The Ground Rules for Your Budget
First, let's set some realistic expectations. This budget of ₹30,000 is for your expenses on the ground in Vietnam for a trip of around 12 to 14 days. It doesn't include your round-trip airfare from India or the visa fee, which is approximately ₹2,100
for an e-visa. The key to making this budget work is to travel like a local, not a tourist. The current exchange rate is roughly 1 INR to 300 Vietnamese Dong (VND), making your ₹30,000 budget equivalent to a substantial 9,000,000 VND. This gives you a daily spending limit of about ₹2,100 to ₹2,500 (630,000 to 750,000 VND), which is entirely feasible for a backpacker.
Accommodation: Your Home for Under ₹700
Vietnam's backpacker scene is famous for its extensive network of high-quality, low-cost hostels. A dorm bed in a clean, social, and well-located hostel in major hubs like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City will set you back just ₹500 to ₹800 per night. Many of these hostels include complimentary breakfast, saving you the cost of one meal each day. In less-touristy cities, prices can drop even lower. Sticking to hostels not only saves money but is also the best way to meet fellow travellers and get local tips. For a 12-night trip, your accommodation cost can be kept well under ₹8,500.
Food: A Culinary Journey for ₹800 a Day
Vietnamese street food is a highlight of any trip and your best friend on a budget. Forgoing tourist-trap restaurants in favour of street-side stalls and local eateries is the single best way to save money and eat authentically. A delicious and filling bowl of Pho or a Banh Mi sandwich can cost as little as ₹100 to ₹150 (30,000 to 45,000 VND). With a daily food budget of around ₹800, you can enjoy three hearty local meals, sample snacks, and even have a 'bia hoi' (fresh beer), which costs less than ₹20 a glass. This approach ensures your food expenses for the entire trip remain around ₹10,000.
Transport: Crossing the Country on a Shoestring
Getting around Vietnam is incredibly affordable. For long distances, the extensive network of sleeper buses is a backpacker's dream. An overnight journey from, say, Hanoi to Hue can cost between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500, and it conveniently saves you the cost of one night's accommodation. Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab offer motorbike taxis for as little as ₹100 for short trips. Renting a scooter for a day costs around ₹400-₹500, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. By primarily using sleeper buses for inter-city travel and walking or using bike taxis locally, you can keep your total transport costs within ₹6,000 for the trip.
Activities and Sightseeing: Memories Over Money
An unforgettable trip isn't about expensive tours; it's about rich experiences. Many of Vietnam's best sights are free. Wander through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, explore the chaotic markets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, or relax on the beaches of Da Nang. Entrance fees to many temples and museums are minimal, often just ₹100-₹200. You will have to budget for one or two major excursions. A budget-friendly day tour to the magnificent Ha Long Bay or a boat trip in Ninh Binh can be found for ₹2,500 to ₹3,500. By prioritising free activities and choosing one or two key tours, a budget of around ₹5,500 for sightseeing is plenty.
