Not Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, THIS is the cheapest travel destination in southeast Asia, Hostel beds in less than Rs 400, the name is…
New Delhi: Indians love to travel, and Southeast Asia has long been their favorite region for international holidays. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia have traditionally been a few countries that record the highest numbers of Indian travelers. These destinations are counted among the most budget-friendly countries, but recent reports identify Laos as the most economical choice for 2025.
According to a recent Time Out magazine report, Laos stands out as the cheapest travel destination in Southeast Asia with an average daily expense of only £12 (around Rs 1,414). This modest budget covers accommodation, food, and transportation — allowing travelers to enjoy rich experiences without overspending. Why Laos should be your first choice: Travel costs in Laos remain remarkably low across the board.
Hostel beds in popular tourist hubs like Luang Prabang and Vientiane can be found starting from £3 (Rs 353) per night
Accommodation in Vang Vieng is approximately £1.50 (Rs 176).
Street food is widely accessible and inexpensive; a plate of sticky rice with grilled pork can cost less than £1 (Rs 117).
Local transport, including buses and minivans connecting major cities, is priced below £4.50 (Rs 529),
Renting a motorbike for a day costs around £4.70 (Rs 553).
The newly opened Laos–China Railway offers a scenic and affordable route between Vientiane and Vang Vieng at approximately £6 (Rs 706).
Entry fees for popular tourist sites are also budget-friendly.
Visiting Kuang Si Falls and the adjacent Bear Rescue Centre costs just about £2.30 (Rs 270) All You Need To Know Laos is described as a serene and less commercialized alternative to the busier tourist hotspots in the region.
The place moves at an unhurried pace and offers natural beauty that includes rivers, mountains, and waterfalls.
Tourists can get genuine cultural experiences appeal here
According to the Vientiane Times, international arrivals in Laos increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year
Over 1.2 million visitors generated USD426 million in tourism revenue.
Domestic tourism is also on the rise, with nearly double the local trips recorded in the same period.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Amit Shah Congratulates Security Forces, J&K Administration For Keeping Amarnath Yatra Safe
Curated By : Last Updated: August 11, 2025, 23:18 IST Union Home Minister Amit Shah (Image: PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated all security forces, Amarnathji Shrine Board, Jammu-Kashmir administration and voluntary organisations for their contribution in making the annual Amarnath Yatra safe and smooth. The yatra began on July 3 and was scheduled to conclude on August 9 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. However, authorities decided to shorten it by a week due to heavy rainfall and its impact on the yatra route. In a post on X, Shah said more than 4.14 lakh devotees visited the holy Amarnath cave shrine, reflecting the unbroken tradition and faith of Indian culture. " I congratulate all the security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Jammu-Kashmir administration and voluntary organizations for their contribution in making this pilgrimage safe and smooth." 'The contribution of all of you in making this holy pilgrimage successful was commendable and unique. May Baba Barfani keep his blessings on everyone," he added. ॐ नमः शिवाय!भारतीय संस्कृति की अटूट परंपरा और आस्था की प्रतीक श्री अमरनाथ जी की पवित्र यात्रा में इस वर्ष 4.14 लाख से अधिक श्रद्धालुओं ने बाबा बर्फानी के दर्शन किये। इस यात्रा को सुरक्षित और सुगम बनाने में अपना योगदान देने के लिए मैं सभी सुरक्षा बलों, श्री अमरनाथजी श्राइन बोर्ड,…— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 11, 2025 The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,888 meters in the hills of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to represent Lord Shiva, and draws lakhs of devotees every year. However, the yatra was affected by heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, which rendered the roads unsafe. Authorities announced that the yatra would be suspended from August 3 due to the need for track maintenance along both the Baltal and Pahalgam axes of the route. Swipe Left For Next Video View all On July 17, the yatra was suspended due to heavy rains at the twin base camps in Kashmir. A woman pilgrim died while three others sustained injuries on July 16 in a landslide incident along the Baltal route of the Amarnath Yatra in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, four pilgrims were washed downhill by a landslide at Railpathri along the Baltal axis to the holy cave. This year, following a major terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the government deployed the highest number of troops ever for the annual yatra. In addition to the already extensive security presence in Kashmir, around 600 extra companies of paramilitary forces were assigned specifically for duties. Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More view comments News india Amit Shah Congratulates Security Forces, J&K Administration For Keeping Amarnath Yatra Safe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Pakistan's Maryam Nawaz flags off ‘First Trackless Tram', internet calls it ‘just a Bus'
Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab, recently unveiled 'South Asia's first trackless tram', touted as a "subway on wheels." This innovative, solar-powered metro system, imported from China, operates without tracks or tickets. According to a report by Gulf News, it's a key part of Punjab's urban transport modernisation initiative, with plans to roll out the system in 30 cities across the region. Last week, Ms Nawaz took the trackless tram for a test ride from Raiwind Road to Muslim Town in Lahore, assessing its performance in live traffic. Alongside Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, she reviewed technical aspects and emphasised the project's significance for future urban development. "Ladies and gentlemen, South Asia's first-ever Track-less tram soon starting its service in Lahore Punjab under Maryam Nawaz," the tweet shared by Nawaz read. While officials hailed it as a revolutionary step in urban transportation, many internet users were not convinced and pointed out that a trackless tram is essentially a bus, questioning the hype surrounding the project. Many social media users poked fun at the perceived lack of originality, with some users comparing it to existing bus systems, highlighting that the "new" technology seemed more like a rebranded concept rather than an innovative solution. A user wrote, 'That's called a bus.' Another user asked on X, 'It's a bus. What does a trackless tram even mean?' 'Oh wow, a 'track-less tram'. Basically a fancy bus with a dramatic flair! Lahore really reinventing the wheel there. Next, maybe South Asia's first 'track-less train' (spoiler: also a bus). Meanwhile, in Indian cities, we're out here actually building metros, bullet trains, and expressways! But hey, props to Lahore for someday they'll figure out tracks too. Baby steps, guys, baby steps,' the third user wrote. 'Only Pakistanis can present a bus as train,' the fourth user remarked. 'If you shape it like an engine then it doesn't become trackless train. It's just a bus mam,' the fifth user wrote.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
IHCL inks agreements to acquire 51% stake in ANK Hotels and Pride Hospitality for Clarks Hotels & Resorts
Tata Group backed Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) said on Monday it has entered into share subscription and purchase agreements and shareholders' agreements to acquire around 51% equity stake not exceeding Rs 110 crore in ANK Hotels Pvt Ltd and a 51% equity stake for an amount not exceeding Rs 94 crore in Pride Hospitality Pvt Ltd. IHCL said the foregoing companies have a portfolio of 135 hotels which are operated under the Clarks Hotels & Resorts brand across India. IHCL MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal told ET most of these properties will be rebranded as Ginger hotels, and the development should take the chain's Ginger brand to a 250 hotels portfolio. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program "We hope to make Ginger India's number one mid market brand serving the needs and wants of 500 million potential customers emerging in the next three to five years," he said. "Taj has been recognised as India's strongest brand and the world's strongest brand consistently, and this deal will push Ginger as the next brand to watch out for in the mid scale segment," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Suffering From Pain After Age 50? Do This Every Morning Wellnee Undo The company has also signed a marketing and distribution agreement with Brij Hospitality which has a portfolio of 19 hotels under the Brij brand primarily across india. ANK Hotels Private Limited which operates and manages hotels under the umbrella of Clarks Hotels & Resorts has a portfolio of 111 midscale hotels (with 67 hotels in operation) and it operates hotels under brands such as Clarks Inn, Clarks Inn Suites, and Clarks Inn Premier. It had a turnover of Rs 14.32 crore in financial year 2024-25. Live Events Pride Hospitality Private Limited has a portfolio of 24 midscale hotels (with 13 hotels in operation) and it operates and manages properties under brands such as Clarks Safari, Clarks Collection and Clarks Resort. Pride Hospitality had a turnover of Rs 18.94 crore in financial year 2024-25. IHCL said both the transactions are expected to be completed by November 15 this year. IHCL said earlier it had a gross cash balance of Rs 3,073 crore as on June 30 2025. The hospitality chain has been pushing on new ventures and a diversified brand architecture. In November last year, it bought a majority stake in the operating company of Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels, further expanding the Tata Group's hospitality business and enhancing its capabilities to exploit a burgeoning leisure travel market. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. IHCL is aiming to scale Tree of Life to 100 properties by 2030, reflecting growing demand for experiential leisure. In November last year, IHCL also announced its 'comprehensive' strategy for 2030. Under Accelerate 2030, IHCL said it will expand its brandscape, deliver 'industry- leading' margins, double its consolidated revenue with a 20% return on capital employed and grow its portfolio to over 700 hotels. Under MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal, the hospitality chain has charted a massive turnaround story with record performances every quarter. The brand was also recently ranked by Brand Finance-UK as the World's Strongest Hotel Brand 2025 for the fourth time and India's Strongest Brand across sectors for the fifth time. IHCL reported consolidated revenues of Rs 2102 crore for the quarter ended June, up 32% year on year. The chain reported a profit after tax of Rs 296 crore, up 19% year on year. Chhatwal said despite the geo-political challenges, flight disruptions and booking cancellations, quarter one of financial year 2026 marked the thirteenth consecutive quarter of 'record performance' for the chain. The company reported a double-digit growth in consolidated revenue. The hotel segment's revenue at Rs 1,814 crore grew by 14% leading to a strong EBITDA margin of 31.4%. The chain said it continued its growth momentum with 12 signings taking the portfolio to over 390 hotels and opened six new hotels in the quarter. Quarter one also marked the Ginger Kolkata acquisition by the Tata Group. 'Indian Hotels Company feels privileged to have the backing of Tata Sons to acquire a trophy asset for the Ginger brand at the Kolkata airport. Growing in major airport locations is a part of our growth strategy,' Chhatwal had stated earlier.
