Are Vietnam, Thailand Cheaper Than Goa For A Beach Holiday?

Travelling to either Vietnam or Thailand can cost the same or even less than a Goa holiday if it is planned well

- Shipra Singh

Vacations in exotic locations, particularly one dotted with beaches, have been in the news ever since a recent controversy involving Maldives. EaseMyTrip, an online travel platform, even halted bookings to the tropical beach destination after Maldives government ministers made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Their comments were prompted by Modi's post on X, praising the "pristine beaches of Lakshadweep. Bollywood stars and cricketers have since urged people to promote Lakshwadeep as a local holiday destination.

While beach holidays have always been popular among Indian travellers, Lakshadweep has never really been in their itinerary thus far. That distinction would go to Goa, which has been the most sought-after domestic beach destination. For many though, Thailand and Vietnam are becoming a preferred alternative. The main reason is that these places offer better value for money over Goa.

Abhishek Rai, an investment banker, has been to all three destinations and says Goa cost him almost twice the expenses than what he spent on his vacations at Vietnam and Thailand. Despite spending a large amount in Goa for the family vacation, it didn't feel good, he says. "Hotels are more expensive and the service is inferior. We paid about ₹30,000 for Novotel Goa resorts, which are not even on the beach. In contrast, we paid ₹9,000 for a hotel on the beach in Phuket that had a private pool and the rooms were almost three times bigger. Similarly, in Vietnam, we paid ₹6,000 for Movenpick Camranh, one of the best resorts I have ever been to," said Rai.