Budget Travel In Vietnam: How To Explore For 7 Days Without Breaking The Bank

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Diya S
July 11, 2024

Traveling to Vietnam, a nation renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, rich cultural legacy, and energetic cities, is an amazing experience.

Vietnam enthralls tourists with its singular fusion of history, culture, and scenic beauty—from the busy streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.

Vietnam offers a trip full of surprise and discovery, whether you choose to explore historic sites, indulge in delicious Vietnamese food, or just take in the stunning landscape.

The low cost of travel to Vietnam is one of its most alluring features. Vietnam offers a plethora of experiences without breaking the bank for tourists on a tight budget. There are several inexpensive lodging options, from guesthouses to hostels, and reasonable and effective local transportation.

Foodies will be delighted by the variety of affordable street food options, which include mouthwatering and genuine Vietnamese cuisine.

Furthermore, a great number of Vietnam‘s most famous attractions, including historical landmarks and natural wonders, can be visited for little to no expense, making it the perfect vacation spot for anyone trying to get the most out of their trip on a tight budget.

We will lay out a seven-day itinerary that will allow you to see the most of Vietnam without going over budget. suggestions to help you make the most of your trip.

This itinerary will lead you through a week of reasonably priced activities, from the serene beauty of Hoi An to the historic charm of Hanoi, and it will provide you with advice and suggestions to help you make the most of your trip.

Day 1: Getting to know Hanoi

Accommodations: Once in Hanoi, check into an affordable guesthouse or hostel in the center of the city. With its labyrinth of little alleyways and hive of activity, the Old Quarter has plenty of reasonably priced lodging options, with prices between $10 and $15 per night.

Remaining in this region immerses you in the lively local atmosphere and offers quick access to many of the city’s key attractions.

Activities: Take a stroll through the Old Quarter to begin your trip and take in all of Hanoi’s lively energy and historic charm. The area’s winding streets, each named for a product that was once sold there, are what make it renowned.

Numerous stores, cafes, and street sellers are available where you can purchase anything from contemporary mementos to traditional crafts.

Take time to enjoy the colonial architecture and the distinct fusion of old and new that characterize this area of the city as you stroll.

Proceed to Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm haven in the middle of Hanoi, after that. The lake is a well-liked location for both residents and visitors, providing a tranquil environment for a leisurely stroll.

See the Ngoc Son Temple, which is reachable by the quaint red Huc Bridge and located on a tiny island in the lake. The temple honoring General Tran Hung Dao provides a window into the rich cultural legacy of Vietnam.

Take in a traditional water puppet display in the evening, a unique art form that has been practiced in Vietnam since the eleventh century.

This captivating show is popularly presented in the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which is close to Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a fairly priced cultural event, with tickets costing between $5 and $7.

Food: Hanoi is well known for its street food, which offers a delectable and reasonably priced culinary experience. Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, pho, may be a great way to start the day and usually costs between $1 and $2.

Try a banh mi for lunch—a Vietnamese sandwich with a French influence that is loaded with a variety of flavorful ingredients and costs roughly $1—from one of the many street vendors.

Don’t miss the renowned egg coffee from Hanoi, which costs between $1 and $2 and is a delicious, creamy delight prepared with egg yolk and condensed milk.

With an expected daily budget of $10, exploring the neighborhood’s street food scene can not only please your palate but also minimize your food expenses.

Day 2: City Tour in Hanoi

Activities: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum first thing in the morning to pay your respects to Vietnam’s most revered leader, Ho Chi Minh.

Not only does this massive building draw locals and visitors alike, but it’s also an important historical and cultural landmark.

You will learn more about Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy as you stroll through the sombre hallways. Because the mausoleum is free to enter, it’s an accessible and significant place to start your city tour.

Proceed to the Temple of Literature, which was founded in 1070 and is Vietnam’s earliest university. The rich educational and cultural legacy of the nation is demonstrated by this historic site.

Admire the ancient Vietnamese architecture, stroll through the tranquil gardens, and see the pavilions honoring Confucius and other intellectuals. You may enjoy this tranquil and lovely location without breaking the bank thanks to the affordable $1–$2 entrance fee.

Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in the afternoon. This UNESCO World Heritage site depicts the cultural and historical development of Hanoi over a millennium. For thirteen centuries, this historic fortress functioned as the political hub of Vietnam and is home to a multitude of antiques and artifacts.

Discover Vietnam’s past as you visit the archeological site, which is home to old palaces, gates, and well-preserved foundations. It’s an inexpensive way to learn about the rich history of the city, with entrance fees ranging from $1 to $2.

Food: Hanoi offers a wide variety of tasty and reasonably priced street food alternatives, making it a food lover’s delight. Try a bowl of bun cha for breakfast, which usually costs between $1 and $2 and consists of barbecued pork served with noodles and a tasty dipping sauce.

Look for a neighborhood restaurant serving steamed rice rolls, or banh cuon, or com tam (broken rice), as they are both well-liked and reasonably priced options for lunch.

In the evening, visit a crowded night market or a street food market to continue your culinary exploration. Samples of $1–$2 delicacies including nem ran (fried spring rolls) and xoi (sticky rice with different toppings) are available here.

Remember to have a cool glass of bia hoi, the national beer of Vietnam. It’s very affordable and a perfect way to relax after a long day of seeing.

You may experience a wide range of Hanoi’s gastronomic delights without going over your daily meal budget of about $10 if you stick to local restaurants and street vendors. Using this method not only saves you money but also lets you sample the local cuisine and its colorful flavors.

Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Activities: Set out on an amazing day excursion to Halong Bay, which is known for its emerald waters and tall limestone islands and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One affordable package that usually includes a boat cruise, a kayaking experience, and lunch on board can be reserved from Hanoi.

There are thousands of islands and islets scattered throughout the magical scenery of Halong Bay, making it an ideal place to explore and unwind.

Admire the stunning view as you sail over the calm waters of the bay during the boat cruise. Prepare your camera for breathtaking vistas of the limestone karsts that rise out of the sea. These views are typically covered in mist, making for an absolutely otherworldly experience.

Numerous tours also stop at picturesque locations like Titov Island, where you can hike to the summit for expansive views or have a cooling swim in the bay’s pristine waters.

Use the kayaking opportunity to explore remote lagoons and underground caverns, giving you a close-up look at the bay’s distinctive geological formations and natural beauty.

Halong Bay offers an excursion that blends peace and discovery, whether you’re discovering secret grottoes or just taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

Food: Most Halong Bay day cruises include lunch, which is provided on the boat. Savor a delectable dinner that includes seasonal fruits, fish, and specialties from the area while taking in the lovely deck views.

After arriving back in Hanoi in the evening, have dinner and take in the lively eating scene of the city. Hanoi has lots of reasonably priced places to eat, from small restaurants serving authentic Vietnamese food to street food vendors.

Savor delicacies that highlight the various flavors of Vietnamese culinary traditions, such as cha ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill), bun bo nam bo (beef noodle salad), and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles).

Spend between $5 and $10 for dinner, depending on the restaurant or food cart you select. Take a leisurely stroll around Hanoi’s bustling streets at the end of the day to take in the sights and sounds of the city at night.

Day 4: Journey to Hoi An and Da Nang

Transportation: Take a cheap flight from Hanoi to Da Nang to start your day. This route is served by several low-cost carriers, with reasonable fares usually ranging from $30 to $50.

The flight, which takes about 1.5 hours, offers a rapid and practical means of getting between these two cities.

Accommodation: When you get to Da Nang, go to Hoi An, a charming old town renowned for its dynamic cultural life and well-preserved architecture.

Hoi An provides a selection of inexpensive lodging choices, with hostels and guesthouses costing between $10 and $15 per night.

If you want to have as much exploration time as possible, stay close to Hoi An Ancient Town on foot.

Activities: The Marble Mountains are a collection of five limestone hills that bear the names of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

In addition to their natural beauty, these mountains have spiritual significance due to their numerous caves, pagodas, and sweeping views.

The small admission costs—usually between $1 and $2—make the outing reasonably priced.

Head to Hoi An Ancient Town as dusk draws near for a leisurely stroll through its quaint alleyways lined with merchant homes, historic temples, and lantern-lit alleys.

The town’s rich history as a major commercial port, with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations, is reflected in its architecture, which is designated by UNESCO.

Spend some time exploring the bustling night markets, where you can do souvenir shopping, try some local cuisine, and see cultural performances.

Food: Hoi An is well known for its wide range of culinary options, which include flavors from all across Vietnam and other countries.

Savor regional favorites like mi quang, which are noodles infused with pork and shrimp, banh xeo, which are Vietnamese pancakes, and cao lau, which are noodles with pork and greens.

For a pleasant and affordable dining experience, try street food from busy markets or local restaurants. Dishes usually cost between $1 and $5.

Allocate roughly $10 for meals during the day so that you can savor a wide range of tastes and culinary treats while discovering Hoi An’s rich cultural diversity.

Day 5: Hoi An Investigation

Activities: Visit Hoi An’s famous Japanese Covered Bridge, an 18th-century landmark that will greet you as you begin your day.

Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street are connected by this superbly preserved wooden bridge, which is decorated with statues and detailed carvings.

Vietnamese architecture has been influenced by Japanese design, and the bridge bears witness to the town’s past significance as a commerce hub.

You may see its stunning architecture and discover its cultural significance for a reasonable fee—usually between $2 and $3.

Take part in a lantern-making session to get a hands-on cultural experience after exploring the bridge. Hoi An is well-known for the vibrant lanterns that adorn its buildings and streets, especially during events like the Hoi An Lantern Festival.

Participate in a class where you may learn how to make your own lantern from local artisans. Through this hands-on experience, you may learn about the traditional craftsmanship of Vietnam and make a sentimental memento to bring back home.

Relax and enjoy the sun at An Bang Beach in the afternoon. This picturesque coastline is only a short ride from Hoi An Ancient Town.

Savor the serene atmosphere and breathtaking vistas while lounging on the smooth sand beach or taking a dip in the cool South China Sea.

Renowned for its carefree ambiance, An Bang Beach is a well-liked destination for both inhabitants and visitors looking for a tranquil haven away from the busy town center.

Food: Enjoy Hoi An’s famous street cuisine and neighborhood restaurants, which serve a mouthwatering variety of flavors and gourmet treats, all day long.

Try banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that costs about $1–2 from street sellers and is often filled with savory ingredients like grilled pork, pate, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs, for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

Try the cao lau, a Hoi An specialty that costs between $2 to $3 at local restaurants and consists of noodles, pork, and fresh herbs in a flavorful broth, for lunch.

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town’s thriving culinary scene in the evening, where you can eat at restaurants along the river or grab street cuisine from busy markets.

Savor the flavors of Hoi An’s culinary history with delicacies like fried wontons (hoanh thanh) and white rose dumplings (banh bao vac).

Spend no more than $10 on meals all day long to ensure you may sample a wide range of cuisines and take in the cultural diversity of this UNESCO-listed town.

Day 6: Cooking class and my son's sanctuary

Activities: First thing in the morning, you can head to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 40 kilometers southwest of Hoi An.

Historically significant as a showcase for the distinctive architectural style and theological doctrine of the Cham civilization, My Son was the political and religious center of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

In a verdant valley encircled by mountains, discover the complex of Hindu temples, many of which date back to the 4th through the 14th centuries.

My Son Sanctuary requires an approximate $5 admission fee, which grants both site access and a guided tour. Admire the elaborately carved statues, red brick towers, and ornate designs that feature Hindu mythological scenes.

For individuals who enjoy history and Southeast Asian cultures, My Son is a must-visit location because of its tranquil surroundings and historical significance.

Take a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An to fully immerse yourself in the country’s culinary traditions in the afternoon. Learn from regional chefs who will walk you through the process of making classic dishes with fresh ingredients and time-honored methods.

Cooking workshops usually involve practical teaching of recipes such as papaya salad, spring rolls, and pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). Savor the results of your labor while eating the food you created in class.

Food: The culinary session includes lunch, when you will eat the delectable meals you have learned to make. In addition to introducing you to Vietnam’s diverse flavors, this immersive culinary experience gives you insight into the significance of food in Vietnamese culture.

Go back to Hoi An Ancient Town for dinner and try out some of its many restaurants. Select from neighborhood eateries that specialize in cuisine from the area, such banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancake) or cao lau (noodles with pork and greens).

A vast range of reasonably priced options, such as flavorful noodle soups and grilled seafood skewers, are also available from street food vendors.

Set aside roughly $10 for dinner so you can savor a filling meal and take in the sights and flavors of Hoi An during the day.

Day 7: Departure and Return to Hanoi

Transportation: Take a cheap flight back to Hanoi from Da Nang to start your day. This route is served by several low-cost carriers, with reasonable fares usually ranging from $30 to $50. The trip back to Vietnam’s capital city is made convenient by the flight, which lasts for around 1.5 hours.

Activities: Make the most of your final day in Hanoi by going sightseeing or shopping last-minute. Walk through the Old Quarter’s colorful streets to discover a variety of stores offering handmade crafts, traditional textiles, contemporary souvenirs, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Go haggling with locals at busy marketplaces like Hang Gai Street or Dong Xuan Market to get amazing prices on locally made handicrafts, apparel, and accessories.

Consider visiting additional Hanoi sites like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which highlights the nation’s numerous ethnic groups and their traditional customs, if you have an interest in history and culture.

Alternatively, to experience the city’s rich history and peaceful atmosphere, go for a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or spend some time in the calm gardens of the Temple of Literature.

Food: Enjoy your last meals in Vietnam by trying out specialty street food and dining at neighborhood eateries. Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, pho, is available for about $1–$2 from a variety of street vendors and small restaurants around Hanoi. Start your day with a substantial bowl of pho.

Try the classic meal bun cha for lunch, which consists of barbecued pork served with noodles and a zesty dipping sauce. It’s a favorite among both residents and tourists.

Enjoy a goodbye meal at one of Hanoi’s well-regarded restaurants in the evening, or treat yourself to local specialties like banh cuon, steamed rice buns, and bun bo nam bo, a beef noodle salad.

Vietnam’s fresh draft beer, bia hoi, is a delightful drink that can be enjoyed at local bia hoi restaurants for a modest fee. Enjoy it to round off your culinary adventure.

Spend no more than $10 on meals throughout the day to ensure you sample a wide range of sensations before saying goodbye to Vietnam’s hospitality and flavors. As you get ready to leave Hanoi, think back on your unforgettable moments and cultural discoveries.

According to the approximate cost breakdown for a seven-day trip to Vietnam:

Lodging: $70-105
Food costs: $70-
Transportation: $90-150 (local and aircraft transportation included)
Activities: $85-225

Total Projected Cost: $315–450

This price range gives you a ballpark idea of what you might spend on your trip, giving you room to maneuver based on your travel choices and style.

Changes can be made in accordance with particular preferences for lodging, restaurants, entertainment, and modes of transportation.

Traveling on a Budget in Vietnam: A Few Tips

For those on a tight budget, Vietnam has amazing deals. Here are some pointers on how to maximize your spending when visiting this fascinating nation:

1. Reserve Accommodations in Advance: Especially during the busiest travel seasons, reserving accommodations in advance can frequently lead to lower rates and guaranteed availability.

Seek for reasonably priced accommodations like homestays, hostels, and guesthouses, which provide cozy accomodation at reasonable costs.

You can obtain the best bargains by making direct reservations through lodging providers and using budget travel websites and apps.

2. Use Local Transportation Options: When traveling within cities and between locations, choose local modes of transportation like buses, trains, or motorcycles. In addition to being less expensive than taxis, these solutions offer a genuine travel experience.

For longer trips, overnight sleeper buses and trains are common and can reduce lodging costs as well as travel time.

3. Dine at Street Cuisine Stalls and Local Markets: Vietnam is well-known for its tasty and reasonably priced street cuisine. Try food from markets and street vendors to eat like a local. You may get tasty, fresh food there for a lot less money than you would pay in a restaurant.

Street food provides a mouthwatering culinary experience that won’t break the bank, with options ranging from fresh seafood to banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and pho (noodle soup).

4. Seek for Free or Cheap Attractions: Many of Vietnam’s most well-known sights, including historical sites, temples, and pagodas, provide free or inexpensive entrance.

Spend little money and explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Look into regional celebrations, marketplaces, and cultural events; these frequently offer low- to no-cost ways to engage with Vietnamese customs.

5. Haggle for the Best Deals: In Vietnam, haggling is a typical habit whether shopping at markets or using services like transportation or tours.

Don’t be afraid to haggle over pricing, especially in tourist destinations where you may save a lot of money with tact. When negotiating, act cordial but be ready to leave if the price isn’t acceptable.

These pointers can help you make the most of your money while exploring Vietnam’s diverse culture, mouthwatering food, and breathtaking scenery.

Take in the native way of life, discover off-the-beaten-path locations, and have an unforgettable, reasonably priced trip to Vietnam.

Conclusion:

Not only is affordable travel to Vietnam possible, but it’s also very rewarding. You have, without going over budget, been able to take in the nation’s varied landscapes, extensive history, and dynamic culture.

Vietnam provides a wide variety of experiences to suit any traveler’s preference and budget, from the calm beauty of Halong Bay and the quaint alleys of Hoi An to the busy metropolis of Hanoi with its winding alleyways and historic temples.

Through your choice of affordable lodging, trying delectable street cuisine, utilizing public transit, and searching for free or inexpensive activities, you have effectively controlled your spending while thoroughly experiencing Vietnam’s distinct allure.

Every experience adds dimension to your vacation, whether you’re eating a sizzling bowl of pho at a streetside stall, haggling over trinkets at a busy market, or touring historic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Vietnam’s low cost of living doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—rather, it provides opportunities for genuine interactions and life-changing experiences.

The natural beauty and cultural diversity of Vietnam, along with the pleasant and welcoming nature of the Vietnamese people, have combined to create an experience that will last a lifetime.

When you think back on your trip to Vietnam, keep in mind that the most memorable moments usually happen outside of opulent hotels and pricey tours.

Accept the spirit of exploration, make connections with the people around you, and cherish the moments that encapsulate this fascinating nation.

Vietnam encourages you to discover, explore, and appreciate its wonders without breaking the bank, regardless of your level of experience traveling abroad.