Which is Cheaper? Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – The Indian Guide
Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – Which is the Cheapest International Destination for Indians?
If you're dreaming of a beach vacation or backpacking trip on a tight budget, you've probably wondered: Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – which is the cheapest international destination for Indians? Each offers rich culture, delicious food, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality—but which one gives the most bang for your buck?
This blog will give you a real-world comparison of Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali from an Indian traveler’s perspective—right down to food prices and tuk-tuk fares!
Visa Process & Entry Requirements
| Country | Visa for Indians | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa on arrival or e-visa | ₹4,000 approx |
| Vietnam | E-visa (30 days) | ₹1,600 |
| Bali (Indonesia) | Visa-free for Indians (30 days) | ₹0 |
✅ Winner: Bali – Zero visa fee makes Bali a winner in the Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – which is the cheapest international destination for Indians debate.
Currency Exchange & Daily Budget
| Country | Currency | ₹1 = | Average Daily Budget (Backpacker) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Thai Baht (THB) | ~0.43 THB | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Vietnam | Vietnamese Dong (VND) | ~300 VND | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
| Bali | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) | ~190 IDR | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 |
📊 Vietnam is slightly cheaper, but Thailand and Bali are close competitors.
Cost of Flights from India
Round-trip flight prices from Delhi/Mumbai (booked 2 months in advance):
-
Thailand (Bangkok): ₹13,000 – ₹18,000
-
Vietnam (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City): ₹16,000 – ₹22,000
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Bali (Denpasar): ₹20,000 – ₹28,000
✈️ Winner: Thailand – Cheapest flights, especially from Kolkata and Delhi.
Accommodation Comparison
| Country | Hostels/Night | Budget Hotels | Airbnb (2 People) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | ₹400 – ₹700 | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 |
| Vietnam | ₹300 – ₹600 | ₹900 – ₹1,200 | ₹1,600 – ₹2,000 |
| Bali | ₹500 – ₹800 | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | ₹2,000 – ₹2,800 |
Vietnam wins for ultra-budget travelers. You get more for less here!
Local Transportation Costs
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Thailand: Tuk-tuks (₹100+), Metro (₹30–₹60), Scooter rent: ₹400/day
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Vietnam: Grab app (₹30–₹80), Bike rent: ₹250/day
-
Bali: No public transport, Bike rent: ₹300/day
Vietnam and Bali are scooter-heaven, but Vietnam is a tad cheaper.
Street Food & Dining Options
| Dish | Thailand | Vietnam | Bali |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noodles | ₹80–₹120 | ₹60–₹100 | ₹100–₹150 |
| Veg Thali equivalent | ₹150–₹200 | ₹100–₹150 | ₹150–₹200 |
| Fresh Fruit Juice | ₹40 | ₹30 | ₹50 |
Vietnam wins again in the Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – which is the cheapest international destination for Indians race for food lovers!
Sightseeing & Experiences
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Thailand: Grand Palace, Phi Phi Islands, Elephant Sanctuary
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Vietnam: Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ninh Binh, Sapa
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Bali: Uluwatu Temple, Rice Terraces, Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Entry tickets range ₹100–₹1,000 depending on location. Group tours in Vietnam are generally cheaper.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Markets:
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Thailand: Chatuchak, Pattaya Floating Market
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Vietnam: Ben Thanh Market, Night markets in Hanoi
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Bali: Ubud Art Market, Sukawati Market
Vietnam is best for budget shopping—don’t forget to bargain!
Internet & Connectivity
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Thailand: SIM for ₹300 (7 days, 5GB)
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Vietnam: SIM for ₹250 (10 days, 7GB)
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Bali: SIM for ₹350 (7 days, 6GB)
All three destinations offer good Wi-Fi, but Vietnam again takes the edge for cost-effective connectivity.
Safety & Language Barrier
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All 3 are relatively safe for Indian tourists.
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English is widely spoken in Bali and tourist spots in Thailand.
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In Vietnam, younger locals and urban areas are better at English.
Solo and female travelers report positive experiences in all three countries.
Trip Cost Breakdown Table
| Category | Thailand | Vietnam | Bali |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | ₹15,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Visa | ₹4,000 | ₹1,600 | ₹0 |
| Accommodation (5 days) | ₹7,500 | ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Food & Drinks | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Transport & Entry Fees | ₹2,000 | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| Total (5-day trip) | ₹31,500 | ₹29,600 | ₹38,000 |
💰 So in the battle of Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – which is the cheapest international destination for Indians, the winner is…
Final Verdict
Vietnam is the cheapest international destination for Indians when you consider visa cost, food, accommodation, and sightseeing.
Thailand is a close second with low-cost flights and bustling markets.
Bali is the most exotic, but slightly more expensive for flights and stays.
Wrap-Up: Your Budget Travel Adventure Awaits!
Whether it’s the spicy street food of Thailand, the rice terraces of Bali, or the ancient charm of Vietnam—each destination is stunning in its own right. But if you’re asking Thailand vs Vietnam vs Bali – which is the cheapest international destination for Indians, Vietnam takes the crown for budget travelers.
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