Daily Budget
$30–$55
USD per day
Recommended
5 days
min 3 days
Best Time
October–April
cooler and drier
Hanoi is Vietnam's chaotic, charming capital. The Old Quarter is a maze of streets each named for the trade it once sold. Egg coffee, bun cha, banh mi, and Ha Long Bay day trips — Hanoi rewards slow exploration and adventurous eating.
$30–$55/day
Hostel dorms, street food, free attractions, local transport
$55–$100/day
Private room, sit-down restaurants, paid attractions, Uber
$100+/day
Boutique hotels, nice restaurants, tours, premium experiences
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City better for first-timers?
Hanoi is more historical and traditional; HCMC is bigger and more modern. North to south (or reverse) makes a great full Vietnam trip.
Is Ha Long Bay worth it from Hanoi?
Absolutely — it's one of the world's most spectacular natural landscapes. Do a 2-night cruise to get beyond the day-tripper crowds.
How cheap is Vietnam really?
Pho for $1, banh mi for $0.80, hostel dorms from $6/night. Vietnam is comfortably the best-value destination in Southeast Asia.
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