Embarking on a journey to visit Vietnam is a thrilling experience, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Vietnam is a destination that offers not only breathtaking landscapes and a rich culture but also plenty of opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. 

Vietnam is without a doubt, one of the cheapest destinations to visit in the World. This makes Vietnam even more popular among solo travellers, budget travellers, gap year travellers, and for Indian tourists in general.

After spending a good one week in Vietnam, and recommending Vietnam budget travel tips and hacks to friends and family, here I am sharing the best Budget Travel Tips for Vietnam, that will enable you to explore the beauty of Vietnam, without breaking the bank. 

1. Perfect Timing: Shoulder Seasons 

Vietnam experiences two primary seasons: wet and dry. To keep your budget in check, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. During these times, the weather is pleasant, and you’re more likely to find lower prices on accommodations and tours. Having said that, you can visit Vietnam, throughout the year, except the monsoons.

2. Savour Street Food Delights and Dine Locally

One of the best aspects of travelling in Vietnam, and also one of the Top Reasons to Visit Vietnam is the delectable street food. Dive into local specialties like steaming bowls of pho, crispy banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls. Experimenting with local Vietnamese food will help you stick to your budget. 

Seek out local restaurants, known as “quán cơm bình dân,” for authentic Vietnamese meals that are easy on the wallet. The variety of dishes available ensures you’ll never run out of delectable options to try.

For everything else 7/11 is there at your rescue.

3. Bargain with Grace 

When shopping in local markets or interacting with street vendors, don’t be shy to haggle. Bargaining is a customary practice in Vietnam, and with a friendly smile and polite negotiation, you can secure better deals.

Pro Tip – You’ll get a better deal if you increase the quantity.

4. Budget Accommodations: Hostels and Guesthouses 

Opt for wallet-friendly accommodation options like hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. These provide comfort without the hefty price tag of luxury hotels, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to experiences.

Pro Tip – The moment your trip to Vietnam is finalised, the first thing you need to do is browse through OTAs like Travel LYKKE and save 2000/- INR on your booking for Vietnam by using my code ‘ARNAV’.

5. Embrace Public Transport 

Vietnam boasts a well-connected public transport system, including buses and trains. Using local transportation not only saves you money but also gives you a chance to interact with locals and experience daily life.

As a budget traveller, the best way to explore Vietnam is by getting a hop – on – hop – off bus tickets for buses plying from North to South Vietnam and vice versa. This way, you can explore the hidden gems of Vietnam at your own pace, and at a fraction of the cost.

Pro Tip – If you have time at your hand, opt for overnight train journeys. They are affordable, and very comfortable as well. This way you end up saving on the accommodation cost as well, which you would have otherwise incurred, had you chosen to fly.

6. Explore Free and Low-Cost Attractions 

Vietnam is brimming with attractions that won’t dent your budget. Wander through vibrant markets, explore historical landmarks, and soak in the country’s stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune.

The best way to do this is by grabbing a city map from the reception of your Vietnam Hotel or Hostel, getting briefed about the rough walking route, and doing a DIY Walking tour.

My personal recommendation would be to join a Free Walking Tour on the day you arrive, as this way, you’ll get acquainted with the routes and the nearby attractions, giving you the confidence of doing a DIY Walking Tour the next day.

7. Pack Light and Carry a Refillable Water Bottle

Travelling light not only makes your journey more comfortable but also saves you from excess baggage fees. Bring essentials, and consider packing a reusable water bottle to reduce expenses and minimise plastic waste.

Carry your refillable water bottle in your daypack, and just get it refilled on the go from your hostel/hotel or any of the cafes/restaurants.

8. Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases 

A little effort to learn basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals and making your travels smoother. It’s a sign of respect and can help you bargain better.

A simple hack is to write down the basic phrases in your notes, and refer to it as and when needed.

9. Travelling in a Group 

Consider exploring Vietnam with friends or joining group tours. Shared expenses such as accommodations and transportation can significantly reduce individual costs, making your journey more budget-friendly.

Opt for hostels instead of hotels, where you get to interact with fellow travellers from around the world. Once you get chatting, you’ll end up planning the tours and activities together.

Travelling in groups, can end up in significant savings, as you’ll be able to bargain better rates.

10. Utilise Local Currency 

Avoid exchange fees by using the local currency, Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s widely accepted, and using it directly will save you on conversion charges.

Use Forex cards with 0 markup fees where possible, and everywhere else, just pay in VND.

Also, carry USD’s as buffer money.

11. Research and Plan Ahead 

Before your trip to Vietnam, conduct thorough research on the places you want to visit and create a basic travel itinerary. Planning in advance allows you to budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

What I did was, that I had a general itinerary in mind, however, I kept the whole itinerary flexible, as there are times, when you meet travellers, and end up taking unplanned detours. 

And travelling is all about such unplanned moments, which become lifelong memories.

With these realistic Vietnam budget travel tips, your adventure to visit Vietnam will be a memorable and budget friendly experience. You can explore Vietnam’s natural wonders, immersing yourself in its culture, and savouring its cuisine without worrying about your budget. 

So, pack your bags, prepare for your trip to Vietnam, and uncover the beauty and diversity of Vietnam without breaking the bank.

About the Author – Arnav Mathur, is an avid traveller and one of the top travel bloggers in India. He is a qualified Civil Engineer, and a well versed Tourism and Hospitality professional, having worked with multiple brands in India and outside. He has travelled quite a bit in South East Asia and Europe, and he is a qualified PADI DiveMaster as well. You can follow his journey on different Social Media platforms and on his website theETLRblog.com