The Cheapest Countries for Indians to Travel To
Have you been bitten by the travel bug but don’t have the big bucks to jet-set around the world? Don’t worry, you can still satisfy your inner wanderlust even on a shoestring budget. Some international destinations are perfect for Indian travelers watching their rupees. Forget about breaking the bank in Europe or the Americas – there are plenty of affordable Asian countries just waiting to be explored.
In this post, we’ll highlight four of the cheapest countries for Indians to travel to. We’ll give tips on transportation, accommodation, food, and activities so you can plan the ultimate thrifty getaway. Say namaste to Nepal, sawasdee to Thailand, xin chà o to Vietnam, and selamat tinggal to your money woes!
Nepal: Budget Hikers’ Paradise
Nepal and India share an open border, so it’s easy to reach for Indian travelers. Simply take a short, inexpensive flight or hop on a bus from major cities like Delhi or Kolkata. No need for visas or other bureaucratic headaches. Before you know it, you’ll be in the homeland of Everest and authentic momos.
Getting There
Flights from India to Kathmandu or other Nepali cities are a breeze. Roundtrip tickets can cost between 4,000 to 8,000 rupees if you book far in advance. Not bad! You can also arrive over land via buses or trains. A one-way second-class train ticket from New Delhi to Gorakhpur and then a bus onwards to Kathmandu should cost around 2,000 rupees in total. Road tripping through the Himalayas? Yes, please!
Cost of Accommodation
Hostels and budget hotels are found throughout Nepal, especially in tourist areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Patan. Dorm beds start at around 300 rupees while private double rooms with shared baths average 600-1,000 rupees. Want to really immerse yourself in Nepali culture? Opt for a homestay with a local family in a village. Prices are comparable to hostels.
Food
Speaking of authentic culture, Nepal’s got you covered food-wise. Fill up on local delicacies like dal bhat (lentil soup and rice), momos (dumplings), and spicy aloo gobi. Most main dishes at simple restaurants cost between 200-300 rupees. Street food like pakora fritters and pani puri run even cheaper, as little as 50 rupees per serving. And Nepali chia is the perfect hiking fuel!
Activities
Nature lovers rejoice – Nepal is an outdoor playground full of breathtaking mountain treks and wildlife safaris. Entry fees to most national parks are around 1,500 rupees with guided jeep tours starting around 5,000 rupees. Everest Base Camp treks can be booked for as low as 15,000 rupees for bare-bones operations. Temples and historic sites like Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu have entry fees of a few hundred rupees.
Thailand: Southeast Asian Vacation Goals
From Bangkok’s electric energy to remote island vibes, Thailand has long been a favorite of backpackers and budget travelers. Flights are affordable and Thailand offers Indian nationals visa-free access for 14 days. Get ready to eat mango sticky rice on the beach for days!
Getting There
Major Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air Asia, and Thai Airways operate direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket starting around 10,000 rupees roundtrip. Flights to beach areas like Krabi are slightly pricier but still reasonable. Fly into Bangkok then catch local budget airlines around the region.
Cost of Accommodation
Hostel dorms in Thailand start as low as 150 baht (400 rupees) per night while private rooms are 600+ baht (1,600 rupees). Head to areas like Khao San Road in Bangkok or down the islands for the cheapest rates. Local guesthouses and beach bungalows can also be found for 300-800 baht nightly.
Food
Think curry, coconut milk, and loads of fresh seafood. Thai cuisine is mouthwateringly delicious and cheap. Street stalls sell pad thai for as little as 50 baht (130 rupees) while restaurant mains cost 100-200 baht (260-520 rupees). Go to markets for produce and whip up your own meals to save even more cash.
Activities
Lounge on world-class beaches in the Andaman Islands, explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace (500 baht entry) or trek through the northern jungles. Most activities run 500 baht or less. Scuba diving day trips start at around 2,500 baht. Just stick to public transportation and you’ll be amazed how far your rupees can stretch.
Vietnam: History Buffs and Hipsters
Another visa-free destination, Vietnam boasts ancient history, thriving metropolises, and gorgeous landscapes. And Indian travelers will feel right at home with Vietnamese cuisine – think fluffy pho noodles, strong chai-like coffee, and fresh herbs galore.
Getting There
Fly direct to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and beyond. Fares start around 12,000 rupees with airlines like VietJet Air, Air Asia, and more. Alternatively, travel overland via train through China or bus through Laos. Hanoi to Nanning, China runs around 4,000 rupees.
Cost of Accommodation
Vietnam offers rock-bottom rates for accommodation. In Hanoi, hostel dorms start at 150,000 dong (400 rupees) while private double rooms with air-con go for 350,000 dong (900 rupees). Budget hotels and guesthouses outside the major cities can be found for 200,000 dong (520 rupees) per night.
Food
Street food rules in Vietnam. Grab a plastic stool at a makeshift sidewalk cafe and eat pho noodle soup or banh mi sandwiches for 30,000-50,000 dong (80-130 rupees). Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is another must-try around 20,000 dong (50 rupees). Eating at local markets is the cheapest.
Activities
Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay for 600,000 dongs (1,560 rupees), wander through ancient Hoi An port, and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels used in the Vietnam War. Most attractions charge under 200,000 dong (520 rupees) for admission. Intrepid travelers can also hike through Sapa or go island hopping in Phu Quoc without breaking the bank.
Indonesia: Island Life on the Cheap
Endless beaches, smoking volcanoes, Komodo dragons…the 17,000 islands of Indonesia deliver nonstop adventure with Indian-friendly prices. Entry visas start around USD 25 but last 30 days. Get ready to be wowed by Indonesia’s diversity and affordability.
Getting There
Fly directly to Bali or Jakarta from major Indian airports for around 20,000 rupees roundtrip. Indonesian budget airlines like LionAir and Citilink provide ultra-cheap connections between the islands once you arrive. You can also reach Indonesia by ferry from Singapore or Malaysia.
Cost of Accommodation
Private hostel dorms cost as little as 150,000 rupiah (240 rupees) in Bali and other touristy locations. Basic guesthouses start around 250,000 rupiah (400 rupees) for a double room with a fan. Outside of Seminyak and Kuta, Bali rooms dip even lower. Find beach bungalows for 350,000 rupiah (560 rupees).
Food
Fill up on nasi goreng (fried rice), gado gado vegetable salad, and mouthwatering mie goreng noodles for 30,000-50,000 rupiah (50-80 rupees) per dish. Local markets and warungs provide the best value. Try fresh tropical fruit too. Don’t forget a cup of rich Indonesian coffee to start your day.
Activities
Lounging on Bali’s beaches is already a bargain. But Indonesia offers much more – climb Mount Batur volcano in Bali, scout for orangutans in Sumatra, snorkel off the Gili Islands, or see komodo dragons in Flores. Most attractions cost under 200,000 rupiah (320 rupees). Just stick to public transport over private tours.
Conclusion
So there you have it – four amazing Asian destinations that are gentle on Indian wallets. Each country offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and experiences without breaking your budget. Accommodations for under 1,000 rupees per night? Check. Authentic local meals for 200 rupees or less? Yes, please. Activities and attractions that won’t deplete your travel fund? Absolutely.