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Affordable travel in Vietnam? What do backpackers need to prepare?

Hello everyone, I'm a backpacker. I've just had an amazing trip in Vietnam. This is a must-visit destination for young travelers who love exploring scenic spots, experiencing local culture, and especially for those interested in a place that has effectively controlled Covid-19. Language barriers aren't a big issue, and surprisingly, I only spent around $20 per day for meals, accommodation, and entrance fees to attractions. Feel free to ask questions. I'm really excited to share some useful tips for budget travel.

Posted by
8672 posts

Call me suspicious.

OP have you researched the average age of RS Tour members.?

Posted by
3 posts

I'm just someone who enjoys freedom and exploration, loves taking photos, and I also want to find people with similar interests, or simply travel. So, I seem to not understand your question? Could you please help me with an answer?

Posted by
504 posts

My sister visited Vietnam (and Cambodia) earlier this year as part of volunteer project through the World Health Organization, a United Nations Agency. She is a physician and treated patients for three weeks then saw a bit of country: Hanoi, the northeast coast, Ho Chi Minh City and a few other places.

She loved Vietnam. The people were friendly. She loved learning about some of the minority cultures. Her favorite site was the Temple of Literature. She said the cost was inexpensive and food wonderful.

Posted by
610 posts

Thanks for this information. I’m scheduled to travel there in a few months and certainly appreciate knowing about your experience.

Posted by
8672 posts

We ALL like to explore scenic spots and experience local cultures. Those moments define travel.

Have you read Rick Steve’s guide books? Watched his TV Shows? He published his first Europe Through The Backdoor guide in 1980.

Do the math. Thats 42 years ago. The vast majority of his followers are over 50. Given the US history
with Vietnam there is a possibility that some Americans won’t ever set foot there.

🎶War what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!🎶

Now with the internet and the ability and willingness to research anyone can engage in budget travel.

I travel to London nearly every Fall. Have gotten very good at budgeting properly for one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Posted by
3 posts

I have watched his programs, Rick Steves. He is the one who inspires my journeys. However, each place, each trip comes with changes, weather, people, and even food.

Posted by
15584 posts

I visited Vietnam briefly on a cruise with stops in Danang and Saigon. That made me want to go back. So several years later - in 2018 - I went back for 2 weeks. While I can't imagine seeing the country on $20 a day, there are a lot of ways to do it inexpensively and I welcome the OP's encouragement to expand horizons to that part of the world. My first full day in Hanoi I spent $50, including $22 for a real English afternoon tea at a high-end hotel and $13 for a private electric car tour. I stayed at a very nice hotel for $70 a night - double room with balcony, excellent AC and a minifridge, and full delicious rooftop breakfast. In Saigon, I had a spacious corner double room with 2 lovely views of Saigon at night for $75/night. My expenses were similarly low.

Even splurging I don't think I averaged $50/day. I used only taxis and Grab (like Uber) or walked, took small group tours, avoided street food except for fresh fruit - mostly pineapples expertly peeled and cut in front of me. One of the best tips I got before going was to not book tours in advance, it's much much cheaper to book with local tour outfits. I had a wonderful upscale 2-night tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay for $200, included all meals and transportation.