7-Day Vietnam Itinerary Under $800

A week-long Vietnam trip covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City runs roughly $600–$800 per person, not including international flights. The e-visa costs $25, a Ha Long Bay day cruise runs $50–65, and the one long-distance hop between the north and south — either an overnight sleeper train or a domestic flight — adds another $45–70. Budget hostel dorms cost $5–15 a night and full street-food meals run under $3, which is what keeps the week this cheap.

Get Your E-Visa Before You Fly

Cost: $25 single-entry / $50 multiple-entry · Validity: up to 90 days · Processing: 3 business days

Vietnam's official e-visa portal now issues visas to all nationalities, and single-entry covers a one-week trip easily. Apply a week ahead and pay only on the government site — third-party sites charge double for the same visa.

Days 1–3: Base in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Cost: $5–15/night dorm, $40–60 private room · Where: Old Quarter

The Old Quarter has the densest cluster of budget beds in the city, and Hanoi hostels list dorms from about $5 a night. Spend two nights here for street food and the night market before your coastal day trip.

Take a Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Cost: $50–65 mid-range · Duration: 4–8 hours · Includes: cave visit, kayaking, lunch

Skip the overnight cruise to save money and a travel day — a Ha Long Bay day cruise from Hanoi covers Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and kayaking for a fraction of the overnight price, with hotel pickup included.

Ride the Overnight Sleeper Train South

Cost: $45–60 soft sleeper · Duration: 12–14 hours · Route: Hanoi to Da Nang

A soft-sleeper berth on the Reunification Express saves a hotel night and gets you to the central coast by morning. Book a few days ahead in high season (October–April), when berths sell out fastest.

Days 4–5: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Cost: 120,000 VND (~$4.80) entrance ticket · Includes: access to 5 of 22 historic sites

The Hoi An Ancient Town ticket is sold in tear-off sections at booths around the Old Town and covers entry to five heritage buildings of your choice. Hostel dorms here start around $5 a night, even cheaper than Hanoi.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for Your Final Days

Cost: $45–70 one-way · Duration: ~1.5 hours · Airline: VietJet Air

VietJet Air runs frequent budget routes between the central coast and Ho Chi Minh City; booking a week or more ahead usually lands fares under $60.

Days 6–7: Cu Chi Tunnels and Ben Thanh Market

Cost: ~$5 entrance, $15–25 guided half-day tour · Where: 40 km northwest of the city

A Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour with round-trip transport runs about $15–25 and covers the wartime tunnel network. Spend your last afternoon bargaining at Ben Thanh Market before your flight home.

Budget for Food and Local Transport

Cost: $6–10/day food · $3–8/day local transport

Per Southeast Asia Backpacker's cost breakdown, a bowl of pho runs $1.80–2.80 and a banh mi under $1.50, so three meals a day rarely exceeds $10. Grab (Vietnam's ride-hailing app) covers short hops for $1–3 a ride.

People also ask

Is $800 realistic for a week in Vietnam?

Yes — $800 covers the e-visa, budget accommodation, a Ha Long Bay cruise, one long-distance transfer, food, and local transport, with room to spare for souvenirs or an extra activity. It does not include international airfare.

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Most nationalities need either an e-visa or visa exemption. The e-visa costs $25 for single entry, covers up to 90 days, and is issued to all nationalities as of 2026.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the train between Hanoi and Da Nang?

The overnight sleeper train ($45–60) usually beats a domestic flight once you factor in the hotel night it replaces. Flights are faster and sometimes similarly priced if booked early, but the train saves a night's accommodation.

How many days do you need in Vietnam?

Seven days covers Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City at a reasonable pace, though each city deserves at least two nights. Ten to fourteen days lets you add Sapa or the Mekong Delta without rushing.

Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand for backpackers?

Vietnam runs slightly cheaper than Thailand for budget travelers, mainly due to lower street-food and transport costs, though both countries offer $25–40 backpacker days depending on accommodation choices.

Prices and visa rules checked against official and current sources as of July 15, 2026. Confirm fees and schedules directly with the visa portal, cruise operator, or airline before booking.