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Vietnam on a Shoestring Budget in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Hanoi
    30 minutes (14km) from Noi Bai International Airport

    In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about the history of Vietnam’s beloved leader. In the afternoon, discover the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, and enjoy a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the evening.

  2. Day 2: Ha Long Bay
    4 hours (170km) from Hanoi

    Spend the morning cruising through the stunning karst landscape of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy lunch on board, and visit the caves and floating village in the afternoon. Sleep overnight on the boat and watch the stars at night.

  3. Day 3: Ninh Binh
    4 hours (200km) from Ha Long Bay

    In the morning, explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with majestic limestone cliffs, grottoes and caves. In the afternoon, visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu and the beautiful Bai Dinh Pagoda.

  4. Day 4: Hue
    12 hours (680km) from Ninh Binh

    Take a morning flight to Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces and temples that was once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Take a sunset boat ride on the Perfume River in the evening.

  5. Day 5: Hoi An
    2.5 hours (120km) from Hue

    Travel to Hoi An, a charming ancient town with well-preserved architecture and a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultures. Discover the Old Town on foot in the morning, relax on An Bang beach in the afternoon, and explore the night market in the evening.

  6. Day 6: Da Nang
    1 hour (30km) from Hoi An

    Visit the Marble Mountains in the morning and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses the world's largest collection of Cham artefacts. End the day with a sunset walk on the Dragon Bridge.

  7. Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
    1 hour (35km) from Da Nang International Airport

    Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub of Vietnam. Visit the War Remnants Museum in the morning to learn about the Vietnam War, and explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office in the afternoon. End the day by taking a stroll around Ben Thanh Market and savouring the local street food.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Mekong Delta, Phong Nha Cave or Sapa. Take a motorbike tour in rural areas, try local dishes like pho and banh mi, and buy souvenirs at local markets. To save money, take overnight buses or trains and stay at budget hostels. Don't forget to bargain and have fun!

For affordable hotels and flights in Vietnam, click here.

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