Backpacking Vietnam for $25 a Day
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh DIY Itinerary (First-Timers Guide)
Why Go Backpacking in Vietnam?
Backpacking Vietnam for $25 a day is not a dream — it’s real!
Vietnam is one of Asia’s most budget-friendly destinations, perfect for first-time travellers. With delicious street food, stunning scenery, and easy transport, you can explore from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City without spending much.
You’ll find cheap hostels, low-cost transport, easy visas, and friendly locals everywhere.
🗓️ 10–14 Day DIY Vietnam Itinerary (North to South)
🏙️ Day 1–2: Hanoi – Street Food & History
Things to Do:
- Explore the Old Quarter, Train Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Visit the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Try Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee at local street stalls.
Where to Stay:
- Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel ($10) – free breakfast & pub crawl.
- Little Charm Hostel ($12) – comfy beds & small poo
Getting Around:
- Use Grab or Be apps for safe rides.
Scam Alert:
🚫 Avoid unmetered taxis and random tour sellers.
✅ Use Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi brands only.
🛳️ Day 3–4: Ha Long Bay – Cruise the Emerald Waters
How to Get There:
- Shuttle bus from Hanoi (~3.5 hrs, $12).
- Trusted carriers: Good Morning Cat Ba, Luxury Van Hanoi–Ha Long.
Top Activities:
- Day cruise or 2D/1N boat trip around Ha Long or Cat Ba Island.
- Kayaking and visiting limestone caves.
Stay:
- Cat Ba Central Hostel – $10/night near the pier. Or book your choice on Booking.com
Travel Tip:
🛥️ Book cruises directly through hostels — cheaper than online!
🌾 Day 5–6: Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on Land”
Getting There:
- Train or bus from Hanoi (~2 hrs, $5).
- Recommended trains: SE5 or SE7 (Vietnam Railways).
Must-See:
- Boat ride in Tam Coc.
- Hike Mua Cave Viewpoint.
- Visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
Stay:
- Trang An Valley Bungalow ($10) – breakfast + pool view. Or book your choice on Booking.com
Getting Around:
- Rent a bicycle for $2/day.
🏯 Day 7–8: Hue – Ancient Citadel City
Getting There:
- Overnight sleeper bus (~11 hrs, $18) or train. Vietnam Railways
- Trusted operators: The Sinh Tourist, Hoang Long, Queen Cafe.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Imperial Citadel & Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Sample Bun Bo Hue, the spicy noodle soup.
Stay:
- Hue Happy Homestay ($9) – friendly family host.
🎐 Day 9–10: Hoi An – Lanterns & Local Charm
Getting There:
- Train/bus to Da Nang (~3 hrs, $5), then taxi/bus to Hoi An (~$2).
- Carriers: Hoi An Express, Camel Travel.
What to Do:
- Walk through Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO site).
- Join a lantern-making class.
- Visit An Bang Beach.
Stay:
- Tribee Bana Hostel ($10) – free tour + breakfast.
Scam Tip:
🚫 Some tailors charge extra for “premium fabric.”
✅ Read Google reviews first.
🌆 Day 11–14: Ho Chi Minh City – The Big Finish
Getting There:
- Fly Da Nang → HCMC (~$35).
- Carriers: VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines.
- Or overnight bus (~16 hrs, $25).
Top Things to Do:
- War Remnants Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Thanh Market
- Bui Vien Walking Street
Stay:
- The Like Hostel & Café ($12) – rooftop breakfast + good location.
Safety Tip:
👜 Keep valuables close; pickpockets operate in markets.
🚍 Recommended Transport Options
| Mode | Route | Cost | Recommended Carriers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Bus | Hanoi → Hue / Hoi An | $15–25 | The Sinh Tourist, Queen Cafe | Saves a night’s stay |
| Train | Hanoi → HCMC | $35–50 | Vietnam Railways | Scenic but slow |
| Domestic Flight | Da Nang → HCMC | $30–40 | VietJet, Bamboo Airways | Fastest option |
| Local Ride | Within cities | $1–2 | Grab, Be App | Safe & convenient |
| Bicycle / Scooter | Ninh Binh, Hoi An | $2–6/day | Local rentals | Inspect before renting |
💵 Budget Breakdown (per day)
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10 |
| Food & Drinks | $8 |
| Transport | $5 |
| Entry Fees / Activities | $2 |
| Total | ≈ $25/day |
🛂 Visa & Entry Information
- Visa Type: Single-entry e-Visa (30 days).
- Cost: $25 USD.
- Apply at: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ (official site).
- Processing Time: 3–5 working days.
- Required documents: Passport valid for 6 months, 1 digital photo, and travel dates
- Entry Points: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh (air) or selected land borders. (Refer Below)
🧾 Tip: Always print a copy of your e-Visa. Some land border points require physical proof.
🚧 Vietnam Land Border Crossings
Vietnam – Cambodia
| Border | Closest Cities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moc Bai / Bavet | Ho Chi Minh ↔ Phnom Penh | Most used, easy bus route |
| Tinh Bien / Phnom Den | Chau Doc ↔ Phnom Penh | Mekong route |
| Ha Tien / Prek Chak | Phu Quoc ↔ Kampot | Coastal crossing |
Vietnam – Laos
| Border | Closest Cities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cau Treo / Nam Phao | Vinh ↔ Vientiane | Common route |
| Na Meo / Nam Xoi | Thanh Hoa ↔ Sam Neua | Remote but scenic |
| Lao Bao / Dansavanh | Hue ↔ Savannakhet | Easy for central travellers |
Vietnam – China
| Border | Closest Cities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lao Cai / Hekou | Sapa ↔ Kunming | Scenic & popular |
| Huu Nghi / Youyi Guan | Hanoi ↔ Nanning | Major trade route |
| Mong Cai / Dongxing | Ha Long ↔ Guangxi | Coastal option |
💳 Money & Transaction Tips
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- Exchange Rate: $1 ≈ 24,000–25,000 VND.
- Payment: Cash preferred. ATMs common in all cities.
- Best Banks: Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank.
- ATM Limit: ~2–3 million VND per withdrawal.
- Avoid scams: Only exchange at banks or airport counters.
Pro Tip:
Use Wise (TransferWise) or Revolut for better exchange rates and no ATM fees.
⚠️ Common Scams in Vietnam
| Scam | Description | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi overcharging | Drivers use fake meters | Use Grab or Mai Linh taxis |
| Fake tours | Non-existent cruises or tickets | Book through hostel |
| Currency confusion | 500k vs 50k notes look alike | Check notes carefully |
| Motorbike rental scam | “Damage” charges | Take photos before renting |
| Street pickpockets | In markets & Bui Vien | Keep bags in front |
💬 Quick Travel Tips
✅ SIM Card: Buy Viettel or Mobifone SIM ($5 for 10GB).
✅ Wi-Fi: Free and fast in most cafés and hostels.
✅ Water: Always drink bottled water.
✅ Power Plug: Type A, C, or F.
✅ Language: Learn basic Vietnamese greetings — locals love it!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Vietnam is the perfect first-time backpacking destination — safe, exciting, and cheap.
For just $25 a day, you can explore beautiful landscapes, delicious street food, and friendly locals, traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City without joining a tour.
With simple visa rules, great hostels, and easy border crossings, Vietnam should be on every budget traveller’s list.
Vietnam is the perfect first DIY travel destination: friendly, affordable, and full of adventure.
⚖️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Travel details, visa regulations, prices, and transport schedules may change without notice. Always verify the latest information from official government and transport websites before booking. Bhoppers.com does not guarantee accuracy or availability of third-party services mentioned herein.
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Travel Responsibly:
Always respect local culture, wildlife, and community guidelines. Your choices as a traveler help protect destinations for future visitors.
