10 Cheap Holiday Destinations From Australia in 2027

Australians love their country but there is no doubt that rising travel costs have us longing for cheap holiday destinations from Australia.

Overseas travel from Australia takes time and effort, after all we live on an island far from the rest of the world. Though airfares cost more, once you take the plunge you may find yourself enjoying all the fun things in life for a fraction of the cost of an Australian holiday.

A few things have changed for 2027, and one of them matters if Thailand is on your list. From 15 September 2026 Australians get 30 days visa-free in Thailand rather than 60. Indonesia now costs around $65 per person in visa and levy fees before you have booked a villa. Vietnam still requires an e-visa for every single trip, with no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival.

We have updated this guide with what each destination actually costs to enter, so you can budget properly before you book. Here is our pick of the cheapest holiday destinations from Australia that won’t break the bank.

How We Chose These Destinations

We have travelled to every country on this list. Between us we have spent more than five years living in and travelling through Southeast Asia, including five years based in Chiang Mai, and we still spend several months a year in the region.

When we put this list together we weighed up four things:

• Daily cost on the ground. What you actually spend once you land on food, transport, and a decent bed. This matters more than the airfare on any trip longer than a week.
• Flight time and cost from Australia. A cheap destination stops being cheap if getting there eats your budget.
• Entry costs. Visa fees, levies and arrival forms add up, and several of these have changed recently.
• Whether we would go back. Every country here is somewhere we have returned to, or would.

1. Thailand

Thailand is already one of the top holiday destinations from Australia. With beautiful beaches, a heavenly tropical climate, and world-famous Thai cuisine it is no wonder that the Land of Smiles has been a favourite beach holiday destination for decades.

While the popular resort locations of Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi are on the top of many holiday makers list, the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer an even cheaper holiday lifestyle with a more cultural experience.

When in Bangkok our preferred hotel is the Grand Mercure Bangkok Asoke Residence.

Thailand entry rules changed in September 2026

If you have travelled to Thailand in the last couple of years you will have been stamped in for 60 days. That ended on 15 September 2026. Australians now receive 30 days visa-free for tourism, and you can extend once at a Thai immigration office for a further 30 days for around 1,900 baht in cash, giving you roughly 60 days per entry.

You also need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you arrive. It is free.

If you are planning a longer stay, look at a 60-day tourist e-visa or a multiple entry tourist visa instead of relying on the exemption.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of contrasts with sleek modern cities, an endless coastline of stunning beaches and dramatic misty mountain scenery. The country is also known for its friendliness and is filled with history and legend at every turn.

Vietnam is high on the list of cheap Asian destinations from Australia. Here you can breathe in the cool clean air at a mountain resort town or recharge on a beach with a cocktail and some of the world’s most delicious food and still go home with change in your pocket.

You need a visa for Vietnam, every time

Australians are not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list, so there is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. You apply online for an e-visa before you fly, through the official government portal at evisa.gov.vn. The fee is USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry, and both the 30-day and 90-day options cost the same, so there is no reason to choose 30 days.

Allow three to five business days. Plenty of lookalike sites charge several times the official fee for the same thing.

Two destinations in and you’re already dreaming of packing your bags. But before you book, make sure you’re covered if things don’t go to plan. We use and recommend Cover-More for all our Travel Insurance.

Our top hotel to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is the Pullman Saigon Centre.

3. Cambodia

Cambodia is home to the impressive Angkor Wat complex, which is a place everyone should visit at least once. A visit to Cambodia will have its sombre moments especially if you visit the infamous killing fields but it is also a place of fun and one of the cheapest countries in Asia.

Whether you party the night away at Pub Street in Siem Reap, visit the Royal Palaces and markets of Phnom Penh, or soak up the sun on a Cambodian beach be prepared to see your travel dollar stretch further than before.

Our favourite place to stay in Siem Reap is the ibis styles Siem Reap. It is conveniently located close to the attractions of Pub Street and is a budget friendly and clean hotel.

4. Indonesia

When Australians imagine a holiday in Indonesia they instantly think of Bali. When searching for cheap holidays from Australia, Bali has its charms but there is more to Indonesia and it’s just waiting to be discovered.

Indonesia has a host of memorable attractions, you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, look on in wonder when you visit the Borobudur Temple in Java or relax on one of the sandy beaches that are scattered across more than 17,000 islands.

Tempt your taste buds with a selection of traditional Indonesian dishes such as Gado Gado, Nasi Goreng, Bakso and the world famous, Beef Rendang.

When visiting Bali we have stayed at the Mercure Bali Legian and found it great value and reasonably priced for the services offered.

What Bali actually costs to enter

There are three separate things to sort before you fly, and they are on three different websites:

• Visa on arrival or e-VOA: IDR 500,000, roughly $50. Gives you 30 days, extendable once for another 30.
• Bali tourist levy: IDR 150,000, roughly $15, paid through the official Love Bali site.
• All Indonesia arrival card: free. Any site charging for it is a scam.

That is about $65 per person before you have spent a cent on accommodation. Worth building into the budget, because most people don’t.

5. Philippines

The Philippines has long been a popular choice for cheap tropical holidays from Australia. The white beaches of Boracay Island beckon, enticing you with an array of water sports or lazy days relaxing by the water.

Take a step back in time as you walk within the charming Spanish colonial architecture of Old Manilla. Shopaholics can spend the day in the Venice Grand Canal Mall before soaking up the lively nightlife of this equally modern city.

Escape the city and go rafting at Pagsanjan Falls or see Filipino rural life on a visit to Villa Escudero coconut plantation.

Foodies can try delicacies such as Adobo, Kare-Kare, Sisig and for those with a sweet tooth make sure to try Halo Halo.

Flights get cancelled, luggage goes missing, and medical bills overseas can be eye-watering. A good travel insurance policy can turn a disaster into just a story.

If you are looking for a hotel in Manilla these are our suggested hotels.

6. Malaysia

When researching cheap countries to visit from Australia make sure to include Malaysia. You will be surprised by the diversity of Malaysia, bustling modern cities, pristine beaches and stunning mountain scenery all await when you visit this captivating country.

In the morning you can be admiring the majesty of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and in the evening exploring the charming Old Town of Ipoh.

Learn the fascinating story of Penang and discover the beaches and wildlife of Langkawi. Or fall under the spell of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with history and colour.

Malaysia is home to a rich mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures and these influences can be found in the temples, festivals, and food of the country.

We have visited Kuala Lumpur many times and choose to stay at the Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre. It’s located close to a large shopping mall and is within walking distance to the Petronas Twin Towers and many other attractions.  

7. India

India would have to be one of the cheapest holiday destinations from Australia. This fascinating country can be confronting but it will soon have you marvelling at the splendour of the Taj Mahal and reliving a history that spans millennia.

India is one of the most spiritual places on the planet and a trip to Varanasi on the River Ganges will have you experiencing the holiest city in Hinduism. An affordable way to explore India is via its extensive railway system which criss-crosses this vast country.

The bold tastes of Indian cuisine will have both vegetarians and carnivores smacking their lips with delight. Indian food is inexpensive, and the flavours change from region to region.

Looking for accommodation for your trip to India. Check out these suggestions.

8. Taiwan

Taiwan may be a little more expensive than some of its southern neighbours, but it is a cheaper alternative to Singapore or Hong Kong.

Begin your journey in Taipei, a vibrant city whose skyline is dominated by Taipei 101, a uniquely shaped structure which is the tallest building in Taiwan.

Taipei is a place where skyscrapers meet a traditional heart of temples and historical buildings. Of an evening visit the fashionable Ximending neighbourhood which has a lively night market selling a huge selection of cheap and delicious street food.

Leaving the city behind you will find a country which is graced by tranquil lakes, hot springs, dramatic mountain, and coastal scenery.

Here are suggested hotels in Taipei.

9. Mexico

Though airfares are more expensive, Mexico’s cheap cost of living ensures an economical holiday and should be considered when choosing cheap destinations from Australia.

Once you arrive in Mexico get ready to be immersed in a fusion of culture that pays tribute to its rich indigenous and colonial past. Mexico is a place where picturesque Spanish colonial squares meet ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins.  

Shop for a colourful array of gifts and eat authentic Mexican food in the busy markets of Mexico City. Relax on a beach and enjoy the beauty of the Mexican Riviera or discover ancient secrets on a visit to the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Tulum.

Looking for a place to stay in Tulum? These are our recommended hotels.

10. Turkey

You will often find Turkey (Türkiye) on the list of cheap overseas holiday destinations in Europe. If you visit you are in for a real treat as it is renowned for its beauty, welcoming people, and incredible food.

Sitting on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is instantly recognised for the breathtaking splendour of the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Get ready for sensory overload as you shop until you drop in the laneways of the Grand Bazaar.

Spend time in a scenic coastal resort town or escape the city and discover a country filled with magical coastlines, mountains, and lakes.

When we last visited Istanbul we chose to stay at the Henna Hotel Istanbul which is in a great location in the old town and close to major tourist attractions.

Where to Go Based on How Long You Have

Most of us are working with a fixed block of leave rather than an open calendar. Here is how we would use it.

Five days

Stick to somewhere with a direct flight and one base. Bali, Singapore as a stopover, or Fiji if you are chasing beach time over culture. Five days in Vietnam or Cambodia means you spend a third of your trip in transit.

One week

Thailand and Bali both work well. So does a single region of Vietnam, either the north around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay or the centre around Hoi An and Da Nang. Resist the urge to do the whole country.

Two weeks

This is where the cheaper destinations start paying for themselves, because the airfare is spread across more days. Vietnam end to end, Thailand plus Cambodia, or Malaysia including Penang and Langkawi. India and Turkey both need at least this long to be worth the flight.

Three weeks or more

Mexico and India finally make sense, and the cost per day drops sharply on a longer trip. This is also where a multiple entry Vietnam e-visa earns its extra USD 25 if you plan to hop across to Cambodia or Laos and back.

Cheap Holidays From Your Capital City

Where you fly from changes what counts as cheap, and not just because of the fare. Flight time is the part that never changes, and on a short trip it matters more than the ticket price.

Bali is the clearest example. You can fly direct from eleven Australian cities, and the flight runs from about three and a half hours out of the west coast to around six and a half from the east. From Darwin it is under three. That gap is why a long weekend in Bali is realistic from Perth or Darwin and a bit punishing from Sydney.

Perth and Darwin

You are closer to Asia than the rest of the country and it shows. Bali is a short hop, and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok are all shorter from Perth than from the east coast. If you are weighing up a five day trip, you have options the eastern states realistically do not.

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

Plenty of direct routes across Southeast Asia, but the flights are longer. Bali sits around six hours, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City closer to eight or nine. On a one week trip that is most of two days gone. We would rather spend a week in one country than split it, and we have learnt that the hard way.

Adelaide

Direct to Bali, and connections through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or the east coast for most other destinations. Build in the connection time when you are comparing what a trip actually costs you in leave.

What things cost once you land

Rather than quote fares, which move constantly, here is the rough shape of it. Vietnam, Cambodia and India will cost you roughly half what Thailand does day to day. Thailand is roughly half what the same trip costs in Australia. Bali sits somewhere between the two and has been getting dearer for years.

Chiang Mai is where we lived for five years and where we still spend several months each year, and everyday costs there are noticeably cheaper than the major tourist hubs of Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui.

Those ratios hold up through fuel prices and exchange rate swings, because everything moves together. Airfares are the volatile part, so check current prices for your own dates and departure city before you commit.

Travel Insurance and the Scooter Trap

Travel insurance is the one thing we never skip, and on a cheap holiday it matters more rather than less. A budget trip does not come with a budget hospital bill. Medical evacuation out of a regional part of Asia can run into six figures, and that is the scenario insurance exists for.

The part that catches Australians out is scooters. Hiring a scooter in Bali, Thailand or Vietnam is cheap, easy and completely normal, and a lot of policies will not cover you when you are on one. Cover is commonly conditional on holding a valid Australian motorcycle licence, holding whatever licence the local country requires, and wearing a helmet. Miss any of those and a claim can be declined, including for injuries where the bike was not at fault.

If a scooter is part of your plan, read the product disclosure statement before you buy the policy rather than after you have hired the bike. Check the engine capacity limit too, since some policies cap it well below what you will be offered at the rental shop.

The travel insurance we use and recommend is Cover-More.

Related Reading
Our article on cruise travel insurance looks at what happens when an itinerary changes, and the same principles apply wherever you travel.

Cheap Family Holiday Destinations

If you are travelling with a family or interested in cross generational travel, there are several safe and cheap destinations from Australia.

Countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are perfect for cheap family holidays abroad and it is always a joy to see children’s faces light up as they discover the wonder of a new culture.

You’ve found the perfect cheap getaway, now protect it. Cover-More offers Aussie travellers peace of mind from take-off to touch-down.

If you’re specifically planning beach time as part of your cheap overseas holiday, our our guide to the cheapest beach destinations from Australia guide breaks down flights, daily budgets and best beaches to help you choose where to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest overseas destination from Australia?

On daily costs once you land, Vietnam, Cambodia and India are the cheapest on this list. Factor in the airfare though. Bali is often cheaper overall for a short trip simply because the flight is shorter and the competition on that route keeps fares down.

Do Australians need a visa for Thailand?

No, for stays of up to 30 days for tourism. That dropped from 60 days on 15 September 2026. You can extend once at an immigration office inside Thailand for a further 30 days for around 1,900 baht. You also need the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, for every trip regardless of length. Australians are not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list and there is no visa on arrival. Apply for the e-visa at evisa.gov.vn before you fly. USD 25 single entry, USD 50 multiple entry, up to 90 days either way.

How much does it cost to enter Bali?

At the time of writing around $65 per person. The visa on arrival is IDR 500,000 (about $50), the Bali tourist levy is IDR 150,000 (about $15), and the All Indonesia arrival card is free.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Australia to Asia?

You will normally find airlines have specials for February, though that’s also the wet season in much of Southeast Asia, so weigh the saving against the weather. Our advice is to set up fare watches which can be done on many airline websites or websites such as Skyscanner.

Is travel insurance worth it for a cheap holiday?

Yes, and a cheap holiday does not come with a cheap hospital bill. Pay particular attention if you plan to hire a scooter, because many policies will not cover you without the right licence. See our section on travel insurance and scooters above.

Last Words on 10 Cheap Holiday Destinations From Australia in 2027

We hope we have inspired you with our list of 10 cheap holiday destinations from Australia. We believe that these countries offer the cheapest countries to visit from Australia for anyone wanting to stretch their travel dollar further. Where possible we prefer to travel with carry on only which saves time at airports and helps save on excess baggage costs.

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