Tips For Budget-Friendly Holidays In Vietnam

Vietnam is full of wonderful cuisine options, hospitable people, and picturesque surroundings. It is also a culturally varied and environmentally rich country. 

Plus, it combines being quite affordable with having a tonne of interesting sites in an ideal way. So budget-conscious people can undoubtedly spend very little on a tour package for Vietnam. 

It has access to the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, two sizable bodies of water. Along with the Mekong and Red River deltas, it is proud of its high mountains and vast wooded regions.

This region of Southeast Asia is a favorite among budget tourists and travelers in general. So, continue reading to find out how to go to Vietnam on a budget.

8 practical tips for budget traveling to Vietnam

Do you need a visa?

No visa is needed for citizens of several Asian and European countries to visit Vietnam. Among them are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Cambodia tours.

However, obtaining an e-visa is the most cost-effective choice if you require a visa. 

You can visit the republic only once within the 30-day validity period of this travel document. Make sure to take note that your passport must still be valid at least six months after your departure from Vietnam.

Find travel buddies

Finding other travelers to split costs with is extremely simple, making things much simpler than traveling alone. 

Moreover, the majority of hotels and guesthouses don't charge per person when you travel in a group of friends or as a couple; instead, they charge per room. It is often simpler to divide the cost of lodging and transportation when there are a few of you. 

So, joining forces with other tourists who are traveling in the same direction should also be taken into consideration to cut your costs.

Decide your budget

Given the abundance of inexpensive street food alternatives and the wide selection of affordable lodging options available, including hostels and homestays, traveling in Vietnam is often feasible on even the tightest of budgets.

You can travel for as low as $20 per day, but your experience will be quite basic. 

But, a $50–$80 daily budget is reasonable. This will allow you enough money to travel comfortably, sample a wide variety of cuisines, and visit a few fee-based activities or sites each day.

Getting around Vietnam

In Vietnam, unlike your holidays to Laos, motorcycles are frequently seen. Since there are so many, you can get one for a very low price practically anyplace in the nation. 

However, you should attempt to purchase one from a foreigner who is wrapping up their own motorbike journey for the simplest transaction. 

Many of these motorcycles need maintenance, but they are inexpensive, and you won't have to worry about ownership documents. 

Although the roads are generally kept up, you shouldn't let your guard down in rural regions. Potholes are around, waiting to ruin your day. So, purchase a quality helmet, and buy travel insurance.

However, many individuals would pay significant money to escape the experience of riding a motorcycle through Vietnam's hectic traffic. Sure, you could take a plane across a sizable portion of the nation or even ride in comfort down the coast on a train. 

But taking the bus strikes a balance between comfort, experience, and cost.

Eat food like a local

You should never skip eating Vietnamese food since it is so unique. The country's cuisine is quite diversified, with flavors from Italian, French, Thai, and Indian tastes in addition to authentic local cuisine. However, the prices are frequently substantially higher than those of the local cuisine. 

You can try some local foods that even cost less than $2 if you're not on a diet. 

Along with luxury dining establishments, street food vendors can be found in busy markets or roadside booths all around Vietnam. The majority of foodies travel there to indulge in some of the greatest regional specialties.

Bargain firmly

Another crucial aspect of exploring Vietnam on a tight budget is haggling. When you inquire about the price for the first time, you could assume that you have arrived in one of Asia's most costly nations. You will undoubtedly think, "So much for touring Vietnam on a tight budget."

However, since bargaining is a way of life in this region of Southeast Asia, dealers provide hefty prices. 

In general, you should be happy with a 40% reduction in price while negotiating at a tourist market. Prices may not be adjustable while shopping at a local market, but they should be lower.

Accommodation considerations

In Vietnam, there are many affordable options for lodging when you select your tour package for Vietnam, ranging from modest 3-star hotels to the most luxurious 5-star hotels. 

But, if you enjoy making plans, keep an eye out for discounts and make your reservations far in advance to obtain the best rates. 

However, staying in a homestay is a fantastic cheap hotel choice that benefits the neighborhood. It is a tremendous opportunity to gain a look into the culture and daily lives of the Vietnamese and is available in practically every town and city in Vietnam. 

Homestays frequently feature full or partial boards so that you can savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Entertainment

Museum and historical site admission prices are quite low since they must be affordable for residents as well.

When it comes to bars and clubs, another option is to find a bia hơi establishment, which is Vietnamese for "cheap beer." They are numerous, and being able to drink all night for less than $10 will warm your economic heart.
In conclusion

Anywhere you go, traveling on a budget wisely is always beneficial. Moreover, Vietnam is already a low-cost vacation spot that makes visitors feel wealthy. So, traveling across this lovely nation is a certain way to discover on a budget.

Plus, you can also plan your holidays to Laos, which is another pocket-friendly destination for travelers.