Best Value Winter Sun Long Haul Destinations
Vietnam, with its enchanting lantern-lit streets, rich historical architecture, and charming riverside views, is a captivating destination for any traveler. Recently, it has emerged as a favorite among tourists and backpackers alike, thanks in part to its incredibly budget-friendly offerings. This year, the Sun’s Chief Consumer Reporter explored this vibrant nation and discovered the delightful surprises it has in store for visitors.
Renowned for its affordable prices, Vietnam has consistently ranked as one of the most economical places to live globally, according to the Expat Insider survey. Last year marked the fourth consecutive year it held this title, with a remarkable 86 percent of expats rating the cost of living favorably, as reported by Forbes. Specifically, Hoi An, a coastal city famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, has been highlighted in the Post Office’s Long Haul Holiday Report as one of the cheapest destinations for British travelers. The report noted a significant drop in local prices, largely attributed to the depreciation of the Vietnamese dong, which has made costs plummet by 19.2 percent since 2022.
For travelers like myself, this translates to delightful opportunities for affordable dining and entertainment. After a long day spent exploring the ancient alleyways of Hoi An, enjoying a refreshing drink does not have to break the bank. Beer lovers will be thrilled to learn that a bottle of the city’s renowned Larue lager is priced at just £1. For an even more economical choice, local bars and eateries offer Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s beloved fresh beer, for as little as 30p a glass. Known as the cheapest beer in the world, Bia Hoi is often compared to pints in Nigeria, Belarus, and China, according to the price search engine Bountii. While its availability has diminished outside of Hanoi, it remains a quintessential experience for those seeking to indulge in authentic local flavors at unbeatable prices.
Of course, good beer is best complemented with delicious food, and Hoi An does not disappoint in this regard. One of its culinary highlights is the iconic bánh mì, a sandwich that beautifully marries French and Vietnamese influences. This delectable creation consists of a crispy baguette filled with savory options such as pork, chicken, or pâté, accompanied by pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a zesty sauce. A must-visit spot for this delicacy is Madam Khanh, affectionately known as the “Bánh Mì Queen,” who has been delighting locals and tourists with her unique offerings for over three decades.
Bargain Travel
Traveling to Vietnam remains affordable, with Sun Online Travel reporting return flights with Vietnam Airlines starting from £376 each way, though this includes a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation in Hoi An is also exceptionally budget-friendly, with four-star hotels available for as low as £23 per person per night based on double occupancy. During my stay, I opted for the Uptown Hoi An Hotel and Spa at £35 a night, an incredibly reasonable price considering it includes access to a rooftop pool.
Vietnam operates on a different time zone, being seven hours ahead of the UK, and enjoys warm temperatures above 30°C year-round. British travelers can stay for up to 45 days without needing a visa, but it is essential to ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity left upon arrival. Additionally, Vietnam has strict regulations regarding damaged passports, so it’s vital to present one that is in good condition.
Suit Yourself
Beyond its culinary wonders, Hoi An offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy, one of the most popular being bespoke tailoring at remarkably affordable prices. During my three-night stay, I had two two-piece suits and a pair of linen trousers custom-made, fitted, adjusted, and delivered to my hotel within 48 hours, all for the astonishing price of $200 USD (£155). The craftsmanship and speed of service were truly impressive. The only challenge in Hoi An is the abundance of tailoring options, with countless tailors eager for your business. Fortunately, as part of a local tour group, our guide recommended Blue Chic Tailor (Chic Xanh), one of the few that operates its own workshop in Hoi An.
Vietnam’s Love Affair with Beer
Vietnam’s enduring passion for beer is a fascinating blend of local tradition and colonial influence. Introduced by the French in the late 19th century, beer quickly gained popularity, transitioning from a luxury enjoyed by French soldiers and wealthy locals to a staple beverage embedded in Vietnamese culture. Today, beer plays a vital role in social interactions, business meetings, and festive gatherings. A unique aspect of Vietnamese beer culture is the practice of serving it over ice, often accompanied by a variety of snacks like peanuts, dried squid, or fermented pork rolls. The country is known for its regionally produced bottled beers, including:
- Beer Saigon (Sabeco): A leading brand in Vietnam offering a range of beers, including Saigon Special, Saigon Lager (available in red and green varieties), and the internationally acclaimed 333 (pronounced “Ba Ba Ba”).
- Beer Hanoi (Habeco): A popular choice in Northern Vietnam.
- Huda: A regional favorite from Hue city, brewed by Carlsberg.
- Ha Long Beer: A local brand specific to the Ha Long Bay area.
- Larue: Another popular and affordable beer enjoyed by locals in Hoi An.
- International Brands: Recognizable names like Heineken and Tiger are also widely available in the Vietnamese market.
My days in Hoi An were filled with unforgettable experiences—cycling through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, and witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. Taking a lantern boat ride and watching the sunset over the serene Thu Bon River was a highlight of my trip. If you find yourself yearning for a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice while in Hoi An, a visit to Madam Khanh’s—The Bánh Mì Queen—is a must. This in-house production not only guarantees high-quality results but also allows for a remarkably quick turnaround—an undeniable advantage for travelers on a tight schedule.
Beyond these highlights, Hoi An is a treasure trove of activities and enchanting experiences waiting to be explored. Visitors can meander through the ancient town on foot, cycle through picturesque landscapes, or embark on a leisurely boat trip along the Thu Bon River. For those seeking adventure, biking through verdant rice paddies is a must, while those in search of relaxation can unwind on the sun-kissed shores of An Bang Beach. One truly unforgettable experience is taking a lantern boat ride at dusk, where you can witness the sun setting over the tranquil waters of the Thu Bon River, illuminating the town with the soft, flickering glow of colorful lanterns. Hoi An, with its charm and affordability, truly deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list.
