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Hanoi, Vietnam
Start your journey in the chaotic and charming Old Quarter where street food like bún chả and phở costs under $2. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature for free or minimal entry fees. Budget guesthouses and hostels in the Old Quarter run as low as $5–10 per night.
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Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Often called 'Ha Long Bay on land,' Ninh Binh offers stunning karst landscapes at Trang An and Tam Coc for very little money. Rent a bicycle for the day to explore rice paddies and ancient temples for around $2. Budget guesthouses here are among the cheapest in the country.
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Phong Nha, Vietnam
Home to some of the world's largest caves including Phong Nha and Paradise Cave inside a UNESCO-listed national park. Rent a motorbike for $5–8 a day to explore at your own pace. The local village is tiny and food is cheap — try the local bánh mì for breakfast.
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Hue, Vietnam
Huế is Vietnam's imperial city with a massive citadel and royal tombs that are budget-friendly to visit. The city is famous for its distinct cuisine — try bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup) for around $1.50 at local stalls. Cross the Perfume River by local boat for just a few dollars.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
The lantern-lit Ancient Town is one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the famous Cao Lầu noodles and white rose dumplings at the central market for under $2 a dish. Rent a bicycle ($1–2/day) to reach the nearby An Bang Beach for a free and relaxing day.
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Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a modern coastal city with beautiful My Khe Beach, free to enjoy any time of day. The Marble Mountains offer great views and cave pagodas for a small entrance fee of around $1.50. It's a great transit hub between Hoi An and the central highlands with very affordable local food.
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Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat is a cool highland city full of pine forests, waterfalls, and quirky French colonial architecture. Join a budget 'Easy Rider' motorbike tour with a local guide for an authentic countryside experience around $20–30 for a full day. The local markets are great for cheap strawberries, avocados, and artichoke tea.
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Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne is famous for its dramatic red and white sand dunes, best visited at sunrise or sunset. Take a cheap jeep tour of the dunes, fairy stream, and fishing village for around $10–15. Budget guesthouses along the beach road offer great value and the seafood here is fresh and affordable.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End your trip in Vietnam's buzzing southern metropolis, formerly known as Saigon. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market all on a tight budget. The backpacker street Bui Vien is legendary for its cheap beer and street food — a great place to swap travel stories.
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Can Tho, Vietnam
Can Tho is the heart of the Mekong Delta and home to the famous Cai Rang floating market, best seen at 5–6am by local boat. Explore the delta's maze of canals, fruit orchards, and rice paddies by renting a bicycle or taking a cheap boat ride. Guesthouses are very affordable and the local food scene is outstanding.