Hanoi on a Budget: £18-a-Night Apartments and Dinner Under £2
Vietnam was one of the stops on my nine-countries-in-two-months trip, and it ended up being one of the best value places I’ve been. I went solo, starting in Ho Chi Minh City, then flying north to Hanoi. If you want a city that gives you a lot for very little money, this is it.
Getting there and getting around
I came into Vietnam from Indonesia as part of a longer loop around South-East Asia. Inside the country, I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi rather than taking the long overland route. Domestic flights in Vietnam are usually cheap if you book a little ahead and stay flexible on times, so it’s worth comparing a few dates before you commit.
When I’m comparing flights, I search on a fare comparison site first and then check the same flight on Trip.com, which I use a lot for both flights and hotels.
Where I stayed: an £18-a-night apartment
In Hanoi I stayed in an apartment that cost about £18 a night. For that I got a proper space of my own rather than a box room, which matters when you’re editing video at the end of the day. Apartments are often better value than budget hotels in Vietnam, especially if you’re staying more than a couple of nights.
My tips for finding one:
- Filter by guest rating first, then price. A cheap place with poor reviews isn’t a bargain.
- Read the most recent reviews for noise, Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
- Check the map. Being walkable to the Old Quarter saves you money on taxis.
I almost always book with free cancellation, so if plans change or I spot a better deal I can cancel and rebook.
Eating: dinner for under £2
This is where Hanoi really shines. I had a full dinner of noodles for under £2, and street food is everywhere. The rule I follow anywhere in Asia: eat where it’s busy with locals. High turnover means fresh food, and the prices are what locals pay.
- Is it popular? Are other people buying from the stall?
- Can you see the food being cooked in front of you?
- Does the food look fresh, or has it been sitting out in the sun?
If I’m unsure about the meat somewhere, I stick more to cooked vegetables.
Coffee, guitar and the railway cafés
Vietnam takes its coffee seriously. One of my favourite moments was a coffee with live guitar playing. The cafés along the railway line are popular with visitors. Check the current rules before you go, because access to the tracks has been restricted at times.
Ho Chi Minh City by day and night
Before Hanoi, I spent time on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City by day and by night. It’s busier and faster than Hanoi, with motorbikes everywhere. Walking it is the cheapest way to see it, and crossing the road is a skill you learn quickly: walk slowly and steadily, and let the traffic flow around you.
Staying connected
On a multi-country trip I use an eSIM rather than buying a local SIM in every country. You set it up before you land, so you have data for maps and ride-hailing the moment you’re out of the airport.
Things worth booking ahead
If you want to do a day trip out of Hanoi, such as Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, comparing tour prices online before you go can save you haggling at a hotel desk.
Insurance
On longer trips I make sure I’m covered for the whole time I’m away, including any medical care.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. Vietnam is the place I’d point anyone to who thinks long-haul travel has to be expensive. Watch the full episode above to see the streets, the food and that £18 apartment for yourself, and check out the rest of my Blithe in… series on YouTube.