Vietnam is an incredibly rewarding country to travel through, but a few smart decisions can make your trip much smoother and more budget-friendly. Based on our first-hand experience traveling across Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, here are some practical Vietnam travel tips that will help you avoid common mistakes and plan better—especially if you’re traveling from India.

How to Travel from Hanoi Airport to City Center

Instead of booking a taxi from Hanoi Airport, consider taking the airport bus to the city center. The buses are well maintained, have ample space for luggage, and are significantly cheaper. We were able to reach Hanoi city at almost half the cost compared to taxis, making this a great budget-friendly option for first-time travellers.

Best SIM Cards for Tourists in Vietnam

Pre-book a SIM Card for Convenience

We recommend pre-booking a SIM card from Klook. It cost us around ₹500, and the shop was open even at 4 AM, which was extremely helpful after an early-morning arrival.

Viettel vs Vinaphone

• Viettel is the best option if you’re staying in remote areas like Sapa, as it has stronger coverage.
• Vinaphone works very well in cities and popular tourist destinations.

One thing to note is that Viettel shops in Hanoi city offer relatively expensive plans. Local shops often have better deals. For convenience, we bought a Vinaphone SIM from our hotel for $10, which worked well for us.

Booking Activities & Tours in Vietnam

Klook turned out to be one of the best platforms for booking activities in Vietnam. We booked all our tours and experiences through Klook, and everything—from booking confirmations to on-ground execution—was smooth and hassle-free.

Currency Exchange Tips in Vietnam (Very Important)

Carry USD, Not Vietnamese Currency

If you’re traveling from India, do not convert money directly to Vietnamese Dong in India. The conversion rate is very poor.

Instead, carry USD. You can:

• Convert only a small amount at the airport (just enough to reach Hanoi city), or
• Exchange money after reaching the city.

Best Places to Exchange Money in Hanoi

Currency exchange shops in Hanoi city offer very good rates, sometimes even better than official conversion rates. Surprisingly, gold shops provide the best exchange rates, so they’re worth checking out.

Local Transport in Vietnam: Grab, Taxis & Buses

Using Grab for Daily Travel

Grab is the most convenient option for local transport in Vietnam.

• Grab Bike is ideal for solo travelers and helps save a lot of money.
• Grab Taxi is economical and works well for couples and families.

Sometimes, Grab shows a temporary surcharge, increasing fares to about 1.5 times the normal price. If you’re not in a hurry, wait a few minutes and try booking again—the prices often drop back to normal.

When Local Taxis Are Better

For fixed and time-bound day trips such as Da Nang to Hoi An or Da Nang to Ba Na Hills, it’s worth negotiating directly with local taxi drivers. In some cases, we found better deals than what Grab offered.

Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride: What You Should Know

In Hoi An, hotel staff may try to sell lantern boat ride tickets at a higher price. This isn’t necessary.

You can simply walk towards the river in the evening, where there are official counters selling tickets at standard prices.

If you want to buy a paper lantern, avoid purchasing it from the boat operators, as they sell them at around five times the actual price. Instead, buy from local vendors, especially elderly women selling lanterns at much more reasonable rates.

Public Transport in Ho Chi Minh City

Public buses in Ho Chi Minh City, especially within District 1, are a great alternative to Grab for short distances. The buses are:

• Well maintained
• Air-conditioned
• Very economical

You can easily check routes and timings using Google Maps, which works accurately. Due to heavy traffic, buses may experience a 4–5 minute delay, but this is common for taxis as well.

Immigration Experience & Airport Tips in Vietnam

The immigration process on arrival in Vietnam can be tiring. Hanoi was our port of entry, and the process took around 1.5 hours. There were no proper queues, and overall management felt inefficient.

We had read similar feedback about departures, but our experience while leaving Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City was smooth and fast. That said, it’s still recommended to reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Credit Cards vs Cash in Vietnam

Try to avoid using credit cards at hotels, as most hotels charge an additional 2–4% fee on card payments. We encountered this surcharge at every hotel we stayed at during our trip, so carrying cash is a better option.

Hanoi Night Market: Best Time to Visit

The Hanoi Night Market was one of the best night markets we visited in Vietnam. However, it’s important to note that the market operates only on weekends.

If possible, plan your Hanoi stay so that it includes a Saturday or Sunday, as this is a must-visit experience.

Final Tip

Vietnam is easy to travel once you understand a few local nuances. With the right transport choices, smart currency exchange, and a bit of planning, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip across the country.

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the most important parts of planning an international trip. We spent a considerable amount of time researching our stays in Vietnam because our criteria were clear — the hotels had to be comfortable, budget-friendly, well-located, and equipped with all basic facilities. Easy accessibility to public transport, day-trip pick-ups, and major attractions was equally important.

After reading countless Google reviews, watching YouTube videos, and comparing multiple options, we finally shortlisted and stayed at the following hotels during our Vietnam trip. This blog aims to help fellow travelers narrow down good yet affordable hotel options in Vietnam, based purely on our personal experience.

Hanoi – Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley

Located in the heart of the Hoan Kiem District, this hotel is just 300 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, making it an excellent base to explore Hanoi.

From the moment we checked in, the hotel gave off a very positive and welcoming vibe. The staff were exceptionally polite and friendly. We reached the hotel around 7:30 AM, while the official check-in time was 2 PM. As expected, they allowed us to store our luggage, but what truly surprised us was that they offered us a complimentary breakfast as well.

The hospitality didn’t stop there. The receptionist noticed that we had a slight cough and throat irritation, and the next time we passed by the reception, she thoughtfully offered us cough tablets — a small gesture that spoke volumes about their care and attentiveness.

The location is a big advantage. Day-trip buses picked us up directly from the hotel doorstep, which made logistics extremely convenient.

Coming to the room — the size was adequate for two people, though it was the smallest room we stayed in during our Vietnam trip. That said, there were no complaints regarding cleanliness or facilities. Despite being on a busy street, the room was surprisingly quiet, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

On the day of checkout, the receptionist even walked up to our taxi to personally bid us goodbye. Little gestures like these leave a lasting impression.

Highly recommended for first-time visitors to Hanoi.
Hotel link: Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley

Hoi An – La An Central Boutique Villa & Spa

Located right in the heart of Hoi An, this hotel felt warm and homely from the moment we arrived. We were welcomed by a lovely receptionist who shared excellent recommendations for local food and things to do around the city.

The location is excellent — within walking distance of the Ancient Town and surrounded by plenty of eateries. The room was cozy yet spacious, featuring a beautiful balcony overlooking lush greenery, which added to the overall charm of the stay.

The hotel also offers bicycles for rent at reasonable prices, making it easy to explore the extended and quieter parts of Hoi An at your own pace.

A perfect blend of comfort, location, and value for money.

Highly recommended.
Hotel link: La An Central Boutique Villa & Spa

Da Nang – Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa

This hotel is located just a 1–2 minute walk from My Khe Beach, which is one of the biggest highlights of staying here.

The rooms were quite spacious, with the bathroom and toilet as separate areas. The room window opened up to a beautiful beach view, which was a pleasant surprise. As part of the stay, we received complimentary cocktail and beer vouchers, redeemable at their terrace bar.

The terrace features a small bar and a swimming pool (more like a large jacuzzi). It’s a great spot to unwind in the evening while enjoying views of the city and the beach.

Breakfast was one of the standout features — excellent variety and great taste. There are also plenty of food options nearby, including a very nice café right next to the hotel.

This hotel truly offers great value for money.

Recommended for beach lovers looking for comfort on a budget.
Hotel link: Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa

Ho Chi Minh City – Sanouva Saigon Hotel

After going through multiple blogs and travel guides, we understood that District 1 is the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. Similar to Hanoi, hotels here tend to be more expensive compared to Hoi An and Da Nang.

We couldn’t find an option as economical and impressive as our Hanoi stay, so after extensive research, we finalized Sanouva Saigon Hotel.

The hotel is centrally located in District 1, within walking distance of most major attractions. The room was spacious, and the bathroom was particularly large. Throughout our stay, the staff were professional and courteous.

Breakfast was decent — limited options with acceptable taste.

Overall, it was a satisfactory stay based on our expectations, though we would recommend exploring a few other options as well before booking.

Hotel link: Sanouva Saigon Hotel

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options, but finding places that strike the right balance between budget, comfort, and location takes some research. All the hotels listed above were personally experienced by us and chosen after careful planning.

If you’re traveling to Vietnam for the first time and want reliable, budget-friendly stays without compromising on comfort, these hotels are definitely worth considering.

Vietnam was not our first choice when we initially thought about international travel. Being based in Asia, Europe had always been at the top of our travel wishlist. Over the last two years, we had already visited five countries, and this year we felt it was time for a change—something closer to home, yet diverse and exciting.

After shortlisting destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, we finally chose Vietnam. The reason was simple: Vietnam offers everything—from mountains and beaches to vibrant cities and rich culture. Our 9-day Vietnam itinerary covered North, Central, and South Vietnam, giving us a well-rounded experience of the country.

Day 1-3: Hanoi and Nearby Day Trips

We began our Vietnam trip in Hanoi, where we stayed for three days. On the first day, we arrived at our hotel early in the morning around 7:30 AM, which gave us a full day to explore the city.

We spent the day walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, trying the famous Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì, and visiting the Instagram-famous Hanoi Train Street. Since it was a Sunday, we also got to experience the Hanoi Night Market, which turned out to be a complete shopping paradise with vibrant stalls, local food, and a lively atmosphere.

For the next two days, we had booked day trips from Hanoi—one to Ha Long Bay and another to Ninh Binh. These day tours are truly full-day experiences, as they take up almost the entire day from morning to evening.

Day 4-5: Hoi An – The Highlight of Our Vietnam Trip

After Hanoi, we headed to Central Vietnam, covering Hoi An and Da Nang. This was a slightly uncertain phase of our trip due to flood warnings and predicted rainfall, but we decided to stick to our original plan.

While we usually prefer train travel within a country, we chose to fly this time to save time. We took a morning flight from Hanoi around 10:30 AM and reached Da Nang in about an hour. From Da Nang Airport, we took a Grab taxi to Hoi An.

We stayed in Hoi An for one day, and without a doubt, this was the most memorable part of our entire Vietnam trip. Hoi An’s charm, lantern-lit streets, and relaxed vibe made it incredibly special. If we had changed our schedule and skipped our stay here, we would have seriously regretted it.

Day 6-7: Da Nang and Ba Na Hills

The next day, we left Hoi An and checked into our hotel in Da Nang, where we stayed for two days.

On the first day in Da Nang, we explored local attractions such as:

• Dragon Bridge
• Da Nang Beach
• Son Tra Night Market

The night market was not just about shopping—it was one of the best places to experience local Vietnamese street food.

For the following day, we had planned a visit to the famous Ba Na Hills. Starting early in the morning, we spent almost six hours exploring Ba Na Hills, before returning to our Da Nang hotel in the evening.

Day 8-9: Ho Chi Minh City(Saigon)

Our final destination was Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. We took a flight from Da Nang, which unfortunately got delayed by two hours. As a result, we checked into our hotel around 4 PM. Since it was already late, we spent the evening exploring nearby areas.

The next day, we had the option of taking a Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trip. However, we decided to stay back in the city and explore District 1, which turned out to be a great decision.

Ho Chi Minh City had a lot to offer, including:

• War Remnants Museum
• Independence Palace
• Saigon Central Post Office
• Ben Thanh Market
• Jade Pagoda
• Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Opera House
• Nguyen Hue walking street
• Ben Nghe Street Food
• Sài Gòn Square

Exploring these attractions gave us a deeper insight into Vietnam’s history and culture.

On the last day, we spent the first half visiting one of the largest supermarkets Co.opmart in Saigon to shop for Vietnamese coffee. Our return flight was scheduled for around 5:30 PM. After lunch, we checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport early, as we had read a lot about long immigration queues at Ho Chi Minh Airport.

The flight was delayed by an hour, and we finally landed in Mumbai around 10 PM.

Is 9 Days Enough for Vietnam?

Overall, 9 days in Vietnam felt sufficient to experience the highlights across North, Central, and South Vietnam. However, if we had the chance to plan again:

• We would add one more day in Hanoi to explore the city itself, as its vibe was truly special. The back-to-back day trips limited our time within the city.
• We would also add one extra day in Hoi An—to relive its magic, cycle through the Old Town lanes, and soak in its charm once again.

Vietnam left us with unforgettable memories, and it’s a destination we would happily return to.

After the bustle of Barcelona, our next stop was Granada—a city that ended up stealing our hearts. Funny thing is, it didn’t exactly start on the best note.

We had taken an early morning train, leaving around 6:45 AM and reaching Granada by early afternoon. Sleep-deprived but excited, we rushed out of the station and straight into our first little misadventure. Google Maps told us to catch Bus No. 4 towards the Cathedral. As luck would have it, the bus showed up just as we reached the stop. Without checking the direction, we hopped on. A few minutes later, we realized we were heading the wrong way. With our limited Spanish, we couldn’t really explain ourselves to the driver—but a kind elderly gentleman came to our rescue, speaking to the driver on our behalf. Eventually, the driver told us where to get down, and it only cost us an extra five minutes of walking. Not too bad, and honestly, a fun story in hindsight.

Finally, we reached our hotel, which sat right opposite the Cathedral. The location couldn’t have been more perfect, with countless cafés and tapas bars nearby. Our room even had a small balcony overlooking the bustling street below—a sweet surprise after the long journey.

That first evening, we kept things simple. A quick lunch at a nearby café gave us the energy to wander through the streets. We strolled down to Plaza Nueva, walked along the Carrera del Darro, and soaked in the city’s charming old-world vibe. By the time evening fell, we found ourselves back at Plaza Nueva, where a giant Christmas tree was lit up at exactly 6:30 PM. Watching the lights come alive against the backdrop of Granada’s historic buildings was pure magic.

A Day at the Alhambra

The next morning was reserved for Granada’s crown jewel—the Alhambra. We started the day with what turned out to be the best breakfast of our trip at Hotel Inglaterra. Knowing we had a full day of walking ahead, we left early and reached the Alhambra on foot. That’s the beauty of Granada: everything feels close by.

Our timed entry for the Nasrid Palaces wasn’t until 11 AM, so we explored the Generalife gardens first. For two nature lovers, this was paradise. Lush greenery, fountains, and flower-filled courtyards—it felt like stepping into a painting.

The Nasrid Palaces, however, were on another level altogether. Intricate carvings, Moorish arches, and hallways that seemed to whisper stories from centuries past—we were absolutely awestruck. Afterward, we explored the Alcazaba fortress, climbing its watchtowers for panoramic views of Granada. Even under the afternoon sun, the city sparkled below us. We spent nearly four hours wandering through the Alhambra complex, and if it were possible, we would have happily revisited the gardens again.

Albaicín, Sacromonte & Tapas Nights

The afternoon was for exploring Granada beyond the Alhambra. After a quick shawarma lunch near Plaza Nueva, we headed to the Albaicín neighborhood. This was our first real encounter with the whitewashed houses and cobbled stone streets so often pictured in European travel books. Getting lost in its winding lanes was part of the fun, and the reward was waiting at Mirador de San Nicolás—a viewpoint offering a postcard-perfect view of the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada backdrop.

From there, we walked further into Sacromonte, known for its cave houses. We just managed to catch the Sacromonte Caves Museum before closing, exploring the preserved homes that once belonged to the gypsy community. It was a fascinating glimpse into a very different side of Granada’s history.

That evening, we finally dove into the tapas culture the city is so famous for. We’d read about La Riviera, a buzzing little bar near our hotel, and it did not disappoint. Unlike most places where tapas are chef’s choice, here you get to pick your own. Over a beer and a glass of wine, we dug into fried octopus legs and chicken wings glazed with honey. The place was crowded, noisy, and absolutely perfect—exactly how tapas is meant to be enjoyed.

Looking Back

Granada wasn’t just another stop on our itinerary—it became one of our favorite places of the entire trip. Between the history of the Alhambra, the charm of Albaicín, the character of Sacromonte, and the delicious simplicity of tapas nights, the city had everything we were hoping for and more. What started with a wrong bus ride ended with us falling head over heels for Granada. And honestly, that feels like the most fitting way to experience a city as full of surprises as this one.