Cheap & Beautiful Places to Visit from Thailand

Thailand is one of Asia’s greatest travel hubs—not just for what it offers within its borders, but for how easily and affordably it connects travelers to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Thanks to low-cost airlines, visa-friendly neighbors, and short flight times, international travel from Thailand doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a couple planning a romantic escape, or a family seeking value-packed adventures, there are countless cheap and beautiful places to visit from Thailand that offer stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences—without draining your wallet.

This guide explores the best budget-friendly international destinations from Thailand, complete with travel costs, highlights, and tips to help you plan smart, affordable trips.

Why Travel Abroad from Thailand on a Budget?

Thailand’s geographic position makes it one of Asia’s most strategic travel bases. From Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, travelers can reach dozens of countries within a few hours—often at prices cheaper than domestic flights in Europe or North America.

Key reasons Thailand is perfect for budget international travel:

• Extensive low-cost airline network (AirAsia, VietJet, Scoot, Nok Air)

• Close proximity to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia

• Many visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations

• Similar cost-of-living levels in nearby countries

• Competitive accommodation and food prices abroad

In many cases, you’ll find that traveling internationally from Thailand can be cheaper than visiting some luxury destinations within Thailand itself.

What Makes a Destination Cheap from Thailand?

Not all destinations are budget-friendly, even if they’re close. These are the main factors that define affordability:

• Low airfare (short flight duration or frequent routes)

• Visa accessibility (visa-free or low-cost visas)

• Affordable accommodation (hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels)

• Cheap local food & transport

• Favorable currency exchange rates

The destinations below check most—or all—of these boxes.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam consistently ranks among the cheapest and most beautiful countries to visit from Thailand.

Why Vietnam Is Affordable:

• Short flights from Bangkok (1.5–2 hours)

• Budget airlines operate daily routes

• Extremely cheap street food and transport

Top Places to Visit:

• Hanoi – historic charm and vibrant street food

• Ho Chi Minh City – modern energy with colonial history

• Da Nang & Hoi An – beaches, lantern streets, and culture

Average Daily Budget:

• Accommodation: Budget to mid-range

• Food: Very low

• Transport: Very affordable

Vietnam offers incredible value with beaches, mountains, history, and cuisine—making it ideal for all traveler types.

2. Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the most affordable international trips from Thailand, especially for cultural travelers.

Highlights:

• Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

• Phnom Penh’s royal palaces and museums

• Mekong River experiences

Why It’s Cheap:

• Very short flights or overland travel

• Low-cost accommodation

• Cheap food and local transport

Cambodia is perfect for short trips, budget travelers, and history lovers.

3. Laos

Laos offers peaceful beauty and slow-paced travel at remarkably low costs.

Best Places:

• Luang Prabang – waterfalls, temples, rivers

• Vang Vieng – limestone cliffs and adventure activities

• Vientiane – relaxed capital vibes

Why Laos Is Ideal for Budget Travel:

• Similar prices to northern Thailand

• Affordable buses and trains

• Low-cost guesthouses

Laos is best for travelers who value nature, culture, and tranquility over nightlife.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia blends affordability with modern infrastructure, making it one of the easiest places to visit from Thailand.

Top Destinations:

• Kuala Lumpur – skyscrapers, food, shopping

• Penang – heritage and street food

• Langkawi – beaches and duty-free shopping

Why Malaysia Is Budget-Friendly:

• Short flights or land crossings

• Affordable food and transport

• Good value hotels

It’s an excellent destination for first-time international travelers from Thailand.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia offers much more than just Bali—and many areas are extremely affordable.

Best Places to Visit:

• Bali – culture, beaches, wellness

• Lombok – quieter beaches and mountains

• Yogyakarta – temples and local life

Why Indonesia Is Cheap:

• Budget flights from Thailand

• Affordable local food

• Low-cost accommodations outside tourist hotspots

Indonesia is ideal for long stays, beach lovers, and cultural explorers.

6. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an underrated gem for budget travelers departing Thailand.

Highlights:

• Tropical beaches

• Tea plantations

• Ancient cities and wildlife safaris

Why It’s Affordable:

• Reasonably priced flights

• Cheap train travel

• Budget guesthouses across the country

Sri Lanka is perfect for travelers seeking variety—beaches, mountains, and history—in one trip.

7. Nepal

For mountain lovers and cultural explorers, Nepal is one of the cheapest adventure destinations from Thailand.

Top Places:

• Kathmandu – temples and heritage

• Pokhara – lakes, trekking, mountain views

Budget Benefits:

• Low-cost flights

• Affordable trekking permits

• Extremely cheap food and accommodation

Nepal offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences on a modest budget.

8. India

India delivers unmatched value with endless diversity.

Best Budget Destinations:

• Delhi & Jaipur – history and architecture

• Goa – beaches and relaxed vibe

• Kerala – backwaters and nature

Why India Is Cheap:

• Low daily travel costs

• Inexpensive domestic transport

• Huge variety of budget accommodations

India suits travelers who enjoy culture, food, and immersive experiences.

9. Philippines

The Philippines is ideal for budget island hopping and tropical escapes.

Top Places:

• Cebu

• Palawan

• Boracay

Why It’s Affordable:

• Low-cost regional flights

• Cheap hostels and guesthouses

• Affordable local food

Perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers.

10. Myanmar (When Travel Is Permitted)

Myanmar has historically been one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest destinations.

Highlights:

• Bagan – ancient temples

• Yangon – pagodas and markets

• Mandalay – cultural heartland

⚠️ Always check travel advisories before planning.

Cheapest Countries to Visit from Thailand – Comparison Table

Best Cheap Places from Thailand for Couples

• Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang)

• Bali, Indonesia

• Langkawi, Malaysia

• Sri Lanka beaches

These destinations offer romantic scenery without luxury pricing.

Best Cheap Places from Thailand for Solo Travelers

• Vietnam

• Laos

• Nepal

• Cambodia

They’re safe, social, and budget-friendly.

Best Time to Visit Budget Destinations

• Avoid peak holiday seasons

• Travel during shoulder seasons

• Book flights mid-week

• Monitor regional weather patterns

How to Travel Cheap from Thailand

• Use flight comparison tools

• Book early or last-minute deals

• Choose budget airlines

• Stay in hostels or guesthouses

• Eat local food

• Use public transport

Visa & Travel Requirements

• Many destinations offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry

• Passport validity usually requires 6 months

• Always confirm visa rules before departure

Estimated Daily Budget Breakdown

• Accommodation: Budget to mid-range

• Food: Local eateries

• Transport: Public buses, trains

• Attractions: Low-cost or free sites

Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

• Get travel insurance

• Avoid currency exchange scams

• Use licensed transport

• Keep digital copies of documents

FAQs

What is the cheapest country to visit from Thailand?

Cambodia and Laos are among the cheapest.

Can I travel internationally from Thailand on a low budget?

Yes, many destinations cost less than traveling within Thailand.

Which countries are visa-free from Thailand?

Several Southeast Asian countries offer visa-free access.

Is Southeast Asia cheaper than staying in Thailand?

In many cases, yes—especially for accommodation and transport.

What is the best destination for first-time travelers?

Malaysia or Vietnam.

Conclusion

Thailand opens the door to some of the world’s most affordable and beautiful destinations. From Vietnam’s food scene to Nepal’s mountains and Indonesia’s beaches, traveling internationally doesn’t have to be expensive.

With smart planning, flexible dates, and the right destinations, you can explore incredible countries on a modest budget—proving that cheap travel from Thailand can still be rich in experiences. 

Read More: Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Thailand for Nature Lovers