13 Days in Vietnam on a Budget: An Unforgettable Journey

Honestly, this blog post wasn't even supposed to exist. We came to Vietnam to make a quick 3-day guide covering Hanoi and Saigon. But as soon as we arrived, we looked at each other and decided that we had to take a crazy trip across this country and see the whole darn thing from top to bottom. That's the thing about Vietnam—it just sucks you in, and there's no fighting it.

We've got our usual $100 per day budget, and our adventure starts in Hanoi. We’re going to be taking trains, boats, smaller boats, motorbikes, and whatever else we can find as we work our way down to Saigon over the next two-ish weeks.

Here’s a detailed account of our 13-day journey through Vietnam on a budget.

Day 1: Hanoi - The Adventure Begins

We landed in Hanoi and immediately felt the city's vibrant energy. Our first mission? Crossing the street. It’s wild, but you just have to go with the flow of traffic. After successfully navigating the streets, we indulged in our first bowl of pho. The key to finding the best pho? Look for a stern-looking auntie with a large vat of broth, a tiny storefront, plastic chairs, a boiled menu, and a short distance from the kitchen to the table.

Next, we tried the famous egg coffee. This sweet, marshmallow-like concoction was born out of necessity during the war when milk was rationed. It’s a testament to the resilience and innovation of the Vietnamese people.

We spent the rest of the day exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and indulging in more local delicacies like bun cha and nem (spring rolls). We ended the night with a mesmerizing water puppet show, a unique cultural experience that left us in awe.

Day 2: More of Hanoi

We started our day with laughter yoga by Hoan Kiem Lake, a hilarious and heartwarming experience. After a hearty breakfast of fresh donuts, we visited St. Joseph’s Cathedral and enjoyed coffee with a view.

Our next stop was the Hoa Lo Prison, a somber reminder of Vietnam’s turbulent history. We then visited the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the Presidential Palace to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh.
We ended our day at the Imperial Citadel, a place of political power for centuries, and enjoyed a delicious Vietnamese BBQ by the river.

Day 3-4: Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

We embarked on a journey to Halong Bay, but our bus never came. After a series of transportation adventures, we finally made it to Cat Ba Island and boarded our overnight cruise. The views were breathtaking, and the experience was worth every penny.

We kayaked through the serene waters, enjoyed a family-style meal, and even tried our hand at squid fishing. The next morning, we continued our adventure with more kayaking and a relaxing cruise before heading to Ninh Binh.

Day 5-6: Ninh Binh - The Hidden Gem

We arrived in Ninh Binh late at night and were welcomed by the magical scenery. We spent the next day biking through the stunning landscapes, visiting ancient temples, and taking a boat tour through the Trang An Grottoes.

We climbed to the top of Hang Mua Cave for a panoramic view of the area and ended the day with a fun night out with new friends, singing karaoke on a bus.

Day 7: Hue - The Imperial City

After a long train ride, we arrived in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. We explored the Imperial City, visited the Thien Mu Pagoda, and took a dragon boat ride down the Perfume River.

Day 8-9: Hoi An - The Ancient Town

We took a train to Da Nang and then a bus to Hoi An, a charming town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture. We wandered through the lantern-lit streets, enjoyed delicious street food, and even celebrated Lisa’s birthday with an ATV adventure and a cooking class.

Day 10: Da Nang - The Coastal City

We spent a relaxing day in Da Nang, enjoying the beach, the infinity pool at our hotel, and the vibrant nightlife. We also witnessed the famous Dragon Bridge show, where a dragon breathes fire and water.

Day 11-12: Saigon - The Bustling Metropolis

Our final stop was Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). We navigated the chaotic streets, visited the Ben Thanh Market, and enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Saigon River. We also explored the city’s historical landmarks and indulged in more delicious food.

Day 13: Farewell Vietnam

On our last day, we reflected on our incredible journey. Vietnam has shown us its beauty, resilience, and the warmth of its people. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, the hidden gems of Ninh Binh, the historical richness of Hue, the charm of Hoi An, the coastal beauty of Da Nang, and the vibrant energy of Saigon, every moment was unforgettable.

Vietnam is a country that captivates you with its contrasts and leaves you with memories that last a lifetime. If you ever get the chance to visit, take it. You won’t regret it.

Thank you for following along on our 13-day adventure through Vietnam on a budget. Until next time, happy travels!