Travel & Adventure

Vietnam Tops List as Asia’s Cheapest Travel Destination in 2025 — Beats India, Japan, Thailand, and More

Vietnam has officially emerged as Asia’s most affordable travel destination in 2025, overtaking long-time favorites like India, Japan, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, according to a new report analyzing currency exchange rates, cost of living, and average travel expenses.

Published

1 month ago

May 19, 2025

Nivaan Joshi

Vietnam has officially emerged as Asia’s most affordable travel destination in 2025, overtaking long-time favorites like India, Japan, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, according to a new report analyzing currency exchange rates, cost of living, and average travel expenses. With the Vietnamese dong offering the strongest currency advantage and consistently low costs for food, accommodation, transportation, and attractions, Vietnam now offers the best overall value for international travelers seeking rich cultural experiences on a budget.

Vietnam: The New Benchmark for Budget Travel

As per recent currency data:

1 USD = 25,921.50 Vietnamese dong
1 Euro = 29,030.00 dong

This favorable exchange rate translates to exceptional purchasing power for tourists, especially those from Western countries.

Why Vietnam Leads in Travel Value:

Food & Dining: Street food favorites like pho, banh mi, and goi cuon (spring rolls) cost as little as $1–$2 per meal.
Accommodation: Comfortable guesthouses and boutique 3-star hotels in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An are available for $10–$25 per night.
Transportation: Domestic flights, trains, and sleeper buses offer budget-friendly ways to explore the entire country.
Attractions: Entry to popular sites like Halong Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Hoi An Ancient Town typically costs between $2 and $10.

Thanks to rapid growth in tourism infrastructure, Vietnam offers improved services without compromising affordability. Its stunning landscapes, vibrant street life, and deep cultural heritage are now more accessible than ever.

Top Places to Visit in Vietnam

Hanoi: Historic Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food tours
Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, rooftop dining
Hoi An: Lantern-lit streets, night markets, cooking classes
Da Nang: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills
Hue: Ancient citadels, royal tombs, riverside pagodas

Top Experiences:

Cruise through Halong Bay
Eat authentic pho for under $1
Ride a motorbike across the scenic Hai Van Pass
Shop for handmade crafts at local markets

India: Rich Culture, Rising Costs

India, once the undisputed leader in budget travel, has now slipped behind Vietnam in affordability rankings. While it remains a top destination for spiritual, historical, and culinary travel, rising domestic costs and a stronger rupee have slightly diminished its cost advantage.

As of 2025:

1 USD = 85.60 INR
1 Euro = 95.40 INR

Key Value Highlights in India:

Food & Dining: Local meals like thalis, dosas, and chaat still range from $1–$5, but urban centers have seen rising prices.
Accommodation: Budget stays range between $10–$30. Unique heritage hotels in Rajasthan and Kerala provide value for mid-range travelers.
Transportation: The vast train network remains cost-effective, but fuel price hikes have made domestic flights costlier.
Attractions: Entry fees remain modest but are often higher for foreign tourists compared to locals.

India continues to offer deep cultural immersion and spiritual journeys at modest costs, though longer stays or multi-city travel now make Vietnam the more economical option.

Top Places to Visit in India

Delhi: Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Chandni Chowk
Jaipur: Amber Fort, City Palace, vibrant bazaars
Varanasi: Ganga Aarti, spiritual ghats
Kerala: Backwater cruises in Alleppey, eco-resorts in Kochi
Rishikesh: Yoga retreats, river rafting, Himalayan views

Must-Do Experiences:

See the Taj Mahal at sunrise
Ride the toy train to Shimla
Try diverse regional thalis for under $3
Take a camel safari in Jaisalmer

Japan: High Quality, But No Longer a Budget Destination

While Japan offers world-class cleanliness, infrastructure, and hospitality, it ranks among the most expensive Asian destinations in 2025. Prices for accommodation, dining, and transportation remain significantly higher compared to Vietnam or India, making it less suitable for budget-conscious travelers.

Conclusion: Vietnam Crowned the Value King of Asia

Vietnam’s unique combination of favorable exchange rates, low daily costs, diverse attractions, and upgraded tourism services has officially made it Asia’s cheapest and best-value travel destination in 2025.

For backpackers, digital nomads, and culture-seeking travelers alike, Vietnam is now the top pick for affordable, unforgettable adventures across Asia.

Travel & Adventure

Kailash Yatra 2025: First Group Gears Up to Depart from Delhi on June 30

Published

1 week ago

June 21, 2025

Nivaan Joshi

The spiritual journey to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar is set to begin soon. Preparations are in full swing as the first batch of pilgrims for the 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to depart from Delhi on June 30. This year’s journey will see devotees traveling to Lipulekh Pass via vehicle—a route that blends modern convenience with ancient devotion.

About the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages. Pilgrims embark on this journey to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, whose abode is believed to be Mount Kailash. The trek also holds significance for Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon religion.

Yatra 2025: What’s New This Year?

Pilgrims will travel primarily by vehicle till Lipulekh
Health and security protocols have been enhanced post-COVID
Mobile medical units and satellite phones to be used in remote areas
Digital registration and tracking for all yatris

Journey Route: From Delhi to Lipulekh

Start from Delhi via bus to Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
After documentation and acclimatization, pilgrims head to Dharchula
From there, travel continues by road and local 4×4 vehicles to Lipulekh Pass
Trekking resumes beyond Lipulekh for the Kailash parikrama

Security, Health & Logistics Readiness

The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with ITBP and the Uttarakhand Government, is:

Deploying rescue teams
Setting up checkposts and emergency camps
Preparing helipads for aerial rescue if needed
Offering pre-yatra health checks for all participants

Devotee Guidelines for 2025

Mandatory health certificate & age limit between 18–70 years
Only fully vaccinated participants allowed
Fitness training recommended 30 days prior to travel
Essential gear: trekking shoes, warm clothes, ID proofs, prescribed meds

Travel & Adventure

Delhi to Soon Have Hot-Air Balloon Rides: Officials Share Details

Published

2 weeks ago

June 19, 2025

Nivaan Joshi

Delhi is set to offer a fresh perspective from above as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) prepares to launch tethered hot-air balloon rides along the Yamuna riverfront. The initiative promises a blend of adventure, tourism, and urban recreation.

Proposed Locations

DDA plans to facilitate tethered balloon rides at Baansera and Asita parks along the Yamuna floodplains. Based on public interest, additional parks may be added later.

What Are Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Rides?

These balloons remain anchored via ropes, offering a controlled and safe aerial experience lasting a few minutes. Riders ascend to a fixed height before gently descending, making it accessible even for beginners.

Objective & Benefits

The DDA initiative aims to:

Elevate tourism at urban riverfronts
Introduce sustainable recreational activities

How Agencies Can Participate

Interested operators must:

Have aviation recreation or aero-sports experience
Hold valid licenses and certifications under DGCA norms
Submit bids—the agency with an optimal safety, experience, and compliance track record will be selected
Deadline for applications: March 10, 2025

The chosen agency will manage:

Balloon safety equipment and ground crew support
Licensed pilots and team coordination
Ticketing, marketing, and visitor service

Safety & Regulation

All operations must adhere to DGCA guidelines and environmental standards. Additionally, balloons must be tethered securely to ensure no free-flight risk remains.

Travel & Adventure

Sky Drama: Air India Jet Returns to Delhi After Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia

Published

2 weeks ago

June 18, 2025

Nivaan Joshi

On June 18, 2025, Air India Flight AI2145, en route from Delhi to Bali, was advised mid-flight to return to Delhi due to a volcanic eruption near Bali’s airport. Indonesian authorities had raised the volcano alert to its highest level after Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki spewed ash and smoke up to 10 km into the atmosphere

Flight & Safety Details

Safety Concern: Volcanic ash poses threats to aircraft engines and visibility, making the air route unsafe
Safe Landing: The plane landed smoothly back at Delhi IGI Airport, and all passengers disembarked safely

Passenger Support

Air India promptly arranged:

Hotel accommodations for all affected passengers
Full refunds or complimentary rerouting/rescheduling options

Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki

Eruptions from the twin volcano sent ash plumes up to 10 km high, visible as far as 150 km away
The volcano’s alert level was raised to maximum, with an 8 km evacuation zone established around the crater
Travel chaos ensued: flights from Bali and nearby Labuan Bajo were cancelled or delayed by airlines like Jetstar, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines