Budget-Friendly 5-Day Vietnam Couples Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Budget Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start the day with an affordable and iconic bowl of Hanoi-style Pho, loved by locals and visitors alike.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a free, romantic stroll around the picturesque lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple with a low entry fee.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Self-Guided Hanoi Old Quarter Walk

Explore the vibrant streets on foot to see traditional markets and French colonial architecture without paying for a tour.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous and affordable Bun Cha dish in the restaurant Elvis Presley visited, renowned for authentic flavors.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s historical university grounds on a budget with a modest entry fee.
VND30000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in Botanical Gardens

Spend a peaceful late afternoon in the free Botanical Gardens, perfect for couple’s quiet time.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste affordable, traditional grilled fish, a Hanoi specialty, in a friendly and casual setting.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 2: Affordable Halong Bay Daytrip

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Shared Shuttle to Halong Bay

Take an economical group shuttle bus to Halong Bay, balancing comfort and budget.
VND300000 per person, 3.5h

10:30am

Halong Bay Group Cruise

Join a group cruise featuring limestone karsts and caves with included lunch, great for budgets.
VND700000 per person, 4h

3:00pm

Return Shared Shuttle to Hanoi

Economical shuttle back to Hanoi to continue your trip without extra costs.
Included, 3.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Enjoy budget-friendly, authentic Southern Vietnamese beef noodle salad in a bustling setting.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 3: Economical Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Budget Flight Hanoi to Da Nang

Book early low-cost flights to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An affordably by bus or taxi.
USD30 each flight + VND100000 taxi, 2.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at Bale Well

Eat traditional and inexpensive Hoi An specialties such as wrapped rice snacks in a local hotspot.
VND70000, 1h

10:30am

Self-Guided Walk Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO town on your own at a minimal entrance fee per site, soaking in culture and romance.
VND120000 total for tickets, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hoi An Central Market

Sample street food with local flavors and unbeatable prices at the market stalls.
VND50000, 1h

3:00pm

Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Affordable bike rental lets couples explore the peaceful countryside and interact with local farmers.
VND40000 bike rental, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Enjoy budget-friendly Vietnamese dishes in a romantic ambiance just off the main streets.
VND150000, 1.5h

8:30pm

Lantern Watching Along the River

Take a free evening stroll enjoying the magical lantern-lit riverbanks, perfect for couples.
Free, 1h
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Day 4: Hue on a Budget

Hue, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Bus from Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass

Take a scenic and inexpensive bus journey along the coast to historic Hue.
VND120000 per person, 3.5h

11:30am

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue Ba My

Enjoy an authentic and economical bowl of Hue’s signature beef noodle soup in a local favorite spot.
VND50000, 1h

1:00pm

Self-Guided Tour of Imperial City

Purchase budget admission tickets and explore the historic citadel independently for a romantic history fix.
VND150000, 2.5h

3:30pm

Walk Along Perfume River

Enjoy a relaxing riverside stroll for free while soaking in peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Savor affordable and authentic Hue specialties in a casual and welcoming setting.
VND100000, 1h
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Day 5: Budget Saigon Finale

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Budget Flight Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly early with a low-cost carrier to maximize your last day in Saigon affordably.
USD40 each, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Binh Coffee

Start the day with tasty, budget-friendly coffee and pastries in a popular local cafe.
VND50000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic Saigon landmarks, both free to enter and perfect for photo memories.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy an affordable, classic Vietnamese Pho lunch at one of Saigon’s best-known eateries.
VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Browse souvenirs, try street snacks, and enjoy the lively market energy without extra cost.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon in a beautiful public park, perfect for couples to unwind without expense.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Drinks at Chill Skybar (Happy Hour)

Enjoy affordable cocktails with panoramic city views during happy hour to end your trip on a high note.
Approx VND100000 per drink, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Lunch Lady

Savor a budget-friendly Vietnamese street food meal from the famous rotating noodle stall on Bui Vien street.
VND60000, 1h
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