Tourist Shares Concerns About Rising Costs in Goa

Sahil Bhadviya, a former Data Analytics consultant, recently expressed his frustration on social media about the increasing costs of visiting Goa. He mentioned that while he has loved visiting every year, the sharp rise in hotel prices and the dominance of the local taxi operators (often called the “taxi mafia”) have made the experience less enjoyable.

Sahil’s Complaint About Goa

In his post, Sahil wrote:
“I love visiting Goa every year! But in recent years, hotel prices have gone up a lot. On top of that, the taxi mafia ruins the whole experience. Compared to Goa, Thailand and Vietnam are much better—hotels there cost less than half, and the beaches are better. Traveling within those countries is also cheaper. So, I’m done with Goa! I’m not surprised that tourism in Goa is dropping, and it might get worse if the government doesn’t take action against the taxi mafia.”

Goa is a place I love to visit every year! But in last few years, their hotel prices have skyrocketed. On top of this, their taxi mafia is extremely frustrating. They completely ruin the experience.

As compared to Goa, Thailand and Vietnam is much better. You get the similar…

— sahil bhadviya (@sahilbhadviya) February 23, 2025

Different Opinions on Goa’s Affordability

Some users disagreed, arguing that Goa is still budget-friendly. One pointed out that flights from Ahmedabad to Goa cost around ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per person, and good hotels can be found for ₹7,000 per night. In comparison, direct flights to Phuket, Thailand, start at ₹30,000, excluding other expenses.

Sahil acknowledged that Goa can be affordable for budget travelers but pointed out that those booking hotels in the ₹10,000–₹20,000 range may find better deals in Thailand or Vietnam, where luxury stays cost much less.

Other Travelers Weigh In

Another user supported Sahil’s view, noting that Goa has seen a big drop in international tourists. They blamed this decline on expensive hotels, overpriced taxis, and general overcharging across the region.

However, some users saw a silver lining. One jokingly said that complaints like Sahil’s help keep prices reasonable and reduce crowds. They also suggested money-saving tips like booking Airbnb stays, which allow travelers to cook their own meals, and renting a car instead of relying on taxis.

Other Destination Suggestions

Many users recommended alternative travel spots in India. One suggested Vizag (Visakhapatnam), saying it offers a similar or even better experience than Goa.

With mixed opinions, the debate continues about whether Goa remains a top destination or if travelers should explore other options.