Vietnam is not an expensive place to visit. In fact, it’s a dream come true for budget travellers who are looking to get the most out of their hard-earned dollars. But despite it being a cheap country to visit, it’s important that you come prepared, especially if you’re planning to stay longer. If you’re not prepared, you could end up spending way beyond your travel budget. So here are some tips on how to travel Vietnam on a budget.

Explore the City on a Motorbike

Two tourists riding motorbike on road

If you are going to visit some of the major cities of Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, one way to save on your travel budget is to rent a motorbike! Dubbed as the motorbike country, you’ll find millions of motorbikes running around the streets of Vietnam every single day. And since there are so many motorbikes, you should be able to rent one at a very cheap price.

If you’re staying for several months, consider buying a secondhand motorbike that costs less than $400 only, which you can resell when the time comes that you will leave the country. Driving on a motorbike will surely save you a lot on your daily transportation costs.

However, you must have a valid International Driving License to rent one, or you’ll be slap with a hefty fine if you get caught driving without a license. Furthermore, the roads in Vietnam have many potholes so you have to be careful when driving. Above all, make sure you get a good helmet and secure reliable travel insurance.

Stay in a Budget Hotel

Stay in a Budget Hotel

There are plenty of cheap accommodation options in Vietnam. After all, it’s a haven for backpackers and budget travelers. But in order to save a good amount of money for your Vietnam accommodation, it’s a good idea to book your hotel as early as possible. Keep an eye out for deals, especially for long-term stays.  If you will simply show up at the hotel’s door upon your arrival, they will assume that you are in desperate need of a bed and have no other options, so they will quote you a higher rate.

The cheapest options for an accommodation in Vietnam are backpacker hostels where you get to sleep in bunk beds and share the entire room with several other travellers. While this might seem like a great way to meet new friends and exchange travel tales with fellow travelers, you will not have your own privacy and personal space.

Another great option for an affordable accommodation in Vietnam is staying at a local homestay. This is usually cheaper and you may be able to live with a local family, which is a great way to learn more about the local culture. If you’re lucky, your host might even show you around the city for free!

Eat at Street Foods

Vietnamese street food in Ho Chi Minh city

You can save a significant amount of money on food in Vietnam if you will choose to eat at street foods and local restaurants. If you take time to explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, you should be able to find plenty of food stalls selling local meals for less than a dollar.

Try to avoid eating at places that cater to tourists, since the prices here are understandably expensive. Vietnam has lots of delicious local foods, such as the piping hot bowl of Pho, Vietnamese rolls, Banh mi, and other tasty treats that are very affordable.

If you’re staying at an apartment that has a functional kitchen, you can shop at the local markets for fresh produce and cook your own food! Like most Southeast Asian countries, fruits and vegetables are in abundance in Vietnam and you can buy them at very cheap prices.

Apply for a Visa in Advance

Vietnamese visa and tickets in a passport

So you have decided to travel to Vietnam, you’ve done your research and you have booked your hotels. But did you ever think about your visa? Remember that as a general rule, visitors to Vietnam must have a valid visa to enter the country, except if you’re from one of those countries that enjoy a visa exemption.

If you want to know if you require a visa to Vietnam, check out https://www.evisa-vietnam.com/steps-to-get-vietnam-visa/. Operated by a licensed tour operator that specializes in Vietnam Visa processing for all foreigners, this website is very useful.  The process of applying for a visa to Vietnam changes from time to time so it’s important that you are updated with the latest. eVisa-Vietnam.com provides accurate and up to date information about visa processing, including a list of requirements needed to obtain a visa, depending on your nationality. You can also request for your visa to be processed in advance for a minimal fee.

So if you want a hassle-free and affordable vacation in Vietnam, these tips should get you covered.

Vietnam visa on arrival office in Da Nang Airport