Ultimate 7-Day Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Start your day by exploring the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, offering an array of local goods and street food.
Take a short walk or grab a taxi to the market from your accommodation.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a delicious bowl of traditional pho at Pho 2000, a renowned spot for this iconic Vietnamese dish.
It's a short walk from Ben Thanh Market.
£3, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Delve into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, showcasing the country's resilience and past.
Grab a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to reach the museum.
£2, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Quan An Ngon, offering a taste of local street food in a restaurant setting.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant for dinner.
£8, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach Relaxation

Da Nang, Vietnam

9:00AM

My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing day at My Khe Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands.
Take a local bus or taxi to the beach from your accommodation.
£2, Full Day

1:00PM

Beach Picnic

Enjoy a beach picnic with fresh fruits, banh mi, and local snacks for a budget-friendly meal by the sea.
Pack your picnic supplies or purchase from nearby vendors.
£5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Seafood Dinner at An Cuu

Head to An Cuu seafood market to savour a seafood feast at affordable prices, a must-try in Da Nang.
Take a taxi or walk to the seafood market for dinner.
£10, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Exploration

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Ancient Town Walking Tour

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with history and charm.
Start your tour from the Japanese Covered Bridge and wander through the picturesque streets.
£3 (optional entrance fees), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Dine at Morning Glory Restaurant for authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a wide range of dishes at reasonable prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
£6, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Discover the rural side of Hoi An at Cam Thanh Coconut Village with a boat ride and hands-on activities like fishing and basket boat rowing.
Join a local tour or rent a bicycle to reach the village.
£5, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bale Well

End your day with a visit to Bale Well for a traditional Vietnamese dining experience, famous for its grilled meat skewers and local beer.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant for dinner.
£7, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Hue, Vietnam

9:00AM

Imperial City of Hue

Explore the Imperial City of Hue, a vast complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates that once served as the seat of the Nguyen emperors.
Take a taxi or local transport to reach the Imperial City.
£4, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at Hanh Restaurant known for its traditional Hue cuisine, offering dishes like bun bo Hue and banh khoai.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
£5, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, symbolising the spiritual and cultural heritage of Hue.
Take a taxi or local transport to reach the pagoda.
£1, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Lac Thien Restaurant

Dine at Lac Thien Restaurant for a budget-friendly meal with local favourites such as banh xeo and fresh spring rolls.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant for dinner.
£6, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Capital Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a scenic spot in the heart of Hanoi perfect for people-watching.
Walk or take a taxi to reach the lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant where President Obama once dined, offering a delicious and affordable meal.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
£4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a symbol of Confucianism and academic excellence.
Take a taxi or local transport to reach the temple.
£2, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Enjoy a bowl of bun bo nam bo, a Hanoi speciality at a modest price, at this local eatery loved by both tourists and locals.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant for dinner.
£3, 1 hour
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Day 6: Nature Escape

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a budget-friendly cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book a budget cruise tour or opt for a day trip from Hanoi.
£30, Full Day

1:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the boat while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Lunch will be provided as part of the cruise package.
Included, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner on Tuan Chau Island

Dine at one of the local restaurants on Tuan Chau Island, offering a variety of seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
Take a short boat ride or ferry back to the island for dinner.
£10, 2 hours
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Day 7: Final Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Explore Old Quarter

Spend your final day exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk or take a cyclo tour to navigate the maze-like streets of the Old Quarter.
£3, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho Thin

Try the renowned pho cuon at Pho Thin, a local favourite offering a unique twist on traditional pho dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
£5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Explore the historical Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton', which sheds light on Vietnam's wartime history.
Take a taxi or local transport to reach the prison.
£2, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Highway4

End your trip with a farewell dinner at Highway4, a restaurant known for its creative Vietnamese fusion dishes and unique dining experience.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant for dinner.
£10, 2 hours
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