Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   30 minutes (5 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, grab a cheap banh mi for lunch, and explore the War Remnants Museum.

2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
   2.5 hours (70 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, explore the markets and fruit gardens, and take a boat ride through the canals.

3. Day 3: Nha Trang
   1 hour and 30 minutes (228 miles) from Mekong Delta

   Relax on the Nha Trang Beach or take a snorkeling trip to see the coral reefs.

4. Day 4: Hoi An
   10 hours (395 miles) from Nha Trang

   Visit the picturesque Hoi An Ancient Town, explore the local markets, and dine at the street food vendors.

5. Day 5: Hue
   3 hours and 15 minutes (90 miles) from Hoi An

   Discover the history of the country with a day trip to the Imperial Citadel of Hue or explore the Thien Mu Pagoda.

6. Day 6: Hanoi
   13 hours (536 miles) from Hue

   Explore the winding streets of the Old Quarter by foot or cyclo, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature.

7. Day 7: Ha Long Bay
   3 hours and 45 minutes (105 miles) from Hanoi

   Take a day trip to the Ha Long Bay for a boat tour through the iconic scenery.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City (30 mins, $1)
• Mekong Delta day trip (10 hours, $25)
• Nha Trang Beach (2 hours, free)
• Hoi An Ancient Town exploration (4 hours, $10)
• Transportation between cities (range from $10-30 per journey by bus/train)
• Ha Long Bay day tour (8 hours, $30-40 depending on the tour)
Total Estimated Costs: $76-96

Useful Tips

For a more relaxed pace, consider skipping the Mekong Delta or Nha Trang. If short on time, skip Nha Trang and Hue. For more adventure, consider adding Sapa or Phong Nha National Park to the itinerary.