10 Cheapest Countries to Visit From India

#1 Nepal – The Himalayan Wonderland

This offbeat and one of the closest neighbours, Nepal, offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and adventure at a fraction of the cost. It is ideal for adventure lovers who enjoy hiking, trekking and activities like these. Its proximity to India keeps flight and travel costs low. Also, did you know, Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains?
 
Worth exploring:

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit, visiting Kathmandu's temples — Pashupatinath,Swayambhunath, and Dakshinkali are revered, and exploring Bhaktapur’s heritage.

Tips:

• Accommodation can be as low as ₹500-₹1,000 per night.

• Local buses are an inexpensive way to get around.

• Nepal was struck by a devastating earthquake in the year 2015 and most of the popular historical sites were damaged so before visiting any destination, do enquire if the place is there even today as quite a few of them were reduced to rubble. Painful but true.

#2 Sri Lanka – The Island of Serendipity

Sri Lanka’s rich history, golden beaches, and delicious food make it a must-visit destination for budget-conscious travellers. The terrain is simply breathtaking, and the rich flora and fauna make the experience even more enriching. You can soak up the sun at the beaches, have a rejuvenating time at the tea estates of Nuwara Eliya or party hard in Colombo, the choices are plenty. Affordable flights from India, especially Chennai and favourable exchange rates make Sri Lanka a sure-shot hit with travellers.

Worth exploring:

Sigiriya Rock, tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, wildlife safaris, and beaches of Bentota.

Tips:

• You can stay in hostels or guesthouses for as low as ₹800-₹1,200 per night.

• Street food is delicious and cheap with flavours similar to the Southern part of India. Uber Eats is also a great option to order food if you wish to order in.

• Cabs are easy to find on Uber. Prebook your cabs if possible.

#3 Bhutan – Where Happiness Thrives

Known for its lush mountains and strong cultural heritage, Bhutan offers stunning landscapes and a peaceful escape. The ancient monasteries, prayer flags and calmness make you surrender your worries and be one with this place. Happiness truly thrives here. You can trek, enjoy local culture, and take a stroll on the spiritual side, all this within budget. Also, Indians don’t need a visa. We have also got not one but two interesting facts for you, Bhutan measures success in Gross National Happiness instead of GDP! And, it is a carbon-negative country, which means the vast forests are capable of absorbing all the carbon dioxide emitted by the activities in the country.

How cool is that?

Worth exploring:

Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, exploring Thimphu, and visiting Dzongs.

Tips:

• For Indian travellers, there’s no mandatory minimum spend like for other foreign tourists.

• Stay in local guesthouses for a truly authentic experience.

• Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee of 1200/- per person per night

#4 Thailand – A Land of Limitless Possibilities

Thailand is a definite crowd-puller and a favourite among Indian travellers. This country is a perfect mix of all things fun — beaches, nightlife, shopping and cultural landmarks, all at affordable prices. Thailand is mostly tropical with heavy rains from June to September. Airlines offer deals during season time, which are perfect to get something within budget.

Worth exploring:

Bangkok’s temples Wat Arun & Wat Pathum, relax on the beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui, visit Chiang Mai’s elephant sanctuaries or shop at Platinum or MBK Mall.

Tips:

• Food is generally very wholesome and reasonably priced here. Street food is incredibly cheap and delicious — Noodles, fried rice, mango sticky rice, and boba teas are must-haves here.

• Hostels start at ₹500-₹1,500 per night.

• Travel within the city is also reasonable with tuk-tuks trains and bike rides which are available on apps.

• Skip the touristy islands and head to lesser-known gems like Koh Lanta for a quieter, budget-friendly beach vacation.

#5 Vietnam – Spirited, Endless, Timeless

Vietnam offers mesmerising landscapes, from terraced rice fields to serene beaches, to Buddhist pagodas along with a rich history and unique cuisine.This country is building itself slowly after decades of war and is still very unexplored. Vietnam offers endless adventure, all within a modest budget giving travellers the best they can.

Worth Exploring:

Cruise Halong Bay, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the very popular and Instagram-worthy Golden Bridge and definitely the street food in Hanoi. Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world. Don’t leave without trying their famous egg coffee!

Tips:

• Hotels are available from ₹700-₹1,500 per night, and a bowl of pho costs as little as ₹100!

• Street food is like a celebration here so don’t forget to make the most of it.

• If you are a true foodie then 7 One Michelin Star restaurants in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang are worth visiting.

#6 Cambodia – Of Temples and Unrivalled charm

This is one of the treasures of Southeast Asia waiting to be explored. Known for some of the ancient temples in the world, including the renowned Angkor Wat, Cambodia will take you by surprise. The weather is mostly tropical, the food is abundant, and the people are the sweetest here. Siam Reap and Phnom Penh are two cities that must be included in your itinerary. The currency rate here is very low apart from low entry fees, reasonably priced accommodation and food making it a great budget destination.

Worth Exploring:

• Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with this, other beautiful temples of Siam Reap, Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm Temple must be visited in Siam Reap.

• In Phnom Penh, the Phnom Penh Royal Palace, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Silver Pagoda, and Central Market are some of the interesting places in the city.

• Cambodia is blessed with some of the best beaches in Asia so do include them in your visit.

• Sihanoukville is a must-visit for snorkelling enthusiasts. 

Tips:

• You can find dorm beds for ₹500 and local meals for under ₹100.

• Cambodian coffee is one of the best out there so stock up on them while you are there.

• Hostels are a great way to stay in Cambodia. Mad Monkey in Siam Reap and Phnom Penh is very popular and has a great vibe.

#7 Indonesia – Nature’s Playground

A backpacker’s true paradise, Indonesia offers everything from pristine beaches to spirituality to volcanic landscapes, and with over 17,000 islands, there's no shortage of adventure. Bali has gained a lot of popularity in recent times making it a perfect location for a quick vacation. Budget-friendly guesthouses, local transport, and mouthwatering Indonesian cuisine make it easy to stretch your travel rupees. Did you know the world’s most expensive coffee, Kapi Luwak is produced here?

Worth Exploring:

Visit Bali’s rice terraces, explore Ubud’s cultural heart, hike Mount Bromo and yes, don’t miss the beach clubs. Explore beyond Bali, if possible. Consider Lombok or Yogyakarta for a more authentic experience at lower prices.

Tips:

• Backpacker hostels start at ₹700-₹1,200 per night.

• Apart from the hostels, the resorts, hotels and homestays are also reasonably priced.

• The place is truly beautiful during the rainy season, don’t write it off.

• Take care of your stomach. Drink clean filtered water and avoid street food if possible.

• Be respectful of religious sites and wear complete clothes while visiting them.

#8 Malaysia – Where Tradition Meets Modern Marvels

This place is a true melting pot of cultures, cuisines and captivating landscapes making it a diverse and affordable destination. Malaysia surprisingly is much more cosmopolitan than most South Asian countries comprising Malays, Indians and Chinese. This country is home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, the Taman Negara and is a foodie heaven too, offering a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavours.

Worth Exploring:

Visit the Petronas Towers, and Batu Caves, explore the Cameron Highlands, and relax on Langkawi’s beaches. Visit historic towns like Malacca, marvel at street art in Penang, or explore dense rainforests.

Tips:

• Hostels and budget hotels can be found for ₹1,000-₹1,500 per night.

• Public transport is excellent and cheap. Trains are the best way to travel around Malaysia.

• Grab app is similar to Uber and is to get around if you are not comfortable travelling by train.

• South Indian food is easy to find here and very pocket-friendly. So, indulge in those dosas, idlis and dal wadas when you get the chance.

#9 Laos – The Laid-back Jewel

Laos is often overlooked, but its laid-back vibe, stunning landscapes, and low prices make it an ideal budget destination.Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, meaning it is completely covered in land with little to no water bodies. Despite this, the region boasts some of the most stunning river landscapes. Here you can enjoy a slow boat ride along the Mekong, explore limestone caves, or take a dip in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls. Laos is a haven for those seeking adventure at a leisurely paceand the low cost of living makes everything from food to accommodation budget-friendly for travellers.

Worth Exploring:

Visit the waterfalls in Luang Prabang, explore the capital Vientiane, and tube down the rivers of Vang Vieng. If possible, consider visiting Nong Khiaw, the breathtaking views, gorgeous hiking trails, and several restaurants and pubs make this place an absolute gem.

Tips:

• Dorms cost as little as ₹500-₹800, and local meals can be as low as ₹100.

• As mentioned earlier, things are a bit slow here so just relax and enjoy the pace.

• Roads in Laos are mostly bumpy and quite bad so brace yourself.

• Never book the small minibus or vans as they are very uncomfortable considering how bad the roads are.

#10 The Philippines – The Pearl of the Orient Seas

With its stunning pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and friendly locales, the Philippines is a great option for budget travellers looking for a tropical paradise. You can indulge in water sports, explore vibrant cities, or simply relax on white-sand shores without the splurge.

Worth Exploring:

Snorkel in Palawan, explore the rice terraces of Banaue and island-hop in Cebu.

Skip the crowded spots and visit lesser-known islands like Siquijor for a more peaceful (and cheaper) experience.

Tips:

• You can find guesthouses for ₹800-₹1,500 per night, and local food is both cheap and delicious.

• ATMs are hard to find, so do your research before visiting a particular island and check if it is available or no.

• Most of the airports have domestic or international terminal fees so keep some cash handy.

So, these are some of the best places to visit outside India on a low budget.

While travelling is all about exploring and making memories and gathering experiences, budget surely plays a huge role. But travel doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive. If you plan it right, do your research and then make your bookings in advance, you are sure to make some smart savings. So, pack your bags, dust off your passport, and get ready to explore the world without emptying your wallet. Adventure is calling, and it's more affordable than ever!