Vietnam on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
   20 minutes (5.2 miles) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

   Start your morning at the War Remnants Museum, learning about the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. Head to Ben Thanh Market for lunch, where you can find delicious street food and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the Independence Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam. End your day at Bui Vien Street, the backpacker hub of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find cheap drinks and street performers.

2. Day 2: Mekong Delta
   2 hours and 30 minutes (72.1 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City

   Join a Mekong Delta day tour and explore the local villages and markets. Take a boat ride along the river and enjoy the lush scenery. Try local specialties like elephant ear fish and tropical fruits. In the evening, return to Ho Chi Minh City and have dinner at Nha Hang Ngon, a popular Vietnamese restaurant with affordable prices.

3. Day 3: Hoi An
   1 hour and 20 minutes (18.2 miles) from Da Nang International Airport

   Take a morning flight to Da Nang and then take a taxi to Hoi An. Start your day with a bike ride around the ancient town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and the Tan Ky Old House. Have lunch at Bale Well, a local restaurant that serves delicious banh mi. Spend the afternoon at An Bang Beach, a beautiful and quiet beach nearby. In the evening, take a cooking class at Vy's Market Restaurant to learn how to make Vietnamese food.

4. Day 4: Ha Long Bay
   3 hours and 30 minutes (103 miles) from Noi Bai International Airport

   Take a morning flight to Hanoi and then take a bus to Ha Long Bay. Book a day cruise to explore the stunning limestone formations and caves. Try kayaking or swimming in the emerald water. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi and visit the Old Quarter, where you can find ancient temples, street food, and local shops. End your day with a cup of egg coffee at Giang Cafe, a famous coffee shop in Hanoi.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, which offer a glimpse into the underground life during the Vietnam War. Consider a side trip to Sapa, a mountainous region in the north with beautiful landscapes and ethnic minority cultures. To save money, take overnight buses or trains instead of flights. Try local street food, but make sure to choose clean and busy stalls.

Time and Costs Estimates

• War Remnants Museum (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Ben Thanh Market (2 hours, free entrance)
• Independence Palace (2 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Mekong Delta day tour (10 hours, 500,000 VND)
• Nha Hang Ngon (1.5 hours, 150,000 VND)
• Japanese Covered Bridge (1 hour, 20,000 VND)
• Bale Well (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Vy's Market Restaurant cooking class (3 hours, 500,000 VND)
• Ha Long Bay day cruise (6 hours, 500,000 VND)
• Old Quarter (2 hours, free entrance)
• Giang Cafe (1 hour, 30,000 VND)
• Total Estimated Costs: 2,710,000 VND (approximately 117 USD)