International travel is almost always thought of as an expensive affair, however, there are many countries that you can visit without breaking the bank! There are plenty of countries, especially in Asia and parts of the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas that you can visit without draining your savings. In this article, we’ll be sharing information about some of the cheapest countries Indians can travel to in 2026!
10 Countries Indians Can Travel To On A Budget
1. Vietnam
Vietnam, in recent years, has emerged as one of the most affordable countries in the world for Indians. The Southeast Asian country is known for its vibrant cities, rich culture, delicious culinary heritage, and of course, world-class coffee. Vietnam provides a perfect opportunity to explore bustling metropolises along with traditional villages and historic temples.
Visit Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Sapa, and many more destinations within Vietnam. Try the delicious coffee and engage in adventurous activities like zip lining, bungee jumping, and hiking.
Average trip cost per person: INR 50,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 14
Perfect for: Backpackers, solo travelers, budget travelers
2. Thailand
Thailand has managed to dominate charts when it comes to budget-friendly travel for Indians. The Land of Smiles has seen a dramatic rise in tourism thanks to many more travelers discovering the affordability and quality of life in the country. There are direct flights available to Thailand from most major cities in India, making Thailand quite accessible to Indian travelers.
Explore big cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and more, marvel at the bejeweled temples, enjoy the famed nightlife, and unwind at clean, white sand beaches. Thailand’s food and entertainment is also quite well-known. Plus, with easy connectivity within the country, a Thailand trip hardly causes any inconvenience to travelers.
Average trip cost per person: INR 70,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 14
Perfect for: Backpackers, solo travelers, family travelers, friend groups
3. Malaysia
Next on our list of the cheapest countries to travel to in 2026, we have another gem from Southeast Asia, Malaysia. The country offers a delightful mix of modern cities, lush rainforests, and multicultural experiences on a budget. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is a haven for shoppers, cafe hoppers, and tourists looking to experience the nightlife of Malaysia.
Explore the duty-free Langkawi, the colorful streets of Penang, UNESCO-approved Malacca, and lush tea plantations in Cameron Highlands. Malaysia has an excellent public transport system, diverse street food, and a variety of experiences that are perfect for explorers wanting to explore Southeast Asia on a budget.
Average trip cost per person: INR 65,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 14
Perfect for: Solo travelers, family travelers, friend groups
4. Nepal
Nepal is perhaps one of the nearest, easiest, and cheapest countries Indians can travel to in 2026. It is visa-free for Indians and flights are cheap, making it quite accessible. Explore the capital city of Kathmandu, visit ancient monasteries and temples, go on underexplored hikes, explore quaint villages, and savor the underrated Nepali cuisine.
Visit destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, Bhaktapur, Lumbini, and others that are distinct in their own sense. You can either take direct flights which are more expensive or cross the border through border towns, which is far less expensive. Nepal is ideal for first-time international travelers, especially when you’re on a budget.
Average trip cost per person: INR 50,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 14
Perfect for: Solo travelers, family travelers, friend groups
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka remains an underrated destination among budget travelers. The country offers an incredible variety of experiences, from exploring tea gardens and swimming in the open ocean to hiking and exploring the lush nature trails of Sri Lanka. It is home to historic cities like Kandy and Colombo, and is home to the historic Sigiriya Rock.
The country has sprawling tea estates, iconic train rides, coastal towns, thriving sanctuaries, and pristine beaches. Thanks to affordable accommodation, diverse food culture, and cheap transportation, Sri Lanka easily ranks as one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.
Average trip cost per person: INR 60,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 14
Perfect for: Solo travelers, family travelers, backpackers, honeymooners
Best time to visit:
6. Seychelles
While Seychelles is a luxury destination, budget travelers can plan in advance to explore the beauty of this island country. Flights from India are relatively cheap and accessible. Additionally, homestays and luxury properties are reasonably priced, especially during the off-season and shoulder season.
Explore the numerous beaches, go scuba diving, snorkeling, and spend the days casually unwinding on the pristine beachscapes. If you’re looking for a luxurious beach getaway that’s reasonably priced, you must consider visiting Seychelles.
Average trip cost per person: INR 80,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 10
Perfect for: Family travelers, luxury travelers, honeymooners
7. Indonesia
Indonesia is a paradise offering a multitude of experiences within a budget. The country blends tradition with modernity, offering a mix of both urban landscapes and rural experiences. Explore a number of temples, mosques, and churches, along with lush rice paddies, clean white beaches, beach towns, yoga retreats, and more.
Indonesia has a number of places like Gili Islands, Java, Sumatra, Bali, Nusa Penida, Bintan Island, and more that offer a variety of experiences. Exploring Indonesia can take up to a few weeks, however, you can also go to specific destinations like Bali, which is itself a popular standalone destination among travelers.
Average trip cost per person: INR 70,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 10 to 14
Perfect for: Family travelers, honeymooners, backpackers
8. Oman
This gem in the Middle East is quite underrated, but offers a unique experience unlike most other Middle Eastern countries. Muscat, the capital city, has beautiful mosques, traditional markets, and scenic coastlines. Nature lovers can explore dramatic mountains, golden deserts, and hidden oasis valleys called wadis.
With vibrant markets, quaint cities and towns, grand mosques such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and plenty of scenic places soaked in natural beauty, Oman is perfect for exploring, even on a budget.
Average trip cost per person: INR 50,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 10 days
Perfect for: Family travelers, backpackers, solo travelers
9. Cambodia
Among the many Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia remains one of the most underrated ones. The country is known for its rich culture and heritage, especially the UNESCO-recognized Angkor Wat temple.
Apart from exploring the temples and monasteries here, travelers can enjoy riverside cafes, bustling markets, and vibrant food scenes. While the public transport and basic infrastructure is not the most reliable here, Cambodia is perfect for backpackers and history buffs.
Average trip cost per person: INR 60,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 5 to 7 days
Perfect for: Family travelers, backpackers, solo travelers
10. Laos
Laos remains one of the most underrated and peaceful destinations in Southeast Asia. The country is known for its relaxed pace of life, scenic mountains, grand temples, and charming towns. Visit the UNESCO-recognized Luang Prabang for its stunning temples, visit Kuang Si Falls, take river cruises along the Mekong River, and unwind in the quiet solace of the country.
Laos is ideal for travelers looking for slow, immersive experiences rooted in culture. The breathtaking landscapes, mountain towns, colorful cities, and the underrated street food makes Laos worth a visit if you haven’t already.
Average trip cost per person: INR 60,000 for 7 days
Recommended number of days: 7 to 10 days
Perfect for: Family travelers, backpackers, solo travelers
Summing Up
Here we reach the end of the listicle covering some of the best cheapest countries Indians can travel to in 2026. Whether you’re a family traveler or a solo backpacker, there are plenty of countries you can visit without burning a hole in your wallet. With just the right planning, you can explore a number of beautiful destinations on a reasonable budget.
