45
   3–4 weeks down the coast: Ha Long, Hoi An, Da Lat. Sleeper trains/buses.
5. ✈️ Ho Chi Minh City → Bali · ~$90
   VietJet nonstop, or via KUL for less.
6. ✈️ Bali → Sydney / Melbourne · ~$170
   Jetstar sale fare. The cheap way into Australia.
7. 🚌 Australia east coast · ~$150
   Greyhound pass or a shared campervan relocation deal.
8. ✈️ Sydney → California · ~$500
   Jetstar/Fiji Airways home. Book once you know your dates.

Transport total: about $1,475. Daily budget: $49/day shoestring, $74/day flashpacker.

Why it saves money

💰 You hit the expensive country (Australia) last, when you know exactly what's left in the kitty. Transpacific fares into Bangkok run $100–200 under Sydney fares, and your Australia entry becomes a ~$170 Bali hop instead of a $600 ocean crossing.

Other classic routes