10-Day Budget-Friendly South Asia Tour: Vietnam to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Back

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Delhi

New Delhi, India on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to New Delhi

Depart early from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport, aiming to arrive by midday for exploring.
USD300 approx, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Karim's

Enjoy authentic Mughlai cuisine near Jama Masjid, famous for rich flavors and traditional Indian dishes.
USD10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Red Fort

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Mughal architecture and Indian history, open until 5:30pm.
INR600 (~USD8), 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Savor traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes offering an affordable and flavorful experience.
USD8, 1h0m
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Day 2: Travel to Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Flight Delhi to Kathmandu

Catch a morning flight to Tribhuvan International Airport; flight is around 1.5 hours.
USD100 approx, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Pumpernickel Bakery

Light breakfast with fresh bakery items and coffee, a cozy café near Thamel district.
USD7, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Explore the ancient Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of Kathmandu valley, open 5am–9pm.
NPR200 (~USD1.5), 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bhanchha Ghar

Experience traditional Nepali cuisine in a warmly decorated environment.
USD10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Durbar Square

See the historic palaces and temples in the heart of Kathmandu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open till 6pm.
NPR1000 (~USD7.5), 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at OR2K

Enjoy Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed vibe in Thamel.
USD10, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kathmandu Exploration

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Garden of Dreams Café

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast in a beautiful historic garden setting.
USD8, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to Nagarkot

Visit this nearby hill station (approx. 1-1.5 hours drive) for spectacular Himalayan mountain views and nature walks.
Transport USD20, 6h0m

4:00pm

Return to Kathmandu and relax

Rest and explore local markets for souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thamel House Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Nepali and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
USD12, 1h0m
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Day 4: Fly Kathmandu to Islamabad

Islamabad, Pakistan on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Flight Kathmandu to Islamabad

Morning flight to Pakistan's capital, about 2 hours; plan this in advance due to multi-airline connections.
USD150 approx, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Burning Brownie

Famous for delightful cakes and good coffee in Islamabad.
USD7, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Faisal Mosque

Pakistan’s largest mosque with stunning architecture, open to visitors from 9am to sunset.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Monal Restaurant

Restaurant perched on the Margalla Hills offering traditional Pakistani meals and breathtaking views.
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Pakistan Monument & Museum

Explore Pakistan’s cultural heritage at this iconic monument and museum, open 10am to 6pm.
PKR100 (~USD0.5), 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chaaye Khana

Relax with a variety of teas and delicious Pakistani snacks and meals.
USD8, 1h0m
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Day 5: Explore Islamabad

Islamabad, Pakistan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mocca Coffee

Start with premium brewed coffee and light bites before the day’s sightseeing.
USD6, 1h0m

9:30am

Hiking Margalla Hills National Park

Enjoy nature trails with scenic views just outside Islamabad, ideal for morning hikes.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kurdistan Restaurant

Try Kurdish and Middle Eastern cuisine in a vibrant setting.
USD12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lok Virsa Museum

Discover traditional Pakistani art and crafts, open 10am to 5pm.
PKR20 (~USD0.1), 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tuscany Courtyard

Upscale dining with continental and Italian dishes, perfect for a farewell dinner in Islamabad.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Fly Islamabad to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 27, 2025

6:00am

Flight Islamabad to Colombo

Early morning flight taking around 4 hours with possibly a connecting flight; plan carefully for budget airlines.
USD180 approx, 4h0m

11:00am

Breakfast/Brunch at The Gallery Café

Renowned cafe offering great coffee and light fusion meals, located in Colombo’s Artistic confines.
USD10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

A beautiful Buddhist temple combining modern architecture and cultural elements, open 6am to 8pm.
LKR200 (~USD1), 2h0m

3:00pm

Walk along Galle Face Green

Relax by the sea on this urban park, popular for locals and visitors alike.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Try delectable Sri Lankan seafood, particularly famous for crab dishes, but book in advance.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Colombo Sightseeing

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Kumbuk

Popular café serving healthy and creative breakfast options in a casual atmosphere.
USD8, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Colombo National Museum

Explore Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural artifacts, open 9am to 5pm except Tuesdays.
LKR1000 (~USD5), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with affordable prices in central Colombo.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Beira Lake & Seema Malaka

Enjoy the serene atmosphere on this temple island in the center of Colombo.
LKR200 (~USD1), 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping at Pettah Market

Explore this bustling market for local goods, souvenirs, and street food.
Free, shopping at own expense, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nihonbashi

Enjoy premium Japanese cuisine, a top-rated restaurant in Colombo.
USD18, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before travel day.
Included in hotel cost or USD8, 1h0m

11:00am

Fly Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City

Direct or connecting flight back to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, about 4-5 hours flight time.
USD300 approx, 5h0m

4:00pm

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City & Return Home

End your journey after 10 days touring South Asia.
Free, Rest
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