Budget-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Vietnam

Day 1: Affordable City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Start your journey at Ben Thanh Market, where you can explore local crafts and enjoy inexpensive street food.
Take a budget taxi (or walk) from your guesthouse, which should take about 15 minutes.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Enjoy a delicious and affordable bowl of pho at Pho 2000, where you can taste authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Walk to Pho 2000 from Ben Thanh Market, only a 10-minute walk.
50,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum for insights into Vietnam's history at a very low cost.
Catch a local bus or walk, approximately 20 minutes from your lunch spot.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Com tam Ba Ghien

Savor a budget-friendly meal of broken rice at Com tam Ba Ghien, a local favorite.
Take a local bus or short taxi ride from the museum, around 15 minutes.
70,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00AM

Independence Palace

Explore the historic Independence Palace at a low entry fee, learning about Vietnam's past.
Take a budget taxi, approximately 10 minutes from your accommodation.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Taste the famous Vietnamese baguette, banh mi, at the popular and affordable Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.
Walk to the eatery, about a 15-minute walk.
35,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Visit the beautiful Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, an iconic landmark in the city, free to enter.
Take a local bus or walk, approximately 10 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at 3T Quan

Enjoy local dishes at 3T Quan, a budget-friendly restaurant with a great reputation for its home-cooked meals.
Take a taxi or walk, around 15 minutes from the basilica.
100,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charming Ancient Town

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the charming streets and enjoy the free historical atmosphere of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Take a budget flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, then a bus to Hoi An, totaling around 1.5 hours.
50,000 VND, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Grab an affordable and delicious banh mi sandwich at Banh Mi Phuong, famous throughout Vietnam.
A short walk from the Ancient Town area, roughly 5 minutes.
30,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Take some photos at the picturesque Japanese Covered Bridge for a minimal entry fee.
A quick stroll of about 10 minutes from lunch.
40,000 VND, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Miss Ly Café

Enjoy a tasty dinner at Miss Ly Café with various affordable local specialties.
Walk straight to the café, located within the Old Town.
80,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 4: Hanoi Adventures

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a relaxing spot and free to access.
Take a budget flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, followed by a local bus to the lake (total travel time: about 2 hours).
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Dao Tan

Savor a local favorite of bun cha at Bun Cha Dao Tan, known for how affordable and tasty it is.
A short walk of about 10 minutes from the lake.
50,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Quarter

Roam through the Old Quarter's charming streets, experiencing the rich culture without premium costs.
Simply walk the lively streets for a full afternoon of exploration.
Free entry, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan Duc

End your day at Quan Duc Restaurant, offering a range of affordable Vietnamese dishes.
Take a taxi or walk, around 15 minutes from the Old Quarter.
70,000 VND, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historical Insights

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is free to enter.
Walk or take a budget taxi, approximately 10 minutes from your accommodation.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample the famous cha ca dish at Cha Ca La Vong, an affordable eatery loved by locals.
Walk from the mausoleum, roughly 15 minutes.
100,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00PM

Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university at the Temple of Literature, a cultural gem with a small entry fee.
Take a taxi or local bus, about 20 minutes from the restaurant.
30,000 VND, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Green Mango

Conclude your trip with a meal at Green Mango, where you can enjoy Vietnamese and international dishes without breaking the bank.
Take a taxi or walk to Green Mango, approximately 20 minutes from the temple.
200,000 VND, 2 hours
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