Travelling abroad does not have to be expensive. With the right destination, smart planning, and local travel choices, international trips can be surprisingly affordable for Indian travellers. Several countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even parts of Europe offer low-cost accommodation, inexpensive food, affordable transport, and rich cultural experiences.
Below is a curated list of 20 of the cheapest countries to visit from India, including approximate daily costs and what travellers can realistically expect to experience in each destination.
1. Nepal
Nepal is one of the easiest and most affordable international destinations for Indians, with visa-free entry and low travel costs. It offers a mix of spiritual sites, mountain views, and trekking culture.
Stay Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night (hostels & budget hotels)
Food Cost: ₹500 per day
Highlights:
Everest Base Camp & Annapurna trekking routes, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is ideal for budget travellers seeking scenic landscapes, history, and great food. It offers excellent value for money with affordable stays and transport.
Stay Cost: ₹800–₹1,000 per night (backpacker hostels)
Food Cost: ₹700–₹900 per day
Highlights:
Ha Long Bay cruises, Hanoi Old Quarter, lantern-lit Hoi An, Sapa mountain trekking.
3. Bhutan
Bhutan offers a unique travel experience rooted in culture, nature, and simplicity. Indians benefit from special entry privileges, making it affordable compared to other international destinations.
Stay Cost: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per night (homestays)
Food Cost: ₹100–₹400 per meal
Highlights:
Dochula Pass, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Valley, traditional Bhutanese towns.
4. Sri Lanka
Compact yet diverse, Sri Lanka allows travellers to experience beaches, wildlife, tea plantations, and heritage cities in a single trip.
Stay Cost: ₹700–₹1,000 per night
Food Cost: ₹300–₹1,000 per day
Highlights:
Galle beaches, Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy), Nuwara Eliya tea estates, Mirissa coast.
5. Laos
Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most budget-friendly and peaceful destinations, ideal for slow travel and cultural immersion.
Stay Cost: ₹400–₹800 per night (dorms)
Food Cost: ₹200–₹300 per meal
Highlights:
Luang Prabang temples, Kuang Si waterfalls, Vang Vieng caves, Mekong River views.
6. Thailand
Thailand remains a favourite for Indian travellers due to its affordability, infrastructure, and variety of experiences.
Stay Cost: ₹1,200+ per night
Food Cost: ₹150–₹300 per meal (street food)
Highlights:
Krabi & Phuket beaches, Phi Phi Islands, Bangkok floating markets, Chiang Mai temples.
7. Singapore
While known as an expensive city, Singapore can be done on a budget with hostels, public transport, and hawker food.
Stay Cost: ₹1,700+ per night (hostels)
Food Cost: ₹500–₹700 per meal
Highlights:
Sentosa Island, Marina Bay Sands skyline, Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay.
8. Malaysia
Malaysia offers great value with modern cities, tropical islands, and cultural diversity.
Stay Cost: ₹600+ per night
Food Cost: ₹300 per meal
Highlights:
Petronas Towers, Langkawi beaches, Batu Caves, George Town street food.
9. Indonesia
Indonesia is diverse and affordable beyond Bali, offering temples, volcanoes, and island life.
Stay Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night
Food Cost: ₹700+ per day
Highlights:
Bali beaches, Mount Bromo sunrise, Borobudur Temple, Ubud countryside.
10. Maldives (Budget Islands)
Contrary to popular belief, Maldives can be affordable by staying on local islands instead of luxury resorts.
Stay Cost: ₹1,500+ per night (guesthouses)
Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per day
Highlights:
Snorkelling, island hopping, sunset cruises, coral reefs.
11. Seychelles
Seychelles offers stunning beaches and nature experiences, with budget guesthouses making it accessible.
Stay Cost: ₹2,500+ per night
Food Cost: ₹800–₹1,500 per day
Highlights:
Anse Lazio beach, Vallée de Mai, island hopping, coastal hikes.
12. Cambodia
Cambodia is extremely affordable and rich in history.
Stay Cost: ₹400–₹1,000 per night
Food Cost: ₹300 per day
Highlights:
Angkor Wat temples, floating villages, Phnom Penh museums.
13. Philippines
The Philippines offers island experiences at reasonable costs, especially outside peak seasons.
Stay Cost: ₹700–₹1,500 per night
Food Cost: ₹300–₹500 per meal
Highlights:
Palawan lagoons, Boracay beaches, Chocolate Hills, island hopping.
14. Turkey
Turkey bridges Europe and Asia with affordable food and accommodation options.
Stay Cost: ₹1,500+ per night
Food Cost: ₹300–₹600 per meal
Highlights:
Cappadocia hot air balloons, Istanbul landmarks, Pamukkale pools.
15. Myanmar
Myanmar offers ancient temples and traditional lifestyles at low costs.
Stay Cost: ₹1,000+ per night
Food Cost: ₹400–₹700 per day
Highlights:
Bagan temples, Inle Lake, Shwedagon Pagoda.
16. Lebanon
Lebanon offers history, food, and nightlife at reasonable prices for short trips.
Stay Cost: ₹1,500+ per night
Food Cost: ₹500–₹800 per meal
Highlights:
Byblos ruins, Beirut nightlife, Jeita Grotto.
17. Hong Kong
Hong Kong can be affordable with hostels and street food.
Stay Cost: ₹2,000+ per night
Food Cost: ₹500+ per meal
Highlights:
Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Disneyland, street markets.
18. UAE
Budget travel is possible beyond luxury malls by staying in budget hotels and using public transport.
Stay Cost: ₹1,500–₹2,500 per night
Food Cost: ₹1,000+ per day
Highlights:
Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, desert safaris.
19. Kenya
Kenya offers affordable wildlife experiences compared to other safari destinations.
Stay Cost: ₹2,000+ per night
Food Cost: ₹800 per day
Highlights:
Masai Mara safaris, Mount Kenya, Nairobi National Park.
20. Taiwan
Taiwan combines modern cities with natural beauty and affordable food.
Stay Cost: ₹1,200+ per night
Food Cost: ₹500 per meal
Highlights:
Taipei 101, Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, night markets.
Final Thoughts
International travel on a budget is entirely possible with the right destination and planning. These countries prove that memorable travel experiences do not require luxury spending—only smart choices. From nearby Asian neighbours to island nations and cultural hubs, budget travellers from India have more options than ever before to explore the world affordably.
