Is There Any Travelling Options for You with a $50 Budget from Hanoi?

Travelling in Vietnam has always been a dream for many globetrotters and Hanoi — the capital city — makes it even easier for budget-conscious explorers. With its vibrant street culture, delicious food and easy access to nearby natural wonders, Hanoi is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Asia.

But here’s the big question: Can you really travel around Hanoi and beyond with just $50 in your pocket? The answer is a resounding yes! With smart planning and local insights, you can stretch that budget to cover exciting tours, delicious meals and even day trips to nearby attractions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best travelling options under $50 from Hanoi, including walking tours, cultural activities, food experiences and day trips. We’ll also share tips to maximize your budget and highlight when it might make sense to spend a little more.

Perfect Deal: Halong Bay Day Cruise Tour with a Preferred Room at Marina Hanoi Hotel

Why $50 Is Enough for Travelling Around Hanoi

Hanoi is a traveler’s paradise for those who love to experience more while spending less.

The Value of Money in Vietnam Travel

Vietnam is famously affordable. $50 in Hanoi can cover:

Local tours: guided experiences, walking tours and entry tickets.
Meals: multiple authentic street food dishes.
Transportation: taxis, buses or shared vans to nearby spots.
Activities: cooking classes, traditional shows and more.

Why Hanoi Is Perfect for Budget Travelers

Unlike many capitals around the world, Hanoi offers a unique blend of low travel costs and rich cultural experiences. Street food starts at just $1–2, museum entry fees rarely exceed $5 and group tours from Hanoi can be found for as little as $30.

Top Travelling Experiences in Hanoi Under $50

So, what can you actually do in Hanoi with just $50? Quite a lot, as it turns out.

Hanoi Old Quarter Walking & Street Food Tours

The Old Quarter is the heartbeat of Hanoi — a maze of narrow streets packed with markets, shops and food stalls. For around $20–$30, you can join a guided food tour that lets you sample pho, banh mi, spring rolls and egg coffee while learning about local culture.

Cultural Visits: Temples & Museums

Hanoi is home to some of Vietnam’s most iconic cultural landmarks. For less than $10 in entry fees, you can explore:

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – pay respects to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader.
Temple of Literature – a historic site dedicated to Confucius.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – showcasing ethnic diversity.

Water Puppet Shows & Cyclo Rides

For under $10–$15, you can enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form. Combine it with a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake for a budget-friendly cultural evening.

Cooking Classes with Market Visits

Love Vietnamese food? For about $35–$40, you can join a half-day cooking class. You’ll shop at a local market, cook with fresh ingredients and enjoy the dishes you create.

You pay Superior double room price but you get Suite executive room.

Day Trips from Hanoi for Less Than $50

One of Hanoi’s biggest advantages is its proximity to stunning natural landscapes and cultural sites. Yes, even with $50, you can take memorable day trips.

Ninh Binh (Tam Coc or Trang An)

Known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers karst mountains, boat rides and ancient temples. Group tours from Hanoi start at $35–$45, including transport, lunch and entrance fees.

Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage Trip

A scenic river journey and cable car ride take you to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most sacred sites. Prices are usually $40–$50 for a full-day guided tour.

Ba Vi National Park & Countryside Cycling

For travelers who love nature, Ba Vi offers fresh air, green mountains and traditional villages. Cycling tours or farm visits cost around $30–$40, making it a great off-the-beaten-path option.

Bat Trang Pottery Village

Closer to Hanoi, Bat Trang is famous for its centuries-old ceramic tradition. For less than $20, you can visit workshops, try pottery-making, and bring home handmade souvenirs.

Budget Halong Bay Day Cruise

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations—and you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience it. If you’re short on time and traveling on a budget, a Halong Bay day cruise under $50 may sound too good to be true. But in 2025, it’s still possible.

Is there any travelling options for you with budget of $50 from Hanoi to Halong Bay

How to Stretch Your $50 Budget While Travelling

Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out — it just means being smart with your money.

Booking Online vs. Local Agencies

Local agencies in Hanoi Old Quarter often offer cheaper last-minute deals.
Online booking platforms let you read reviews and secure your spot in advance.

Joining Group Tours

Private tours can cost $80–$100, but group tours bring the price down to $30–$50 while still offering great experiences.

Avoiding Hidden Costs & Tourist Traps

Always ask if entrance fees are included in the tour price.
Watch out for add-ons like kayaking or boat tickets in Halong Bay.
Confirm if lunch or transportation is part of the deal.

Best Time of Year for Budget-Friendly Experiences

Low season (May–September): prices are cheaper, but expect rain.
High season (October–April): great weather but higher demand.

When to Spend a Little More Than $50

While $50 opens many doors, some experiences in Hanoi and beyond are worth stretching your budget.

Tours That Go Beyond $50

Halong Bay day cruises: often $55–$70 from Hanoi.
Overnight trips to Sapa: starting around $60–$80.
Luxury cooking classes or private tours.

Benefits of Upgrading

Spending just $10–$20 more can often mean:

Faster transportation (expressway buses instead of local buses).
Smaller groups with better guides.
Higher quality meals and boats.

Can You Travel from Hanoi with Just $50?

Absolutely. Hanoi is a budget traveler’s dream where $50 can cover full-day experiences, delicious meals and even scenic day trips outside the city. From exploring the Old Quarter and tasting street food to joining guided tours to Ninh Binh or Perfume Pagoda, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re willing to spend just a little more, options like Halong Bay or Sapa open up — but for those sticking to $50, rest assured: you’ll still have an unforgettable time.