Planning a travel to Vietnam can be an exhilarating experience, but managing your travel budget in this Southeast Asian country is essential to fully enjoy it. Thankfully, there are numerous strategies for cheap travel in Vietnam, allowing you to save money without compromising on the quality of your journey.
In this article, we’ll explore ingenious ways to cut down your expenses while discovering Vietnam’s cultural richness, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply looking to maximize your savings, these tips will help you make the most of your Vietnamese adventure. Get ready for an exceptional experience without emptying your wallet!
Here are 8 budget-friendly ways to save money during your cheap travel in Vietnam!
1. Travel to Vietnam during the low season
The first thing you need to decide when planning your trip is the timing of your departure. The choice of the visiting period also has a significant impact on your budget. So, to save money on your trip to Vietnam, choose a time when you can get airplane tickets, accommodation, and other tourist services at a lower price, usually during the low tourist season.
To judiciously limit your travel budget, in addition to researching the favorable climate period of Vietnam, it’s important to know the public holidays in Vietnam. During holiday periods, tourist attractions are usually crowded, and the prices of airplane tickets and hotels are often higher; these are the peak tourist periods.
Vietnam is a tropical country, but due to its relief and geography, the climate varies considerably from north to south, as well as between coastal and mountainous regions. In general, you should plan your trip to Vietnam between mid-November and April. This is because during the months from May to October, you will have to deal with intense summer heat and heavy rains, which could disrupt your journey.
In particular, June and July are the worst times for your trip, not only due to the heat reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius but also because of the heavy influx of local tourists, as their children – schoolchildren have a two-month summer vacation.
Travel to Vietnam during low season
Regarding holidays, the Vietnamese have the longest period during Tet, the Lunar New Year, which usually takes place in January or February (the first day of the first lunar month). During this time, restaurants and streets are very lively with tourists, and service prices also increase. So, you should carefully consider before choosing to travel during these periods.
Tip: Book your airplane tickets and accommodation early, about 3 to 4 months before departure, to get favorable rates!
Learn more: Top 8 Vietnamese traditional festivals
2. Avoid buying or preparing unnecessary things in advance
During your first trip to Vietnam, a completely foreign country to you in terms of lifestyle, population, culture, etc., you probably tend to prepare as many things as possible. However, the advice to remember is to know your needs and decide what to bring on your cheap travel in Vietnam.
Nowadays, Vietnam has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it can be said that this country can perfectly meet your needs for purchasing essential goods at affordable prices.
Regarding health, besides prescribed medications by a doctor that you need to use and carry with you, there’s no need to buy basic medications such as motion sickness drugs, insect repellents, etc., in advance. In Vietnam, you can easily find pharmacies around your hotel, offering all kinds of medications you may need.
Shopping for clothing and souvenirs in Vietnam is also highly appreciated by foreign tourists due to the quality and affordable prices. Therefore, don’t worry about preparing everything for your trip to Vietnam.
3. Monitor the exchange rate of the Vietnamese currency
Fluctuations in exchange rates can have a significant impact on the overall cost of your trip. In Vietnam, you’ll use the Vietnamese Dong (VND) to pay for your expenses, especially when shopping in local stores or eating street food. By keeping an eye on exchange rates, you’ll be able to choose a good time to exchange your local currency for Vietnamese Dong, thus maximizing the value of your money.
Vietnamese dong
However, if you don’t want to carry a large amount of cash with you to limit the risk of theft, you can exchange a sufficient amount beforehand and withdraw money in Vietnam from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Cash withdrawals at ATMs usually incur fees of around 1 to 1.5% per transaction. Nevertheless, the advantage here is that you’ll be able to manage your expenses efficiently in Vietnam without needing to exchange a large quantity of money in advance.
4. Choose the appropriate mode of transportation
Selecting the appropriate mode of transportation is crucial for cheap travel in Vietnam and can significantly contribute to saving money during your vacation. This beautiful country offers a multitude of travel options, each with its own cost.
If you’re looking for an authentic and budget-friendly experience, local buses are an excellent option. They allow you to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture while saving money, costing around 10,000 VND for a bus ticket. Additionally, carpooling and motorcycle taxi services, such as “xe om,” are very popular and economical for short trips within cities. You can search for a motorcycle taxi on the Grab app.
Additionally, if you’re traveling in a group with four people or more, you might consider renting a car with a driver to follow the itinerary throughout the day. The drivers will take you to all planned points on the agenda and provide assistance until your return to the hotel. This mode of transportation is perfectly suitable for large groups of tourists looking to fully experience every step of their journey in Vietnam.
However, if you plan to cover long distances, trains and intercity buses offer excellent value for money. Domestic flights can also be affordable if booked in advance.
Learn more: Vietnam car rental with driver
5. Stay in affordable accommodation in Vietnam
The choice of accommodation during your trip to Vietnam is also a factor that will influence your travel budget. Fortunately, in Vietnam, there is a wide variety of accommodation options, such as hotels, hostels, dormitories, and budget homestays. Opting for a guesthouse, dormitory, or three-star hotel will significantly save you money during your trip to Vietnam.
Don’t worry too much about the quality of services, as in two to three-star hotels, some still offer basic services, even breakfast, and other amenities. If you choose to stay with a host family, it can also be an opportunity for you to experience the daily life of Vietnamese people. Keep in mind that before booking anything, it’s always necessary to read reviews beforehand!
6. Enjoy street food or dine at local restaurants
Street food in Vietnam
Sampling street food or dining at local restaurants is one of the most delicious ways to save money and enjoy an authentic trip in Vietnam. This country is full of exquisite flavors at every corner, authentic culinary delights that will not only please your palate but also your wallet.
Lively night markets offer a multitude of tempting options, from banh mi, pho, com tam, and more. Additionally, small local family-owned restaurants, often nestled in picturesque alleys, offer delicious meals at affordable prices. This way, you can taste the richness of Vietnamese cuisine without breaking the bank.
7. Bargain – Negotiate prices when shopping
Negotiating prices when shopping is an essential tip to save money during your vacation in Vietnam. In this beautiful and diverse country, night markets, street stalls, and even stores are often open to negotiation. The key lies in patience, a smile, and diplomacy.
Quang Ba flower market in Vietnam
When bargaining, it’s important not only to seek the best price but also to establish a friendly rapport with the sellers. Start by offering a reasonable price, but not too low, to show that you appreciate their work. Then, be prepared to be flexible and gradually decrease your offer until you and the seller reach a fair agreement.
Learn more:
- Top 5 famous Hanoi night markets for travelers
- Markets of Ethnic Minorities in Northern Vietnam
- The Exciting Floating Markets of Mekong Rivers, Vietnam
8. Select a professional travel agency for your cheap travel in Vietnam
Choosing a professional travel agency is a smart way to save money during your vacation in Vietnam. When planning a trip abroad, there are many variables to consider, such as flights, accommodation, activities, and dining.
An experienced travel agency can help you navigate this maze of choices by offering economical options without sacrificing the quality of your experience. These agencies’ experts know the best ways to get affordable plane tickets, find special deals for hotels, and plan efficient itineraries that will allow you to make the most of your budget.
Additionally, their local knowledge can help you avoid costly tourist traps and discover authentic and affordable places to eat and shop. By choosing a professional travel agency, you benefit from the expertise and assistance needed to save money while having a memorable experience in Vietnam.
Paradise Travel customers during their trip to Vietnam
In conclusion, visiting Vietnam can be an incredible experience while sticking to a budget. By following these eight money-saving tips, you can explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank. From choosing affordable accommodations to exploring local markets and enjoying delicious cheap street food, Vietnam offers plenty of opportunities for budget-conscious travelers.
