Going to Vietnam? Here’s How You Can Save Money While Making the Most of Your Stay

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning a trip to Vietnam (or heading back for another visit).

For those traveling overseas for the first time or ticking off a new country on their bucket list, Vietnam is an attractive and budget-friendly destination that’s calling your name.

Known for its rich culture, vibrant charm, postcard-worthy landscapes, and delicious food, this Southeast Asian gem will surely sweep you off your feet. Luckily, planning a future trip to Vietnam doesn’t have to be stressful and expensive. From pre-flight preparations to practical tips, this guide will help you maximize your entire stay–whether you’re going solo or you’re traveling with loved ones!

Here’s how you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank:

1. Do your pre-flight preparations as soon as possible

For frequent travelers, booking in advance via seat fare sales can help you save significantly compared to reserving flights just weeks or days before your actual trip. Choosing a trusted low-cost airline and planning ahead allows you to better manage your budget and decide which parts of your travel you’d like to prioritize more!

Apart from its frequent seat sales, AirAsia Philippines has also launched its inaugural flight from Manila to Hanoi and Danang, making regional travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos. This expansion not only increases connectivity in and out of the country but also opens up opportunities for Filipino travelers to explore Vietnam’s lesser-known yet unique destinations.

To make your long-haul travels more enjoyable, we recommend that you pre-book your in-flight meals! Santan’s crowd favorite meals, like their Tapa, Chicken Inasal, and Coconut Chicken Tenders, are the comfort meals that are not only delicious and filling, but something you’d reach out to on a long flight. But for those who can’t resist a sweet treat, their Iced Pandan Latte and their Signature Coconut Latte are tough to miss.

Aside from booking your flights strategically to save on costs, booking hotel accommodations, tour packages, and your e-SIM via Klook! This one-stop-shop platform for travel experiences lets you forgo the unnecessary stress and mental fatigue of coordinating bookings across different services.

2. Explore other destinations

They say there are two types of travelers: those who plan every detail down to the smallest step, and those who wing it and simply hope that wherever they go, they’ll have the most wonderful time.

For those who spend days watching travel vlogs, researching recommended spots across multiple platforms, or asking friends and loved ones for suggestions, there’s a growing urge to take a completely different route—to try something not everyone has experienced or visited. This is where the charm of exploring lesser-known destinations comes in.

While it’s no secret that Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for Filipino travelers, you might want to consider visiting Quảng Ninh Province, home to Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking bays, stunning limestone caves, and sandy beaches that are perfect for escaping the chaos and fast pace of city life.

If you’re looking for a “slow and healing” vibe for your upcoming trip to Vietnam, we also recommend Ninh Binh! With its striking limestone karsts rising from lush greenery, emerald rivers, and expansive temples, the area offers panoramic landscapes ideal for leisurely paddleboat rides or biking. The views are so breathtaking that you’ll want to pause and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the place.

3. Prioritize experiences and skill-building

For Filipino travelers, there’s one thing we’re too guilty to admit: we tend to overspend on pasalubong or make impulsive purchases while traveling. There’s nothing wrong with having personalized keepsakes (In fact, it’s nice to have something tangible to look back on once you’re home) or buying gifts for our loved ones. However, if you want to save yourself from the potential regret of spending too much on items you may not even use, consider allocating more of your budget to meaningful experiences instead.

If you’re not the type of traveler who’s up for hour-long walks or day-long tours, we recommend trying a cooking class with a market tour that lets you immerse yourself in Vietnam’s vibrant food scene! 

Led by an English-speaking celebrity chef (so you won’t have to worry about getting lost in translation), this fun and interactive cooking experience is a refreshing option for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture without feeling their bodies ache from all the walking! In this class, everything is already prepared right in front of you! All you need to do is show up, learn traditional cooking techniques and knife skills, and enjoy the dishes you’ve made afterward. Nothing beats the taste of authentic pho, bun cha, and fresh spring rolls that you’ve prepared yourself.

Beyond cooking classes, Hanoi has so much more to offer. You might come across a coffee-tasting session, pottery classes, or scented candle-making workshops. If you have a free day, we recommend just taking your slow and sweet time exploring around Old Quarter! The neighborhood beautifully blends traditional architecture with modern establishments, with every alleyway and corner offering something Instagram-worthy! 

4. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommended spots or hidden gems

When you were younger, you were often told not to talk to strangers. But when traveling overseas, approaching a local for advice can sometimes lead to the best experiences (Just be sure to stay cautious when doing so).

There are plenty of hidden gems and must-visit spots that you won’t always find on social media. Instead, you might discover them through a local quietly sipping egg coffee at a café you’ve visited in Hanoi. Once they share their trusted recommendations, don’t forget to say thank you—or cảm ơn.

5. Eat like a local

Your taste buds deserve a mouthwatering adventure, too!

Street food in Vietnam is not only delicious and satisfying, but also incredibly affordable. Instead of dining at tourist-heavy restaurants (where long lines can eat up your precious time), try local eateries, food vendors, or bustling sidewalk stalls where you can enjoy authentic dishes for a fraction of the price.

In Ninh Binh, we were able to enjoy sugarcane juice for only 10,000 Vietnamese dong (around ₱20). Meanwhile, in Hanoi, we stumbled upon Phố ẩm thực while on the hunt to satisfy our late-night cravings. This bustling food street, alive with the energy of nightlife, adrenaline of roaming street vendors, and the aroma of freshly cooked dishes, offered authentic banh mi for only 35,000 Vietnamese dong (around ₱80).

Traveling to Vietnam? Here’s your sign

Indeed, traveling to Vietnam doesn’t have to come with a heavy cost.

AirAsia Philippines has expanded its international network, adding direct flights from Da Nang and Hanoi to the Philippines. Beyond opening more travel opportunities for Filipinos, this expansion also allows travelers to explore Vietnam’s unique destinations more conveniently and affordably.

The expanded Manila network now includes four weekly flights to Da Nang and four weekly flights to Hanoi (operating on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). Additionally, there are five new routes from Cebu and one from Clark, making Vietnam more accessible for travelers across the country.

Wondering about flight schedules or upcoming promos? Visit AirAsia’s website and social media pages for the latest updates.

ALSO READ: Visiting Leyte for the First Time? These 10 Spots Are Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments!