Vietnam - A gem in Asia!
Discover Vietnam: A Budget Traveler’s Dream
Vietnam throws all its energy and diversity into the melting pot, and the result is a country that offers something to everyone (picturesque landscapes, history, great food, and street culture that’s as alive as they come). The bonus? You don’t need to break the bank doing it. Want to explore Southeast Asia on a budget? Vietnam is one of your best options.
Things to See and Do
Vietnam varies from the noise of Hanoi to the beaches of Phú Quốc.
1. Ha Long Bay: Emerald water lapping close to towering karst islands in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an experience not to miss. Although luxurious overnight cruises abound, it’s possible to take a budget day tour which includes an overnight stay on a boat for around $10.
2. Hanoi’s Old Quarter: These days Hanoi is the nation’s bustling centre of commerce and culture. Walk the historic, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter, or visit the lakeside Hoan Kiem (‘Returned Sword’) Lake, or the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university.
3. Hoi An Ancient Town: A wonderfully preserved trading port with a mixed cultural heritage, Hoi An is as delightful to walk around as it is atmospheric, especially in the evenings when the lanterns are lit up. You can get your clothes tailor-made here and explore the myriad of street market stalls.
4.) Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: This UNESCO site has some seriously impressive caves and karst mountains. You can tackle the world’s largest cave, Sơn Đoòng or its more affordable siblings like Phong Nha Cave.
5. Cu Chi Tunnels: Head to this colossal network of underground tunnels where the Viet Cong resided to learn more about Vietnam’s history. It gives a unique insight into the challenges during the Vietnam War.
Tips for Shopping on a Budget:
Local markets in Vietnam are fun place to shop but also the most interesting part of budget backpacking this country. Lucky me, here you may find a lot of interesting price rules for backpackers.
- Haggle, but respectfully: at pretty much any market, haggling is de rigueur, especially when you are shopping around for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An’s night market. Start by offering half of what the vendor asks.
- Stickropical tourist shops spring up like moss in every major city:, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. If you want anything from Vietnamese lacquerware to silk scarves or antiquities, ask around for a local shop. If that fails, you can go to a shop run by the government, which is much cheaper.
- Surprisingly reasonable priced: Hoi An is world-famous for its custom-tailored clothing. Have a suit or dress made for a fraction of what you’d spend back home but make sure to check reviews and shop around to find a look of.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes
Vietnamese food popular cuisines in the world – but nothing tastes better than it does in Vietnam, and almost
- This ubiquitous noodle soup should cost you a dollar or two at a street stall. Served in a beef or chicken broth, with rice noodles and a platter of fresh herbs, this is a must-try.
- Bánh mì: A delightful French Vietnamese snack, crusty baguette stuffed with a variety of proteins and vegetables: grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables. Great bus or train food.
- Cao lầu: This Hoi An speciality dish of thick noodles, pork, fresh vegetables and crispy croutons in subtle broth has no equal. This is an essential dish while visiting the Ancient Town.
- Bún chả: A dish of grilled pork, noodles and fresh herbs served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce that Obama visited for while in Vietnam.
- Egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): One of Hanoi’s specialities, egg coffee is cosy and sweet, almost like a dessert. We promise it’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before, with egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk and coffee all combined.
Historical Tidbits
The country has a very interesting and complex history demonstrated in its culture, architecture and people.
- Huế: the ancient capital of Vietnam and former home to Vietnam’s emperors - the Imperial City, a huge walled complex of buildings with temple grounds, grand gates and pavilions that will whisk you back in time to the Nguyen Dynasty.
- War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City): a harrowing chronicle of the Vietnam War that does a great job of explaining the country’s tragic history. Not for the squeamish, but essential viewing.
- Fragments of French Colonialism: Notice Vietnam’s French-colonial past in its architecture and food. Stroll through the French Quarter in Hanoi or admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, for example.
Budget Travel Tips
- The Land: If you’re a fan of rocky peaks, you won’t be disappointed, but it’s more winding than Nepal and MUCH less technical. The Ha Giang Lo Sa Pa aren’t as the best in the country (or the world), so consider yourself very fortunate if it’s one of your favourite roads of your entire life. - Getting Around: Vietnam’s bus and train system is cheap and effective. It’s worth checking in on night buses, as they are a great option for the budget-conscious and cover some pretty long stretches of roads.
- Street food is your friend: Almost everywhere you look you’ll find unbelievably tasty food just off the street. And you can have authentic, delicious meals for $1-$3! It’s one of the most inexpensive foodie destinations on earth.
- Hostels and homestays: Hostels are cheap and easy to find (as little as $5-10 a night), but if you want to really integrate with local life and learn more about the culture, try a homestay, especially in the countryside, such as Sapa or the Mekong Delta.
Conclusion:
True, conditions are limited in a
country where cheap tickets, good food and strong coffee remain the most
consistent staples; but natural beauty, history and the best of cheap
eating await the budget traveller at every turn in this country of curious
charms. Whether gliding among the limestone inlets of Ha Long Bay or
bagling for baubles in a Hanoi market, the fragrant aroma of baguette and
Vietnam will fill your head and your wallet.
Pack your bags and set your sights on this awe-inspiring gem of Southeast Asia.
