Vietnam (Hanoi to Hoi An)

Vietnam is consistently ranked the best value destination in the world. A full meal costs $1.50–2.50. Accommodation is $8–20. Transportation is cheap and frequent. A month-long trip costs less than a week in Manhattan. But it's not cheap in the sense of being low-quality — it's cheap because the economy is structured differently and your currency is worth more.

The Hanoi to Hoi An route (often extended to Ho Chi Minh City) is the classic Vietnam backpacker route, but it's classic for a reason. Hanoi is chaotic, energetic, full of street food. Hoi An is a preserved ancient town with lanterns and tailor shops. Between them are caves, rice terraces, train journeys, and small towns. You can fly between major cities (domestic flights $30–50) or take overnight trains ($30–50) that save on accommodation.

The food is extraordinary. Phở (noodle soup) costs $1.50–2. Banh mi (sandwich) is $1–2. Street food — fresh spring rolls, grilled meat, vermicelli bowls — is $1–3. You can eat twice a day and spend less than $5 total on food. The freshness and flavor are not compromised by price.

Hanoi street food crawl: Start in Old Quarter, eat phở for breakfast ($1.50), explore street stalls for lunch ($1.50), end with grilled meat and rice for dinner ($2). $5–6 total, education included.

Halong Bay cruise: 2–3 day boat trip through limestone karst landscape, caves, and swimming. Budget cruises $100–150 (all-inclusive meals, accommodation, activities), luxury $300+.

Hoi An ancient town: Walk lantern-lit streets, visit tailors, eat cao lau (noodles with pork and greens, $1.50–2), get custom clothes made. 2–3 day stay, $40–60 total.

Train journey (Hanoi to Hoi An overnight): Bunk beds, local travelers, scenery as you sleep. $30–40 per ticket. Saves accommodation cost.

Budget:: Hanoi/Hoi An hostels — dorms $5–8, privates $15–25.

Mid-Range:: Guesthouses and small hotels $25–50/night.

Splurge:: Luxury hotels (De Syloia, Riverside Boutique) $100–180/night.

Phở: Noodle soup with beef, rice noodles, and broth. $1.50–2 at a street stall, $3–4 at a restaurant.

Banh mi: Meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro on a French-style baguette. $1–2.

Cao lau: Fresh noodles with pork, greens, and crispy bread crumbles. Hoi An specialty, $1.50–2.

Fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn): Rice paper wrapped around fresh herbs, vegetables, and pork/shrimp. $1.50 for several.

Vermicelli bowl (bun): Rice noodles with grilled meat, vegetables, herbs, and fish sauce. $1.50–2.