thats my retirement plan too. but its still difficult to live comfortably and save on a salary of $20-$30/hr at 30 hours of work per week. I lived in SEA and I still managed to spend $2-3k / mo making my life more westernized.
I also ate like a westerner (avoided street food, enjoyed the higher quality food). Didn't own a motorbike for safety reasons, so taxies added up. Gym membership is ~$100/mo.