Share the article
Last updated
The latest from NerdWallet Travel price index As we have seen, travel costs have increased by 10% compared to 2019, the pre-crisis reference year:
It may not sound particularly important, but it only takes a short trip across the pond, or even to South America, to realize your dollars won’t get you that far like they did four or five years ago.
It’s perhaps not surprising that people have started looking to Asia for budget-friendly getaways.
The cost of living in most Asian countries is much lower than in the United States or Europe, and by and large; the dollar is still raging against most local currencies.
It’s no wonder that this year’s destination offering the best value for money is a laid-back, ancient city in Vietnam, where meals can be as cheap as $1.48and a can of domestic beer costs less than a dollar.
Welcome to Hoi An
The Results 2024 of the Post Office UK’s Holiday Money Report have finally arrived in and out of all long-haul destinations included in the survey, Hoi An in Vietnam has been voted the best value for money.
It’s the first time Vietnam has topped the list with any city, rising from number six in 2023. The reason for that?
Hoi An is one of them only eight destinations where both local prices are lower (another 14.4%), and the currency value is on a downward trend.
Interestingly, Hoi An is one of the most sought-after destinations in Vietnam, with a thriving backpacking and digital nomad scene, but unlike other tried-and-true holiday hotspots in Asia such as Bali, gentrification has yet to take its toll.
Like the Bali sun reportedAccording to authorities on the Indonesian island, rising prices are part of a ‘natural selection’ for wealthy tourists.
While big spenders are certainly welcome in Hoi An, and there are quite a few luxury accommodations and high-end restaurants to choose from, the usual clientele of budget solo travelers and backpackers not shunned just.
Luckily for them, Hoi An is one of the best preserved historical settlements in all of Vietnam:
What makes Hoi An so special?
Located a few kilometers inland from the country’s central coast, it is characterized by its maze of striking yellow buildings and ornate temples, intersected by winding canals that flow into the scenic Thu Bon River.
Since its establishment as a trading port in the 16th century, Hoi An has been influenced by several successive empiresfrom Chinese to Japanese to French, and the eclectic architecture reflects each of the well-defined periods.
For example, one of the most striking landmarks in the city is the Japanese Covered Bridge, topped with a pagoda, but just a 5-minute walk away is the monumental Phu Kien Assembly Hall, a temple dedicated to the Chinese God of War. by Cantonese migrants.
But throughout the city, amid beautiful oriental shrines, you’ll find a high concentration of European-inspired buildings, built at a time when most of Vietnam was controlled by the once-mighty French Empire.
This is reported by a leading local news source Hoi An toursthere are more than 800 preserved buildings and heritage sites in the city, which has certainly contributed to Hoi An’s inclusion on UNESCO’s selected list of World Heritage Sites.
Apart from its obvious architectural value, Hoi An is also popular for its basket boats and delicious street food:
How much does a trip to Hoi An cost?
If you’re looking for a truly unique way to spend your evening, this is it GetYourGuideThe listed Evening Food Tour includes a whopping 7 tastings, a river boat ride and lantern release, for just USD$36.
Basket boat trips departing from Hoi An are possible even cheaper to book, from just USD$6 – just make sure you keep a firm grip on the edges of your seat when the boat guide starts turning.
I wonder how many precisely a week’s trip to Hoi An costs?
According to an estimate of Budget your triptaking into account travel expenses reported by platform members, $318 or the equivalent in Vietnamese dong (the local currency) is the weekly average.
It all depends on your travel style and the level of comfort you’re looking for, but those traveling on a budget can splurge only $9.80 in meals per day (approximately VND$249,112), $19 for local transportation and $41 per night for hotels.
An overnight stay in the three-star hotel this summer Central villa of the White House in central Hoi An will only cost you $37 a night, and it costs as cheap as $25 at the Hoi An center city hotel.
Even if you have the means to spend some money, let’s face it: most Westerners do too prices in Vietnam are really remarkably low for them, then you can consider booking the luxury boutique Allegro Hoi An Hotel & Spa for $112 per night.
Equipped with an outdoor pool, spa facilities and concierge services, it is close to all the main attractions in the Old Town.
As for food, once you feel like you’ve had enough of those ready-made, made-on-the-spot things photo and a batch of half dollar paper rice rolls, make sure you check out HOME Hoi Ana more upscale (yet casual) eatery, about two blocks away from the bustling waterfront.
They serve delicious local delicacies including spicy shrimp and seafood stir-fries and freshly squeezed dragon fruit juice.
It is certainly on the pricier side, with some main courses costing USD$30, but the airy atmosphere, English-speaking staff and high-quality food certainly make up for this.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
