Neither is meaningfully cheaper: both run around €28 a day. Which means the decision comes down to everything else — how safe each rates, when you can travel, and what each one is genuinely good at.
| 🇮🇳 India | 🇱🇦 Laos | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily cost | ~€28 | ~€28 |
| Safety score | 62/100 | 75/100 |
| Best time to go | Winter, Spring | Winter, Spring |
| Climate | Tropical, Dry | Tropical |
| Best for | Culture, Nature, Beaches, Adventure, Cities | Culture, Nature, Adventure |
| Suits | Solo travellers, Couples, Groups of friends | Solo travellers, Couples, Groups of friends |
| Budget level | Budget, Mid-range | Budget |
The safety scores are general indicators, last reviewed in August 2026. They are not travel advice: conditions change, and official advisories often flag specific regions rather than whole countries. Check your own government’s advice before you book.
🇮🇳 India. A continent in a country: Himalayan monasteries, Rajasthani palaces, Kerala backwaters and Goa beaches.
🇱🇦 Laos. Slow boats on the Mekong, Luang Prabang's monks at dawn, Kuang Si waterfalls and zero crowds.