Traveling on a Budget: How I Explored Vietnam for Under $500

Many people think travel has to be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, my week-long trip to Vietnam cost me less than $500, flights included! This is “Traveling on a Budget: How I Explored Vietnam for Under $500”, and I’m breaking down exactly how I did it, without sacrificing experience or fun.

🛫 Flights: $120 Roundtrip

Thanks to some flexible dates and a bit of patience, I scored a roundtrip flight from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City for just $120 using Skyscanner. Always check flight comparison sites, use incognito mode, and book midweek for better deals.

Tip: Subscribe to flight deal newsletters like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Secret Flying.

🏨 Accommodation: $80 for 6 Nights

I stayed in clean, comfortable hostels and guesthouses that averaged $13 per night, booked through Booking.com. In cities like Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Hanoi, budget accommodation is not only affordable—it’s full of character.

Favorites:

• Lela Homestay in Da Nang – $11/night with breakfast.
• The Hideout Hostel in HCMC – $14/night with free beer (yes, really).

🍜 Food & Drinks: $60 for the Entire Trip

Street food in Vietnam is insanely cheap and delicious. You can eat a hearty bowl of pho or a banh mi sandwich for around $1–$2. I spent an average of $8–$10 per day eating like a king.

Must-tries:

• Pho from Pho Hoa Pasteur (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Banh Mi from Banh Mi Phuong (Hoi An)
• Egg coffee at Café Giảng (Hanoi)

🛺 Transportation: $40

Local buses, Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber), and overnight trains kept my transport costs super low. I took:

• Grab rides within cities ($1–$2 per trip)
• An overnight bus from HCMC to Da Nang ($15)
• Scooter rentals ($6/day)

Bonus: Taking local buses instead of taxis not only saved money but also gave me a more authentic look at daily life.

🎟️ Activities & Sightseeing: $60

Many of Vietnam’s attractions are either free or very low-cost. Here’s what I did:

• War Remnants Museum (HCMC): $2
• Marble Mountains (Da Nang): $1.50
• Walking tour of Hoi An’s Old Town: Free
• Kayaking in Ha Long Bay: $25 (group tour deal)
• Local cooking class in Hanoi: $20

Total Activity Cost: $60 for the week.

🧳 Total Budget Breakdown

This left me with some buffer money for souvenirs, tips, and emergency snacks—still well under $500!

Internal Link Suggestion

Looking for more budget travel inspiration? Check out the Planet Earth Holidays travel blog for guides on low-cost adventures, insider travel tips, and wallet-friendly itineraries.

External Link Suggestions

• Rome2Rio – Find the cheapest ways to get around between cities.
• Travelfish – Southeast Asia budget travel guides and forums.
• Budget Your Trip – See real-time cost averages by destination.
• Couchsurfing – Meet locals and find free places to stay.
• Xe.com – Real-time currency conversion to help manage your expenses.

Final Thoughts

“Traveling on a Budget: How I Explored Vietnam for Under $500” proves that you don’t need to be rich to see the world—you just need to be smart. With some planning, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit, you can create unforgettable memories without blowing your bank account.

Whether you’re a student, digital nomad, or just someone who loves good deals, Vietnam is one of the best places to stretch your dollar. Next up? Maybe Thailand or Morocco. And yes—I plan to do it for under $500 again.