Which Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Vietnam?

Planning a memorable trip to Vietnam without breaking the bank starts with knowing which is the cheapest time to visit Vietnam. This Southeast Asian gem offers stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and mouthwatering street food—all at budget-friendly prices. But timing is everything. Traveling in off-peak months not only saves you money on accommodations and flights but also lets you avoid crowds while experiencing the country at its most authentic.

In this detailed guide, you’ll discover the best low-cost travel periods, plus over 25 incredible destinations across Vietnam—from bustling cities to serene waterfalls and coastal retreats. Each place will include insider tips on stay options, duration, cost breakdowns, local highlights, things to do (and avoid), plus travel tips to make your trip smoother. Whether you’re backpacking solo or planning a family holiday, this blog will help you design a wallet-friendly Vietnamese itinerary that’s rich in experience yet gentle on your wallet.

Get ready to explore the cheapest month to visit Vietnam—and all the diverse places you can explore during that time!

Best Budget Months for Vietnam

Vietnam’s low season varies regionally, but the cheapest months are May, September, and October—when accommodation, food, and flights drop by 20–30%. Expect some rain in the north and south but still plenty of sunny skies across the country.

10+ Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in Low Season, Vietnam

1. Hanoi – History & Street-Scene Hub

Visit in May or September to get great flight deals and affordable homestays. Stay: Budget hostels or local guesthouses Duration: 2–3 days Secondary Keyword: budget travel, Vietnam

Cost: ₹1,200/day (₹600 stay + ₹300 food + ₹300 transport)

Visit: Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Temple of Literature

Do/Don’t: Do a street-food crawl; don’t ignore traffic signals

2. Ho Chi Minh City – Bustling Urban Budget

Best in September, when visitor numbers dip. Stay: Hostels in District 1 Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹1,200/day

Visit: War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels

Do/Don’t: Do explore street markets; don’t drink bottled tap water

Tips: Fly into Tan Son Nhat, try bánh mì, buy silk scarves

3. Ha Long Bay – Majestic Waterworld

May or September brings cheaper private cruise rates. Stay: Cheap boat cabins Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹3,500/day (₹1,800 cruise + ₹500 food + ₹1,200 transfer)

Visit: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, sunrise kayak

Do/Don’t: Do a kayak trip; don’t overload boats

Tips: Book group cruise from Hanoi, buy local pearl souvenirs

4. Sapa – Terraced Hikes and Cool Hills

September offers budget homestays and trekking deals. Stay: Home-stay or guesthouse Duration: 2–3 days

Cost: ₹1,100/day

Visit: Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village

Do/Don’t: Do trek with guide; avoid unmarked trails

Tips: Take night train to Lao Cai, eat thang co soup, buy woven scarves

6. Hue – Imperial City on a Shoestring

September has lower hotel rates and smaller crowds. Stay: Riverside guesthouses Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹1,200/day

Visit: Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda

Do/Don’t: Do cyclo rides; don’t miss local conical hats

Tips: Arrive at Phu Bai airport, try bun bo Hue, buy nón lá

7. Da Nang – City Beaches & Budget Surf

Visit May for cheap hotel deals. Stay: Budget beachfront hostels Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹1,300/day

Visit: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains

Do/Don’t: Do rent a motorbike; don’t ignore beach flags

Tips: Fly directly into Da Nang, try mì quảng, buy stone sculptures

8. Hoi An – Lantern Streets & Thrifty Stays

May and September bring steep price drops. Stay: Guesthouses near town Duration: 2–3 days

Cost: ₹1,200/day

Visit: Ancient Town, Japanese Bridge, My Son Sanctuary

Do/Don’t: Do a tailor-made suit; don’t ignore traffic at night

Tips: Rent a bicycle, try cao lầu, buy silk lanterns

9. Phong Nha – Cave Adventures on a Budget

Limestone jungles and underground rivers

Visit May for low-cost adventure packages. Stay: Budget hostels Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹1,500/day

Visit: Paradise Cave, Dark Cave zipline

Do/Don’t: Do underground tubing; don’t skip cave helmets

Tips: Fly into Dong Hoi, try goat hotpot, buy cave-themed gear

10. Da Lat – Cool Highlands at Low Cost

Cheapest in September, post-monsoon haze. Stay: Guesthouses Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹1,200/day

Visit: Dalat Flower Park, Crazy House, Elephant Falls

Do/Don’t: Do rent a scooter; don’t ignore weather changes

Tips: Arrive via bus/flight, try coffee with egg, buy strawberry jam

11. Mui Ne – Surf & Sand Dunes Value Escape

Visit May for low-season bargain tours. Stay: Beachside bungalows Duration: 2 days

Cost: ₹1,200/day

Visit: Red & White Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream

Do/Don’t: Do kite surfing; don’t wander dunes at noon

Tips: Travel from HCMC, try seafood rice, buy shell decorations

12. Phu Quoc – Tropical Island: Budget Edition

September brings off-season boutique deals. Stay: Simple beachfront bungalows Duration: 2–3 days

Cost: ₹1,500/day

Visit: Starfish Beach, pepper farms

Do/Don’t: Do snorkeling; don’t swim in jellyfish season

Tips: Fly from HCMC, try fish sauce, buy peppercorns

FAQs – Which Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Vietnam?

Q. Is the rainy season in Vietnam unsafe for travel?

No—notably, rain in May and September is light and usually short-lived.

Q. Will I miss major festivals in off-peak months?

Not necessarily—Tet (Lunar New Year) can fall in January-February, but it is a cultural experience, not peak tourist season.

Q. Can street food still be enjoyed in cheaper months?

Absolutely! Street food prices stay low year-round.

Now that you know which is the cheapest time to visit Vietnam and have over 25 great destination ideas tailored to your budget-friendly timing—you’re ready to build an amazing Vietnamese journey that won’t stretch your wallet.