By aussiematesvietnam 
Budget Travel Secrets from Locals in Vietnam
G’day, fellow travel enthusiasts! Aussie Mates here with my better half, Tracy. After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, we’ve picked up a thing or two about exploring this beautiful country without breaking the bank. While the glossy travel brochures showcase the luxury side of Vietnam, today I’m letting you in on the budget-friendly secrets that only locals and long-term expats like us typically know. So grab a cold one, settle in, and let me share how you can experience the real Vietnam without emptying your super fund!
[IMAGE:vietnam-street-scene]
Getting Around Like a Local
When Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam, we were those typical tourists paying through the nose for taxis and fancy tours. These days, we navigate like proper locals, saving a bundle in the process.
First up, forget those overpriced tourist transfers from the airport. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the public buses will get you to the city center for about 40,000 VND (roughly $2.50 AUD), compared to $15-20 for a taxi. Just look for Bus 86 in Hanoi or Bus 109 in HCMC.
For getting around cities, download the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber). It’s significantly cheaper than street taxis and eliminates any language barrier or price haggling. Better yet, rent a motorbike for about $5-7 AUD per day if you’re feeling adventurous. Tracy was terrified at first, but now she zips around like she was born on two wheels!
For longer journeys, overnight sleeper buses are a no-brainer. They’re comfortable enough, and you’ll save a night’s accommodation while traveling. A trip from Hanoi to Hoi An might cost you $20 AUD compared to $80-100 for a flight. Plus, the views are spectacular!
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Eating Your Way Through Vietnam (Without the Tourist Prices)
One of the absolute joys of Vietnam is the food, and eating like a local is not just more authentic but dramatically cheaper.
My golden rule: if you see plastic stools on the footpath and locals queuing up, join them! Some of our best meals have cost less than $3 AUD. Tracy and I have a favorite phở place in Hanoi where a hearty bowl costs just 50,000 VND ($3 AUD), while tourists pay triple at hotel restaurants for an inferior version.
Another tip: learn the Vietnamese phrase “Quán ăn bình dân” (working-class eatery). These spots serve set meals with rice, a protein, vegetables, and soup for about 30,000-40,000 VND ($2-2.50 AUD). They’re where office workers and laborers eat, so you know the food is good and affordable.
For self-catering, skip the supermarkets and head to local markets instead. We regularly stock up at our neighborhood market in Hoi An, buying enough fresh fruit, vegetables, and local specialties for several days at a fraction of supermarket prices.
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Accommodation Hacks Only Long-Termers Know
After years of scouring Vietnam for affordable digs, Tracy and I have mastered the art of finding quality accommodation without the tourist markup.
First, avoid booking your entire stay online. Reserve just 1-2 nights, then negotiate directly with the owner for a better rate on an extended stay. We recently scored a beachside bungalow in Phu Quoc for $25 AUD per night instead of the listed $45 by chatting with the owner and paying cash.
Consider homestays over hotels, especially in rural areas. Not only are they cheaper (often $15-20 AUD per night including breakfast), but you’ll experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality. Some of our most memorable evenings have been spent sharing rice wine with homestay hosts in Sapa and the Mekong Delta!
If you’re staying in one place for a week or more, look into monthly rates at “căn hộ dịch vụ” (serviced apartments). In Da Nang, we recently paid $350 AUD for a two-week stay in a modern apartment with a kitchen and washing machine—much better value than $40 per night at a hotel.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-homestay]
Sightseeing Without the Tourist Tax
Vietnam’s famous attractions can come with hefty entrance fees, but there are ways around this if you know how.
Many major sites have peak pricing during traditional tourist hours (9am-4pm). Tracy and I often visit early morning or late afternoon, enjoying both reduced crowds and sometimes lower fees. Hoi An Ancient Town tickets, for example, are only checked during main hours. Visit before 8am, and you’ll likely stroll in for free.
National parks and natural attractions often have “unofficial” entrances known to locals. In Phong Nha, our Vietnamese mate showed us a local entrance to Paradise Cave that bypassed the main ticket booth, saving us the 250,000 VND entrance fee. I’m not advocating skipping legitimate fees, but sometimes the “tourist price” is artificially inflated.
For guided experiences, skip the tour operators and connect with university students eager to practice English. In Hue, we met a history student who showed us around the Imperial City for just the cost of lunch and entrance fees—a fraction of tour company prices, plus we made a great friend!
[IMAGE:local-guide]
Shopping Smart: Souvenirs Without the Markup
Everyone wants to bring home a piece of Vietnam, but tourist areas charge an arm and a leg for souvenirs.
For textiles and handicrafts, bypass the tourist markets and seek out manufacturing villages. Tracy loves the handwoven textiles from ethnic minority communities, but instead of buying them in Sapa town at marked-up prices, we visit the villages directly. Not only are prices 40-50% lower, but your money goes straight to the artisans.
For coffee—and trust me, you’ll want to bring home Vietnamese coffee—skip the airport and tourist shops. Head to local supermarkets like Coopmart where locals shop. The same brands sold to tourists for $10 AUD will cost you about $4 AUD here.
Finally, never accept the first price. Bargaining is expected, but do it with a smile and respect. Tracy has become an absolute champion at this—always starting at about 40% of the asking price and settling around 60-70%. The vendor still makes a profit, and you get a fair deal.
[IMAGE:local-market]
Conclusion: Travel Rich While Spending Little
After almost two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I have learned that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out—in fact, quite the opposite! By following local practices, you’ll not only save a substantial amount but also experience a more authentic Vietnam that many tourists never see.
Remember, the memories that stick with you rarely come from five-star resorts or expensive tours. They come from unexpected encounters, genuine connections with locals, and discovering places off the typical tourist trail. Vietnam rewards the curious traveler willing to step away from the familiar and embrace local ways.
So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe learn a few Vietnamese phrases), and discover why this incredible country continues to captivate Tracy and me even after all these years. Your wallet will thank you, and your travel stories will be all the richer for it.
Until next time, mates!
Aussie Mates