Vietnam has exploded in popularity as a tourist destination over the past decade — and it’s not hard to see why. From misty mountains to bustling cities, tranquil beaches to motorbike adventures, this Southeast Asian country offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a foodie chasing authentic flavors, or a traveler seeking cultural immersion, Vietnam delivers an unforgettable experience at budget prices.
Why go?
Vietnam is a good mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. Spend a few days in Sapa’s emerald hills, enjoy the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City, or tackle the legendary Ha Giang Loop on two wheels. Despite its rise in popularity, Vietnam still has plenty of hidden corners where you can escape the crowds. And with world-class cuisine — from steaming bowls of pho to sizzling street-side BBQ — every day is as much about eating as it is exploring.
Getting In and Out
International airports are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang, with flights connecting to hubs across Asia and beyond. Overland entry is also possible from Cambodia, Laos, and China. It is also possible to arrive via boat in multiple ways the most popular for tourists being on a Mekong delta river cruise. Most travelers require a visa, which can be obtained easily online for a small fee. Be sure to arrange this before arrival to avoid complications at the border.
How Long to Stay
If you want to hit Vietnam’s highlights, plan for at least two weeks. But to travel at a more relaxed pace, a month is ideal. Distances are longer than they look on the map, and places like the Ha Giang Loop can take up a week. Fortunately, budget-friendly prices make longer stays very doable.
Cost of Traveling in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best-value destinations in Asia. You can easily travel on $20–30 per day, with plenty of free or low-cost activities.
- Backpacker lodging: $5–10 per night
- Street food meals: $1–2
- Local beer: under $1
- Moto ride within town: $1–2
- Motorbike rental: $3/day
- Counterfeit Nike shorts: $1.50
Guided tours and luxury experiences will raise your daily costs, but even splurging a little doesn’t break the bank.
Where to Go
Vietnam is best explored either north-to-south or south-to-north, depending on your entry point. Many travelers prefer starting in the south and heading north, saving Vietnam’s most scenic and culturally authentic regions for last.
The North
- Hanoi – The vibrant capital full of history and street food.
- Sapa – Terraced rice fields and mountain trekking.
- Ha Long Bay – Iconic limestone karsts on emerald waters.
- Cat Ba Island – A quieter alternative to Ha Long.
- Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on land” with rivers winding through cliffs.
- Dong Hoi – Gateway to the Phong Nha caves.
Central Vietnam
- Hue – Ancient imperial city.
- Da Nang – Beaches and a growing expat scene.
- Hoi An – Charming lantern-lit town, famous for tailoring.
The South
- Da Lat – Cool mountain retreat with waterfalls.
- Nha Trang – Beachside fun and nightlife.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – The bustling economic hub.
- Can Tho – Floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
Getting Around
- Buses: Cheapest option, with comfortable sleeper buses for long distances.
- Trains: Slower but scenic, often more expensive than buses.
- Flights: Domestic flights are affordable and save time.
- Microbuses: Great for shorter journeys.
- Ride-sharing apps (Grab): Easy for city travel, including cheap motorbike rides.
The transport system is tourist-friendly — your hotel or hostel can usually book everything for you.
Accommodation
From $5 hostels to luxury five-star hotels, Vietnam has endless choices. Homestays in rural areas add cultural depth to your trip, while city centers boast sleek hotels at surprisingly low prices. Book through your favorite app, and don’t worry too much about scams — in general, properties are reliable and well-reviewed.
Food and Drink
Vietnam is a foodie’s paradise. While pho and banh mi are global stars, the local dishes across the country are even more exciting:
- Bun Cha (Hanoi specialty, grilled pork with noodles)
- Bo Bun Hue (spicy beef noodle soup from Hue)
- Egg coffee (Hanoi’s iconic creamy caffeine fix)
- Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)
- Cao Lầu (Chewy rice noodles)
- many more
Street food is safe, cheap, and delicious. You’ll also find fantastic bakeries thanks to French influence. And don’t miss a day at a bia hoi — local beer joints serving draft beer for as little as 10 cents a glass. Arrive early when the beer is freshest.
Weather
Vietnam spans over 1,600 km, meaning weather varies widely by region. The most important factor consider for travel is the rainy season.
- North: Rainy May–September.
- Central: Rainy September–December.
- South: Rainy May–November (short, heavy bursts).
The south is warmer than the north but both tropical feeling. Mountain towns such as Da Lat or Sapa can be a cooling relief.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is an adventure for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re sipping coffee in, cruising through limestone cliffs, or winding down mountain roads on a motorbike, the country rewards those who embrace its culture and pace of life. Affordable, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating, Vietnam deserves a spot on your travel list.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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