Vietnam is one of the best budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes, delicious street food, and a rich history without spending a lot of money. Whether you’re backpacking the length of the country or just visiting a few cities, Vietnam can fit your budget without sacrificing experiences.
Saving Money on Accommodation in Vietnam
Vietnam offers plenty of affordable accommodation options. You can find clean and simple rooms for as low as $5-10 USD per night if you’re staying in hostels or budget guesthouses.
Hostels
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Hostels are the most affordable option for budget travelers. You’ll typically pay $5-7 USD for a dorm bed in most cities. Some hostels even offer free breakfast, making your stay an even better deal. Popular sites like Hostelworld and Booking.com let you compare prices easily across locations.
Guesthouses and Homestays
Guesthouses in Vietnam are often family-owned and give you a glimpse into local life. You can find nice rooms with private bathrooms for as little as $10-20 USD. If you prefer a more local experience, try staying in homestays. These are often the same price range but offer more personal interaction with local families.
Use Agoda or Booking.com for Deals
Platforms like Agoda and Booking.com regularly offer discounts and allow you to compare room rates quickly. You’ll also get access to guest reviews to help you find affordable but well-rated places. Sometimes, walking in without a reservation can also get you good last-minute deals in smaller towns.
Saving Money on Food in Vietnam
Vietnamese street food is both cheap and delicious. It’s one of the best ways to stretch your budget while enjoying local flavors. You can easily eat a meal for under $2 USD.
Street Food
Street vendors sell a variety of cheap and tasty dishes like “banh mi,” “pho,” and fresh spring rolls. A “banh mi” sandwich will cost less than $1 USD, and a bowl of “pho” will set you back about $1.50-2 USD. Stick to local spots that are busy, as crowds are usually a sign the food is fresh and good.
Local Markets
If you’re up for an adventure, head to a local market. Here you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and cooked meals for a fraction of the cost. It’s a great way to save on snacks or even put together a cheap DIY meal if you’re staying in accommodation with kitchen access.
Avoid Western Food
Although Vietnamese food is cheap, western food can break the bank. Burgers, pizzas, and other Western cuisine can cost five times the price of local dishes. Stick to local meals if you want to save money.
Getting Around Vietnam on a Budget
Traveling around Vietnam is cheap, thanks to its robust bus and train network. Flights can also be affordable if you book in advance.
Buses
Long-distance bus travel is one of the most economical ways to get around. Open-tour buses are designed for tourists and allow you to hop on and off in major cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. Sleeper buses can save you the cost of accommodation, with tickets for long-haul trips starting as low as $10 USD.
Trains
The train system is a bit more expensive than buses but offers incredible scenic routes, especially along the coastline between Da Nang and Hue. If you’re looking for a slower, more comfortable journey, the Reunification Express is a good option. Prices vary, but you’ll typically pay about $30-60 USD for a trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are a popular way to get around, especially for shorter distances. Renting a motorbike costs about $5-10 USD per day. Just make sure to wear a helmet and check if your travel insurance covers motorbike travel. If you don’t want to drive yourself, “Grab” (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) is a cheap and safe way to navigate cities, with rides costing only a couple of dollars.
Flights
Vietnam has several low-cost airlines like VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways, which offer incredibly cheap flights if you book early. A domestic flight between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can cost less than $50 USD if booked well in advance. This can save you time on long-distance journeys.
Budget-Friendly Destinations in Vietnam
Not all destinations in Vietnam are created equal when it comes to budget travel. Some places are more affordable, and it’s possible to spend weeks exploring these spots without spending too much.
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital city, is full of free and affordable things to do. Explore the Old Quarter, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, or walk around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex for free. Street food is plentiful and cheap, and hostels are abundant. It’s easy to enjoy the city’s rich culture without burning a hole in your wallet.
Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most charming cities in Vietnam, known for its lantern-lit alleys and preserved architecture. Visiting the Old Town does require a small entry fee (around $5 USD) if you want to access historic buildings, but walking around and soaking in the atmosphere is free. You can spend days cycling around the outskirts, checking out rice fields and serene beaches without needing much money.
Da Lat
Da Lat is a laid-back mountain city perfect for budget travelers looking to escape the heat. Visit the scenic lakes and waterfalls around town or hike through the nearby pine forests. Da Lat’s cooler climate means it’s great for nature walks and outdoor activities, costing little to nothing.
Phong Nha
Phong Nha is a town known for its incredible caves, including the largest cave in the world: Son Doong. Visiting caves like Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave is affordable (under $10 USD), and there are budget guesthouses in town where you can stay for less than $10 USD per night. It’s a great stopping point for adventurous travelers.
Free or Cheap Activities in Vietnam
There are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful country without spending much. Free activities are everywhere, from wandering local markets to hiking.
Visit Museums and Historical Sites
Many museums, like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, have entrance fees under $2 USD. Vietnam’s history is fascinating, so learning from the museums and historical sites is worth every penny. Some key attractions, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Hanoi Military Museum, are free or have minimal admission fees.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Make the most of Vietnam’s natural beauty by getting outside. Trekking through the terraced rice fields of Sapa, relaxing along the beaches in Mui Ne, or watching the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay (you can see the bay from Cat Ba Island for free) are things you can do without spending much money.
Wander Through Markets
Exploring Vietnam’s bustling markets costs nothing but offers a glimpse into local life. Markets like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi are great places to browse local products, street food, and souvenirs. Even if you don’t buy anything, the experience is worth it.
Hiking and National Parks
Vietnam has a lot of natural parks where you can hike for free or for a small entrance fee. Parks like Ba Vi National Park and Cat Tien National Park are great places to enjoy a day outdoors for around $1-5 USD.
Keep Your Budget in Check
Lastly, keep track of your expenses. Vietnam is cheap, but it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Use a budgeting app or write down your daily expenses to ensure you stay within your limits. Little things like grabbing too many souvenirs or eating at more expensive restaurants can add up fast, so keep your spending in check to make your money go further.
All in all, Vietnam offers abundant opportunities to explore on a budget. By sticking to local food, budget accommodation, and using public transport, you can experience the beauty and culture of this incredible country without emptying your wallet.
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