How to enjoy 4–5★ hotels, amazing street food and unforgettable experiences – without overspending.

Vietnam is one of the best value destinations for travellers from Ireland right now. Flights are getting cheaper, hotels are still very affordable, and everyday costs like food, taxis and activities are low compared to Europe. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips, recommended areas to stay and hand-picked tours and hotels you can book through our trusted partners.

Average Costs
Coffee: €1–2
Bowl of pho or local noodles: €1.5–3
Dinner in a simple restaurant: €3–6
Beer: €0.7–1.5
Taxi / Grab ride in the city: often €1–3
Overnight sleeper bus/train: €10–30 depending on distance.

Getting Around
Domestic flights – fast and cheap between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and islands.
Sleeper buses & trains – classic Vietnam experience if your audience likes overland travel.
Within cities – Grab (car or motorbike) is king.

Money & eSIM
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Amounts look big – get used to zeros.
Cash is still very important, especially in small shops and street food.
eSIM / SIM: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone,BNE esim – very cheap data, strong coverage.

📱 Best eSIM for Travelers
Staying connected abroad is easier (and cheaper) with an eSIM.
You can activate it instantly — no physical SIM card, no store visits, and no passport checks.

Why travelers prefer eSIM:

Works immediately after purchase
Keeps your Irish/UK SIM active for calls & banking
No roaming fees
Fast 4G/5G in most destinations
Perfect for short trips or long stays
👉 For the best worldwide eSIM deals, click here.

💡 Which eSIM to choose?
Most travelers pick plans based on:

Data allowance (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, unlimited)
Trip length (7–30 days)
Region (Asia-only, Europe-only, Global eSIM)
Speed (4G vs 5G)
Global eSIMs are great if you visit several countries in one trip — no need to switch SIM cards.

 🛠 How to activate your eSIM
Takes 1 minute:

Buy the eSIM online
Scan the QR code
Turn on “Data Roaming”
Start using data instantly
No contracts. No hidden charges.

 🔐 Stay safe while traveling
Many hotels, cafés and airports have slow or risky Wi-Fi.
An eSIM gives you a secure connection everywhere — useful for:

Google Maps
WhatsApp
Banking apps
Flight check-ins
Booking transport
 
💬 My recommendation
If you travel a lot (like you do), choose a regional or global eSIM — they work in dozens of countries and save time.

Best Time to Visit
Vietnam is long, so weather changes by region:

North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang) – best roughly October–April.
Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) – dry and sunny mostly February–August.
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc) – warm all year; more rain from May–October.
You can travel year-round if you move with the good weather.

Top Routes & Places

Hanoi Old Quarter & Street Food
Walk through narrow streets, taste authentic Vietnamese dishes, and feel the energy of Hanoi’s most iconic neighbourhood.
Click here for food tours and experiences.

Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay – Overnight Cruise
Sail between limestone islands, enjoy panoramic views, and relax on a luxury overnight cruise.
Perfect for booking affiliate tours.
Click here to reserve your cruise.

Ninh Binh – “Ha Long on Land”
Take a peaceful boat ride through rice fields and towering karst mountains. One of Vietnam’s most scenic regions.
Click here to book a Ninh Binh day trip.

Ha Giang Loop – Mountain Motorbike Adventure
A dramatic mountain route with deep valleys and breathtaking scenery. Always book with a reputable agency for safety.
Click here for trusted Ha Giang Loop tours.

Hue & Hoi An – Culture, History & Beaches
Discover ancient temples in Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and enjoy beaches just outside Da Nang.
Click here for Hue–Hoi An tours and transfers.

Ho Chi Minh City – Energy, History & Rooftops
A fast-paced southern city known for vibrant nightlife, street food, and historic sites like the War Remnants Museum.
Click here to explore tours in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mekong Delta & Floating Markets
See traditional river life, visit floating markets, and cruise through quiet canals surrounded by nature.
Click here for Mekong Delta tours.

Phu Quoc Island – Relaxed Beach Time
Crystal-clear water, soft sand, and resort-style comfort — perfect for ending your Vietnam trip.
Click here for Phu Quoc activities and transfers.

 
Safety & Tips
Traffic looks crazy; when crossing the street walk slowly and steadily, let scooters go around you.
Watch out for very cheap alcohol / “happy balloons” in backpacker bars – not worth the risk.
Use hotel safes; keep photos of passport and visa on your phone.
 
Affiliate Spots
Vietnam is perfect for:

Multi-city flight search (in + out different cities).
Ha Long Bay cruises, Ha Giang Loop tours, day trips from Hoi An, Mekong tours.
Hotel search  for Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon, Phu Quoc.