Exploring Vietnam on a Budget: Top Winter Travel Destinations

As the year comes to a close, many individuals are looking forward to a well-deserved vacation to unwind and rejuvenate. However, many are faced with the challenge of managing finances and making the right choices when it comes to selecting the perfect destination.

Thua Thien – Hue Hopes to Increase the Number of Tourists in 2021

Photo: Nguyen Tuyet Nhung

Thua Thien – Hue offers a highly recommended option for a peaceful winter getaway. This region in Vietnam is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. Following the popularity of the film “Em va Trinh,” which was shot on location here, Hue has attracted even more attention from intrepid young tourists, as well as those in search of serenity and quality time with loved ones.

Hue is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. Distinguished by the meandering Perfume River, this former capital city boasts a captivating ambiance that captivates visitors. Additionally, Hue is adorned with an impressive collection of globally recognized landmarks, further adding to its allure.

Photo: Nguyen Tuyet Nhung

Hue has established itself as the esteemed “Festival City” of the country. Since its inception in 2000, the biennial Hue Festival has become a prominent event in the region. For those seeking a leisurely beach getaway, a visit to Hue is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in its picturesque beachfront and mesmerizing emerald waters for an unforgettable experience.

Transportation: There are several transportation options available for tourists traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue. These options include planes, buses, trains, and hired vehicles.

Sleeper buses are a popular choice for this route, offering flexibility in terms of pick up and drop off locations, as well as fully equipped amenities. Prices for sleeper buses range from VND 400.000 (US$16.12) to VND 650.000 (US$26.20) per trip.

The train fares for journeys between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue are relatively higher, ranging from VND 400,000 (US$16.12) to VND 1 million (US$40.31). These trains typically take about 18 to 22 hours to complete the journey.

The most exquisite hotels in Hue are conveniently located along three prominent streets: Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, and prominently, Hung Vuong.

Photo: Nguyen Tuyet Nhung

If you are not constrained by a budget and seeking to fully enjoy your trip, we invite you to choose any accommodation along the picturesque Le Loi street, which runs along the beautiful bank of the Perfume River.

If you are looking for accommodation near the Hue Walking Street or Trang Tien Bridge, there are several lodges in the area that offer excellent options.

– Tourist attractions in Hue include the Hue Citadel, Quoc Tu Giam – Thua Thien – Hue History Museum, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Quoc Hoc School, Vong Canh Hill, Thien An Hill, Bao Vinh Old Town, Perfume River, Bach Dang Street, and Lang Co beach.

Our culinary delights encompass a variety of delectable dishes that showcase the diverse flavors of Huế, Vietnam. Indulge in our exquisite selection of traditional cuisine, including Cung Dinh tea, Hue beef noodle soup, Hue cakes, and snakehead fish soup, among others. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled gastronomic experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Huế.

Cost: VND 5,500,000 (US$222.09) – VND 7,000,000 (US$282.66).

A “Must-See” Experience on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island, located in Vietnam, is renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and stunning azure waters. The optimal time to visit this destination is during the dry season, which stretches from October to March of the following year. Seasoned travelers often regard Phu Quoc as the premier location in the country for observing breathtaking sunsets.

Photo: Thuy Anh Dang

Phu Quoc Island boasts stunning natural beauty, characterized by its pristine waters, picturesque sunsets, verdant tropical scenery, and idyllic sandy beaches. As Vietnam’s largest island, comparable in size to Thailand’s popular Phuket, it offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a tranquil paradise. Additionally, the island is home to friendly locals, adding to its welcoming charm.

The northern region of the island remains largely untouched despite its designation as a UNESCO-protected national park. However, visitors can still enjoy a wide array of high-end resorts, trendy bars, and charming cafes along the southern coastline.

Transportation: Travelers have several transportation options to visit Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh City. A round-trip flight, which takes approximately one hour, is available at an approximate cost of VND 2 million (US$80.77).

There are several transportation options available for visitors, including sleeper buses, taxis, and self-drive vehicles. The road infrastructure in the area is well-developed, making it easy to navigate and get around.

Photo: Hoang Linh

Accommodation: Enjoy a delightful stay at the highly sought-after resorts featuring exclusive private beaches, starting from just VND 2 million (US$80.77) per night.

Phu Quoc is renowned for its popularity as a tourist destination. It offers a variety of accommodation options including hotels, motels, and homestays, which are reasonably priced at approximately VND50.000 (US$2.01) per night. These accommodations are meticulously furnished, exceptionally clean, and provide an enjoyable experience for visitors.

There are numerous tourist attractions in Phu Quoc island that are sure to captivate visitors. Among these notable attractions are Star Beach, Ganh Dau, Hon Thom, the Phu Quoc Night Market, Safari, VinWonders, and many more. These destinations offer a range of experiences and activities that showcase the natural beauty, culture, and entertainment options available on the island. Whether it’s relaxing on the pristine shores of Star Beach, exploring the scenic landscape of Ganh Dau, or indulging in the vibrant atmosphere of the Phu Quoc Night Market, visitors are bound to find something that appeals to their preferences. Additionally, attractions such as Safari and VinWonders provide exciting adventures and thrilling rides for visitors of all ages. With so much to offer, Phu Quoc island is an ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable travel experience.

The budget for traveling falls within the range of VND 6 million (US$242.56) to VND 8 million (US$323.41).

Promoting Tourism Developments in Can Tho

Can Tho is a captivating destination that entices a multitude of both local and international tourists seeking to discover the unparalleled natural beauty this region has to offer. Despite significant growth, the city has managed to preserve its distinctive appeal with its intricate system of canals, bountiful orchards, and lush rice fields.

Transportation: The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. There are several reliable sleeper bus companies available for tourists to select from, with prices ranging from VND 200,000 (US$8.08) to VND 500,000 (US$20.17).

Photo: Nguyen Huynh Thanh My

The cost of a round-trip ticket from Ho Chi Minh City (HCM) to Can Tho in the months of November and December is estimated to be approximately VND 1.5 million (equivalent to US$60.52).

Accommodation: Can Tho is a popular weekend destination for many young individuals from HCM City, making it quite convenient for tourists to find suitable lodging. Many travelers opt for hotels located near the city center and Ninh Kieu Wharf, which typically offer rooms at a rate of VND 1.2 million (US$48.41) per night.

Hostels and homestays are widely favored by young groups and couples due to their affordable rates and contemporary architectural designs. Highly acclaimed options can be found for approximately VND 300,000 (US$12.11) per room, per night.

Photo: Ha Truc

Some of the popular tourist attractions in the area include the Cai Rang floating market, the Binh Thuy ancient house, the Phuong Nam Truc Lam Zen Monastery, the Tay Do night market, fruit gardens, the Bang Lang stork garden, and more.

Travel Budget: VND 5 million (US$201.99) – VND 7.5 million (US$302.98)