Explore six affordable Southeast Asian destinations under ₹1 lakh this December, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. From cultural landmarks to scenic beaches, these countries offer diverse experiences, visa-friendly policies, and budget-friendly itineraries for Indian travelers. Plan your festive getaway with detailed travel tips and enjoy a memorable international holiday.
One of the pains of living away from home is that every festive season, the domestic flight charges for flying across the country shoots up so much that you could practically book a flight to a South East Asian country. Which sends you down the usual routine: group chat messages, rigourous planning, making itineraries... anyway. If you're stuck in the loop, here are six countries you can visit under 1 Lakh rupees in December this year.
Spend four nights in Kuala Lumpur and one in Melaka. Day one is Bukit Bintang for hotels and late-night food. Day two covers the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park and Merdeka Square. Day three is Batu Caves, with 272 steps up to a limestone temple, then dinner on Jalan Alor. On day four, head to Melaka (about two hours by road) for Dutch Square, A Famosa and the weekend-evening Jonker Street night market. Return to Kuala Lumpur on day five for shopping and a rooftop drink, and fly out on day six. Book Twin Towers tickets ahead, since slots fill up. Dress modestly at Batu Caves and guard your snacks, as the macaques are accomplished pickpockets.
How to reach: Indian passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. Complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online within three days before landing. Fly from Mumbai (BOM) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL).
Budget for two: ₹75,000 to ₹95,000
Spend five nights in Bangkok, with one day out to Ayutthaya. Cover the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and take a ferry to Wat Arun for sunset. Take the train to Ayutthaya, where a bicycle is the best way around the ruined temples. Keep a day for the Jim Thompson House and Yaowarat (Chinatown) street food after dark. Check out the Chatuchak Market if it is a weekend, and end with a rooftop bar. Don’t forget that vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand, and tourists have been fined for carrying them.
How to reach: Indian passport holders enter visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days per entry. Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card in the three days before you land. Fly from Mumbai (BOM) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) on IndiGo, EVA Air or Thai Airways; the nonstop flight takes around four hours and forty minutes.
Budget for two: ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000
Spend two nights in Manila and three in Cebu. Cover Intramuros, Fort Santiago and the food crawl through Binondo (reputed to be the oldest Chinatown in the world) in the first two days. Go for drinks in Poblacion. On day three, take the 90-minute flight to Cebu. Day four is for Kawasan Falls, about three hours south in Badian, for canyoneering through turquoise pools. For day five, head to Moalboal, where you can snorkel among sardine shoals straight off Panagsama Beach. Then go to Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño before you fly home.
How to reach: Indian passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism for up to 14 days, non-extendable and non-convertible. Air India flies Delhi (DEL) to Manila (MNL) nonstop.
Budget for two: ₹95,000 to ₹1,20,000
December is the dry season in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office. Spend half a day at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Keep one day for the Mekong Delta, with canal boats, coconut candy workshops and orchards near Ben Tre or My Tho. Finally, enjoy a massage and head to Bui Vien walking street.
How to reach: Apply for the e-visa through the official government portal (the government fee is USD 25, and it can cover up to 90 days) and allow a few working days for approval. Fly from Mumbai (BOM) to Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat (SGN); it takes roughly five hours and fifteen minutes.
Budget for two: ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000
December is the wet season in Bali, so expect rain, often in the afternoon, and plan your outdoor hours around it. Spend a day or two in Ubud: visit the Tegallalang rice terraces at first light before the tour buses arrive, then the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Tirta Empul holy spring temple (a sarong is required) and the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise. Then head to Uluwatu (around two hours away) for a sunset Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. Visit the Padang Padang, Bingin and Melasti beaches for a beach club afternoon and seafood dinner at Jimbaran.
How to reach: Indian passport holders can take a visa on arrival for 30 days, extendable once, priced at IDR 500,000 (roughly ₹2,700) per person. Fly IndiGo nonstop from Mumbai (BOM) to Denpasar (DPS) for about seven and a half hours.
Budget for two: ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000
Spend the evening around Pub Street and the Old Market. Head to Angkor Wat at sunrise, then Angkor Thom, the Bayon's stone faces and Ta Prohm. Visit Banteay Srei for its pink sandstone carvings, then the Tonle Sap floating villages at sunset. Spend an evening at Phare, the Cambodian Circus.
How to reach: Indian passport holders need a visa. Apply for an e-visa online or pay cash for a visa on arrival at the Siem Reap or Phnom Penh airport. IndiGo's nonstop from Kolkata (CCU) to Siem Reap-Angkor International (SAI) is scheduled to run from October 2026; from Mumbai (BOM), you will connect through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Budget for two: ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,25,000 from Mumbai