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How to Travel Vietnam on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

Vietnam is the perfect destination if you are looking for enjoyable travel without spending a fortune. Here tourists can find a variety of options for a comfortable and inexpensive stay. If you are looking for affordable and scenic vacation spots to relax and re-energize, you have come to the right place. All you need for your trip is to study our selection of tips and destinations and to install a free phone number tracker for added security. So let's get it started!

A scenic coastal view of Da Nang, Vietnam, showcasing sandy beaches with clear blue water and modern amenities.

Top Destinations for Affordable Rest in Vietnam

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for affordable travel. Here tourists can find plenty of places to rest and recharge without spending a lot of money. Below you can find some top spots for budget-friendly relaxation.

1. Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal city with its sandy beaches, modern amenities, and bright cultural scene. The place is an excellent choice for those seeking both relaxation and exploration. Here you can visit Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach, i.e., popular spots to enjoy sunbathing and swimming. Travelers can also explore the Marble Mountains for stunning views and caves, or visit the Dragon Bridge to take a wonderful  photo.

Budget trick: Da Nang offers a wide range of budget accommodations, from affordable hostels to cozy guesthouses. Here you can enjoy delicious local dishes from street vendors or small eateries, which are both cheap and satisfying.

2. Hoi An

This ancient town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, charming streets, and bright lantern displays.

Here you can wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, visit traditional houses, and explore the lively market. Moreover, visitors have a chance to relax at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, both easily accessible from the town center.

Budget trick: Hoi An has numerous budget-friendly homestays and guesthouses. You can savor local cuisine at street food stalls or budget restaurants, offering dishes like banh mi and cao lau.

3. Nha Trang

Nha Trang is known for its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere. And now the place is a popular spot for relaxation and nightlife. Travelers usually visit the place to enjoy the pristine sands of Nha Trang Beach and relax in beachside cafes. You should also consider visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers and explore the local markets for souvenirs.

Budget trick: Affordable hotels and hostels are readily available, particularly near the beach. Local seafood and street food are budget-friendly and delicious, perfect for a casual meal.

4. Phu Quoc Island

This island paradise is popular due to its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and laid-back vibe. Here travelers will be able to explore the island’s natural beauty with trips to the Vinpearl Safari or snorkel in the warm waters. Long Beach or Sao Beach, known for their soft sands and clear waters are also known places for relaxation among tourists.

Budget trick: Budget accommodations are available, especially if you book it in advance. And street food and local restaurants provide affordable and tasty options.

5. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park

Home to some of the most impressive caves in Vietnam, this national park offers adventure and natural beauty. Here you should visit the famous Sơn Đoòng Cave, the world’s largest cave, or explore other caves like Phong Nha and Thiên Đường. Tourists also have the opportunity to enjoy hiking in the lush landscape or river boat trips.

Budget trick: Phong Nha town offers budget guesthouses and hostels. Local food spots offer affordable meals and allow tourists to enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine on a budget.

Each of the above places and destinations provides a bright and unusual experience and the opportunity for affordable relaxation. Enjoy your travels in Vietnam!

A bright street scene in Hoi An, Vietnam is showing well-preserved ancient architecture, charming streets decorated with colorful lanterns, and bustling local markets.

Money-Saving Advice for Your Travel

Traveling can be a fantastic experience, but managing your budget wisely can make the journey even more enjoyable. Familiarize yourself with a few strategic tips below to significantly cut down on expenses and make the most of your trip.

Plan Ahead

When you plan a trip, consider booking an advance. To secure the best rates on flights, accommodations, and major attractions, book as early as possible. Early bookings often come with discounts and better availability. The second tip is traveling off-peak. Choose to travel during off-peak seasons or shoulder periods when prices are generally lower and popular destinations are less crowded. This can save you money on both flights and accommodations.

Use Budget Accommodation

To save your money while traveling, choose affordable placement options, e.g., hostels. Hostels are budget-friendly places with cheaper accommodations, which also offer a chance to meet other travelers. However, try to look for hostels with good reviews and facilities. Utilize booking platforms such as Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Airbnb to find special offers, discounts, and last-minute deals on accommodations.

Save on Food

You will be able to travel without breaking a bank if you eat like a local. Instead of dining in touristy restaurants, head to local markets, street food stalls, and neighborhood eateries. These options are often much cheaper and offer authentic local cuisine. If your accommodation includes kitchen facilities, take advantage of them by shopping at local markets and cooking your own meals to significantly reduce food expenses. By the way, many local restaurants offer daily specials, lunch deals, or happy hour discounts. Be abreast of these promotions to enjoy meals at a lower cost.

Find Free and Cheap Attractions

Many destinations offer free or low-cost attractions, e.g., public parks, museums with free entry days, and historical sites. Research these options before your trip to spend your time and finances wisely. You can also look for local festivals, markets, and events that are often free to attend. These events can provide a rich cultural experience without the high cost of tourist attractions. If you still want to visit paid places, consider purchasing city passes to get discounted access to multiple attractions. These passes can save you money if you plan to visit several major sites.

Avoid Tourist Traps

Be aware of typical prices in your destination to avoid overpaying at tourist spots. Do some research on local costs and compare prices before making purchases or booking tours. Moreover, do not neglect to ask locals for recommendations.  They can often point you to places and affordable spots that are off the beaten path and offer insights into where to find good deals and authentic experiences.

Additional Cultural Etiquette and Safety Recommendations

  1. Respect local culture and traditions and remember to dress modestly. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Modesty is also respected in relationships (avoid touching or hugging in public).

  2. Understand dining etiquette. When dining in Vietnam, it’s polite to use chopsticks correctly. Don’t stick chopsticks upright in your bowl, as this resembles a funeral ritual. 

  3. Respect religious practices. Remove your shoes before entering Buddhist temples, dress appropriately and avoid loud behavior.

  4. Stay aware of your surroundings.  Avoid risky areas and be cautious in crowded places, as well as in isolated areas after dark. Moreover, be alert with strangers, offering unsolicited help or overly friendly services, especially in busy tourist areas.

  5. Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers, e.g.,  113 for police and 115 for medical emergencies. Also, have contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in Vietnam. 

Consider our detailed recommendations and these additional cultural etiquette and safety tips to make your travel to Vietnam affordable, pleasant and maintain respectful interactions along with your safety.

Visit a Pocket-Friendly Paradise

To sum it up, Vietnam is a real catch for travelers seeking a comfortable vacation without spending too much. Here, among stunning beaches, ancient cities and beautiful landscapes, you can find ideal places to regain strength and enjoy culture. As the wisdom says “a penny saves a ruble”, and Vietnam offers you the perfect conditions for your vacation. It can be not only unforgettable, but also very profitable. Happy travels and profitable vacations!