Flights to Southeast Asia

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Best student & youth fares right now to Southeast Asia

Dreaming of a backpacking trip in Southeast Asia? Check out the fares below from the US to Southeast Asia—and remember these are updated daily, so keep checking back for a price that suits your budget.

Student flights from the USA to Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is the ultimate playground for backpackers and student travelers from the US. It enjoys the amazing combination of being absolutely packed with world-class things to see, do and experience, while simultaneously costing a fraction of what the same things in the US would.

This region broadly covers the area between the south of China and the north of Australia, including countries like Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Southeast Asia is pretty much the opposite side of the globe to the US, so while direct flights are available, you may have to hop on a connecting one, depending on your exact route. Either way you can rest assured that StudentUniverse can get you there for less!

map of southeast-asia

What are the main Southeast Asia airport hubs?

Southeast Asia’s main hubs are centred around its capital cities and other major metropolitan areas. These include cities like Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Singapore (Singapore island) and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).

Because the region is quite compact, it’s a good spot for overland travel, so you could consider a multi-city ticket, which allows you to fly into one place, like Phuket in Thailand, and out of another, like Bali.

How to fly from the USA to Southeast Asia

As mentioned, Southeast Asia is the opposite side of the world to the US, so it’s likely that your flight will include a stop along the way. If you’re traveling from the East Coast, you could consider using one of the Middle Eastern airlines, such as Emirates, Qatar or Etihad, which will stop in their respective hub in that region, before continuing on to a final destination in Southeast Asia. Alternatively, if you depart from the West Coast, you’re more likely to be able to find direct flights, since you’ll be crossing the Pacific.

When is the best time to fly to Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia enjoys a tropical climate, which means it’s seasons are generally divided into wet and dry. Whatever the time of year, you can count on warm, tropical weather. The dry season is usually considered the best time to visit Southeast Asia, and it occurs from November through March.

The wet season technically runs from April to October, but is at its most intense around June to September, and despite the rain, is the hottest time of year. One notable exception to this is Bali, which has it’s dry season during the summer months and is typically best to visit between April and October.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to Southeast Asia?

Avgprice JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDate of search $300$400$500$600$700$800$900$1000$1100$1200$1300

Prices based on bookings made 60-90 days prior to departure.

Why do American students love visiting Southeast Asia?

American students love visiting Southeast Asia for similar reasons to everyone who visits: the incredible food, the low cost of travel, the stunning scenery, the life-giving adventures, the friendly people and the sheer energy of it all. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia are awesome for finding teaching placements, which allow you to get great international work experience while enjoying an amazing destination.

Southeast Asia universities and campuses

You can find some good universities in Southeast Asia and many offer placements to international students, including those from the US. Singapore boasts the two most prestigious higher education establishments: the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Other good options are the University of Malaya in Malaysia and the University of the Philippines in… well, you can probably figure that one out

Southeast Asia lifestyle and culture

Friendly, laid-back and tolerant, Southeast Asia is welcoming to pretty much everyone who visits. Because of the climate, locals live life outdoors: it’s normal to eat at street stalls under the night sky, and shops are often open to the pleasant elements. Buddhism and Hinduism are the main religions. If you visit sacred sites, both men and women should dress respectively by covering shoulders, wearing longer pants and so on.

Exploring Southeast Asia on a student budget

Southeast Asia is probably the best place in the world to explore on a student budget. Living costs are extremely low: in most places you can get acceptable accommodation for less than $10 per night; a meal costs about $2 from a street stall; beer is less than a dollar. Transport is very cheap. The exceptions to the rule are Singapore and Malaysia, which can be a little pricier.

Frequently asked questions about flying from the USA to Southeast Asia

Are there any tourist scams to avoid in Southeast Asia?

What are some common phrases in Southeast Asia?

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