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Things to do in Vietnam

5 destinations in Vietnam, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Vietnam

Best time to visit Vietnam

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Da Nang
Flying in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October can save 20-35% versus peak December-January holiday fares; midweek departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) also tend to be 10-15% cheaper than weekend flights. Avoid the rainy season (October-November) if beach weather matters, though hotel rates drop sharply then.
Ha Long Bay
Flying into Hanoi in the shoulder months of March-April or October-November typically saves 15-25% versus peak December-January holiday fares; mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by another 10%. Avoid the Tet holiday window (late January to mid-February) when domestic and regional fares spike sharply.
Hanoi
The cheapest months to fly to Hanoi are typically May, June, and September, when you can save 20-35% versus peak season (December-January and July-August). Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, can shave an additional 5-10% off fares.
Ho Chi Minh City
Flying into Ho Chi Minh City in May-June (shoulder/wet season) or September-October can be 25-40% cheaper than the December-January peak holiday window. Booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and targeting departures 6-8 weeks out typically yields the best economy fares from North American and European hubs.
Hoi An
Flying into Da Nang is cheapest from mid-January through March and again in August to early September, when fares from major hubs can run 20-35% lower than the peak November-December holiday surge. Avoiding Vietnamese public holidays (Tet in late January/February) also prevents both airfare spikes and sold-out accommodation.

Is Vietnam expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Da Nang
About $20 a day on a shoestring, about $125 comfortably.
Ha Long Bay
About $41 a day on a shoestring, about $205 comfortably.
Hanoi
About $15 a day on a shoestring, about $106 comfortably.
Ho Chi Minh City
About $17 a day on a shoestring, about $118 comfortably.
Hoi An
About $19 a day on a shoestring, about $135 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Vietnam

  • Da Nang: Mỹ Khê Beach Swim, sunbathe, or watch fishermen haul in basket boats on a world-class beach with no entry fee.
  • Da Nang: Dragon Bridge Fire Show Join crowds every Saturday and Sunday night to watch the dragon bridge spew fire and mist over the Han River.
  • Ha Long Bay: Bai Chay Waterfront Walk A scenic seaside promenade perfect for sunset strolls with views of the bay and boats
  • Ha Long Bay: Hon Gai Old Quarter Wander Explore the authentic local side of Ha Long city with bustling markets and colonial-era streets
  • Hanoi: Walk the Old Quarter at night Streets close to traffic on weekends, turning the maze of lantern-lit alleys into a giant walking festival with street performers.
  • Hanoi: Stroll the West Lake (Ho Tay) shoreline Hanoi's largest lake offers a breezy, photogenic path lined with frangipani trees, pagodas, and local cyclists.

Cheap eats in Vietnam

  • Bà Mụ Bánh Mì in Da Nang, Bánh mì with pork and pâté Plates $0.50-1
  • Quán Bún Chả Cá 109 in Da Nang, Bún chả cá (Da Nang's signature fish cake noodle soup) Plates $1.50-2.50
  • Banh Cuon Ba Hanh in Ha Long Bay, Steamed rice rolls with minced pork and mushrooms served with dipping broth Plates $1-2
  • Cho Ha Long (Ha Long Market) Food Stalls in Ha Long Bay, Bun bo (spicy beef noodle soup) and fresh grilled scallops with peanuts Plates $1-3
  • Pho Thin in Hanoi, Pho bo (beef noodle soup), the definitive Hanoi bowl, rich and clear Plates $2-3
  • Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi, Banh mi pate, crispy baguette stuffed with pork, herbs, and chili Plates $1-2

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