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Hanoi attracts a large number of both domestic and international tourists every year, with many activities from exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to enjoying mouth-watering street food.
Hanoi, known as the "Thousand-Year Cultural Capital," has recently been recognized as the world's second-best destination for budget travel according to recent research carried out by Wethrift, a website specializing in providing promotional codes for tourists that are posted on traveloffpath.com.
If you're considering a trip to Hanoi but are worried about the cost, read this article for helpful tips on discovering why budget-conscious travelers are flocking to Hanoi, while uncovering the secrets of how this dynamic city became a top choice for cost-effective adventures.
According to Wethrift, the capital of Vietnam ranks second in the list of the 15 cheapest travel destinations for 2024. "If you dream of seeing a bustling city and nearby beautiful beaches, look no further than Hanoi, Vietnam. It is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world," written by Wethrift.
Wethrift platform analyzed indicators such as airfare, attraction tickets, tour prices, public transport fees, meals, and accommodation to select the 15 most affordable travel destinations for international tourists in 2024. And Hanoi ranks second on this list, only after New Delhi, India.
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According to Wethrift, Hanoi ranks second place in the world for budget travel @Kayak
According to this platform, Hanoi offers a wide range of services for tourists at affordable prices, from public transportation and self-catering accommodations to inexpensive local eateries. Dining out like a local in Hanoi costs visitors around USD 2.17, with the average drink price only about USD 1.
There are also many affordable tours and attractions in Hanoi (averaging under USD 60, according to Wethrift’s survey). International visitors can experience a street food tour, a cooking class in Hanoi, or visit nearby attractions like Hang Mua (Dancing Cave) in Ninh Binh or rural areas in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
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Tim Cook tastes the flavour of Vietnamese Coffee with Vietnamese celebrities @VNExpress
On the other hand, two other Southeast Asia destinations, Bali (Indonesia) and Bangkok (Thailand), also made the list of 15, which rank sixth and seventh, respectively. Wethrift also analyzed the world's most expensive destinations for 2024 with Florence, Italy, topping the list. The average accommodation cost in Florence is USD 315 per night, and other expenses like sightseeing and dining are significantly higher than in many other destinations.
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Hanoi has an energetic and vivid lifestyle from early morning until late night, and numerous famous historical sites with over 600 temples and pagodas. Along with many other cultural landmarks, creating a unique identity of Hanoi.
It cannot be denied that affordability is an advantage in attracting international visitors, but is it the only reason expats come to Vietnam? "Hanoi is a safe city, and I never felt insecure about anything here. I think that’s a significant advantage for tourists because if they feel safe day and night, it’s a big plus for the city’s tourism," shared Peter Okeeffe, an Australian tourist.
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Hanoi has an energetic and vivid lifestyle from early morning until late night @Soha
Furthermore, to aim for people and businesses to benefit from online public services, Hanoi’s Department of Tourism is focusing on digitizing tourism data and creating a smart tourism digital map to benefit businesses and tourists. Increasing the use of information technology in promoting Hanoi's tourism image to domestic and international visitors is also a priority, to attract more tourists to come to Hanoi.
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According to the Director of Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, Mrs. Dang Huong Giang, in 2024, Hanoi's tourism will focus on promoting cultural and heritage values associated with tourism. Continuing building the image of Hanoi as a "Civilized - Modern City", "City for Peace", "Creative City".
Previously, Hanoi Tourism Department also coordinated with Hanoi Tourism Corporation to survey and build a waterway tour, connecting cultural and craft village tourist spots on Red River, aiming to launch a waterway tour connecting Hanoi's Old Quarter with Bat Trang Pottery Village, Chu Dong Tu Temple Relic Site, etc.
A family is making pottery vase in Bat Trang village @VinWonders
Hanoi is going to develop attractive tourism products based on its inherent advantages while researching and investing in new types of products associated with the strengths of each locality Some can be mentioned as exploiting inland waterway tourism routes along the Red River, West Lake, Dong Mo Lake; developing agricultural tourism, experiential tourism, and sports tourism.
Additionally, cultural activities like “Vietnamese Tet” organized during the 2024 Lunar New Year are noteworthy. It lays the groundwork for piloting community-based tourism models associated with practical experiences at craft villages and tourist spots tied to traditional minority values in many tourism districts in Hanoi, such as Ba Vi.
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A corner of Ba Vi, one of many tourism districts in Hanoi @VinWonders
Meanwhile, in Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, local villagers have created aesthetically pleasing tourism models, designing landscapes with symbolic Vietnamese cultural icons like Vietnam map and the national flag, becoming impressive check-in points for visitors.
Captivating photography at Quang Phu Cau Incense Village @Golden Holiday Travel
Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street or Guom Lake Walking Street Is a mini destination yet the most vibrant and bustling place to visit in Hanoi. With various entertainment options from Vietnamese traditional pastimes to modern dance or even big event celebrations, expats can enjoy the mixed atmosphere of both contemporary and classical era. You should try an evening promenade around the lake when reaching Hanoi to immerse yourself in these nightlife activities.
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Hoan Kiem Walking street on the weekend @VinWonders
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a must-visit and famous relic site which is usually included in most of Hanoi travel itinerary. This place lies in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, at the intersection of Nha Chung, Ly Quoc Su, and Nha Tho Streets.
The church features twin bell towers and stained windows, and despite fierce wars devastating nearly all of Hanoi, St Joseph’s Cathedral still miraculously stands intact. It is now packed with hundreds of locals and tourists coming every day to explore its unique architecture and long-lasting history.
St. Joseph's Cathedral on a sunny day @VinWonders
West Lake is the largest natural lake in Hanoi. It can also be considered an iconic place of the capital city. It was originally a part of the nearby Red River, and its shore length of 17 kilometers and 500 hectares in area, plus its charm and historical significance, the lake has been mentioned in many songs, stories, and poems about Hanoi.
Along the shoreline of Hanoi's West Lake, besides Vietnamese historical sites, there are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes built in Western architectural styles. With a perfect combination of a poetic lake, solemn historic areas, amazing activities, and unforgettable food, the lake has become an unmissable place when tourists visit Hanoi.
Thanh Nien Street, between Truc Bach Lake and West Lake @VinWonders
With Hanoi being the second most affordable travel destination in the world, this is a compelling reason for travel enthusiasts to feel even more excited about visiting this city. You can also experience the cheapest place to travel to in Asia with Asia King Travel. So, what are you waiting for? Don't hesitate to contact us and book your tour now!
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