Vietnam: A budget-friendly travel guide for adventure seekers.

Vietnam is a versatile destination, suitable for a wide range of budgets. The cost of a trip depends entirely on the traveler's choices, from staying in dormitories, using public buses, and enjoying street food to maximize savings, to opting for high-end services. Below are some tips from the travel website Lonely Planet to help you optimize your spending on your trip to Vietnam.

Plan smartly

Good planning from the start will help you save a significant amount of money on your trip.

Choose the right time.

Vietnam's climate varies significantly across regions, directly impacting service prices. Peak tourist seasons often coincide with the best weather, leading to higher costs. For example, airfares to Central Vietnam typically peak in July and August, while Phu Quoc and the northern mountainous provinces are busiest from December to March. Holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year) also see increased costs. However, thanks to this diverse climate, you can always find an affordable destination at any time of year.

Choose your point of entry.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest aviation hub, with a high frequency of flights creating competition for airfares, often cheaper than Hanoi . It's a good starting point for your journey. Alternatively, you can consider land routes through border crossings from China, Laos, or Cambodia. Routes like Bangkok - Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City are a budget-friendly option, although they require more travel time.

Optimal and economical travel

Choosing the right mode of transportation not only helps reduce costs but also provides unique experiences.

Overnight journey

Although domestic flights are quite affordable, traveling overnight by train or sleeper bus remains a top money-saving option. This way, you can save on hotel costs for one night while making the most of your daytime hours for sightseeing. These modes of transport are equipped with sleeper beds or reclining seats, making them quite comfortable for long journeys.

Taking a sleeper bus at night is a cost-effective option. Photo: Chinhphu.vn

Use the "Open tour" vehicle.

Open tour buses are a convenient and cost-effective option. These buses typically pick up and drop off passengers in central areas, saving you the cost of taxis to the bus station. The routes are also more seamless due to fewer stops along the way.

Save on transportation costs within the city.

Taxis in cities are fairly cheap, but for greater transparency, you should use ride-hailing apps like Grab. To save even more, walking and renting bicycles are great ways to explore the streets. Public buses are also an economical option, but be mindful of keeping your belongings safe during peak hours.

Experience the local culture at minimal cost.

The most authentic experiences are sometimes the least expensive ones.

Prioritize hostels and homestays.

Hostels have become popular throughout Vietnam, offering a variety of styles and often incorporating bars and restaurants. If you want a more immersive experience with the local culture, consider staying in a homestay in rural or mountainous areas like the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands, or Mai Chau. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local life at a reasonable price.

Freedom to explore

Instead of joining expensive organized adventure tours, you can create your own itinerary. Bring your own snorkeling gear, take the public ferry instead of renting a private boat, or rent a motorbike to explore freely. For trekking, routes like Cat Ba Island or the villages around Bac Ha (Lao Cai) are perfectly suitable for self-discovery. Many homestays can also recommend local guides at reasonable prices.

Take advantage of free attractions.

Vietnam boasts numerous ancient temples, shrines, and churches that are free to enter in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue. You can also admire impressive French colonial architecture from the outside for free. Local markets like Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City) or Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi) are also great places to observe the vibrant atmosphere.

Street food and culture

Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of any trip, and luckily, it's not expensive at all.

Enjoy street food.

Vietnamese street food is incredibly diverse and affordable. You can easily enjoy signature dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha, banh xeo, and more, sitting on plastic chairs along the sidewalk. It's a great way to enjoy delicious food while watching the people go by.

Delicious and affordable street food is a great suggestion for Vietnamese tourists. Photo: Hoang Giang

Drinking draft beer

Instead of going to expensive bars, try experiencing draft beer culture. This is a light, inexpensive type of fresh beer, often served at roadside stalls with a few light snacks. Draft beer is an indispensable part of daily life for people, especially in Hanoi.

Draft beer is a cultural feature of Hanoi. Photo: TCND

Small tips that can save you a lot of money.

A few small habits can make a big difference to your budget.

Beware of "surcharges"

At some restaurants, items placed on the table such as wet wipes, bottled water, or peanuts may be charged extra. Always ask beforehand or check the bill carefully and only pay for what you use.

Don't stay in big cities for too long.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have higher living costs compared to other regions. Plan your sightseeing of the main attractions efficiently, then move on to more peaceful and less expensive areas.

The art of bargaining

Bargaining is part of the shopping culture at markets. Always maintain a friendly and cheerful attitude and look for a price that is fair to both parties. Sometimes, the difference in price may not be significant to you, but it means a lot to the seller.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/viet-nam-cam-nang-du-lich-tiet-kiem-cho-nguoi-ua-kham-pha-410277.html