1 Week budget friendly Vietnam itinerary
Vietnam on a Budget: 1 Week Itinerary for Under $300
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful and affordable countries in Southeast Asia. From mountains to beaches, cities to villages, there’s so much to see—and you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it all.
In this blog, we’ll take you through a 1 week Vietnam budget itinerary that gives you the best experiences for under $300 (₹25,000 approx). Yes, it’s totally possible!
Let’s break it down day by day.
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Budget: $25
Transport: Use airport shuttle or Grab taxi to reach your hostel.
Stay: Book a dorm bed in Hanoi’s Old Quarter ($6–$8).
Eat: Try local street food like banh mi and pho ($5).
Do: Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Night Market (free).
📍Tip: Choose a hostel that includes free breakfast to save extra bucks!
🗓️ Day 2: Explore Hanoi on a Budget
Budget: $25
Morning: Join a free walking tour of the Old Quarter.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature and train street ($2 entry).
Evening: Enjoy local beer (Bia Hoi) and street food.
📸 Must-Try: Egg coffee at Giang Café (around $1.50).
🗓️ Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip
Budget: $30
Ninh Binh is known as the “Halong Bay on land.”
Transport: Book a budget bus or tour from Hanoi ($10–$12).
Attractions: Explore Tam Coc, Mua Cave hike, and Trang An boat ride ($10 total).
Food: Local lunch and snacks ($8).
🌄 Mua Cave offers a breathtaking view, especially at sunset.
🗓️ Day 4: Halong Bay Day Cruise
Budget: $45
No Vietnam trip is complete without visiting Halong Bay.
Tour: Join a budget-friendly day cruise with lunch included ($35–$40).
Do: Swim, kayak, explore caves, and cruise among limestone cliffs.
Snacks & Extras: $5–$10 for drinks and small extras.
🛥️ Tip: Book with a local travel agency for the best price.
🗓️ Day 5: Flight or Train to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Budget: $60
Option 1: Budget airline (VietJet, Bamboo Airways) – ~$45 with early booking.
Option 2: Sleeper train (long but scenic) – $30–$40.
Stay: Hostel in District 1 ($6–$10).
Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Night Market, enjoy street food.
🗓️ Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing
Budget: $25
Morning: Visit War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace ($4).
Afternoon: Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office (free).
Evening: Try local dishes like Banh Xeo and sugarcane juice ($8).
🛵 Optional: Take a budget motorbike tour or food tour ($10–$12).
🗓️ Day 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip
Budget: $30
Tour: Book a cheap group tour to the Mekong Delta, includes lunch, boat ride, and local activities.
Do: Visit floating markets, coconut candy factory, and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
🍃 It’s the perfect relaxing end to your Vietnam adventure.
Total Budget Breakdown
|
Category |
Estimated Cost |
|
Transport |
$90 |
|
Accommodation |
$50 |
|
Food |
$50 |
|
Activities |
$80 |
|
Extras |
$30 |
|
Total |
$300 |
🌟 Money-Saving Tips
Use local buses or Grab for cheap travel.
Book hostels with free breakfast.
Eat street food—it’s cheap and delicious!
Avoid high-season months (like Dec-Jan) to get better deals.
Download Maps.me and Google Translate for offline help.
✅ External Links
Rome2Rio – Travel Planner Tool