One month in Vietnam backpacking: Itinerary and budget

We love Vietnam, it is one of the easiest countries to navigate for backpackers in Southeast Asia. It’s not a secret that we have been there twice and are plannininng to go back while still on the continent.

The first time, we rushed the trip using the free 15-day visa on arrival, but we recently returned for another 45-day itinerary under the new free visa on-arrival scheme.

Vietnam is a popular backpacking destination in Asia. It’s perfect for budget travellers who want to experience its diversity.

This guide has everything you need to plan the perfect backpacking itinerary for Vietnam, from the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City in the south to the charming capital of Hanoi in the north.

Overview: Vietnam one month itinerary

FAQ | About Backpacking in Vietnam

How to plan your Vietnam Backpacking Route

Vietnam is so big that one month, even running from one place to another, still leaves something on the side. Nevertheless, by carefully planning your itinerary, you can cover some of the best places in Vietnam in just 30 days. First time we did in just 15 days.

Take into consideration the starting point of your trip. Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi are great. Weather is unpredictable, and vary from south to north. We couldn’t make the epic Ha Giang Loop. Roads were slipperly, and too dangerous to drive through.

Believe us, one month in Vietnam can fly by. There is a lot to do, and distances are huge. That’s why we suggest to cover some routes by sleeper bus or trains. You’ll also save on costs for accommodation that night.

Where to start: South to North or North to South?

As said earlier, the port of entry to Vietnam is really important. We will say there is more in the north than the south, so on the second visit, we concentrated our attention on locations such as Ninh Binh and Sapa (our favourite places in Vietnam) and made a brief visit to Ha Long Bay.

For more, read our comparison between North and South Vietnam.

How long staying in Vietnam?

The easy answer is to visit as much as you can; it is a wonderful country. This is a proper itinerary for one month in Vietnam, but you can easily divide it and go backpacking for two weeks or three.

Also, if you are short on time, consider concentrating your attention on one area of Vietnam, South and Centre or North to Centre.

Time travel is harder to plan, and distances are huge. Vietnam is 1,650 km long. Actually, a train departs from Ho Chi Minh and arrives in Hanoi two days later. That’s why your itinerary needs to take into consideration transportation and also days to rest from the trip.

Vietnam Visa and Entry requirements

Vietnam visas used to be among the hardest to obtain, but things are changing, and the country is facing a huge increase in travel demand.

Now, UK and some European passport holders can obtain a 45-day visa-free on arrival. We had a smooth journey, with no trouble at the border control.

If you want to stay longer than one month in Vietnam, you can require an e-visa, which allows stays up to 90 days. The 90-day visa for Vietnam is also one of the cheapest in Southeast Asia, costing only $25 per single entry and $50 for a multi-entry visa.

Apply online before your trip through the official website.

Is it mandatory to have travel insurance for Vietnam?

No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Vietnam, but definitely necessary. We always travel covered by Safetywing, one of the most affordable travel insurances for backpackers. Read our review to understand the pros and cons.

Vietnam is safe, but sometimes it gets crazy. From crossing the streets to driving a motorbike or going on an adventurous hike, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Vietnam backpacking itinerary one month

Let’s explore this fantastic itinerary through Vietnam in 30 days. This guide provides enough information to book your accommodations, plan a different route, and know what to do once you arrive at each location.

This is our suggested itinerary of Vietnam for backpackers:

Ho Chi Minh City (Days 1-4)

Our budget one-month Vietnam backpacking itinerary kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling financial hub. It didn’t wow us like others, but had solid charms.​

We checked colonial spots like the Old Post Office. One of the few places in HCMC that we have a vivid memory. Cu Chi Tunnels gave a raw war underground feel; War Remnants Museum hit with photos.​

Ben Thanh Market overloaded senses—street food stalls everywhere. Grab pho, banh mi, spring rolls cheap. Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is crazy, and people mostly get out after sunset when is cooler. For cheap beers, buzz and backpackers vibes hit Pham Ngu Lao.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon

Nha Trang (Days 5-7)

After the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang felt like a tranquil escape. This coastal city is more off the beaten path of regular tourism, and we found it to be a perfect spot to unwind.

Walking along the promenade was one of our favourite pastimes, but we also appreciated the nice cafes, sampling the unique egg coffee — a local speciality that you must try.

For a coffee addict like me, nothing is better than hopping between coffee shops in Vietnam.

There is such a culture for coffee that makes Vietnam one of the highest producers, exporters and best quality. Check out Double Shot Coffee Shop and Egg Coffee.

Within our two days in Nha Trang, we even found a great pizzeria (Yes, we know it isn’t local culture, but who cares when you are craving pizza). La Cala is on a side street but very tasty with products arriving directly from Italy.

Where to Stay in Nha Trang

Da Nang (Days 8-10)

Da Nang is starting to gain attention as the ultimate digital nomad destination. We’ve been there twice: once for a quick break, then stayed for 3 weeks as Digital Nomads. Definitely, Da Nang is a city for backpackers: it’s cheap and big, with a lot going on.

We used Da Nang a lot as a base for day trips to Hoi An. The city is connected by a fast road that takes you to the pretty Hoi An in less than 35 minutes. We found accommodation cheap, for short and long term. Also consider that Da Nang is a great stopover in an overall trip from North to South.

Where to Stay in Da Nang

Hoi An (Days 11-13)

Hoi An is a city that completely changes its atmosphere from day to night. During the day, the Ancient Town is a beautiful place to wander, with its well-preserved buildings and narrow streets. At night, the riverside transforms into a magical scene with lantern-lit boats and illuminated buildings.

It’s one of the most romantic places in Vietnam, so if you are looking for a quick escape, stay there overnight.

We stayed at Rosie Villa, right in the heart, and it was fantastic yet dreamy. The private pool at Rosie Villa provided a perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

Tailor shops are everywhere in Hoi An, and we took the opportunity to get custom-made clothes—two shirts for me and two dresses for Ale, all done in a day and at a fraction of the cost you’d expect.

The Lantern Festival is a highlight, with colourful lanterns lighting up the night sky. If you are interested in culinary arts, cooking classes are a fantastic way to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hue (Days 14-16)

We rolled into Hue after that epic train from Da Nang—only two hours, but the Hai Van Pass views had us glued to the windows, coast-hugging mountains like a dream ride. Often overlooked, it hooked us for a couple of days straight.​

Stepping into the Imperial City felt like time-traveling through palaces and gardens; we lost hours wandering those vast halls. From there, we headed to Thien Mu Pagoda up on the hill, its tower watching over the Perfume River—we hopped a boat and glided along, the calm water shifting our whole perspective.​

Save time for the Emperors’ Tombs scattered nearby; each one’s unique vibe dives deep into Vietnam’s imperial past. That flow from the city to the river to the tombs made Hue unforgettable.

Where to Stay in Hue

Ninh Binh (Days 17-20)

Don’t skip Ninh Binh! Ninh Binh is one of our favourite places in Vietnam. Read our guide to understand why Ninh Binh is worth visiting. Due to its stunning karst landscapes, it is often referred to as Ha Long Bay on land. The Tam Coc boat ride takes you through caves and past towering limestone cliffs, creating a serene and picturesque experience.

Climbing to the top of Mua Cave Viewpoint was a bit of a challenge, but glad we made it to the top. The panoramic views are worth every step. Tam Coc area is touristy but relaxing and backpackers friendly.

Motorbike rental is essential to explore the countryside at your own piece. We have a full guide on how to rent a scooter in Ninh Binh.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

Ha Long Bay (Day 22)

Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly the most touristy place in Vietnam, but its beauty makes it a must-visit destination. We reached the coast from Hanoi by motorbike—a thrilling but not entirely recommendable adventure.

The bay itself, with its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts, is unreal. To be fair, the town isn’t anything special. So if you don’t book that fancy, expensive cruise, it’s not worth the trip. A good alternative for backpackers on a tight budget is Cat Ba Island.

Hanoi (Days 23-26)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that buzzes with energy. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and street food stalls. We loved wandering in the old quarter, where the exponential French colonial architecture makes it a standout place. 

Enjoy the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, which offers a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Right on the side of the lake, stop for a few minutes to enjoy people passing by at the Note Cafe, the most instagrammable place in Hanoi. We also went to two different locations to watch the train passing by inches from our faces. 

Train Street is on every backpacker itinerary, like Beer Street and a few other quirky places.

Sapa (Days 27-30)

Our journey concludes in Sapa, nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam. This peaceful town is anything but sleepy, with a vibrant nightlife scene that includes bars, clubs, and cafes.

During the day, you will not get bored at all; trekking through the rice fields in Ta Van was a highlight for us, as was dining in a H’mong tribe restaurant.

Although the Cat Cat village is quite touristy, it’s worth a visit for its cultural insights. Sapa is also home to Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam, which offers breathtaking views and challenging hikes.

During our visit, we couldn’t go to the top due to low visibility (yes, it gets misty easily in the wrong season), but we drove twice to the Silver waterfall and almost made it to the border with China. The landscape is impressive, and the value for money of Sapa will make you wish to stay longer.

Where to Stay in Sapa

Budgeting for Your Vietnam Backpacking Trip

Daily Budget Breakdown

one month in Vietnam cost us 27 Million Dongs, about $1,100, or $35 per day. These numbers are for two people, so a couple backpacking in Vietnam can easily go along for 30 days. It is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.

On our first trip to Vietnam (only 15 days short), we spent about 1.1 Million Dongs per day, which means $43 per day, and so $21.5 per person.

As you can see, being careful with your wallet can lead to saving much money. However, we learned that the longer you stay in Vietnam, the cheaper it gets, as you can find accommodation that aligns with your budget easily.

Don’t waste money on renting a scooter (one of the highest prices we paid overall in Southeast Asia), and also get to know better the local food scene where locals go.

Money in Vietnam and ATM tips

We hate losing cash to ATM fees or bad rates—it eats your Vietnam backpacking budget fast. Recently, we found two reliable banks: TPBank (widespread across the country) and VPBank (max 5 mil dong per withdrawal, no commissions). Both gave us fee-free access using Revolut cards on our trips.​

Exchange cash only once in Vietnam; pre-trip money is often subject to scams involving fake or old notes. This hack kept our funds intact through two visits.

Getting Around Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is easy; there are many options within long-distance buses and trains, private mini-vans, taxis and flights. We took all of them. It’s a very long country, so if you have one month, you’ll probably rely heavily on buses and trains.

Domestic Flights

As Vietnam is a long country, stretching 1,650 kilometres (about 1,030 miles), we took a flight from Hue to Hanoi to fast-track our first trip. Vietnam has 14 International airports, mostly served by VietJet and AirAsia.

We paid only $25, baggage included, with Vietjet Air. Several companies in Vietnam offer one to two-hour flights for a convenient cost.

It can be tricky to book buses and minivans

We took several buses and minivans in Vietnam, which connect you to all parts of the country. Sleeper buses are your best allies when planning a one-month trip to Vietnam. We use 12Go Asia everywhere (not just in Vietnam). This is the most reliable online ticketing service.

Even though you can book trains directly on the official website, it can be tricky to understand routes, departures, services, coaches, and even prices. Very rarely do we book through local agents because of fears of scams and lost-in-translation issues.

Rent and drive a scooter in Vietnam

Even though the motorbike is the best way to get around every place in the country, you need some skills to drive it. We rented in Hanoi, and it was a nightmare, while driving through Ninh Binh was awesome and fun.

You need an international driving licence valid in Vietnam – 1968 Vienna Convention. Prices for motorbike rental vary between $5 and $8 per day. It is the highest price we paid for scooter rental in Southeast Asia.

Taking a taxi in Vietnam

Taxis in Vietnam are not as expensive as you think, and very reliable. We took many times for short distances within cities.

Using local apps like Grab and Bolt reduces the hassle of negotiating a price and ensures you get the correct fare. Grab and Bolt are like Uber for the Western world.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s weather shifts sharply from south to north. The South and Central regions see high heat and moderate humidity. May-November—our trips had rain only at night, days stayed sunny.​

Northern mountains like Sapa and Ha Giang drop cooler; pack a jumper for nights. The wet season brings 30°C+ days; the shoulder seasons bring year-round clouds and mist over rice paddies.

Is Vietnam a good country for backpackers?

Yes, Vietnam is one of the countries backpackers find themselves more comfortable in. Even if you aren’t an experienced backpacker, Vietnam is perfect. It is easy to navigate, very cheap compared to other countries, and suitable if you are travelling with friends, as a solo traveller, or with your other half, like us.

It was nice to discover Vietnam twice, with different points of view on each visit. We met so many people along the way that made this trip memorable and a story worth telling.