A new study has revealed that the cheapest country to travel to in 2025 is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Laos could be the perfect alternative to other nearby destinations that are becoming more and more crowded and expensive like Bali or Thailand. Analysing the daily average spend in a massive 131 countries worldwide, a Canadian financial product site called HelloSafe has found that the beautiful country of Laos is the world’s cheapest country to travel to in 2025.
While the study found that the UK is the 6th most expensive country in Europe, Laos is the cheapest in the world to travel to with a daily average spend of just £12.3 a day. Laos was then followed by Kazakhstan with an average daly spend of £15.10 and Rwanda with £16.60.
These budgets include accommodation, food, and transport expenses.
The country is becoming more and more popular amongst Brits but also worldwide as it was visited by more than 4 million tourists last year- a rise of nearly one million visitors compared to 2023, The Laotian Times reported.
Laos aims to further increase that number with a goal of 4.3 million international tourists in 2025.
In the first half of 2024, the UK contributed 1.11% of all tourists to Laos, with 24,430 visitors which marks a 56% increase compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Visit Laos Year 2024 Midyear Progress Report.
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos is a beautiful country that doesn’t seem to be as crowded as Thailand or Bali while still showcasing an incredible variety of landscapes.
The natural beauty of Laos is undeniable with the beautiful Mekong River, lush greenery, natural waterfalls, coffee plantations, limestone mountains and hidden caves.
From the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang with its many temples, to the famous Mekong River that goes to six different countries, and the famous national monument of the Pha That Luang (Great Stupa) located in Vientiane, Laos offers an array of things to see and admire.
Despite being landlocked the country still has 4,000 Islands close to the boarder with Cambodia all for much more affordable prices than many other popular destinations.
The average price of a pint in Laos is just £0.79, according to The British Guild of Beer Writers.
One TripAdvisor from the UK wrote: “I would skip northern Thailand, I find Laos far more interesting. Thailand is very developed, Laos is like Thailand was 20 years or so ago. If you want to see authentic village life, you can still in Laos.
“Scenery is probably better in Laos as well. You can also do boat trips up the rivers, some boats are still used as local transport, as there are no roads in some areas. Vietnam is good but is quite developed and fairly densely populated.
“Laos is likely to change more rapidly than Thailand and Vietnam, in the next few years.”
Mark from South Africa also said: “I am 61 and have recently been to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. I am going back to laos later this year – it was awesome. Cambodia and Thailand have lots to offer – but they are so touristy now.
“Laos is still, to a degree authentic and real, but for how long, I dont know. All I can say is GO TO LAOS.”
