Traveller

Have you ever dreamed of exploring a country where emerald rivers meet lantern-lit streets, where every corner smells of sizzling street food, and every smile feels like a warm invitation? The good news is, there is a smart way for cheap travel in Vietnam 2026 that lets you enjoy all the wonders of Vietnam tourism without overspending. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, this guide will show you how to plan, save, and experience Vietnam beautifully, affordably, and wisely.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam for Cheap and Smart Travel

• High Season (September–April): The weather is great, but you can also expect more crowds and higher prices. A hotel room and a city tour can cost you up to 1,200,000 VND (₹4,000) per night.
• Low Season (May–August):  Sometimes rainfall could happen, but it is still the best time to visit Vietnam to take advantage of fewer tourists and prices that drop by 40% quite often. A 1,200,000 VND (₹4,000) room could only cost you 700,000 VND (₹2,400).

Tip: The shoulder months from March to May and September to November are the best balance for nice weather, fewer people, and more affordable flights.

How to Book Vietnam Flights, Hotels & Transport Smartly for Budget Travel 

Flights

• Vietnamese airfares can vary a lot depending on when you book, sometimes quite dramatically.
  With a little planning, you can save big on flights.
• Round-trip tickets from India can drop to ₹15,000–₹20,000 (4.5–6 million VND) if you travel during off-shoulder seasons.
• Flights are usually cheaper during weekdays compared to weekends. Avoid major holidays like the Tet Festival, when affordable flights are almost impossible to find.

Accommodation

• Hostels: Cheap and great for backpackers, around ₹800–₹1,500 (230,000–440,000 VND) per night.

• Mid-range hotels: Comfortable and offering all the necessary facilities, ₹2,000–₹4,000 (580,000–1.2 million VND) per night.
• Boutique homestays: Nice, local, and full of warmth and charm, ₹1,500–₹2,500 (440,000–730,000 VND) per night.

 Tip: Are you going to stay for more than three nights? If you ask, you will get some type of discount. The majority of homestays or small hotels will gladly give you a lower rate.

Getting Around

• Night Buses: Long routes cost ₹800–₹2,400 (230,000–700,000 VND). The journey will take place while you are asleep, and you will also save on the hotel.
• Sleeper Trains: Comfortable and beautiful, money-wise ₹2,400–₹4,000 (700,000–1.2 million VND).
• Domestic Flights: A ticket during low season, e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang, will be priced starting from around ₹2,500 (730,000 VND).

Tip: Consider booking your ride from Grab. It is less costly and more secure, and it also enables you to keep an eye on your ride, no surprises.

Vietnamese Street Food on a Budget: Eat Like a Local

Vietnamese street food is an explosion of flavours for travellers. The food is cheap, fresh, and delicious. Here’s what you should definitely do:

• Pho: Take a bite of this iconic noodle soup. It can be done for just ₹70-₹150 (20,000-50,000 VND). The broth and the tender meat make it the best street food in Vietnam.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh, crunchy, and full of vegetables, spring rolls are a great food if you are in a hurry and want a quick snack. The cost of one portion starts from approximately ₹50 (15,000 VND).
• Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà phê sữa đá): Sweet, concentrated, and cool, this coffee is the best solution when you need to energise during the day. Try it at Cong Caphe in Hanoi, one of the best coffee shops in Vietnam. The cost for such a pleasure should be ₹70-₹100 (20,000-30,000 VND).

Money-Saving Tips & Vietnam Budget Travel Hacks for 2026

• Dealing with Vietnamese dong might seem complicated due to the high number of zeros, but it’s quite simple if you are aware of certain tricks. Do the INR to USD conversion at your place and then exchange USD for VND when you are in Vietnam. This way, you will save from 10 to 15% of your money.
• Keep some small banknotes of 10,000–100,000 VND with you to buy street food at the local markets and from small vendors, so that you can always give the exact change back.
• Make your ATM withdrawals work for you because every time you withdraw money, you will be charged a fee of about 60,000 VND (₹200). It is better to do it at once so that you will save both money and time.
• Nowadays, many people use digital wallets such as MoMo and ZaloPay that are accepted in cafes and shops. These wallets sometimes provide small discounts along with quick and easy transactions.
• Whether it’s a local SIM or an eSIM, you can get one as cheap as ₹499 (150,000 VND) for 5–10 GB. Besides Viettel, which is the largest and most popular network, there are two other worthy providers in Vietnam are Vinaphone and Mobifone, which are reliable and cheap.

Vietnam Travel Budget Breakdown 2026: How Much to Spend Daily

Type of Traveller	Daily Budget (INR)	Daily Budget (VND)	What It Covers
Backpacker	₹6,500–₹8,500	1.8–2.4 million	Hostels, buses, street food, sightseeing
Comfort Traveler	₹10,000–₹12,500	2.8–3.5 million	Mid-range hotels, restaurants, and domestic flights
Family / Group	₹8,000–₹10,000 per person	2.3–2.9 million	Shared rooms, private transfers, guided tours

Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in Vietnam: Smart Way to Travel Cheaply

Vietnam has many such adventures which are quite affordable and would still create a lot of lasting memories.

• Wander Hoi An Ancient Town: Get lost in the streets full of lanterns, the old buildings, and the riverside, which are all very charming. All this wonder is just ₹0–₹250 (up to 70,000 VND) in cost.
• Hike Fansipan Mountain in Sapa: Go up the highest peak of Vietnam and indulge in stunning views of the mountain covered with fog. It is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, and the cost is approximately ₹1,200 (350,000 VND) for entry and trekking.
• Explore Mekong Delta Floating Markets: See the colourful boats that come floating by, eat the local products, and immerse yourself in the authentic village life for ₹500–₹1,000 (150,000–300,000 VND).
• Free Walking Tours: Experience the hidden alleys, lively street art, and local stories in big cities without spending a single cent.

Tip: Take a Ha Long Bay cruise for an epic experience, and the cost would be around ₹6,000–₹9,000 (1.7–2.6 million VND). What makes it unforgettable are the sunsets, the limestone cliffs, and the shimmering water.

Cultural Tips, Vietnam Visa Info & Safety for Budget Travellers

1. Travelling in Vietnam is as much about experiencing the culture as it is about sightseeing. Dress modestly in temples, covering shoulders and knees, and always remove shoes in homes and pagodas to show respect.
2. Stay calm in public and keep conversations polite, as locals value courtesy over arguments. Carry your hotel card, and a simple “Cảm ơn” (thank you) goes a long way in daily interactions.
3. Plan with essentials like your e-Visa and travel insurance to reduce stress while exploring. Vietnam is generally very safe, but always keep bags zipped in crowded areas to avoid minor mishaps.
4. Remember the golden rules: save on transport and accommodation but splurge on experiences. Be flexible with your travel dates and respect local culture to make your journey smoother and more memorable.

Conclusion – The Smart Way to Travel Vietnam Cheaply in 2026

Travelling in Vietnam can be unforgettable without emptying your wallet. By planning wisely, embracing local experiences, and choosing cost-effective options for food, transport, and accommodation, every journey becomes richer. Following this smart way for cheap travel in Vietnam ensures you enjoy the best sights, culture, and flavours while staying budget-savvy and making memories that last a lifetime. To have an experience of a lifetime! Pickyourtrail is here for you. Plan your trip hassle-free and book your personalised Vietnam packages now.

FAQs

1. What is the best way for cheap travel cheaply in Vietnam in 2026?
The best way for cheap travel in Vietnam in 2026 is to plan smart, book early, and enjoy local street food and budget-friendly experiences.

2. When is the cheapest time to visit Vietnam for budget travellers?
The cheapest time to visit Vietnam is during the low season or shoulder months for affordable flights, hotels, and fewer crowds.

3. How much does it cost to travel in Vietnam on a budget daily?
Daily budget travel in Vietnam ranges from ₹6,500 to ₹12,500 depending on backpacker, comfort, or family travel styles.

4. What are the must-try cheap Vietnamese street foods for travellers?
Must-try cheap Vietnamese street foods include Pho, spring rolls, and Cà phê sữa đá, perfect for budget travellers in Vietnam.