Vietnam Budget Travel Guide: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam offers extraordinary value for travellers — ancient temples, dramatic landscapes, world-class street food, and a thousand kilometres of coastline. This guide covers how to plan the route, what it costs, and what not to miss.
Vietnam is one of the most rewarding destinations in Southeast Asia for travellers who want depth, variety, and genuine value. The country stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, encompassing a mountain-backed capital, a UNESCO-listed ancient trading town, dramatic limestone karst landscapes, one of the world's great bays, a royal citadel, kilometres of relatively uncrowded coastline, and a southern metropolis that never quite sleeps. The food alone justifies the trip.
It also remains affordable compared to most of Asia, and far cheaper than Europe or North America. A well-planned Vietnam trip can be done comfortably on 50 to 80 US dollars per day per person, including accommodation, transport, meals, and activities — and less if you travel simply.
The Classic North-to-South Route
The standard Vietnam itinerary runs from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south, or in reverse. This route works because Vietnam's main train line, the Reunification Express, connects the country from end to end, and budget flights make skipping less-interesting stretches fast and cheap. Most travellers spend two to four weeks, though a month is ideal for going at a relaxed pace.
A solid two-to-three week route looks like this:
- Days 1–3: Hanoi — the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food, day trips
- Days 4–6: Ha Long Bay — two or three night cruise (the classic overnight boat experience)
- Days 7–8: Ninh Binh — quieter inland karst landscape with temples and bike rides
- Days 9–10: Hue — the imperial citadel and royal tombs, excellent central Vietnamese food
- Days 11–14: Hoi An — the lantern-lit ancient town, tailors, beaches, cooking classes
- Days 15–16: Da Nang — city base, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills optional
- Days 17–19: Mui Ne or Nha Trang — beach break mid-route
- Days 20–21: Ho Chi Minh City — War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, day trip to Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels
Hanoi: Where to Start
Hanoi is a city of layers. The Old Quarter — 36 streets, each historically named for the trade practiced there — is hectic, atmospheric, and fascinating. Hoan Kiem Lake is the calm centre, a place for morning tai chi, afternoon walks, and evening street food. The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's first university, dating to 1070, and well worth an hour.
The street food in Hanoi is reason enough to visit. Bun cha (grilled pork and vermicelli noodles), pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), and cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) are all Hanoi originals. Budget 1 to 3 US dollars per dish at local spots.
Use Hanoi as the base for Ha Long Bay. Most travellers book a two or three night cruise from the city. The price difference between a budget junk (around 100 to 130 USD for two nights, all meals included) and a mid-range cruise (around 200 to 300 USD) is significant. Mid-range gives meaningfully better food, smaller boats, and more engaging guides. If Ha Long Bay is a priority, it is worth the upgrade.
Hue: History and Food
Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. The Imperial Citadel — a walled complex modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, though damaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive — is the centrepiece. The royal tombs scattered outside the city are equally impressive and usually less crowded.
Hue is also one of Vietnam's great food cities. The royal court developed an elaborate culinary tradition that remains distinctive: bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup, different and arguably better than pho), banh khoai (crispy savoury crepes), and com hen (tiny clams on cold rice with a dozen condiments). Eat at local restaurants on the south bank of the Perfume River for the best value.
Hoi An: The Highlight
Hoi An is consistently one of the most visited places in Vietnam, and the reputation is deserved. The ancient trading town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is compact enough to walk entirely, beautifully preserved, and genuinely atmospheric in the early morning and evening when the tour day-trippers return to Da Nang.
Beyond the lanterns and Japanese-influenced architecture, Hoi An has three practical draws. First, it is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for made-to-measure clothing — tailors are skilled, fast (24 to 48 hours for most garments), and affordable. Bring reference photos, budget extra days for fittings, and choose shops with reviews. Second, the cooking classes are excellent — a morning market trip plus four-hour class costs around 35 to 50 USD. Third, An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are within cycling distance, making Hoi An a natural base for beach days.
Ho Chi Minh City: The South
Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by most residents) is relentless, loud, and energetic in a way that is different from Hanoi's older, more restrained atmosphere. The War Remnants Museum is essential — it is confronting, well-curated, and explains the American War from the Vietnamese perspective in a way that is not taught elsewhere. The Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta are both worthy day trips.
The food in Ho Chi Minh City is the most diverse in the country: banh mi (French-influenced baguette sandwiches), hu tieu (southern noodle soup), ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk), and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) are all better here than anywhere else. Budget 2 to 4 USD per meal at local spots.
Getting Around Vietnam
The Train
The Reunification Express connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is one of the world's great train journeys by reputation, if not by speed — the full journey takes over 30 hours. For shorter segments like Hue to Hoi An (via Da Nang) or Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, the train is scenic and enjoyable. Book through Baolau or the Vietnam Railways website. Soft sleeper berths (four per cabin) cost around 20 to 40 USD depending on the segment.
Budget Flights
VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines connect all major cities. A Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flight costs as little as 20 to 50 USD if booked in advance. For long stretches (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City directly, skipping the middle), flying is far more practical than the train.
Buses and Open Bus Tickets
Sleeper buses connect most tourist cities overnight. Open Bus Tickets allow stops along the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City route and cost around 30 to 50 USD for the full journey. Quality varies; reputable companies include The Sinh Tourist and Futa Bus.
Motorbikes
Renting a motorbike (100 to 200 USD for a full Vietnam journey) is a popular choice for experienced riders. It provides total flexibility but requires real riding experience and careful attention to Vietnam's road conditions and traffic patterns. International driving licences are technically required. Travel insurance that covers motorbike accidents is essential.
Accommodation Costs
| Type | Nightly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm (6–8 bed) | 5–12 |
| Budget private room (guesthouse/mini-hotel) | 15–30 |
| Mid-range hotel (air-con, pool) | 35–80 |
| Boutique hotel / resort | 80–200+ |
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Vietnam is large and the climate varies significantly by region. February to April is generally dry and mild along the central coast and south; November to April is best for the north. Avoid Hoi An in October and November (flooding) and the south in monsoon season (May to October).
- Visa: Citizens of most European countries, Australia, Canada, and the UK receive a 45-day e-visa on arrival. Check current requirements before booking.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Carry cash — many local restaurants and markets do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available in cities. Avoid airport exchange rates.
- Safety: Vietnam is generally safe for travellers. Petty theft and bag snatching from motorbikes happen in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Carry bags on the inner-road side and do not display expensive items.
- Bargaining: Expected at markets, not in restaurants. Always agree on the price before getting into an unmetered taxi or tuk-tuk, or use Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber equivalent).
Conclusion
Vietnam rewards travellers who slow down. The country is long and diverse enough that two weeks barely scratches the surface, but even a two-week north-to-south journey through the highlights gives you ancient temples, extraordinary food, dramatic coastal landscapes, and historical sites that demand engagement. Plan the main stops, leave space for detours, and accept that the journey between places is often as interesting as the destinations themselves.