20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Vietnam
Vietnam is a paradise for budget backpackers, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and some of the world's most affordable street food. This epic 20-day journey takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi and the rugged northern mountains down through the historical center to the high-energy metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
By utilizing local sleeper buses, staying in budget-friendly hostels, and eating at sidewalk stalls, you can experience the best of this country for an average daily living cost of just USD 8.20. Prepare for long bus rides, incredible coffee, and the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1: Hanoi, Vietnam - Arrival & Old Quarter
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport
Catch the local #86 orange express bus from the airport to the Old Quarter for a fraction of the price of a taxi.
Check-in at Little Hanoi Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the Old Quarter to maximize walking distance to sites.
Hoan Kiem Lake Stroll
Walk around the legendary 'Lake of the Restored Sword' and see the red Huc Bridge for free from the shore.
Bia Hoi Junction
Experience the world's cheapest beer (Bia Hoi) at the corner of Ta Hien street, a staple of the Hanoi backpacker scene.
Day 2: Hanoi, Vietnam - Historical Free Sights
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Witness the changing of the guard at the Ba Dinh Square. Entry to the complex grounds is free for the public.
Hanoi Train Street
Watch the train pass inches from local houses. It is a free and unique urban experience (just buy a cheap coffee to sit).
West Lake (Tay Ho)
Walk or rent a cheap bicycle to explore the perimeter of Hanoi's largest lake and the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Dong Xuan Night Market
Browse through hundreds of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to street snacks like Bun Cha.
Day 3: Hanoi, Vietnam - Street Food & Culture
St. Joseph's Cathedral
Admire the French Gothic architecture of Hanoi's oldest church located in a trendy, walkable district.
Bun Bo Nam Bo Lunch
Eat a bowl of southern-style beef noodles at a famous local spot for less than $2.50.
Long Bien Bridge
Walk across this historic cantilever bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel for great views of the Red River.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
While not free, the tickets are very affordable and offer a deep dive into traditional Vietnamese folklore.
Day 4: Ha Giang, Vietnam - Into the Mountains
Sleeper Bus to Ha Giang
Take a 6-hour daytime sleeper bus from My Dinh station. It’s the most cost-effective way to reach the north.
Ha Giang City Arrival
Check into a local homestay and meet fellow travelers planning to tackle the northern loop.
Loop Orientation
Attend a free briefing session at your hostel regarding the Ha Giang Loop road conditions and safety.
KM 0 Milestone
Take a photo at the starting point of the 'Happiness Road' before heading for a cheap hotpot dinner.
Day 5: Ha Giang, Vietnam - The Loop Day 1
Bac Sum Pass
Begin the ascent through winding roads and limestone karsts as you enter the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
Heaven’s Gate (Quan Ba)
Stop for the iconic view of the Twin Mountains (Co Tien Mountain) from the observation deck.
Yen Minh Pine Forest
Ride through the cooling pine forests before descending into the town of Yen Minh for the night.
Local Homestay Dinner
Enjoy a family-style 'Happy Water' dinner with a local Tay or Hmong family for a small fee.
Day 6: Ha Giang, Vietnam - The Loop Day 2
Tham Ma Slope
Navigate the famous nine-turn pass, one of the most photographed spots on the entire northern circuit.
Hmong King’s Palace
Visit this historic residence in Sa Phin, built with French and Chinese architectural influences.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Reach the northernmost point of Vietnam overlooking the Chinese border. The view is worth the climb.
Dong Van Ancient Town
Stay in a traditional clay house and explore the old market square at night.
Day 7: Ha Giang, Vietnam - The Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ride the most breathtaking section of the road, carved into the side of a cliff high above the Nho Que River.
Sky Walk Path
For the brave, walk the narrow ridge path for a 360-degree view of the karst mountains.
Meo Vac Market
Visit the bustling mountain market where ethnic minority groups trade livestock and hand-woven textiles.
Night Bus back to Hanoi
Save on a night's accommodation by taking the overnight sleeper bus from Meo Vac back to the capital.
Day 8: Hanoi to Hue, Vietnam - The Iron Silk Road
Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive back in Hanoi, use a public shower at the station, and grab a Banh Mi for breakfast.
Temple of Literature
Visit Vietnam's first national university, a tranquil spot with beautiful gardens and ancient stone turtles.
Coffee at Cafe Giang
Try the original Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung), a rich and creamy Hanoi specialty.
Reunification Express Train
Board the overnight train to Hue. Opt for a hard sleeper to save money while still getting some rest.
Day 9: Hue, Vietnam - Imperial Splendor
Imperial City (The Citadel)
Explore the vast complex that served as the political center of the Nguyen Dynasty for 143 years.
Bun Bo Hue Lunch
Eat the spicy beef noodle soup in its city of origin at a local market stall for under $2.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Visit this seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, accessible via a cheap local boat or bicycle.
Dong Ba Market
Wander through the largest marketplace in Hue for cheap clothes and authentic snacks like Banh Beo.
Day 10: Hue, Vietnam - Royal Tombs & Ruins
Tomb of Khai Dinh
See the most elaborate of the royal tombs, featuring a unique blend of European and Vietnamese design.
Tomb of Minh Mang
Explore the symmetrical architecture and peaceful lakes surrounding this majestic royal burial site.
Abandoned Water Park
Visit the eerie and photogenic Ho Thuy Tien, a popular 'off the beaten path' spot for backpackers.
Walking Street Dinner
Join the youth of Hue for street food and live music along the pedestrianized Chu Van An street.
Day 11: Hoi An, Vietnam - The Hai Van Pass
Tourist Bus to Hoi An
Take the 'Open Bus' which often stops at the Marble Mountains and the Hai Van Pass for photos.
Hoi An Arrival
Check into a homestay near the Ancient Town. Many offer free bicycles for guests to use.
Ancient Town Walk
Walk the yellow-walled streets of this UNESCO site. Most of the town is free to walk through outside of specific houses.
Lantern Market
Watch the colorful lanterns light up the Thu Bon River and release a paper lantern for a few cents.
Day 12: Hoi An, Vietnam - Tailors & Temples
Japanese Covered Bridge
Visit the iconic 16th-century bridge, a symbol of Hoi An's historical Japanese community.
Tailor Consultation
Even if on a budget, browse the fabric markets. Getting a simple shirt made is surprisingly affordable.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Cycle out to the local organic gardens and see traditional farming techniques in action for free.
Cao Lau Dinner
Try the signature dish of Hoi An, made with water from an ancient local well. Eat at the Central Market.
Day 13: Hoi An, Vietnam - Beach & Relaxation
An Bang Beach
Cycle 4km to the coast. Avoid the main entrance parking fees by parking your bike at a local restaurant.
Fresh Seafood Lunch
Grab a cheap grilled fish or calamari from the stalls at the edge of the beach away from the resorts.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Wander the paths near the river to watch the round basket boats spin in the water.
Sleeper Bus to Da Lat
Board the long-haul sleeper bus heading for the Central Highlands. This saves another night of accommodation.
Day 14: Da Lat, Vietnam - The City of Eternal Spring
Arrival in Da Lat
Breathe in the cool mountain air. Walk from the bus station to your hostel to save on taxi fare.
Crazy House
Visit the Hằng Nga Guesthouse, a bizarre, Gaudí-inspired architectural wonder with low entry fees.
Xuan Huong Lake
Take a leisurely walk around the central lake, the heart of this French-influenced hill station.
Da Lat Night Market
Try the 'Vietnamese Pizza' (Banh Trang Nuong) and hot soy milk for a very cheap dinner.
Day 15: Da Lat, Vietnam - Waterfalls & Peaks
Datanla Waterfalls
Take a local bus to the falls. The alpine coaster is fun but walking the trails is free and scenic.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Visit the 'Glass Pagoda' made entirely from colorful fragments of terracotta, glass, and pottery.
Valley of Love
Wander the hillside gardens. While touristy, it offers great views of the surrounding pine forests.
Maze Bar (100 Roofs)
Explore this multi-level bar that is an actual labyrinth. One drink purchase is the price of entry.
Day 16: Da Lat, Vietnam - Rural Highlands
Elephant Falls
Ride a motorbike to one of the most powerful waterfalls in the region. The trail down is rugged and fun.
Linh An Pagoda
Located right next to the falls, see the giant Lady Buddha statue that towers over the valley.
Silk Factory Tour
Visit a local silk weaving factory to see the process from cocoon to fabric for a small donation.
Sunset at Tuyen Lam Lake
End your day at this peaceful lake surrounded by mountains before heading back to town.
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Southern Arrival
Bus to Saigon
A 7-hour bus journey takes you from the mountains down to the humid plains of southern Vietnam.
District 1 Orientation
Drop your bags at a hostel in the Pham Ngu Lao/Bui Vien area, the center of the budget universe.
Notre Dame Cathedral
See the red-brick cathedral and the Central Post Office, both masterpieces of French colonial design.
Bui Vien Street
Witness the chaos of the neon-lit backpacker street. Great for people-watching with a cheap beer.
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - History & War
War Remnants Museum
A sobering but essential visit to understand the Vietnam War from the local perspective.
Com Tam Lunch
Try 'Broken Rice' with grilled pork, a quintessential Saigon street food staple for about $1.50.
Independence Palace
Walk around the grounds of the former presidential palace, where the war officially ended in 1975.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
Sample various southern specialties in a slightly more organized (but still cheap) market setting.
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Local Life
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Visit one of the most atmospheric temples in the city, filled with incense and intricate carvings.
Cholon (Chinatown)
Explore District 5, visit Binh Tay Market, and see the Thien Hau Temple with its giant incense coils.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Walk the grand boulevard towards the river and see the statue of Uncle Ho in front of City Hall.
Bitexco Financial Tower
Instead of the expensive skydeck, grab a coffee at a nearby rooftop bar for a similar view at a lower cost.
Day 20: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Final Banh Mi
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
Queue up for what is arguably the best (and most loaded) Banh Mi in the city for your final breakfast.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some cheap Vietnamese coffee filters (Phin) or local art at the back streets of Ben Thanh.
Public Bus to Tan Son Nhat
Take the #152 bus for a few cents directly to the international terminal for your flight out.
Departure
Head to the airport with a full stomach and a phone full of memories from your 20-day journey.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam for a nationwide trip is during the transition months of April and May or October and November. During these periods, the weather is generally moderate across the North, Center, and South. If you visit in winter (December to February), the North can be quite cold, while the South remains tropical. Avoid the peak of the rainy season in the Center (September to December) if you want to enjoy the beaches of Hoi An.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is king in Vietnam, especially for street food and local markets. While credit cards are accepted in major hotels and malls, you will need plenty of small bills for daily backpacking life. ATMs are widely available, but be aware of withdrawal limits and fees. Tipping is not expected but highly appreciated for good service, especially by tour guides and in small family restaurants.
Getting Around Vietnam
Intercity travel in Vietnam is very affordable. The 'Open Bus' system and sleeper buses are the primary choice for backpackers, allowing you to travel long distances overnight to save on accommodation. The Reunification Express train offers a more scenic and comfortable (though slightly more expensive) alternative. For city travel, use the Grab app for fixed-price motorbike taxis, or stick to the public bus systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for the absolute lowest cost.
