The Cost of Living Abroad: A Breakdown of My Recent Solo Adventure to Vietnam & Thailand (Mid-2025 Edition)

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Day 23 – The Cost of Living Abroad: A Breakdown of My Recent Solo Adventure to Vietnam & Thailand (Mid-2025 Edition)

Day 23 of Our 30-Day Journey to a More Balanced Life

Hello, fellow explorers and aspiring global citizens! We’re now on Day 23 of our 30-day challenge, and our journey has taken us through the intricacies of financial freedom in the gig economy and the exciting world of travel hacking with credit card points. Today, we’re going to get brutally honest and incredibly practical about what it actually costs to live, or at least travel extensively, beyond India’s borders.

The dream of “living abroad” or embarking on a long-term international trip often sparkles with images of breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and newfound freedom. But beneath the allure of Instagram-perfect moments lies a very real, often daunting question: What is the true cost of living abroad?

As someone who recently returned from a fulfilling (and meticulously budgeted) solo trip across parts of Southeast Asia – specifically Vietnam and Thailand – I’m here to pull back the curtain. This isn’t just about a two-week vacation; it’s about understanding the daily financial rhythms, the unexpected expenses, and the sweet spots where your Indian Rupee can stretch surprisingly far. This detailed breakdown, from an Indian traveler’s perspective in mid-2025, aims to equip you with the knowledge to plan your own adventures with confidence, rather than just wishful thinking.

My Recent Adventure: Vietnam & Thailand – A Snapshot

For this breakdown, I’ll be sharing the expenses from my month-long solo trip (approx. 15 days in Vietnam, 15 days in Thailand) which concluded in June 2025. My travel style leans towards a “mid-range budget backpacker” – I sought comfortable, clean accommodation (hostels with private rooms or budget guesthouses/homestays), enjoyed local food, used public transport primarily, and splurged occasionally on unique experiences.

Quick Currency Snapshot (as of July 2025 – approximate values):

• 1 USD ≈ ₹86 INR
• 1 EUR ≈ ₹93 INR
• 1 Vietnamese Dong (VND) ≈ ₹0.0034 INR (which means ₹100 is approx 29,400 VND – expect large numbers!)
• 1 Thai Baht (THB) ≈ ₹2.35 INR

Navigating these exchange rates is the first step to understanding the cost of living abroad.

The Big Picture: Overall Spending for 30 Days

Let’s start with the total:

• Total Spent (excluding flights from India): Approximately ₹85,000 – ₹95,000 for 30 days.
• Total Spent (including flights from India): Approximately ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,40,000 (depending on flight deals and booking time).

This translates to roughly ₹2,800 – ₹3,150 per day on the ground. For many, this might sound like a significant sum, but let’s break it down to see where the money goes and how you can optimize it for your own cost of living abroad considerations.

A Detailed Breakdown of Expenses: My Vietnam & Thailand Trip

Here’s a deep dive into each major expense category, with examples and tips for saving:

1. Flights (from India & between countries):

• India to Vietnam (round trip): My return flight from Delhi to Hanoi (with a layover) cost me around ₹28,000. Booking well in advance (3-4 months) and being flexible with dates is key. I also used some of my travel hacking credit card points for a portion of this, bringing down the cash outlay.
• Vietnam to Thailand (one-way): A budget flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Bangkok (Thailand) was approximately ₹5,000.
• Internal Flights (optional): I took one internal flight within Vietnam (Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City) for about ₹3,000 to save time, though sleeper trains or buses are much cheaper.

Tips for saving on flights:

• Book Early: Especially for international sectors from India.
• Be Flexible: Travel during shoulder seasons (e.g., May-June or September-October for SE Asia) and be open to different dates and airports.
• Use Flight Comparators: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, etc.
• Leverage Credit Card Points: As discussed on Day 22, this is a game-changer!
  You can Read more by clicking on this: Travel Hacking 101: Using Credit Card Points for Your Next Dream Trip
• Consider Layovers: Direct flights are convenient but often costlier.

2. Visa & Entry (Crucial for Indian Passport Holders):

• Vietnam Visa: For Indians, an e-Visa is common. The cost was approximately USD 25 (₹2,150) for the stamping fee, plus a service fee if you use an agent. Ensure you apply from official government websites or reputable agents.
• Thailand Visa: Thailand generally offers a Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) for Indians for a fee of 2,000 THB (₹4,700), which can sometimes be waived or reduced during promotions. I opted for VOA.
• Travel Insurance: Non-negotiable! I paid around ₹2,500 for a comprehensive 30-day travel insurance policy (covering medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellations). This is a must when considering the cost of living abroad, even for a temporary trip.

Tips: Always check the latest visa requirements well in advance for your specific nationality and travel dates. Policies can change.

3. Accommodation (My Biggest Variable Expense):

This is where the cost of living abroad can vary wildly.

• Vietnam (Hostels/Guesthouses): I stayed in private rooms in hostels or small guesthouses.
  • Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City: Averaged ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per night for a clean, centrally located private room with AC and attached bath.
  • Smaller towns (Hoi An, Da Lat): Averaged ₹700 – ₹1,000 per night.
  • Total for 15 nights in Vietnam: Approximately ₹15,000 – ₹18,000.
• Thailand (Hostels/Guesthouses/Bungalows):
  • Bangkok/Chiang Mai: Averaged ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 per night for private rooms.
  • Islands (Koh Lanta): Averaged ₹800 – ₹1,200 per night for simple beachfront bungalows.
  • Total for 15 nights in Thailand: Approximately ₹18,000 – ₹22,000.

Total Accommodation for 30 Days: Roughly ₹33,000 – ₹40,000.

Tips for saving on accommodation:

• Hostels (Dorms): If you’re on a tight budget, dorm beds are significantly cheaper (sometimes ₹300-₹500/night).
• Guesthouses/Homestays: Often excellent value, run by locals, and offer a more authentic experience.
• Book in Advance (or Not): For popular destinations or peak season, booking ahead is wise. For less popular spots or off-season, you can often find better deals walking in.
• Location, Location, Location: Staying slightly outside the absolute city center can drastically cut costs, especially if public transport is good.
• Longer Stays: Many places offer discounts for weekly or monthly bookings.

4. Food & Drink (The Delicious Part!):

This was surprisingly affordable, especially in Southeast Asia.

• Vietnam:
  • Street Food/Local Eateries: A delicious bowl of Pho, Banh Mi, or a plate of rice with meat/veg typically cost VND 25,000 – VND 60,000 (₹85 – ₹200).
  • Mid-range Restaurants: A meal would be around VND 80,000 – VND 150,000 (₹270 – ₹500).
  • Local Coffee/Beverages: Around VND 15,000 – VND 30,000 (₹50 – ₹100).
  • Beer (local): Very cheap, around VND 10,000 – VND 20,000 (₹35 – ₹70).
  • Daily Average for Food & Drink: Around ₹600 – ₹900.
• Thailand:
  • Street Food/Food Courts: Pad Thai, curries, sticky rice with mango typically cost THB 40 – THB 80 (₹95 – ₹190).
  • Mid-range Restaurants: A meal could be THB 150 – THB 300 (₹350 – ₹700).
  • Smoothies/Fresh Juices: Around THB 40 – THB 70 (₹95 – ₹165).
  • Beer (local): Around THB 60 – THB 100 (₹140 – ₹235) in convenience stores, more in bars.
  • Daily Average for Food & Drink: Around ₹700 – ₹1,000.

Total Food & Drink for 30 Days: Approximately ₹20,000 – ₹28,000.

Tips for saving on food:

• Eat Local: Stick to street food, local markets, and family-run eateries. This is often the most authentic and delicious experience anyway.
• Cook (if possible): If your accommodation has a kitchen, buying groceries and cooking a few meals can save a lot.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Restaurants in prime tourist areas are almost always more expensive.
• Hydrate Smart: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it where possible.

5. Local Transportation:

• Vietnam:
  • Grab (ride-sharing app): Very popular and affordable for short distances (scooter taxis are cheaper than cars). A 15-minute ride might be VND 20,000 – VND 40,000 (₹70 – ₹140).
  • Local Buses: Incredibly cheap, a few thousand VND per ride.
  • Sleeper Buses/Trains (long distance): A journey from Hanoi to Hoi An (15+ hours) on a comfortable sleeper bus could be VND 300,000 – VND 500,000 (₹1,000 – ₹1,700).
  • Bicycle/Scooter Rentals: Daily rentals are cheap (VND 50,000 – VND 100,000 or ₹170 – ₹340 for a scooter, less for a bicycle).
• Thailand:
  • BTS Skytrain/MRT (Bangkok): Efficient and affordable for city travel (fares vary by distance, e.g., THB 20-50 or ₹47-₹120).
  • Tuk-Tuks/Taxis: Negotiate fares firmly or use Grab/Bolt apps.
  • Songthaews (Chiang Mai): Red pick-up trucks acting as shared taxis, very cheap for short rides (around THB 30-50 or ₹70-₹120).
  • Long-tail Boats (Islands): Negotiated fares, can be pricey for private trips but affordable for shared rides.
  • Buses/Vans (long distance): Efficient and budget-friendly. A bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be THB 500-800 (₹1,200 – ₹1,900).

Total Local Transport for 30 Days: Approximately ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (depending on how much you move between cities/islands).

Tips for saving on transport:

• Walk! Explore on foot whenever possible.
• Public Transport: Embrace local buses, trains, and metro systems.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Use Grab (SE Asia), Bolt, or local equivalents to avoid inflated tourist taxi prices.
• Negotiate: For tuk-tuks and taxis without meters. Agree on a price before you get in.

6. Activities & Sightseeing:

This category is highly personal and can drastically influence your cost of living abroad.

• Entrance Fees: Most temples, museums, and national parks have entrance fees.
  • Vietnam: Historical sites like the Imperial City in Hue (VND 200,000 or ₹680), Halong Bay cruises (VND 1,200,000 – VND 2,500,000 or ₹4,000 – ₹8,500 for a day trip, depending on luxury).
  • Thailand: Grand Palace in Bangkok (THB 500 or ₹1,175), elephant sanctuaries (THB 1,500 – THB 2,500 or ₹3,500 – ₹5,800 for ethical half-day experiences).
• Tours: Day trips (e.g., to national parks, island hopping) vary wildly.
• Cooking Classes: A popular activity, typically THB 800 – THB 1,500 (₹1,900 – ₹3,500).
• Massages: Incredibly affordable – a Thai massage can be THB 200 – THB 400 (₹470 – ₹940) for an hour.

My total for activities was around ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 for the month, including a Halong Bay cruise, ethical elephant sanctuary visit, and a few cooking classes.

Tips for saving on activities:

• Prioritize: Choose a few must-do activities and budget for them.
• Free Alternatives: Enjoy walking tours, local markets, parks, and beaches which are often free.
• Look for Bundles: Sometimes booking multiple tours with one agency offers a discount.
• Student Discounts: If you have a student ID, always ask.

7. Communication (SIM Cards & Wi-Fi):

• Local SIM Cards: Essential for navigation and staying connected. Very affordable.
  • Vietnam: A 30-day SIM with ample data was around VND 150,000 – VND 200,000 (₹500 – ₹680).
  • Thailand: Similar prices, around THB 300 – THB 500 (₹700 – ₹1,175) for a tourist SIM.
• Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, hostels, cafes, and restaurants.

Tips: Buy a local SIM card at the airport or a reliable store immediately upon arrival. This is far cheaper than international roaming from India.

8. Miscellaneous & Contingency:

• Shopping/Souvenirs: This is entirely up to you. I spent around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 on small souvenirs and local crafts.
• Emergencies/Buffer: Always keep a buffer of at least 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses. I had about ₹10,000 allocated here, which I thankfully didn’t fully exhaust but it provided peace of mind.
• ATM Withdrawal Fees/Forex Markup: Remember that withdrawing cash from foreign ATMs incurs fees (both from the local bank and your Indian bank), and credit card transactions can have forex markup. Using a forex card or a credit card with low/zero forex markup (as discussed on Day 22) is crucial.

My Approach to Money on the Trip:

• Forex Card: Loaded with USD, which I then converted to VND/THB at local money changers (often better rates than airport).
• Credit Card (Zero Forex Markup): For larger expenses like pre-booked tours or specific restaurant meals.
• Emergency Cash (USD): A small stash of USD for backup.
• UPI/QR Payments (Limited): While UPI is gaining global traction, it’s not universally accepted outside India yet. Local QR payment systems are prevalent in Vietnam and Thailand, but require local bank accounts.

Beyond the Trip: Considering Long-Term Cost of Living Abroad

My trip was for a month, but if you’re thinking about a longer stay or becoming a digital nomad, the cost of living abroad calculation changes:

• Rent: Your biggest factor. Long-term rentals are significantly cheaper than short-term hotel/guesthouse stays. You might find a decent studio apartment in Hanoi for ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per month or in Chiang Mai for ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 per month.
• Utilities: Electricity (especially AC!), water, internet.
• Groceries: Cooking at home frequently slashes food costs.
• Visas: Long-term visas can be complex and expensive.
• Health Insurance: You’ll need a robust international health insurance plan, not just travel insurance.
• Local Registrations: Depending on the country, you might need to register with local authorities.
• Unexpected Home Expenses: What about your bills back in India (e.g., family support, loan EMIs)? Factor these in.

Example Comparison: Punjab, India vs. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Monthly Average for a Single Person, Mid-2025 Estimates):

Expense Category	Punjab, India (Approx. INR)	Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Approx. INR)
Rent (1 BHK/Studio)	₹5,000 – ₹10,000	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Food (Mix of Home/Local)	₹4,000 – ₹8,000	₹8,000 – ₹15,000
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	₹2,000 – ₹4,000	₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Transport (Local)	₹1,000 – ₹3,000	₹1,500 – ₹4,000
Mobile/SIM	₹300 – ₹500	₹500 – ₹700
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	₹2,000 – ₹5,000	₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Total Monthly	₹14,300 – ₹30,500	₹33,000 – ₹60,700

Note: These are broad estimates and can vary significantly based on lifestyle, city, and negotiation skills.

This comparison clearly shows that even in generally “affordable” countries like Vietnam, the cost of living abroad can still be higher than in many parts of India, particularly for rent and imported goods. However, if your income source is international (e.g., remote work for a US or European company, as discussed in Day 21), your purchasing power abroad could be significantly enhanced.

Making Your International Travel Dreams a Reality

Understanding the cost of living abroad is empowering. It moves your travel aspirations from a vague desire to a concrete financial plan. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Start Tracking Expenses Now: Get a clear picture of your current spending. This helps identify areas to save.
2. Set a Specific Travel Budget: Don’t just pick a number. Research costs for your target destination (flights, accommodation, food, activities) and build a realistic daily and total budget.
3. Create a Dedicated Travel Fund: Automate transfers to this fund, just like your emergency fund.
4. Leverage Travel Hacking: Seriously, explore those credit card points!
5. Research Relentlessly: Read blogs, watch YouTube videos, join travel groups specific to your destination. Learn from others’ experiences.
6. Be Flexible: Flexibility with dates, destinations, and travel styles is your greatest budget ally.

The world is vast and full of incredible experiences waiting for you. Don’t let the perceived cost deter you. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and a good understanding of the cost of living abroad, your next international adventure is well within reach.

Your Day 23 Challenge: Research Your Dream Destination’s Cost!

For Day 23 of our 30-day challenge, let’s get practical about your next international adventure:

1. Choose Your “Dream Destination”: If you haven’t already, pick one specific international destination you’d love to visit or live in for a short period (e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month).
2. Research Daily Expenses: Do a quick Google search for “average daily budget for [Your Destination] 2025” and “cost of street food [Your Destination]” and “hostel prices [Your Destination]”. Note down approximate figures for accommodation, food, and local transport.
3. Check Visa & Flight Costs: For your chosen destination, quickly check the visa requirements and approximate flight costs from your nearest major Indian airport (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai).
4. Estimate a Rough Budget: Based on your research, make a rough estimate of what a 10-day trip (or a month-long trip if you’re ambitious!) would cost you, including flights, visa, and daily expenses.

Share your chosen “Dream Destination” and one surprising cost you discovered in your research in the comments below! Let’s help each other navigate the world of international travel.

Join us tomorrow for Day 24, as we delve into another exciting aspect of our balanced life journey!