Visit Vietnam on a Budget: A Two-Week Itinerary
- Life Beyond the Leap Crew
- Apr 26, 2024
- 7 min read
Embarking on the second leg of our exhilarating four-country expedition across Southeast Asia, we found ourselves immersed in the wondrous landscape of Vietnam. While historical tensions between the U.S. and Vietnam may give pause to some, the country reveals itself as a rich mosaic of beauty, wonder, and history, presenting an extraordinary destination for adventurous travelers. Not only does Vietnam boast affordability, ranking among the most budget-friendly countries worldwide, but its people extend genuine warmth and hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms and big smiles. From endless opportunities for adventure to indulging in what is arguably the world's finest coffee, Vietnam beckons with an allure that's as irresistible as it is unforgettable.
In this edition, we'll delve into our travels across Vietnam, showcasing our standout experiences, from delectable culinary delights to thrilling excursions to distinctive accommodations, and beyond.
Just as we did for the Philippines, we will break down our budget into the following categories:
(click to jump to each section)
Hotel
Hanoi: 4 nights
o $139 / $34.75 per night
Ha Long Bay Cruise: 2 nights
This cruise was purchased as a package deal along with a bike/river boat day trip to Ninh Binh. Food was also included so for average cost I’m estimating a 75/25 breakdown between Ha Log Bay and Ninh Binh.
o $360 total / $180 per night (including food)
o In hindsight, we likely overpaid for this excursion but felt it was worth it!
Da Nang: 2 nights
o $61 / $30.50 per night
Hoi An: 5 nights
o $136 / $27.20 per night
(See our highlight video HERE)
Ho Chi Minh City: 2 nights
o $31 / $15.50
Average hotel per night (not including Ha Long Bay cruise): $30.61
Food/Drinks (Favorites)
Olive on “Beer Street”fun hibachi BBQ experience: $22
See our experience HERE
Amazing breakfast and egg coffee: $8.50 per person
The best pho in Hanoi: $4 pp
Hidden gem and best egg coffee in Vietnam!: $3.63 pp
Fantastic vegan restaurant a short walk from our hotel in Hoi An. $6 pp
Craft coffee that puts Starbucks to shame. Their salted coffee was not only a work of art, it was the most delicious coffee we experienced in Vietnam. Whether you're a coffee lover or not, a visit to Uncle Huan in Hoi An should be high on your list! $9.16 pp (coffee and food)
Favorite foods in Pictures
Excursions
Ninh Binh + Ha Long Bay Cruise: $480 total
Ha Long Bay is home to approximately 1,600 limestone islands and islets, each with its own unique shape and character. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts dramatic emerald waters throughout the Gulf of Tonkin. Setting sail on Ha Long Bay offered a mesmerizing adventure, where every moment unfolded against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. We explored hidden caves and pristine beaches, kayaked through secluded lagoons where we gazed on the native monkeys and met a super cool couple from Finland who we became fast friends with during this excursion. (See our Ha Long Bay Highlights video HERE)
Ninh Binh is known as the "Ha Long Bay on land," enchanting visitors with its towering limestone karsts, tranquil rice paddies, and meandering waterways. One of the highlights includes a hike to the summit of Mua Cave where we enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic aka “Hanoi Hilton”: $5 per person
Originally built by the French colonialists in the late 19th century, this site served as a place of incarceration for Vietnamese revolutionaries during the struggle for independence. Later, during the Vietnam War, it gained notoriety as the "Hanoi Hilton," where American prisoners of war were held captive. Today, visitors can explore the somber remnants of this historic site, including the original cell blocks, grim guillotine room, and thought-provoking exhibitions that offer insight into the harsh realities faced by prisoners. A visit to the Hoa Lo Prison Relic is a sobering yet essential experience, shedding light on Vietnam's turbulent past and resilience in the face of adversity.
Coconut Village Basket Boat: $8.50 total
One of the activities our hotel hosts recommended was a basket boat ride in coconut village. We took a leisurely ride on the bikes they provided, paid a small fee to enter the village, wandered around a bit, then negotiated with one of the boat tour guides for a basket boat river ride. It was a super fun experience meandering through the winding river, colliding with other baskets, watching some get spun around like tops, and enjoyed dancing to karaoke being sung on a stage in the middle of the water. It felt like a spring break party in lake Havasu minus the booze. (Check out the fun video HERE)
Vietnam War Museum: $1.70 per person
This poignant museum offers a sobering glimpse into the harrowing realities of the Vietnam War, known locally as the American War. Through compelling exhibits, artifacts, and photographs, we were transported back to this turbulent time, and humbled by the profound impact the conflict had on Vietnamese society and culture. From the graphic portrayal of wartime atrocities to touching displays honoring the resilience of the Vietnamese people, every corner of the museum echoes with the voices of the past. We were incredibly saddened by this experience and humbled by the portrayal of the war from a Vietnamese perspective. It was a solemn reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of those who lived through it. Arguably the most horrific, disturbing, and difficult exhibit to visit was the section showcasing the effects agent orange had (and are still having) on the people exposed to this inhumane war chemical.
Ba Na Hills: $48.75 per person
On a lighter note, the visit to Ba Na Hills was a whimsical experience unlike any other amusement park we have seen. The journey begins with a 20-minute gondola ride to the top of a mountain 4,900 feet high where the first encounter is the iconic Golden Bridge. This Alice in Wonderland-esque park is a blend of interesting, enchanting, and peculiar. From the larger-than-life garden sculptures to the hodgepodge of attractions, the only thing that seems to be missing is a Cheshire cat and the Mad Hatter. All that aside, it does have its redeeming qualities as it offers breathtaking views, charming European-style architecture, and amazing food for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. For lunch we indulged in a wide variety of ethnic foods at the buffet that made us wish we had stomachs larger than the Grand Canyon, as each bite left us wanting more. With its vibrant atmosphere and endless array of attractions, Ba Na Hills Amusement Park is an exciting and fun day trip suitable for visitors of all ages. (Check out our video highlights HERE)
Train Street: Free*
An interesting and unique experience where you can sit at a café alongside a train track and enjoy a beer or cup of coffee as the train rolls through and comes within inches of your face as it passes by. This experience used to be free to visitors, however the local café owners got annoyed by tourists flooding the area to take Instagram selfies and videos of the train as they sat in cafe seats without patronizing their businesses. As we made our way to the entrance, we were met by a group of locals holding signs that said it was illegal for us to enter. After speaking with a few people, we learned that we could enter, we just needed to be escorted by one of the café owners with a promise that we would buy a drink from them while we took pictures and waited for the train which seemed to be a reasonable trade off. (Check out the train video HERE)
Excursions in Pictures:
Transportation
With over 45 million motorbikes, Vietnam is among the countries with the most motorbikes per capita than anywhere in the world! Attempting to cross the street on foot is challenging enough, I couldn’t even imagine trying to navigate the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city, but it sure was fascinating documenting the chaos. It’s simply amazing watching a family of 4 or 5 piled on to a scooter or a bike with wares for sale piled 5 feet high or a pedestrian crossing the street like a game of frogger and making it to the other side unscathed. Sensory overload to the nth degree!
We quickly learned that the art of crossing the street was "just go and they will miss you", and it served us well. Getting from point A to point B in a cab, however, was much easier on the nerves. (See our video on crossing the streets of Vietnam HERE)
Over the course of 2 weeks, we took 23 rides consisting of traditional cabs and Grab (their version of Uber) for a total of $150.25
Average Taxi/Grab ride: $6.26
Cheapest ride was under a $1 most expensive was $20
Final Cost Breakdown:
Hotel: $398 (based on 13 nights not including Ha Long Bay) - $30.61/night
Food Drink: $666 - $44.4/day
Transportation: $150
Excursions: $605
Misc: $157
Total Expenses: $1976 / $123.50 per day (Based on 16 days)
Flights: $344.28 total
Manila to Hanoi: $65.34pp
Hanoi to Da Nang: $59.50pp
Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City: $47.30pp
Total Expenses with flights: $2,320
Additional Highlights/Notes:
US Citizens are required to obtain an eVisa to enter Vietnam. Visa information and application can be found HERE.
Hanoi is the current capital of Vietnam and it’s a vibrant, lively, and a must-see city for first time visitors. We stayed in the historic area which was conveniently located near all sorts of sights and attractions.
Hoi An is a quaint town full of charm enhanced by its French colonial influence, evident in the elegant architecture of its centuries-old buildings and colonial-style villas. Other characteristics include lively markets, numerous boutiques offering custom tailored clothes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife along the river illuminated by colorful lanterns each night.
Our favorite hotel experience was the family owned Hoi An Rustic Villa where they made breakfast for us every morning. They offered bikes for us to use to explore the surrounding area, the rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the owners were friendly and accommodating. Incredible bargain for only $27 a night!
We were able to buy prescription glasses and medication for a fraction of the cost in the US. (Picked up an albuterol inhaler for $5!)
Da Nang is known as the city of bridges. And if you know me, you know I have a fascination with taking pictures of bridges. My favorite is the Dragon Bridge which actually breathes fire at night!
It was lunar new year while we were there, and we enjoyed a spectacular rooftop view of the fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City.
We also took in the final moments of our time in Vietnam at a rooftop pool where the sky met the water, and the views were breathtaking! (Check out the video HERE)
If you have any comments or questions about Vietnam, please post a comment below.
Next up………Cambodia!
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