travel vietnam on a budget Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that offers a lot of attractions and experiences for travelers. Whether you want to explore the bustling cities, the scenic countryside, the rich culture, or the delicious cuisine, Vietnam has something for everyone.
But how can you travel Vietnam on a budget and still have a great time? In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks on how to save money and enjoy your trip to Vietnam without breaking the bank.
Choose the Right Time to Visit travel vietnam on a budget
One of the first things you should consider when planning your trip to Vietnam is the best time to visit. Vietnam has a tropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The weather can vary significantly depending on the region and the month, so you should do some research before booking your flights and accommodation.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Vietnam is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant in most parts of the country. However, this is also the peak season for tourism, which means higher prices and more crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, you can consider visiting Vietnam during the low season, which is from May to September. This is when the weather is hot and humid in the north and south, and rainy in the central region. However, you can still find some sunny days and enjoy some discounts on hotels and tours. travel vietnam on a budget
Another thing to keep in mind is that Vietnam celebrates several festivals and holidays throughout the year, which can affect the availability and cost of transportation and accommodation. Some of the most popular festivals are Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which usually falls in late January or early February; Reunification Day (April 30); International Workers’ Day (May 1); and National Day (September 2). If you want to experience the festive atmosphere and culture of Vietnam, you can plan your trip around these dates. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, you can avoid traveling during these periods.
Book Your Flights and Accommodation in Advance
Another way to travel Vietnam on a budget is to book your flights and accommodation in advance. This will help you find the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes. You can use online platforms such as Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare different airlines and find the cheapest flights to Vietnam. You can also use websites such as Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb to find affordable accommodation options in Vietnam.
When booking your flights and accommodation, you should also consider your itinerary and travel style. For example, if you want to visit multiple destinations in Vietnam, you can look for flights that allow you to fly into one city and fly out of another. This will save you time and money on transportation within Vietnam. Alternatively, if you want to travel around Vietnam by bus or train, you can look for flights that arrive and depart from major cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. travel vietnam on a budget
When booking your accommodation, you should also think about your preferences and needs. For example, if you want to meet other travelers and socialize, you can stay in hostels or guesthouses that offer dorm rooms or private rooms with shared facilities. These are usually cheaper than hotels or resorts and often include free breakfast or other amenities. However, if you want more privacy and comfort, you can opt for hotels or resorts that offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. These are usually more expensive than hostels or guesthouses but may offer more services and facilities.
Eat Local Food
One of the best ways to travel Vietnam on a budget is to eat local food. Vietnamese food is delicious, diverse, and cheap. You can find a variety of dishes that suit different tastes and preferences, from noodles and rice dishes to soups and salads. You can also find a lot of vegetarian and vegan options in Vietnam.
The cheapest way to eat local food in Vietnam is to visit street food stalls or local markets. These are where you can find authentic Vietnamese dishes such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), nem ran (spring rolls), banh xeo (crispy pancake), ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), che (sweet soup), and many more. You can also try some exotic delicacies such as balut (duck embryo), snake wine, or fried insects if you are feeling adventurous.
The average cost of a street food meal in Vietnam is around 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.86-$2.16). However, you should be careful about hygiene and quality when eating street food in Vietnam. You should only eat at stalls that are busy and popular with locals
Another way to travel Vietnam on a budget is to use public transportation. Vietnam has a good network of buses, trains, and taxis that can take you to different destinations within and between cities. You can also use motorbike taxis or cyclos (pedicabs) for short distances or sightseeing. travel vietnam on a budget
Public transportation in Vietnam is cheap and convenient. You can buy bus tickets at bus stations or from the driver, train tickets at train stations or online, and taxi meters at taxi stands or by hailing them on the street. You can also use apps such as Grab or GoViet to book motorbike taxis or cars online.
The average cost of public transportation in Vietnam is around 5,000-15,000 VND ($0.22-$0.65) for a bus ride, 50,000-200,000 VND ($2.16-$8.64) for a train ride, and 10,000-20,000 VND ($0.43-$0.86) per kilometer for a taxi ride. However, you should be aware of scams and overcharging when using public transportation in Vietnam. You should always check the fare and route before boarding a bus, train, or taxi. You should also avoid taking taxis that are not from reputable companies such as Mai Linh or Vinasun. travel vietnam on a budget
Travel by Motorbike
If you want to have more freedom and flexibility when traveling in Vietnam, you can also consider traveling by motorbike. Motorbiking is a popular and fun way to explore Vietnam’s scenic roads and countryside. You can rent a motorbike from various shops or hotels in major cities or tourist areas for around 100,000-200,000 VND ($4.32-$8.64) per day. You can also buy a second-hand motorbike from other travelers or locals for around 5-10 million VND ($216-$432) and sell it later.
Traveling by motorbike in Vietnam can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with some risks and challenges. You should have a valid driver’s license and insurance when riding a motorbike in Vietnam. You should also wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules and regulations. You should also be prepared for the weather conditions, road conditions, and mechanical problems that may occur along the way. travel vietnam on a budget
Do Free or Cheap Activities
One of the best things about traveling in Vietnam is that there are many free or cheap activities that you can do and enjoy. Vietnam has a lot of natural and cultural attractions that you can visit without spending much money. For example, you can:
- Visit historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Imperial City of Hue, the My Son Sanctuary, and the Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Explore natural wonders such as the Ha Long Bay, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Sapa Mountains, the Mekong Delta, and the Phu Quoc Island. travel vietnam on a budget
- Enjoy cultural experiences such as watching a water puppet show, visiting a pagoda or temple, joining a cooking class, learning about ethnic minorities, or attending a festival.
- Relax and have fun at beaches, parks, lakes, rivers, hot springs, or amusement parks.
- Shop and bargain at local markets, souvenir shops, or night markets. travel vietnam on a budget
you can also find some free or discounted activities if you do some research or ask around. For example, you can:
- Visit museums or attractions that have free admission on certain days or hours.
- Join free walking tours or couchsurfing events that are organized by locals or travelers.
- Use coupons or vouchers that are offered by some hotels, restaurants, or tour operators. travel vietnam on a budget
Be Flexible and Negotiate
The last tip on how to travel Vietnam on a budget is to be flexible and negotiate. Vietnam is a country where prices are often not fixed and bargaining is common. You can save a lot of money if you are willing to haggle and compare prices for goods and services. You can also find some great deals and discounts if you are flexible with your dates, destinations, and options. travel vietnam on a budget
Some of the things that you can negotiate in Vietnam are:
- Accommodation: You can ask for a lower price or a better room if you stay longer, book directly, or pay in cash. travel vietnam on a budget
- Transportation: You can ask for a lower fare or a better seat if you book in advance, travel in a group, or take a night bus or train.
- Tours: You can ask for a lower price or a better package if you book online, join a group tour, or customize your own tour.
- Food: You can ask for a lower price or a free drink if you order more, eat at off-peak hours, or pay in cash. travel vietnam on a budget
- Shopping: You can ask for a lower price or a free gift if you buy more, pay in cash, or walk away.
However, you should also be respectful and reasonable when negotiating in Vietnam. You should not be too aggressive or rude when bargaining. You should also not be too stingy or greedy when saving money. You should remember that Vietnam is still a developing country and many people rely on tourism for their income. You should pay a fair price that reflects the value and quality of the service or product. travel vietnam on a budget
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Conclusion
Traveling Vietnam on a budget is possible and enjoyable. You can have an amazing trip to Vietnam without spending a fortune if you follow these tips and tricks. You can choose the right time to visit, book your flights and accommodation in advance, eat local food, use public transportation, travel by motorbike, do free or cheap activities, and be flexible and negotiate. By doing so, you can experience the beauty and diversity of Vietnam while saving money and having fun. travel vietnam on a budget
I hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels! 😊
