Vietnam, the ever-so-famous Southeast Asian tourist destination, is also a backpackers’ dream. Why? Its unbelievable blend of mountains, cultural heritage, temples, beaches, and much more, serving every kind of traveler. It’s a famous backpackers’ destination because it’s super affordable, drawing tourists from all over the world, for its under-the-budget compelling offerings. To backpack Vietnam is to move through layers of time. Ancient temples sit beside restless cities, French balconies overlook tangled markets, and rural paths still carry the pace of water buffalo and bicycles. This is more of an immersive journey than a structured, pre-planned one! Somewhere between missed buses, unexpected detours, and lingering sunsets, you will find moments of reflection and infinite experiences that stay long after you leave.
Below is a classic backpacking Vietnam itinerary, including famous routes, an average budget, useful tips for easier navigation, and the best time to visit. Read till the end and save it for your upcoming Vietnam adventure with JustWravel.
Your Ultimate Backpacking Vietnam Guide
Our experts have curated a comprehensive backpacking Vietnam guide, covering all essential aspects and the popular Vietnam backpacking route. The journey will feel intimate, stitched together by small yet beautiful encounters. So, let us get started!
The Classic Backpacking Vietnam Route: From North to South
The most opted, and by far the famous backpacking Vietnam route, is the one that runs from North to South, covering essential stops, experiences, and attractions. The experience slowly descends through moods and climates, allowing travelers a perfect taste of what Vietnam has to offer. And need not mention that it’s not just a line stretching from North to South, or vice versa; it’s a journey of infinite emotional and exploratory experiences you’ll cherish forever.
1. Northern Vietnam
Here are the destinations that are perfect for the backpacking Vietnam journey, each stop shifting the atmosphere and mood.
- Hanoi: This is the very first destination on the Vietnam backpacking route, offering layered experiences for travelers. This is an ancient city with gentle daily rhythms, peppered with quiet lakes, narrow streets, and a slower pace than other capitals. This city offers the perfect introduction to Vietnam, allowing travelers to adjust to the country’s culture and people.
- Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh: These nearby areas to Hanoi are other stunning places for a backpacking Vietnam experience. The scenery and vibes contrast with what Hanoi offers. There’s immense peace, fewer crowds, and nature’s bounty here. Many travelers spend a few days here to enjoy nature and recharge.
- Sapa or Ha Giang: The third stop in the far north of Vietnam will be Sapa or Ha Giang. The landscape here turns a bit cooler and more refreshing, with plenty of scenic roads, small communities, and trekking opportunities. The pace of travel, especially for backpackers, slows a bit and becomes more remote, offering an authentic Vietnamese experience.
2. Central Vietnam
Now, after exploring the wonders of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, or Ha Giang, it’s time to visit the central region of the Vietnam backpacking route. Here are the top destinations to discover.
- Hue: The first stop will be Hue, which sits calmly alongside the Perfume River, its pace slower than that of most Vietnamese cities. Hue was once the imperial capital, and its tour experience centers on ancient walls, palaces, and the tombs of emperors long past. This is an excellent place to learn about the country’s past. Backpackers can visit the small cafés overlooking the river, observe street vendors offering bánh bèo or other local delicacies, and the occasional cyclist drifting along tree-lined boulevards.
- Hoi An: Moving forward, the next stop is Hoi An, a compact town defined by lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and yellow-painted walls that give it a timeless charm. Backpackers are often seen lingering in this place longer than planned because of its walkable streets, friendly locals, and a pace that encourages slowing down. The evenings in Hoi An are even more glorious as the lanterns are lit, creating a breathtaking spectacle for travelers.
- Da Nang or Nha Trang: These places are more toward the central coast of Vietnam, where there is more open space and a slower pace of life. Both cities are gateways to Vietnam’s beaches, with golden sands and calm waters inviting relaxation after long stretches of inland travel. Da Nang is a growing city where both modernity and old-world charm can be felt, along with the adventure of trekking in the Marble Mountains and the Son Tra Peninsula. Nha Trang, by contrast, is more established as a beach destination, where backpackers can experience beautiful seaside moments.
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3. Southern Vietnam
After exploring the North and relaxing in the Central region, it’s time for the final region, the Southern part, where there is energy and thrill.
- Dalat: Not exactly in the Southern region, but located near the Central highlands, offering backpackers a much-awaited change from the lowlands. Dalat marks an excellent introduction to the Southern region. The city is known for its cooler climate, pine forests, and verdant hills, giving it a calm, almost European feel. There are abundant natural vistas, including gardens, lakes, coffee shops with unparalleled views, waterfalls, and more. Dalat is more like a detour for travelers, especially backpackers seeking balance and fresh air before continuing southward along the classic Vietnam backpacking route.
- Ho Chi Minh City: The next stop will be Ho Chi Minh City, known for its super-vibrant, energetic vibe, offering a completely contrasting experience to the North and Central Vietnam regions. Here, the streets pulse with motorbikes, markets, and neon lights, while rooftop bars and cafés offer spots to pause and observe the constant movement. Backpackers can plan their explorations around historical attractions, packed streets, and districts, as well as street food stalls serving pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood.
- Mekong Delta: This will be the final destination of your Vietnam route, subtly wrapping up the journey in the most incredible way possible. The Mekong Delta is a network of canals, rivers, and small towns where life moves gently with the tides. The experiences will include discovering the floating markets, quiet villages, and green paddies stretching to the horizon. This place will offer backpackers the perfect chance to experience the local life, visiting stilt houses, sampling tropical fruits, or observing farmers at work along the riverbanks. Ending your backpacking Vietnam trip will provide you with a calm, natural conclusion, leaving lasting memories of the country’s rural heart.
Confused whether to travel solo or with groups? Read our blog and get clarity- Vietnam Group Tour vs Solo Travel: What’s Better?
Budget Breakdown for Backpacking Vietnam
Backpacking Vietnam or Budget Travel Vietnam, whatever you call it, it’s not about “cheaper travel”, but more immersive and deeper experiences with controlled spending.
| CATEGORY | AVERAGE PER DAY COST |
| Accommodation (Hostel Dorms/Private Rooms) | ₹400 – ₹1,200 |
| Food (Street meals/local cafes) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Transport (City buses/ bike taxis/ Intercity buses) | ₹150 – ₹600 |
| SIM Card & Internet (4G SIM with 10-15 GB data) | ₹150 – ₹650 |
| Activities (Museums/Temples, Boat Rides/ Guided Tours) | ₹80 – ₹150 |
| Miscellaneous (Small Purchases) | ₹150 – ₹400 |
Please note: A realistic budget travel in Vietnam will easily cost ₹1,500 - ₹3,500 per day. In this budget, you can eat, travel, and stay in comfortable settings. Backpackers coming for a week-long journey can consider a budget of ₹10,000 - ₹22,000, which completely depends on travel style and other choices.
Best Time to Backpack Vietnam
The best time to plan your backpacking Vietnam trip is during October and April. The maximum regions, stretching from North to South, experience drier, clearer weather. This period is ideal for moving across the country without frequent weather disruptions.
However, it’s important to note that Vietnam is a year-round destination, but extreme summer temperatures and heavy rains during the monsoon season can disrupt many plans. The October to April window is ideal for a successful Vietnam trip.
Tips for Backpacking Vietnam
This is what most backpackers’ guides to Vietnam miss out on. These tips will help smooth the journey and let you experience with greater confidence and knowledge.
- For staying, dorm beds in hostels and private rooms are relatively more expensive in central cities like Hanoi or HCMC than in other smaller towns.
- Purchasing a sim card is essential for easier navigation. Also note that many cafes and hostels offer unlimited internet to the visitors.
- While backpacking in Vietnam, the distance will often seem shorter to you, but in reality, it is not. Move more slowly to experience each place deeply, without rushing.
- Eat where the locals eat to find authentic Vietnamese flavors. It’s best to follow the stools, not the signs.
- Vietnam rewards those who leave space for detours. Keep your itinerary flexible and avoid overpacking.
- For staying, you can trust small accommodations, every family-run guesthouse and modest hotels. The reason is that you’ll find a sense of familiarity at these places as they offer local insight, homemade breakfasts, and the feeling of briefly belonging somewhere unfamiliar.
- Always allow buffer time in your itinerary and be prepared for delays or cancellations, as the weather in Vietnam is unpredictable.
- Do not plan each day to do something. A good backpacking trip is where you choose to pause and reflect, sometimes sitting in a cafe or just roaming the streets peacefully.
- Cheap travel in Vietnam is easier when you move slowly and stay longer in fewer places. This allows you to use local transport, enjoy everyday food spots, and experience the country without rushing or overplanning.
Ready for an incredible, action- and adventure-packed backpacking trip in Vietnam? Why wait when everything is almost in place, and the road is calling your name? With just your itinerary left to plan, the journey is already within reach!
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Frequently Asked Questions
To plan a backpacking Vietnam trip, it’s best to keep your itinerary a bit loose, allowing a buffer for unplanned experiences, rather than keeping it rigid. The right way to approach a backpacking trip is to let the destination’s rhythm and flow guide you, rather than moving as you planned in your head.
The most popular Vietnam backpacking route runs from North to South. The route starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, and some prefer it the other way around. Throughout the journey, the travelers will experience a mix of mountain towns, heritage cities, coastal regions, and river landscapes.
The daily average for budget travel in Vietnam typically ranges from $20 to $35, depending on the food places you choose, your transport preferences (public or private), accommodation (hostel, boutique stay, hotel, etc.), and your overall travel style. Travelers who prioritize dorms, buses, and local eateries can comfortably stay at the lower end.
A good backpacker’s guide to Vietnam emphasizes flexibility, cultural respect, and slow travel. It even encourages travelers to learn basic local phrases to build meaningful relationships with locals.
To experience cheap travel in Vietnam without compromising on the budget, is through
1. Picking budget hotels or quality hostels for stays rather than fancy hotels.
2. Choosing local transport to travel rather than private transport.
3. Eat locally and not at internet-famous restaurants that charge unreasonably high prices.
4. Travel during off-peak or shoulder seasons for lower flight and hotel prices.