Vietnam Beats India, Thailand & Japan as Asia’s Cheapest Travel Destination in 2025

Vietnam: Asia’s New Benchmark for Affordable Travel

In a fresh 2025 report comparing travel expenses and exchange rates across Asia, Vietnam has emerged as the cheapest destination, overtaking budget-friendly giants like India, Laos, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The Vietnamese dong (VND) offers exceptional purchasing power — 1 USD equals 25,921.50 VND — helping travellers stretch every dollar across food, hotels, transport, and experiences.

◆ Why Vietnam Delivers More for Less

◾ Food & Dining: Street eats like pho and banh mi often cost under $2
◾ Accommodation: Guesthouses and 3-star hotels range from $10–$25 per night
◾ Transportation: Domestic flights, buses, and trains are extremely cost-effective
◾ Attractions: Top sites like Halong Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Hoi An cost $2–$10

Vietnam’s rapid tourism growth has improved service standards without inflating prices, making it a high-value, low-cost gem for both leisure and corporate travel.

Top Vietnamese Cities for Budget-Conscious Travellers

• Hanoi: Old Quarter, street food tours, and cultural temples

• Ho Chi Minh City: War history, rooftop dining, and vibrant nightlife

• Hoi An: UNESCO heritage, night markets, and cooking classes

• Da Nang: Coastal luxury and adventure tourism at mid-range prices

• Hue: Historical sites and royal architecture without the royal budget

How Vietnam Compares to Other Asian Destinations

● India:

Still affordable, but rising fuel and accommodation costs are shrinking its value edge.
Exchange Rate (2025): 1 USD = 85.60 INR

● Japan:

A favourite for quality and culture, but transportation and lodging remain expensive.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 145.94 JPY

● Laos:

A serene destination, but it lacks the tour infrastructure and domestic travel ease of Vietnam.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 21,695.17 LAK

● Indonesia:

Island adventures are great, but logistics (island-hopping, flights) can inflate total costs.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 16,488.59 IDR

● Malaysia:

Modern and well-connected, but daily expenses are higher than in Vietnam.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 4.30 MYR

● Cambodia:

Cultural experiences are still cheap, but services and infrastructure trail behind.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 4,012.87 KHR

● Thailand:

A top pick for decades, but now faces price inflation in tourist zones.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 33.42 THB

Key Activities in Vietnam for Budget Travellers

• Cruise through Halong Bay on a day tour

• Ride a scooter along the Hai Van Pass

• Enjoy a $1 bowl of authentic pho

• Take a lantern-making class in Hoi An

• Visit imperial tombs and temples in Hue

Vietnam in 2025: The Clear Winner for B2B Travel Agents

For B2B travel agents, Vietnam now offers unmatched packaging flexibility for:

• Budget group tours

• Corporate offsites

• Inbound FIT travel

• South Asia + SEA multi-destination combos

Its affordability, ease of travel, and diversified experiences make it the go-to option for price-sensitive international clients.

Final Takeaway

Vietnam is no longer just “affordable”—it is now Asia’s most cost-effective travel destination, delivering high value across every metric. As other destinations face rising costs, Vietnam leads the region’s new era of value-driven tourism.

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