A savvy Brit has revealed their secret to experiencing an unforgettable holiday in Vietnam without breaking the bank or missing out on luxuries that come with a premium vacation.
We’ve all felt the urge for a getaway to relieve work strain, personal struggles, or an incessant social schedule that wearies us thin. But, faced with climbing everyday expenses and a hefty cost of living, the prospect of a luxury break often seems like a distant dream for most.
One adventurous woman, Shelly, has divulged how she embarked on a nine-day Vietnamese adventure on a budget. She was able to enjoy beautiful hotels, a cruise, Vietnam’s most stunning views, beaches and fun activities. The travel enthusiast frequently broadcasts her expeditions and holiday advice on social networks and says she is “discovering what’s out there and taking you with me – inspiring you to travel.”
For her latest expedition, Shelly explained that her entire Vietnamese excursion cost just £787, which included flights, stays in three different locations, a cruise, meals, and additional transportation. She scored a flight from London Gatwick Airport to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, at £420 courtesy of Air China.
Her initial three days were spent luxuriating at the Ja Cosmo Hotel and Spa—a four-star establishment brimming with glowing reviews—where she secured her stay at £31 per night, affording her ample luxury.
Shelly says there’s a wide array of hotels available at a similar cost. During her visit to the acclaimed Train Street, she relished a cocktail without incurring any costs besides her beverage. She also explored Megan Grand World, a complimentary evening wildlife spectacle.
After a delightful time in Hanoi, on day four, Shelly embarked on a Halong Bay cruise which cost her roughly £100 for a two-day, one-night stay. “The cruise company will send you a car to pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi,” she shared.
TripAdvisor features a description of the cruise: “Explore Halong Bay and have several activities planned for you on this two-day group tour from Hanoi. Several meals, transport, accommodation, and more are taken care of for you, so you just need to enjoy your time cruising the bay. Try cooking class, bamboo boat, kayaking, and more, all organized by your guide and crew.”
Shelly also indulged in a luxurious bath while gazing out at the bay and delighted in the breathtaking balcony view from her room. For the concluding part of her voyage, Shelly took a flight to Da Nang costing £28. She spent four days in the city discovering more upscale hotels at economical rates – between £20 to £30 per night. She recommends Daisy Boutique Hotel, Golden Lotus Hotel, and Pama Boutique Hotel and Bistro. All these hotels bear four-star rating and include breakfast.
Shelly shared her top tips for Danang, saying: “Things to do in Danang – spend a relaxing day at the beach, go see the dragon bridge show at night for free, and go experience ‘Vietnam’s Santorini’ at Son Trà Marina.”
On her eighth day, she took a 40-minute car ride to Hanoi and checked into the Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel. The accommodation offered striking rooms with lavish bathrooms adorned with petal-filled baths. The entryway was decorated with elegant umbrellas suspended from the ceiling. Despite the luxurious setting, Shelly’s stay cost only £26 per night.
Detailing the activities she indulged in, Shelly said: “Activities to do here range from the coconut basket experience for £4, the latern boat ride fro £3. You can also try express tailoring. Budget £80 on transportation and feeding for your entire trip.”
Enthusiastic responses came swiftly as one person commented, “I’m sold,” while another exclaimed: “Ok, you won. Now I want to go to Vietnam so bad.” A third future traveller remarked: “Vietnam is on my radar, I am saving this – thank you.”
Have you visited Vietnam? Share your experience in the comments below.