Vietnam on a Budget: How to Make the Most of Your Trip Without Breaking the Bank

Discover Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Halong Bay, Hoi An. Rich culture, landscapes, cuisine. Tips for a memorable trip.

Travel in Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Located along the South China Sea, Vietnam has a population of over 95 million people, making it the 15th most populous country in the world.

Vietnam has a long and rich history going back over 4,000 years. For much of its history, Vietnam was under Chinese rule. Vietnam gained independence in 938 AD and expanded southwards over the next thousand years to form the current geographic shape of the country.

During the mid-20th century, Vietnam was divided into North and South Vietnam. This led to decades of conflict, including the Vietnam War with the United States, ending with reunification in 1976.

Today, Vietnam is a socialist republic country led by the Communist Party. Its capital and largest city is Hanoi in the north, while Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in the south.

Vietnam has a diverse landscape, including hills, mountains, deltas, coastline and tropical islands. The climate is tropical and monsoon-influenced, with humidity averaging 84% throughout the year. However, there are distinct climatic differences between the northern, central and southern regions.

Vietnamese cuisine is world-famous, characterized by fresh ingredients, minimal use of dairy and oil, complementary textures, and reliance on noodles and rice. Common ingredients include soy sauce, fish sauce, bean sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables. Popular dishes include pho noodle soup, spring rolls, and banh mi sandwiches.

The culture of Vietnam has been influenced by centuries of colonization and conflict, as well as neighboring China. Important facets of culture include family, community, religion, education and art. Traditional Vietnamese values center around harmony, humanity, and respect for community and family. Click this link.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, which means the weather varies quite a bit throughout the year. This affects when the best time to visit is, depending on your interests and preferences.

Winter (November to April)

The winter months bring cooler and drier weather in the north, with temperatures averaging 60-70°F. January and February can get quite chilly, especially at night. Meanwhile, south Vietnam stays warm and humid year-round. This is the peak tourist season, as the weather is comfortable for sightseeing, and the chance of rain is low. However, prices are higher for flights and hotels, and popular destinations get crowded.

Major festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) happen in winter. Tet brings huge crowds and closures, but also colorful celebrations. The perfect cultural experience, if you don't mind the inconvenience.

Summer (May to October)

Summer in Vietnam brings hot, humid, and rainy weather. Temperatures reach into the 90s, with high humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Northern Vietnam receives the majority of its annual rainfall during these months.

Despite the heat and rain, summer offers a good value for budget travelers. Prices for flights and hotels are much lower. With fewer tourists, popular attractions are less crowded. Just be prepared with umbrellas, breathable clothing, and water.

Shoulder Seasons (April, May, October, November)

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall provide a happy medium. Temperatures are milder, rain is moderate, and crowds haven't peaked. Hotel rates start to rise in spring but fall back in autumn. Overall, the shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather combined with lower prices and fewer tourists.

Top Destinations in Vietnam

Vietnam is filled with incredible destinations that should be on any traveler's list. Here are some of the top places to visit in Vietnam:

Hanoi

The bustling capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a fascinating blend of old and new. Wander through the Old Quarter's narrow streets, sample delicious street food, and visit French colonial landmarks like the Opera House. Don't miss Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. See more this link.

Ho Chi Minh City

The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers a pulsating urban energy. Check out French colonial landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and explore Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War. Eat at local street food stalls and immerse yourself in the electric nightlife scene. See more this link.

Halong Bay

With its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's top attractions. Cruise through the bay, passing floating villages and jagged peaks rising from the sea. Kayak into hidden lagoons and caves. Spend a night on a boat to fully experience Halong Bay. See more this link.

Hoi An

This charming ancient town is known for its well-preserved architecture, Japanese Covered Bridge, and colorful lanterns. Wander the narrow lanes, shop for souvenirs, and get custom-made clothing. Visit nearby My Son Sanctuary, a historic Hindu temple complex. See more this link.

Mekong Delta

The lush, fertile Mekong Delta is perfect for exploring by boat. Float along palm-lined canals, visit floating markets, and see traditional villages. Don't miss the Vinh Trang Pagoda and Cai Be Floating Market. Eat fresh tropical fruit and seafood. See more this link.

Sapa

In the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa offers stunning vistas of terraced rice fields and rolling hills. Hike through hill tribe villages and stay in a local homestay. See more this link.

Visit during September-November for gorgeous rice terraces. Shop at the colorful market and eat traditional Hmong cuisine. See more this link.

Phu Quoc Island

Ringed with white-sand beaches and clear waters, Phu Quoc is a tropical island paradise. Relax on the beach, go snorkeling and scuba diving, explore interior jungles, and eat fresh seafood. This island getaway offers the perfect escape. See more this link.

Getting Around

Vietnam offers a variety of transportation options for getting around the country. Here are some of the main options for travel within Vietnam:

Trains

Vietnam has an extensive rail network that connects most major cities and destinations. For long journeys between the north and south, the train is often the most comfortable and scenic option. There are different classes of service ranging from hard sleeper to soft sleeper cabins. Tickets can be booked in advance or on the day of travel. See more this link.

Buses

Buses provide connections between all towns and cities in Vietnam. There are both public and private bus companies. Public buses tend to be slower and make many stops, while private buses are more comfortable and direct. Open bus tickets allow flexible travel between destinations. See more this link.

Domestic Flights

Vietnam Airlines and budget airlines like VietJet Air offer flights between major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and more. This is the fastest way to travel long distances within Vietnam. Flights are affordable if booked in advance. See more this link.

Motorbike

For intrepid travelers, renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore Vietnam's roads at your own pace. Motorbiking is not for everyone, as road conditions can be hazardous, but it offers freedom and adventure. Always wear a helmet and drive carefully. See more this link.

Taxis

Metered taxis are available in all major cities. While affordable, communication can be a challenge if you don't speak Vietnamese. Have your destination written down to show the driver. Be sure to only take official, marked taxis. See more this link.

Cyclos

These bicycle rickshaws are still found in some areas, offering charming rides through cities like Hoi An. Negotiate the fare before setting off. While fun for short journeys, cyclos are slowly disappearing as other transport options grow. See more this link.

Accommodation

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. See more this link.

Hotels

Hotels are found throughout Vietnam, from luxurious international chains to simple family-run guesthouses. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find everything from budget hotels under $50 per night to 5-star hotels costing several hundred dollars per night. Mid-range hotels around $100 per night offer clean, comfortable rooms and amenities like breakfast, pools, and fitness centers. See more this link.

Homestays

For an authentic local experience, consider a homestay. Homestays allow you to stay in a family's home, often in small towns or rural areas. Not only is it inexpensive (usually $10-20 per night including meals), but it's a great way to get an inside look at Vietnamese culture and family life. Most homestays have just a few guest rooms and provide traditional home-cooked meals. See more this link.

Hostels

Hostels cater to backpackers and budget travelers, providing dorm-style accommodations and shared bathrooms for around $5-10 per night. You'll meet fellow travelers and enjoy amenities like free WiFi, self-catering kitchens, game rooms, and organized activities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have the most hostels, while beach destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc also have good options. See more this link.

Resorts

Luxury resorts dot the beaches and countryside, especially in places like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, and Da Lat. Resorts offer lavish rooms along with amenities like private pools, fine dining, spas, golf courses, cooking classes, and recreation like snorkeling and kayaking. Resort rates range from $100-500+ per night. See more this link.

Boat Stays

For a unique experience, spend a night on Halong Bay aboard a refurbished Chinese-style junk boat. The boats feature cozy cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Rates generally include meals and on-board activities like swimming, cave exploring, tai chi lessons, and cooking demonstrations. See more this link.

Food and Drink

Vietnam is a food-lover's paradise, with each region having its own distinct culinary traditions and local specialties. Here are some of the must-try foods in Vietnam:

Pho

A bowl of steaming pho noodle soup is Vietnam's most famous dish. Pho is served for breakfast and all times of day in restaurants across the country. This noodle soup consists of a light broth, rice noodles, a few herb leaves, and meat, usually beef or chicken. The addition of bean sprouts, lime wedges, chilies, and fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro give pho its signature flavor. See more this link.

Banh Mi

These baguette-style sandwiches are wildly popular in Vietnam. Banh mi is made with a Vietnamese baguette that's light and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Fillings consist of vegetables like cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon radish, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and meat like pork, chicken, beef, or pâté. The fusion of French and Vietnamese ingredients makes for a tasty and portable meal. See more this link.

Spring Rolls

Crispy fried Vietnamese spring rolls are a popular appetizer. They are filled with pork, shrimp, herbs, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients. The rolls are wrapped in rice paper before being deep fried until crispy. Spring rolls are served with lettuce and herbs, and a fish sauce or soy sauce-based dipping sauce. See more this link.

Coffee

Vietnam is one of the world's leading coffee producers. Vietnamese coffee is usually served strong, dark, and with sweetened condensed milk for a distinctive taste. Vietnamese coffee culture features sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, and creative coffee drinks like egg coffee and coconut coffee. See more this link.

Tropical Fruit

Vietnam's tropical climate means an abundance of fresh fruits like mangoes, dragonfruit, rambutan, durian, and lychee. Markets overflow with piles of ripe, colorful tropical fruit. Fruits are enjoyed on their own, in refreshing drinks, and featured in desserts. See more this link.

Street Food

Eating street food is one of the top things to do in Vietnam. Street food stalls can be found on every corner in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese street food offers flavorful, authentic food at cheap prices. Popular street eats include pho, banh mi, barbecue skewers, sweet and savory pancakes, noodles, and snacks.

Vietnamese cuisine showcases the fresh ingredients, herbs, complex flavors and various cooking techniques found across this diverse country. Visitors will enjoy exploring the range of mouthwatering dishes and drinks. See more this link.

Things to Do

Vietnam offers an incredible variety of activities and experiences for travelers. Here are some of the top things to do in Vietnam:

Hiking

Vietnam has some fantastic hiking opportunities to explore its lush landscapes. The mountainous northern region of Sapa offers excellent multi-day treks visiting hill tribe villages. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam contains mountainous jungle perfect for jungle trekking and caving. Mui Ne has great sand dunes for desert hikes. Dalat is known for picturesque hikes among pine forests, lakes, and waterfalls. See more this link.

Beaches

With its long coastline and tropical climate, Vietnam is home to some beautiful beaches. Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc Island are popular beach destinations. Visit Bai Sao Beach on Phu Quoc, which has powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Lounge at the lively bars and restaurants along Nha Trang's main beach. Kite surf or enjoy beach yoga in Mui Ne. See more this link.

Historical Sites

Vietnam has a long, rich history to discover. In Hanoi, visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. Hoi An Ancient Town is wonderfully preserved with buildings dating back to the 15th-18th centuries. My Son has the atmospheric ruins of the ancient Cham Kingdom. Hue was Vietnam's imperial capital and contains the 19th century Citadel and imperial tombs. See more this link.

Floating Markets

A fun way to experience local commerce and culture is visiting one of Vietnam's colorful floating markets. Some of the most popular are Cai Rang in the Mekong Delta, Dam Noi near Hanoi, and Cai Be west of Ho Chi Minh City. See vendors paddle up in boats piled high with fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the water. See more this link.

Nightlife

Vietnam offers lively nightlife scenes, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the beach destinations like Nha Trang. Drink bia hoi (fresh beer) on the sidewalks. Check out the nightclubs with dance music and cocktails in Ho Chi Minh City. Have drinks listening to live music at one of Hoi An's bars. Grab a riverside table at a brewery in Hanoi. See more this link.

Shopping

Vietnam is a shopper's paradise, with markets brimming with handicrafts, artwork, clothing, and souvenirs. Check out the Dong Xuan market in Hanoi or the Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. Hoi An has colorful lanterns, custom tailored clothes, and handicrafts. Visit hill tribe markets in Sapa for handicrafts and textiles. Look for lacquerware, embroidered items, paintings, ceramics, and wood carvings. Don't forget to bargain! See more this link.

Vietnam Itineraries

Vietnam is a diverse country with many fascinating destinations to explore. Here are some sample itineraries for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month in Vietnam. See more this link.

1 Week in Vietnam

North Vietnam

A one week trip in northern Vietnam could include:

• 2 days in Hanoi to see the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and eat street food
• 1 day trip to Halong Bay for cruising and kayaking
• 2 days in Sapa to visit hill tribe villages and rice terraces
• 1 day roundtrip to Ninh Binh to see Trang An grottoes and Bai Dinh Pagoda
• 1 day for the return journey to Hanoi

See more this link.

Central Vietnam

For central Vietnam in 1 week:

• 2 days in Hue including the Imperial Citadel, tombs, and pagodas
• 1 day trip to DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
• 2 days in Hoi An to see the Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and An Bang beach
• 1 day trip to Ba Na Hills for the Golden Bridge and forest views
• 1 day return to Da Nang for the flight home

See more this link.

South Vietnam

A 1 week southern Vietnam itinerary may include:

• 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City to see museums, markets, and landmarks
• 1 day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels
• 2 days in Mui Ne for sand dunes, fishing village, and beach time
• 1 day in Dalat to see lakes, waterfalls, and French colonial architecture
• 1 day return to Ho Chi Minh City for departure

See more this link.

2 Weeks in Vietnam

With 2 weeks in Vietnam, you can include both the north and the south. For example:

• 1 week in the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh)
• Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang
• 1 week in the south (Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne)

This allows you to see the highlights of both regions. See more this link.

1 Month in Vietnam

With a full month in Vietnam, you can take a more relaxed pace and really dive into the culture. A sample itinerary could be:

• 1 week in the north (as above)
• 1 week in central Vietnam including Hue, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang
• Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
• 1 week in the south including the Mekong Delta
• 1 week with flexibility to revisit favorite places or explore more remote areas like Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Con Dao Islands, or the Central Highlands.

A month allows you to immerse yourself in the cuisine, history, and natural beauty of Vietnam. It's enough time to get off-the-beaten track while still seeing the top highlights. See more this link.

Travel Tips

Visas

Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. There are several options for obtaining a visa, including applying in advance at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, applying online for an e-visa, or obtaining a visa on arrival. Make sure you research the requirements for your nationality. Visas can take time to process so it's best to apply at least 1 month in advance of your trip. See more this link.

Money

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Have some dong on hand when you arrive, but you can also easily withdraw cash at ATMs around the country. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops in the main cities, but have cash for smaller purchases. See more this link.

Health and Safety

Vietnam is generally very safe, even for solo travelers. However use common sense and take precautions as you would anywhere. Certain vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies may be recommended. Drink only bottled water and be careful about eating fresh fruits/veggies or food from street vendors. Get travel insurance. The tropical climate means you should use mosquito repellent and sun protection. See more this link.

Language

The official language is Vietnamese. English is spoken at many hotels, restaurants and shops, especially in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will help you get around and interact with locals more easily. A smile and polite gesture can go a long way. See more this link.

Etiquette

Greetings are important in Vietnamese culture. Learn phrases for hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Remove shoes when entering homes or temples. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Bargaining is expected at markets and street stalls. Respect personal space. Avoid heated political discussions. See more this link.

Why Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. This fascinating country has so much to offer visitors. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Vietnam:

Unique History and Culture

Vietnam has a complex and turbulent history, with influences from China, France, and America. This has created a distinctive culture and national identity. Vietnam is home to 54 different ethnic minority groups, each with their own traditions, festivals, arts, and handicrafts. In the cities, you'll find a fusion of culture with French colonial architecture and a buzzing entrepreneurial spirit. The war history is apparent, from the Cu Chi Tunnels to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. See more this link.

Stunning Landscapes

Vietnam is an incredibly diverse country in terms of geography. There are verdant rice terraces in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai, otherworldly rock formations in Ha Long Bay, the remote mountains around Sa Pa, tropical beaches along the coast, the massive Mekong Delta, and the bustling capital of Hanoi. Vietnam's landscapes provide ample opportunities for trekking, cycling, rock climbing, sea kayaking, and more. See more this link.

Affordability

Compared to many other countries in the region, Vietnam offers outstanding value for money. Accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment are very reasonably priced. It's easy to stick to a budget here or indulge in luxuries for a fraction of the cost elsewhere. With its developing economy, Vietnam is cheap to visit but still offers good tourism infrastructure. See more this link.

Amazing Food

Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, tasty, and healthy. It incorporates flavors from around Southeast Asia with a focus on herbs, vegetables, noodles, and seafood. Dishes like pho noodle soup, banh mi sandwiches, and spring rolls are now popular worldwide. In Vietnam, you can sample street food delights or dine in world-class restaurants. Vietnamese coffee is also a must-try. With such delicious food, it's no wonder Vietnam is a favorite of food lovers. See more this link.

With its enchanting scenery, fascinating history, unique culture, affordability, and mouthwatering cuisine, Vietnam has so much to offer visitors. Its diversity and character make it an unforgettable travel destination. See more this link.