5 of the cheapest countries Australians can travel to in 2025

Australians are undoubtedly feeling the pinch as the cost of living rises. But there’s good news: it’s still possible to enjoy an overseas getaway without breaking the bank. There are plenty of destinations close to home where the Australian Dollar remains strong, allowing you to eat, play and stay for less.

So, if you’re already familiar with how to travel for cheap but you’re not sure where to go, here are five of the cheapest countries for Australians to visit in 2025.

---

Fly for less using points – explore our sign-up bonus offer below!

1. Vietnam

Vietnam is quickly ascending the ranks as one of the most popular destinations for Australians. Beyond the iconic views of Ha Long Bay, towering rice terraces of Sapa and countless historical sites to explore, it’s also one of the cheapest countries where the Australian dollar stretches further. Dive into delicious local cuisine, like a steaming bowl of pho or crunchy banh mi, and perk up with an aromatic Vietnamese coffee. The favourable exchange rate means you can meander through bustling city markets, cruise along the Mekong Delta or go on a motorbike tour of the countryside for less.

• Average cost of a Vietnamese iced coffee: $0.80-$1.30
• Average cost of a mid-range hotel in Hanoi: $50-$60 per night
• Average cost of a banh mi: $1.50-$3

Flying to Vietnam from Australia for cheap

Vietnam and Australia are connected by direct flights, as well as one-stop options with various airlines. If you’re looking to travel to Vietnam for less, using points is a good option.

Here are some examples of routes and airlines that fly between Australia and Vietnam, plus a few frequent flyer programs that are most relevant for Australians.

Example route	Airline	Book using
Melbourne to Hanoi (direct) Sydney to Ho Chi Minh (direct)	Vietnam Airlines	Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points, Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue Miles
Sydney to Hanoi (direct) Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh (direct)	VietJet	VietJet SkyPoints
Adelaide to Da Nang (via Singapore)	Singapore Airlines	KrisFlyer miles, Velocity Points
Perth to Ho Chi Minh (via Bangkok)	Thai Airways	KrisFlyer miles
Adelaide to Ho Chi Minh (via Kuala Lumpur)	Malaysia Airlines	Qantas Points
Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh (direct)	Jetstar	Qantas Points
Sydney to Hanoi (via Hong Kong)	Cathay Pacific	Qantas Points, Asia Miles

Also read: Make your journeys smoother with the APEC Business Travel Card

2. Thailand

Bangkok and Phuket have long been among the top-visited destinations for Australians. The big-city bustle of Bangkok, coupled with serene golden temples and sizzling street food ensure there’s plenty to see whether you’re visiting for a week or a month. To the south, the island of Phuket offers pristine beaches, spectacular seafood, and leisurely strolls through Old Phuket Town. Or, skip the crowds altogether and venture to Chiang Rai, Pattani or Pai for a unique experience. No matter where in The Land of Smiles you find yourself, it’s one of the cheapest countries for Australians at the moment.

• Average cost of a Thai iced tea: $1-$1.50
• Average cost of a mid-range hotel in Bangkok: $50-$70 per night
• Average cost of a bowl of khao soi: $1.50-$3

Flying to Thailand from Australia for cheap

Fly direct to Bangkok or Phuket from Australia or take the scenic route through a neighbouring city – the choice is yours with plenty of airlines and programs to choose from.

Example route	Airline	Book using
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney to Bangkok (direct)	Thai Airways	KrisFlyer miles
Brisbane to Phuket (via Singapore) Cairns to Bangkok (via Singapore)	Singapore Airlines	KrisFlyer miles, Velocity Points
Sydney to Bangkok (direct)	Qantas	Qantas Points
Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth to Bangkok (direct) Perth, Sydney to Phuket (direct)	Jetstar	Qantas Points
Adelaide to Chiang Mai (via Kuala Lumpur)	Malaysia Airlines	Qantas Points
Sydney to Bangkok (via Ho Chi Minh)	Vietnam Airlines	Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points, Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue Miles

Also read: How to hack your way to Bangkok with points

3. Sri Lanka

For Australians looking for adventure without the hefty price tag, the island nation of Sri Lanka is a must-visit. Use the capital city of Colombo as your launchpad for a journey around the country’s south. Take an exhilarating hike up Sigiriya Rock, go leopard-spotting in Yala National Park, and relax with a coconut in hand along Mirissa’s lush coastline. With the Australian Dollar remaining strong against the Sri Lankan Rupee, you can feast on delicious hoppers, sip authentic Ceylon tea and feast on fantastic seafood for less. Don’t forget to pencil in a train ride between Kandy and Ella, known for being one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

• Average cost of a Ceylon tea: $0.25-$0.50
• Average cost of a mid-range hotel in Colombo: $70-$90 per night
• Average cost of a hopper with curry: $1-$2

Flying to Sri Lanka from Australia for cheap

Using points, there are a number of routes and airlines you can use to fly between Australia and Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo.

Example route	Airline	Book using
Melbourne, Sydney to Colombo (direct)	SriLankan Airlines	Qantas Points
Perth to Colombo (via Kuala Lumpur)	Malaysia Airlines	Qantas Points
Adelaide to Colombo (via Singapore)	Singapore Airlines	KrisFlyer miles, Velocity Points
Sydney to Colombo (via Bangkok)	Thai Airways	KrisFlyer miles

Also read: SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-300 Business Class (Melbourne – Colombo)

4. Philippines

Made up of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has no shortage of experiences to drive your Australian dollar further. Relax along the stunning beaches of Palawan, Siargao or Boracay, swim with whale sharks in Oslob, or explore the ancient rice terraces of Banaue. The country’s diverse cuisine will have you wrapping your tastebuds around soupy sinigang and aromatic adobo, while keeping cool with a refreshing, icy halo-halo. And for thrill seekers, surfing, snorkelling and ziplining are popular activities found across the Philippines – one of the cheapest countries you can easily access from Australia.

• Average cost of a fresh calamansi juice: $0.50-$1.20
• Average cost of a mid-range hotel in Manila: $50-$80 per night
• Average cost of two pork barbecue skewers with rice: $1.60-$3

Flying to the Philippines from Australia for cheap

Using points, there are many direct and one-stop options to fly between Australia and the Philippines’ two major international gateways, Manila and Cebu.

Example route	Airline	Book using
Brisbane, Sydney to Manila (direct)	Qantas	Qantas Points
Melbourne to Manila (via Kuala Lumpur)	Malaysia Airlines	Qantas Points
Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney to Cebu, Manila (via Hong Kong)	Cathay Pacific	Qantas Points, Asia Miles
Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Cebu, Manila (via Taipei)	China Airlines	Qantas Points, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points, Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue Miles
Adelaide, Perth to Cebu (via Singapore)	Singapore Airlines	KrisFlyer miles, Velocity Points
Melbourne to Manila (via Bangkok)	Thai Airways	KrisFlyer miles

Also read: Blissful Boracay: the Philippine island you can soar to for less

5. Fiji

While often perceived as a luxury destination for weddings and honeymoons, Fiji offers surprisingly affordable options for budget-conscious Australians. Start your island-hopping holiday in Denarau Island and venture to vibrant coral reefs, chase cascading waterfalls and explore local villages. Spas are dotted throughout the islands, offering luxurious massages, facials and body wraps to help you rejuvenate after a long day. And while you’re at it, make sure you embrace ‘Fiji time’, the local motto encompassing the nation’s relaxed pace.

• Average cost of a bowl of kava: $3-$6
• Average cost of a mid-range hotel in Nadi: $70-$110 per night
• Average cost of a bowl of kokoda: $8-$12

Flying to Fiji from Australia for cheap

Australia’s east coast is well-connected to the city of Nadi on Fiji’s main island with direct flights with Qantas and Virgin Australia. Given that Qantas and Fiji Airways fall under the same Classic Flight Rewards table, you can use Qantas Points to fly to Fiji from several Australian cities for less.

Example route	Airline	Book using
Sydney to Nadi (direct)	Qantas	Qantas Points
Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney to Nadi (direct)	Fiji Airways	Qantas Points
Brisbane, Sydney to Nadi (via Noumea)	Qantas & Fiji Airways	Qantas Points
Melbourne, Sydney to Nadi (direct)	Jetstar	Qantas Points
Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Nadi (direct)	Virign Australia	Velocity Points

Also read: Fly in style: Fiji Airways Business Class from $226 return with points

Summing up

Despite the rising cost of living in Australia, it’s still possible to enjoy an overseas getaway for less. Venturing to nearby countries where the Australian Dollar is strong can help you stretch your travel budget without compromising on comfort or experiences.

But, if you prefer a domestic escape instead, here are six unique destinations to visit in Australia in 2025 using points.

Featured image: Adobe Stock.

---

Stay up to date with the latest news, reviews and guides by subscribing to Point Hacks’ email newsletter.

---

FAQs