Affordable Tours and Experiences in Vietnam 2026: Budget-Friendly Travel Guide

Explore Vietnam Tourism Without Breaking the Bank

Picture yourself gliding through emerald waters in Halong Bay, wandering the bustling streets of Hanoi, or trekking through terraced rice fields in Sapa—all without straining your budget. Vietnam tourism promises unforgettable adventures, from limestone cliffs in Ninh Binh to vibrant night markets and the serene waterways of the Mekong Delta. With Affordable Tours and Experiences in Vietnam, you can immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, discovering the country’s highlights in a wallet-friendly way while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Top Vietnam Tours and Experiences with Prices

Experience	Typical Price	Best For	Duration
City Highlights & Street Food Walks	INR1,200–5,600 / 375,000–1,750,000 VND	Solo travellers, families, foodies	Half-day to full-day
Halong Bay – 1-Day Cruise	INR 4,300 / 1,400,000 VND	Couples, small groups, nature lovers	1 day
Halong Bay – 2 DAY/1 NIGHT Cruise	INR9,500–12,000 / 3,000,000–3,750,000 VND	Couples, small groups, adventure seekers	2 days
Sapa Homestay	INR950–4,800 / 250,000–1,250,000 VND	Cultural explorers, nature lovers	1–2 nights
Multi-Day Treks (Sapa/North)	INR 950–4,800/night / 250,000–1,250,000 VND	Adventure seekers, trekkers	2–4 days
Cooking & Food Tours (Hoi An, Hanoi)	INR1,200–4,800 / 375,000–1,500,000 VND	Food enthusiasts, families	2–4 hours to a full day
Mekong Delta Day/Overnight Trip	INR2,400–5,600 / 750,000–1,750,000 VND	Culture seekers, families	1–2 days

Explore Vietnam by Region: Affordable Adventures Await

Hanoi & Ninh Binh – Streets and Scenic Rivers

Experience the vibrant life of Hanoi streets that are full of energy and the sounds of motorbikes and markets. After that, you can take a break in Ninh Binh, where the peaceful rivers of Ngo Dong and Tam Coc, known to be the best rivers in Vietnam, are surrounded by the green valleys and high limestone cliffs.

• Cost: INR1,200–9,600 / 375,000–3,000,000 VND
• Best Time: October–December & March–May
• Location: Hanoi city & Ninh Binh province

2. Halong Bay & Lan Ha – Cruise Through Emerald Waters

Glide through Halong Bay’s dreamlike seascape, where limestone cliffs rise from emerald waters and hidden caves whisper old legends. Sail for a day or stay overnight to chase sunsets and kayak through serene waters. It is one of the top things to do in Vietnam, offering breathtaking scenery and unforgettable moments.

• Cost: INR4,300 / 1,400,000 VND (1-day) | INR9,500–12,000 / 3,000,000–3,750,000 VND (2-day/1-night) 
•  Best Time: October–December & March–May
• Location: Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay, Quang Ninh province

3. Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi – History, Culture, and Nightlife

Explore the Cu Chi tunnels and see the past that was kept underground. During a motorbike food tour, enjoy a ride through Ho Chi Minh City’s lively streets at night. It is the best place to visit in southern Vietnam for a combination of adventure, culture, and street food.

• Cost: INR1,200–4,800 / 375,000–1,500,000 VND (Cu Chi) | INR1,600–4,000 / 500,000–1,250,000 VND (Night food tour)
• Best Time: November–April
• Location: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi district

4. Hoi An / Da Nang / Hue – Culinary Delights and Lantern Magic

Walk around the lantern-decorated streets of Hoi An and enjoy the delightful ancient town. Try the best street foods of Vietnam, such as Cao Lau (noodle dish), Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), and White Rose dumpling, during a cooking class or a market tour. Such an experience is a perfect mix of culture and the delicious tastes of the Vietnamese street food.

• Cost: INR1,200–4,800 / 375,000–1,500,000 VND per class
• Best Time: January–August
• Location: Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue

5. Sapa & Highlands – Trekking and Authentic Homestays

Sapa Vietnam Farm

Walk through terraces of rice fields covered in fog and discover mountain villages that are far away from the crowd. Live in comfortable homestays operated by hospitable local families. Each step you take is a dive into the real culture and nature that takes your breath away.

• Cost: INR950–4,800 / 250,000–1,250,000 VND per night; multi-day trek packages available
• Best Time: October–December & March–May
• Location: Sapa, Lao Cai province

6. Mekong Delta / Can Tho – Life on the Water

Travel along calm canals packed with floating markets and villages by the river. Eat fresh local products, and enjoy shopping in Vietnam as if you were a local. The Mekong Delta is a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and peace.

• Cost: INR2,400–5,600 / 750,000–1,750,000 VND
• Best Time: November–April
• Location: Mekong Delta, Can Tho

3-Day Hanoi and Halong Bay Itinerary for Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Street Food

• Morning: Upon arrival in Hanoi, dive into the lively experience of a walk across the Old Quarter. Explore the bustling streets and florid shops, and then visit Hoan Kiem Lake, which will offer you a relaxed atmosphere out of the vibrant city. 
•  Afternoon: Take a street food tour and try local specialities like Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and Banh Mi (baguette sandwich). 
• Evening: Chill out close to Hoan Kiem Lake or attend a traditional water puppet show to get an insight into Vietnamese culture

Total Estimated Cost Day 1: VND 500,000–1,000,000 / INR 1,600–3,200

Day 2: Halong Bay – Scenic Cruise Adventure

• Morning: Move to Halong Bay and get on a day cruise. Drive past towering cliffs and check out the caves that are not accessible from the land; all the while, enjoy the calm and beautiful green waters of the bay. 
• Afternoon: Make an appearance in any of the chosen activities, such as kayaking or swimming. Reserve the deck for yourself if you wish to capture the picturesque views. 
• Evening: On your way back to Hanoi, enjoy a beautiful sunset over Halong Bay. 

Total Estimated Cost Day 2: VND 1,400,000 / INR 4,300

Day 3: Hanoi Culture and Departure

• Morning: Step into Hanoi and go to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature to find out more about Vietnam of the past and its heritage. 
• Afternoon: Delve into local markets for a bit of shopping or attend a cooking class to learn the art of making traditional Vietnamese dishes. 
• Evening: Cap off your getaway by taking a flight out of Hanoi or moving on to your next destination. 

Total Estimated Cost Day 3: VND 600,000 / INR 1,850

Tips for Enjoying Affordable Tours in Vietnam

• Coordinate your trip around the weather by checking the different seasons for each area. For instance, the north is good between October and December and from March to May, while the south is perfect from November to April.
• It is always a good idea to buy your tour directly from the local operators to save some money. Food street walks, cruises, and homestays are usually less expensive if you arrange them locally.
• You should also carry enough cash in the local currency so that the transactions will be smooth. Small vendors and markets hardly accept cards.
• Combine paid and free activities to keep your budget intact. For instance, walking on lantern-filled streets or going to a lake can be great free alternatives to costly tours such as Halong Bay cruises.
• Wear practical clothes and comfortable shoes. Things like water, some snacks, and a light rain jacket can make your journey comfortable and less expensive.

Conclusion – Memorable and Affordable Vietnam Experiences

Vietnam is full of amazing things to do that won’t break your bank. Its vibrant streets of Hanoi and the peaceful waters of Halong Bay, actually, have always been the 2 extremes, but they are connected by laughter, culture, and taste. With Affordable Tours and Experiences in Vietnam, there’s no doubt you could take in stunning nature and sample delicious food. Hence, get ready, keep being inquisitive, and allow Vietnam to mesmerise you with unforgettable experiences. So, what are you all waiting for? Pickyourtrail is here for you! Book your Vietnam family tour packages now for a hassle-free trip.

FAQs

1. What are the best cheap Vietnam tours for 2026?

Top cheap Vietnam tours in 2026 include Halong Bay cruises, Hanoi street food walks, and Sapa trekking. These tours offer rich Vietnam tourism experiences without overspending.

2. When is the best season for budget-friendly Vietnam travel?

The best budget-friendly Vietnam travel season is October–December and March–May in the north and November–April in the south. Travellers enjoy great weather and low prices.

3. How can I book affordable Vietnam tours without overspending?

Booking directly with local operators and joining small-group tours ensures affordable Vietnam tours. Combining free activities like markets or lantern walks keeps costs low.

4. What are the top low-cost experiences in Vietnam for travellers?

Lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Mekong Delta floating markets, and Sapa homestays are low-cost experiences in Vietnam. These activities let travellers enjoy culture, food, and nature affordably.