ekscrunchy..."Notice that the OP has not returned. Probably on his or her way to Bali toting a surfboard" very funny.....I did surf back in the day but not anymore.My brother is still the surfer and even owns a house in Costa Rica where he surfs (NO I didn't know that was a good spot either!)

By the way Thailand is cheap if you are careful and can be expensive if you're not.The Oriental in Bangkok for example...the dinner buffet is $50.China is cheap if you're in an rural area but you need to speak Chinese if you want to go cheap.

As always you can go cheap anywhere if you're careful. Unless you want to go there it doesn't matter how cheap it is.