How to Explore Vietnam on a Budget: Affordable Travel Tips

Vietnam is known for its rich cuisine, stunning landscapes, friendly locals, vibrant culture, famous Vietnamese coffee, and eco-tourism. If you are planning to explore Vietnam but are worried about your travel budget, Then don’t worry! We’ve curated a list of special tips to help you save while experiencing everything that this amazing country offers.

Vietnam is a destination that truly offers something for everyone. Many people think travelling here can be expensive, but that's far from the truth. You can easily explore Vietnam for as little as US $40/ 1007800 VND a day, staying in budget-friendly hostels or dorms and enjoying delicious street food like pho, Bun cha, Xoi, banh xeo, and banh mi. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of our top tips for your affordable adventure in Vietnam!

Here are some key factors we’ll cover to give you detailed insights on how to save and fully enjoy your trip to Vietnam:

Planning Ahead
Visa Arrangements
Saving on Flights
Choosing Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Affordable Dining Options
Fun and Affordable Activities

1. Planning Ahead

It’s no secret that weather plays a crucial role in determining the peak tourist season for any destination, and Vietnam is no exception. When the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel, the number of tourists increases significantly. As a result, you can expect higher prices for everything from flights and accommodation to food and tours. Travellers flock to Vietnam during these prime months to experience the country at its best, naturally driving up demand and costs. Planning your trip around the weather can help you avoid these price surges, ensuring a more budget-friendly and enjoyable journey.

For example, It’s better to avoid visiting Northern Vietnam, like Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Sapa, from April to June or September to November, as these are sunny and peak travel months. Similarly, Central Vietnam spots like Huế, Hội An, and Nha Trang usually have good weather from January to August.

Not only the weather, but It's important to avoid travelling during major Vietnamese holidays, as prices for flights, accommodation, and services tend to spike due to high demand. Some of the key holidays to keep in mind include Reunification Day on April 30th, International Workers' Day on May 1st, and the Tet Lunar New Year celebrations, which typically occur in January or February. During these times, many businesses remain closed, and locals travel extensively to visit family.

Check out this comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Vietnam, including seasonal highlights and ideal travel months for different regions.

Additionally, prices rise sharply during these holidays, making it more expensive for tourists to book flights, hotels, and other services. Other holidays, like National Day on September 2nd, can also see similar price hikes. During these times, flights are higher due to more tourists, which can raise overall travel costs, including internal flights and accommodations. So to save money, it’s best to avoid visiting during peak seasons.

2. Visa Arrangements

Except for visa-exempt countries, travellers from all other countries must apply for a visa to visit Vietnam. Instead of making last-minute travel plans and paying a higher fee for an emergency e-visa or visa on arrival (VOA), it’s smarter to apply for your visa in advance. This saves money and ensures a smoother entry process without any last-minute hassles.

To avoid any issues with your visa application, you can apply for Vietnam Visa On Atlys

3. Saving on Flights

Travelling to or through Vietnam can be expensive, but with the right planning, you can significantly cut costs. Start by booking your flights as early as possible. Prices usually increase closer to your travel date, so securing tickets in advance can save you a lot. If you're flexible with your schedule, aim for off-peak seasons to save not just on flights but also on accommodations, taxis, and dining.

Here are some additional tips to help you save:

Use Multiple Booking Platforms: Check flight prices on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. These tools let you compare airlines, set fare alerts, and monitor price changes so you can book at the best rate.
Opt for Budget Airlines: Domestic and international carriers like VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar offer affordable options that can help you save on airfare.
Consider Overnight Travel: Traveling overnight within Vietnam saves you the cost of a night’s accommodation and maximises your sightseeing time. Keep an eye on Red-Eye Flights, which function during odd hours, depart late at night, and arrive early in the morning. These flights can be inconvenient in timing but can get you discounts.

By following these strategies, you can travel more affordably without sacrificing the quality of your Vietnam adventure.

4. Choosing Budget-Friendly Accommodations

The most affordable accommodation option in Vietnam is a bed in a dormitory. While some places may offer private rooms, it’s a good idea to compare prices with hotels to ensure you don’t compromise on hospitality or cleanliness. In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you’ll find budget-friendly backpacker dorms in areas like the De Tham enclave and the Old Quarter.

Youth hostels in Hanoi are another great option for solo travellers or couples. These hostels are fully equipped and accredited by Hostelling International. To stay in one, you’ll need a youth hostel card, which can be easily purchased when you check in.

If you prefer privacy, you can opt for a simple fan room in guesthouses or hotels. However, adding other facilities like AC, bigger windows, balcony, TV, better furniture, etc., can double your room prices. So, if you can compromise a little with your comfort, then you can opt for Fan rooms.

You must have heard the saying, "Stay and explore like a local." So, when visiting the countryside of Mai Chau, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Lam Dong, etc., choose homestays. You can find plenty of hotels in the countryside, but choosing a homestay can save you a few more dongs.

Tip: Some hotels may require your passport for verification, such as registration with local authorities, but they will return it during checkout. If you're uncomfortable leaving your passport with the hotel staff while you sleep, you can provide a photocopy of your passport and visa instead.

5. Affordable Dining Options

Street food is the soul of Asia, and Vietnam is no exception. If you're seeking affordable dining, street food should be your top choice. From pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (baguette sandwiches) to fresh spring rolls and grilled skewers, you’ll find mouthwatering dishes for just $1–$3. Popular spots like Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market are havens for street food enthusiasts. In the evening, food stalls set up plastic chairs and tables, offering delicious meals and a chance to connect with locals in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With budget-friendly options, you can enjoy a satisfying meal and become a part of local culture anytime, anywhere. Here are a few extra tips to help you save even more while indulging in a memorable experience:

Eat When the Locals Do: For an authentic Vietnamese dining experience, eat like the locals. In the early morning, stalls serve hot noodles, rice porridge, and sticky rice cakes to schoolchildren and office workers. Lunch runs from 11:30 am to 1 pm, with dishes like cơm bình dân, omelettes, garlicky greens, and roasted pork. In the evening, from 6 pm to 8 pm, enjoy sizzling hotpots, grilled seafood, and barbecue under the evening sky.
Choose the Stall Wisely: When you select your dining place, ensure the setup has a clean and organised floor, tables, and utensils.
Quality Ingredients: You should also ensure that the dishes are neatly presented, have colourful ingredients, and are farm-fresh.
Online Food Delivery: If you're unsure about where to eat or want to avoid the hassle of bargaining, you can simply order food to your hotel room. Popular food delivery apps like GrabFood, Now.vn, and GoFood makes it easy to enjoy delicious meals in Vietnam without leaving your accommodation.

Tip: If you see a group of locals waiting their turn at a food stall, Congratulations! You've found a gem. If the menu is limited, don't hesitate to order the same dish as the other tables if it looks promising.

6. Fun and Affordable Activities

Vietnam offers a wealth of experiences for budget travellers. Skip the group tours and explore on your own, and instead of pricey boat tours, opt for local ferries. Here are some affordable activities to help you explore the country’s beauty without breaking the bank:

Check Out Free Spots: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hoi An Ancient Town, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Old Quarter are some popular tourist spots that are free to visit.
Use a Rented Bike: Instead of booking a taxi, you can choose the cheaper option of renting a bike. The prices depend on the quality of the bike you choose and can range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND/day.
Local Transport: Local transportation options like trains and buses can provide comfort and affordability.
Rent a Cycle: If you like cycling, you can rent a cycle, especially if you want to enjoy the countryside. Cycle rentals usually cost about 20,000 to 30,000 VND/day (approx 1$ or less).
Choosing Hiking Trails: If you are into adventurous activities, then you can hike in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng and Ba Na Hills national parks. This activity is usually free or often costs very little and can be enjoyed in nature.
Beaches: Vietnam has some of its most serene beaches, like My Khe Beach in Da Nang and Phu Quoc Island. Who cares about a few tan lines when the views are stunning and, best of all, it's absolutely free!
Exploring Local Markets: You can also explore vibrant local markets, such as Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi. These markets are great for window shopping, trying local snacks, socialising with locals and soaking in the atmosphere, all free.
Affordable Drinks: If you plan a night out with your friends and want to party like a local, you must try Vietnamese bia hoi. It is a local draught beer served with some light snacks that cost less than bottled beer.

Tip: You can book train tickets months in advance when traveling between cities in Vietnam. Reserving early ensures a more comfortable journey and helps you secure good seats, especially during peak seasons.

Conclusion:

Exploring Vietnam on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. With careful planning, you can experience the country's vibrant culture, warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, delicious food and much more. From budgeting for accommodation and meals to discovering affordable activities, there are plenty of ways to stretch your travel dollars in Vietnam.

Take advantage of public transportation, rent a bike, or enjoy a peaceful day at the beach to truly immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. With these practical tips and tricks, you can enjoy an authentic and memorable adventure in Vietnam while keeping your expenses low.

Budget Travel Guide to Vietnam: Affordable Adventure Tips