By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day, Fellow Wanderers! Vietnam on a Shoestring Budget
Well, crikey! Remember when we used to dream about traveling to exotic places after the kids left home? Now that we’ve got more time on our hands (and hopefully a bit stashed away in the super), Vietnam is calling our names. I’ve just returned from a month-long jaunt through this incredible country, and let me tell you, mates – it’s an absolute ripper for us older Aussies looking to stretch our dollar without sacrificing comfort or experiences.
Vietnam offers that perfect mix of fascinating culture, mouthwatering food that won’t break the bank, and accommodation options that won’t have you sleeping in dodgy backpacker dorms (those days are well behind us, thank goodness!). Plus, the Vietnamese people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet – even with the language barrier, you’ll feel welcome from day one.
So pack your comfy walking shoes, some light clothes, and that sense of adventure that’s been waiting for retirement – I’ve put together some budget-friendly itineraries that’ll give you the best of Vietnam without emptying your wallet. These trips are perfect whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling with your partner, or getting the gang together for an overseas adventure.
Before You Go: Smart Planning for Savvy Seniors
Before we dive into the itineraries, let’s cover some basics that’ll save you a few dollarydoos:
- Travel insurance is absolutely non-negotiable, folks. Make sure it covers pre-existing conditions and has good medical evacuation coverage. Compare options from brands like Cover-More, NIB, and Southern Cross.
- Timing is everything! The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of decent weather and fewer tourists.
- Consider a 3-month multi-entry e-visa (around AUD$100) if you’re planning a longer stay – it’s the best value.
- Get yourself a travel card that doesn’t sting you with overseas transaction fees. ING, Macquarie, and Up Bank have good options for us seniors.
- Download useful apps: Grab (Vietnam’s Uber), Google Translate, Maps.me (works offline), and XE Currency Converter.
The Classic 2-Week North-to-South Itinerary
This beauty covers Vietnam’s highlights while keeping costs down and the pace manageable for our not-so-spring-chicken knees.
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, where French colonial architecture meets ancient Vietnamese traditions. The Old Quarter is the heart and soul of the city.
Budget Accommodation: Look for guesthouses in the Old Quarter around $30-40 AUD per night. La Siesta Trendy or Hanoi Impressive Hotel offer great value with breakfast included.
Must-Do Activities:
- Free walking tour of the Old Quarter (tip your guide $10-15)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum (entry about $2)
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple ($1 entry)
- Water Puppet Theatre show ($10)
- Street food tour ($20) – easier than navigating it yourself first time around
Money-Saving Tip: Skip the hotel breakfasts (unless included) and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of pho on the street for about $2. The food’s safe if you pick busy stalls where locals eat.
Days 4-5: Halong Bay (Overnight Cruise)
No trip to Vietnam is complete without seeing the UNESCO-listed limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Here’s where smart budgeting comes in.
Budget Option: Book a mid-range cruise rather than luxury. Companies like Alova or Swan Cruises offer 2D1N trips from $120-150 AUD including transport from Hanoi, meals, and activities.
Money-Saving Tip: Book directly through your Hanoi hotel or a local travel agency rather than online from Australia – you’ll save about 20-30%.
Days 6-8: Hoi An
Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (around $60 if booked a few months in advance with VietJet or Bamboo Airways), then a 30-minute taxi to Hoi An.
This ancient trading port is now famous for its lantern-lit streets, amazing food, and dirt-cheap tailoring. It’s also wonderfully walkable for us older travelers.
Budget Accommodation: Hoi An has excellent homestays for $30-40 AUD. Try Hoi An Garden Palace or Vinh Hung Library Hotel.
Must-Do Activities:
- Wander the Ancient Town (entry ticket $7.50 for access to five historical sites)
- Get clothes made (budget $50-100 for a tailored shirt or blouse, $150-200 for a suit)
- Cooking class ($25-35)
- Bicycle tour to the countryside ($15)
- Relax at An Bang Beach (free, just buy a drink at one of the beachside cafes)
Money-Saving Tip: Have dinner at the Hoi An Night Market where you can try local specialties like cao lau noodles for about $3-4.
Days 9-11: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (about $60 with advance booking). This bustling metropolis offers a completely different vibe from Hanoi – more modern, faster-paced, but still with plenty of history.
Budget Accommodation: The Pham Ngu Lao area (District 1) has hotels like Anpha Boutique Hotel or BlueSun Hotel for around $40-50 per night.
Must-Do Activities:
- War Remnants Museum ($1.50)
- Reunification Palace ($2)
- Ben Thanh Market (free to browse)
- Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels ($25 including transport)
- Saigon Opera House (architecture viewing is free, shows start from $15)
Money-Saving Tip: Use the Grab app for getting around – it’s much cheaper than regular taxis and saves the hassle of negotiating.
Days 12-14: Mekong Delta
Take a 2-day, 1-night tour of the Mekong Delta to see rural Vietnam at its most picturesque.
Budget Option: Join a small group tour for about $60-80 AUD per person including accommodation, meals, boat trips, and guide. Your HCMC hotel can arrange this.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight home, with some extra Vietnamese dong in your pocket and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Alternative: The Slow-Paced Month-Long Itinerary
If you’ve got more time up your sleeve (and let’s be honest, that’s one of the perks of being our age), consider this expanded itinerary that lets you settle in and really get to know places.
Follow the classic itinerary above but add:
- Sapa (4 days): After Hanoi, take an overnight train or bus to Sapa for mountain trekking (easy options available) and homestays with local hill tribes. Budget around $30/day including accommodation and food.
- Ninh Binh (3 days): Between Hanoi and Hoi An, visit “Halong Bay on land” with its stunning limestone karsts and peaceful boat rides. Stay in a homestay for about $25-30/night.
- Hue (3 days): Between Hoi An and HCMC, explore the Imperial City and take a dragon boat down the Perfume River. Budget hotels cost around $30-35/night.
- Dalat (3 days): Before HCMC, visit this former French hill station with its temperate climate, perfect for us heat-sensitive Aussies. Accommodation from $35/night.
- Phu Quoc Island (4 days): End your trip with some beach time on this stunning island. Look for deals on mid-range resorts from $50-70/night in low season.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down Without Sacrificing Comfort
Let’s face it – we’re not 20-something backpackers anymore, and that’s a good thing! Here’s how to save money while still having a comfortable experience:
- Eat like a local: Street food in Vietnam is not only cheap ($2-5 per meal) but often better than restaurant food. Look for places packed with locals.
- Happy hour heaven: Many bars offer buy-one-get-one-free deals between 4-7pm. A beer costs about $1-2 during happy hour.
- Travel during shoulder season: Prices can drop by 30% for accommodation in May and September.
- Use night buses/trains for longer journeys: Save on a night’s accommodation while traveling.
- Negotiate, but reasonably: Bargaining is expected in markets, but remember that saving 50 cents means more to the vendor than to us.
- Free walking tours: Available in most major cities, just tip your guide what you feel is appropriate ($10-15).
- Stay slightly outside city centers: A 10-minute walk can save you $20 a night on accommodation.
Health Considerations for Senior Travelers
As much as we hate to admit it, we need to take a few more precautions these days:
- Visit your GP for vaccinations at least 6-8 weeks before traveling
- Pack all regular medications in your carry-on (with a doctor’s letter)
- Drink bottled water and avoid ice in smaller establishments
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it religiously
- Consider buying a basic face mask for motorcycle rides in cities (the air pollution can be tough)
- Plan rest days – this isn’t a race, mate!
- Know the location of international hospitals (Hanoi, Da Nang, HCMC all have them)
A Few Final Words from a Fellow Boomer
Vietnam stole my heart, and I reckon it’ll steal yours too. The value for money is phenomenal compared to traveling in Australia or Europe, and the experiences you’ll have are priceless. There’s something special about seeing the wonder on a Vietnamese grandmother’s face when she realizes you’re even older than she is (they age incredibly well!).
One thing I noticed is that Vietnamese people have enormous respect for elders, so being a bit older is actually an advantage. You’ll often get the best seat, extra attention, and genuine interest in your stories.