Hanoi on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Discover the cultural wonders of Vietnam's capital city without breaking the bank in Hanoi.

21 June 2023

A trip to Hanoi, Vietnam on a limited budget is an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and history of the city without breaking the bank. From exploring the busy streets of the Old Quarter to trying delicious street food, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to do. Accommodation options are also plentiful, with hostels and homestays providing affordable options for travelers.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Hanoi

  • Check into Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel and take a nap
  • Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
  • Enjoy a cup of Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang
  • Wander around the Old Quarter's narrow streets
  • Try some street food at Dong Xuan Market
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace
  • Stroll through the beautiful Ba Dinh Square
  • Learn about Vietnamese history at the Vietnam National Museum of History
  • Try traditional Vietnamese dishes at Bun Cha Dac Kim
  • Watch a water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Day 3

Scenic Beauty

  • Take a day trip to the beautiful Halong Bay
  • Visit the Thien Cung Cave and the Dau Go Cave
  • Explore the floating fishing villages
  • Kayak through the bay's stunning limestone cliffs
  • Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch on the boat
Day 4

Foodie Adventures

  • Take a street food tour with Hanoi Street Food Tours
  • Taste the famous "Banh Mi" sandwich at Banh Mi 25
  • Sample some delicious Vietnamese staples like "Pho" and "Banh Xeo"
  • Visit the Hanoi Night Market for some tasty treats
  • Savor a bowl of Bun Bo Nam Bo
Day 5

Local Life

  • Rent a bike and cycle around West Lake
  • Visit the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda
  • Meet local artisans and buy some souvenirs at the Bat Trang pottery village
  • Take a cooking class and learn to make Vietnamese cuisine
  • End the day with a sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar of the La Siesta Trendy Hotel
  • Hanoi is a city full of charm, history, and delicious food. With a limited budget, you can experience the best of what the city has to offer by following this itinerary. From exploring the old quarter to taking a scenic boat ride on Halong Bay, there is something for everyone. And don't forget to try the street food – it's the best way to taste the flavors of Hanoi.

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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