Hanoi on a Budget: 2 Days of Culture & Cuisine

Discover the charm of Hanoi on a budget-friendly trip.

21 June 2023

Hanoi, Vietnam is an affordable destination filled with vibrant culture and delicious cuisine that won't break the bank. Visitors can stay in hostels or budget hotels, take public transportation, and enjoy street food for a cheap and authentic experience. With plenty of free or low-cost attractions like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature, Hanoi offers a fantastic trip for those on a limited budget.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Quarter

  • Start the day with a cheap, delicious banh mi sandwich from Banh Mi 25.
  • Join a walking tour of the Old Quarter to see the narrow streets and ancient architecture.
  • Visit the Temple of Literature to learn about Vietnam's history and education system.
  • Lunch at Bun Cha Ta, where Obama famously dined with Anthony Bourdain.
  • Afternoon coffee break at Cafe Giang, famous for its egg coffee.
  • Evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the local people practicing tai chi and ballroom dancing.
  • Hotel recommendation: Central Backpackers Hostel affordable, central location and friendly staff.
Day 2

Cultural Sites and Street Food

  • Early morning visit to the Long Bien Bridge to watch the sunrise and witness the daily life of fishermen and farmers.
  • Breakfast at Pho Thin, reputed as serving the best pho in Hanoi.
  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about the life of Vietnam's beloved leader.
  • Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong, serving a delectable fish dish famous in Hanoi.
  • Afternoon trip to the Museum of Ethnology to discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups.
  • End the day with a street food tour in the bustling alleys of the Old Quarter, sampling local favorites like Banh Cuon and Bun Rieu.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hanoi Culture Hostel centrally located, clean and comfortable rooms at a good price.
  • Hanoi is a city filled with history, culture, and delicious food that won't break the bank. Follow this itinerary for a budget-friendly and memorable trip.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hanoi, Vietnam by plane is to fly into Noi Bai International Airport, located approximately 28 kilometers from the city center. Multiple airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Qantas Airways, and Air Asia operate flights to Hanoi from major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Hanoi, Vietnam is an option for those who have access to a vehicle, but it may not be the safest or most convenient method. The main entry point from neighboring countries such as China and Laos is the Friendship Pass, which requires drivers to obtain the necessary permits and documentation beforehand.

Train

While it is possible to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam by train, it is not the most efficient method. Trains from neighboring countries such as China and Cambodia may stop at Hanoi Railway Station, but it is still a long and slow journey due to infrastructure limitations.

Boat

While Hanoi, Vietnam does not have a direct port for international travel, it is possible to take a boat from other coastal cities in Vietnam such as Halong Bay or Haiphong. These cities have ports where boats and ferries can transport passengers to Hanoi along the Red River Delta.

Bus

Traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam by bus is possible from neighboring cities and provinces, but it is not the most comfortable or efficient option. Bus stations such as My Dinh Bus Station and Giap Bat Bus Station serve as major hubs for public buses in Hanoi and its surroundings.

Destination

Hanoi

Welcome to the bustling city where scooters roam free and the traffic never seems to give up. Get ready to dodge your way through the streets and try some delicious pho along the way!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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