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When you think of taking a holiday to Asia, your mind probably automatically goes to places like Thailand, Japan, India, or Hong Kong.
In fact, if you were to list all the countries you think of, Bhutan would likely be pretty low on your list.
The small kingdom in the eastern Himalayas may not be top of mind, but it’s an incredible tourist destination for anyone who likes getting off the beaten trail. And a new high-tech currency solution is making holidays there even easier.
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Bhutan is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant traditions. (Supplied)
Bhutan’s cryptocurrency payment system for tourism
Bhutan has recently become the first nation to implement a national-level crypto payment system for tourism, allowing travellers to make cashless transactions through an app.
This includes flights, tourist visas and entry fees, hotel bookings, tour guides, monument entry fees, local shopping, and more.
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All you need is the Binance app, which you load up with cryptocurrency. At checkout, scan a QR code to pay using your crypto. The amount is automatically converted to local currency, which merchants receive instantly.
This system eliminates the need for currency exchange and reduces reliance on cash, while also reducing high transaction and currency exchange fees for tourists.
There are no traffic lights in the country’s capital, Thimpu. (Getty)
“This is more than a payment solution – it’s a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and convenience,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
“It enables a seamless experience for travellers and empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy.”
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Why is Bhutan so famous?
Although Bhutan certainly isn’t up there as a common holiday destination for Aussies, it does have a reputation for being an amazing place to visit.
It’s often called the happiest place on Earth (besides Disneyland), because of its unique development philosophy – Gross National Happiness -which prioritises well-being over economic output.
In 1999, Bhutan became the last country in the world to introduce television and the internet. There are no traffic lights in Thimpu, the capital city. Instead, police direct traffic with hand signals, a cultural choice made to value human interaction.
The country limits tourist numbers, making it one of the most sustainable and carefully managed destinations in the world. Foreigners were not allowed in until the 1970s, to protect the country’s cultural identity.
It’s also recognised for its preserved Buddhist culture, traditional architecture, and stunning remote mountain landscapes.
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Tourists are limited to protect the natural landscape. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Can Australians visit Bhutan?
Yep, Aussies can visit Bhutan. But it’s not an easy country to visit – flights are limited and you must obtain a visa before you go.
In addition to the visa fee, travellers have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 ($155) per day for adults. This fee supports Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation, as part of the government’s policy of “high-value, low-volume tourism”.
If you want to visit anywhere other than the main cities of Thimphu and Paro, travelling to other regions means you have to hire a licensed guide.
Is it safe to travel to Bhutan now?
Yes, Bhutan is considered a safe destination for travellers in 2025. It is recognised as the most peaceful country in South Asia and ranks 19th globally on the Global Peace Index.
Bhutan is considered the happiest place in the world. (Getty)
How much will a Bhutan trip cost?
A trip to Bhutan is more expensive than many other Asian destinations due to its “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy, designed to preserve the country’s culture and environment.
To start off, visitors need to pay a Sustainable Development fee of approximately $155 per day.
Most travel sites recommend budgeting around $300 a day for your trip if you’re happy with budget accommodation and local food – probably more like $500 if you want to stay in nicer hotels and do tours.
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Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an iconic site in Bhutan. (Supplied)
What is the most beautiful part of Bhutan?
Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) is widely considered the most beautiful and iconic site in Bhutan, and is the country’s most photographed location.
Perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley, the monastery has breathtaking views reached by a memorable hike.
Other stunning places include:
- Punakha Valley – Known for lush rice fields and river views
- Bumthang – The ‘spiritual heartland of Bhutan’, filled with ancient temples and scenic landscapes
- Haa Valley – Less visited but incredibly scenic, for a quiet and traditional Bhutanese experience
- Phobjikha Valley – A serene glacial valley with an ancient monastery
The ‘hidden’ country you couldn’t visit before 1974
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