Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 52 travelers

Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Thursday, February 1: Hanoi

Start your trip in Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. In the morning, explore the charming Old Quarter with its narrow streets and ancient buildings. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about Vietnam's history at the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Enjoy a delicious bowl of pho for lunch. In the afternoon, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant street food scene at the Night Market.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum: Approximately $1 for entrance fee, 1-2 hours
  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Old Quarter & Night Market: Explore on foot, various costs, 2-3 hours

Check hotel and flight prices using Kayak

Friday, February 2: Halong Bay

Embark on a day trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. Start your morning with a scenic bus ride to Halong City, then hop on a traditional junk boat to explore the emerald waters and limestone karsts. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat and have the opportunity to kayak or swim in the bay. In the afternoon, visit hidden caves and admire the breathtaking scenery before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

  • Halong Bay Day Trip: Approximately $30-50 for a group tour, 12 hours
Saturday, February 3: Hoi An

Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hoi An, a picturesque ancient town. In the morning, wander through the well-preserved Old Town, with its charming narrow streets, Chinese temples, and Japanese merchant houses. Explore local markets and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle and cycle to An Bang Beach for relaxation by the sea. As the evening approaches, indulge in the vibrant nightlife along the Thu Bon River.

  • Hoi An Old Town: Entrance fee $6, 2-3 hours
  • An Bang Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Thu Bon River: Explore on foot, various costs, 2-3 hours

Check hotel and flight prices using Kayak

Sunday, February 4: Hue

Travel from Hoi An to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enjoy a boat ride along the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Try delicious Hue cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Tombs and learn about the history of the Nguyen emperors. In the evening, take a relaxing cruise on the Perfume River and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

  • Imperial City: Entrance fee $6, 2-3 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Royal Tombs: Entrance fees vary, 2-3 hours
  • Perfume River Cruise: Approximately $10-15, 1-2 hours
Monday, February 5: Nha Trang

Fly from Hue to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches. In the morning, relax on the sandy shores of Nha Trang Beach and soak up the sun. Take a walk to the iconic Long Son Pagoda and admire the giant white Buddha statue. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Oceanographic Institute to learn about marine life. End the day with a relaxing mud bath at one of the local spas.

  • Nha Trang Beach: Free, half-day
  • Long Son Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Oceanographic Institute: Approximately $3, 1-2 hours
  • Mud Bath: Approximately $10-20, 2-3 hours

Check hotel and flight prices using Kayak

Tuesday, February 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Take a flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. In the morning, explore the historic landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. Enjoy a delicious bowl of pho for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the lively Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. Take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street, known for its upscale boutiques and French colonial architecture. In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife of the city.

  • War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee $1, 2-3 hours
  • Reunification Palace: Entrance fee $2, 1-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Dong Khoi Street: Explore on foot, various costs, 2-3 hours

Check hotel and flight prices using Kayak

Wednesday, February 7: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, an enchanting region known as Vietnam's "rice bowl." In the morning, take a scenic journey to My Tho and board a boat to explore the lush waterways. Visit local villages, taste tropical fruits, and experience the local way of life. Enjoy a delicious lunch of regional specialties. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market and witness the vibrant trading activities. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

  • Mekong Delta Day Trip: Approximately $15-30 for a group tour, 10 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Vietnam, don't miss the hidden gem of Cat Ba Island, located in Halong Bay. It offers stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing. For a truly local experience, visit the bustling food stalls of Hanoi's Quang Ba Flower Market early in the morning where you can observe the vibrant flower trade. Another local favorite is the countryside around Hoi An, with its beautiful rural scenery and traditional villages. Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside to discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version