Most of the time, when we plan a trip with someone else, it either gets postponed or there's some dilemma in choosing the destination or regarding the travel time/duration, etc. Amidst the endless confusion that keep arising every now and then, most of those travel plans get canceled forever!
If you are craving to get another stamp on your passport and don’t have anyone to tag along - how about setting out for your first international solo trip in 2022?
Here’s a list of Southeast Asian countries that are now open and can be explored under 25K INR if planned properly! Check’em out now.
1. Thailand
From pristine beaches to dense forests, ancient monasteries to coral reefs, from Buddhist monks to floating markets and finally the fragrant and rich food to treat your taste buds - Thailand will surely make you fall in love in no time! It's needless to say, you must have been dying to escape in some exotic island and wake up to see the turquoise waters, stroll on the white sandy beaches and savor some delicious seafood! Known to be a backpacker's paradise, Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world and you can kickstart your solo adventures this year, that too within a budget!
Places to visit: Bangkok is known for its hustle and bustle, great street food and all things happening! Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui offer some of the best tropical experiences by the sea, while Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta are some of the lesser explored islands. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to the north cater to those looking the quiet countryside.
Flight Tickets - INR 12,000- INR 18,000 (Roundtrip)
Daily Expenses - INR 1,500 - 2,000 (Including living, travelling, eating)
2. Sri Lanka
Your Instagram-feed must have been flooded with photos from Sri Lanka, as the country has been attracting travelers ever since the borders opened up! With mesmeric beaches, quaint places, historical monuments, hill stations, bustling cities and mouth-watering local delicacies - this tiny island country is nothing short of a paradise! Trust me, 'coz I too took a solo trip to Sri Lanka recently, and absolutely loved my experiences! You can simply rent a tuktuk and drive around the country, or avail local transports (buses, trains etc). Sri Lanka is super safe for solo travelers, and the historical towns like Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura are a little conservative too.
Places to visit: If you want city life, then Colombo and Negombo are the best choices. If you're seeking cool weather, tea plantations, and waterfalls to captivate you, then Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Kandy are the places you would want to visit. Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Welligama are meant for beach lovers, and if you're a wildlife enthusiast, you gotta explore Yala National Park!
Flight Tickets - INR 10,000 - 15,000 (Roundtrip)
Daily Expenses - INR 1,500- 2,000 (Including living, travelling, eating)
3. Nepal
How about sitting by the Pokhara Lake and witnessing the sunsets over the Annapurna Range? Sounds dreamy, doesn't it? A hub for the adventure-lovers and home to Mt. Everest, the world's tallest peak, Nepal is a great choice for budget backpacking in 2022. The mighty snow-capped mountains here such as Annapurna, Mount Everest, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga offer some of the best trekking trails in the world. Not just that, but you'd also get to explore some of the oldest temples in Kathmandu & Bhaktapur, and gorge on some delicious juicy momos!
Places to visit: Lumbini, a small Buddhist hub in Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Pokhara & Kathamandu for city vibes, gorgeous views and short hikes. Chitwan National Park to spot some wildlife.
Flight Tickets (to Kathmandu) - INR 10,000- INR 15,000 (Roundtrip)
Daily Expenses - INR 1,000- INR 2,500
4. Vietnam
With its 3,000 kilometers of tropical coastline, exquisite food, mind-blowing history, and fascinating culture - Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations visited by travelers from all over the world. No matter whether you are a beach lover or art buff, die-hard foodie, or an adventure seeker - Vietnam definitely has it all in store for you! Of course, when you think of traveling abroad, one of the first and foremost things to consider is the budget. As it's widely known, Southeast Asia is the backpacker's hub 'coz of its affordability - and Vietnam, surely, is one of the most budget-friendly destinations. With increasing dependence on the tourism industry for their economy, the Vietnamese have set up the country to be as travel-friendly as possible. You'll get several hostels to crash in the big cities and the local transport will save you from getting doomed!
Places to visit: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue for historical importance and also to know about the country's past. Da Nang, Da Lat, Halong Bay and Sapa Valley to witness the breathtaking landscapes. Nha Trang to soak in the beach vibes!
Flight Tickets - INR 18,000 - INR 20,000 (Roundtrip)
Daily Expenses - INR 1,500- INR 1,800 (Including living, travelling, eating)
5. Bangladesh
It might come to you as a surprise, because not many Indians choose this neighboring country when it comes to a vacay - but my solo travel experience in Bangladesh has been incredible. Known to be one of the largest & busiest cities of the world, Dhaka - the capital city is oozing with cultural & historical greatness along with a cosmopolitan vibes. The people here are extremely warm and welcoming, and the 'dawaat's would never seem to end! Think of good food - from hilsa to prawns, beef kebabs to mutton biriyani, bhorta to bohrani - the food scene in Bangladesh will leave you drooling for more! Step out of Dhaka's traffic, and you'll find yourself amidst the green fields, postcard-perfect landscapes dissected by mighty rivers.
Places to visit: Sundarbans to see the Royal Bengal Tigers! Cox's Bazaar and Saint Martin's Island for beach vibes. Bandarban, Rangamati, Sylhet, Srimongol for serenity amidst forests, tea gardens, and hills.
Flight Tickets - INR 8,000 - INR 12,000 (Roundtrip)
Daily Expenses - INR 1,500- INR 1,800 (Including living, travelling, eating)
6. Cambodia
Well, if you've always thought that Cambodia is just about the ruins of Angkor, then you're totally wrong! Squeezed between Thailand and Vietnam, this country has been laced with rich cultural heritage, lush green rainforests, white-sand beaches, and a lot more than you can explore during your solo trip. Cambodia is an amalgamation of the old and the new and a gentle reminder that the two can indeed co-exist and do it graciously. While you can spend your day cycling around the Angkor Wat, your can get drunk at the night markets in Siem Reap! The people here are extremely humble and you’ll definitely get to soak in the cultural richness that the country beholds.
Places to visit: Siem Reap, where the ruins of Angkor stands with grace. Phnom Penh, the capital city boosting great places to eat, alongside the monuments that tell stories of the country’s past. Sihanoukville and Koh Rong for beach vibes.
Flight Tickets - INR 18,000 - INR 20,000 (Roundtrip)
Daily Expenses - INR 1,500- INR 1,800 (Including living, travelling, eating)
Each of these countries are unique in some way or the other, and no matter where you do, you'll surely create wonderful memories!
You can read more about my adventures across the globe, here.
Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto.