Budget-Friendly Vietnam Package Tours for Independent Backpackers

Full 14-Day Self-Guided Itinerary Vietnam

Day 1 – Hanoi Arrival & Old Quarter Exploration

Morning

• Arrive in Hanoi. Proceed straight to your hotel in the Old Quarter.
• Check in at Golden Legend Diamond Hotel – 3* (~$35/night), centrally located for walking tours.
• Start your self-guided walking tour of Vietnam with a morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple.

Afternoon

• Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university.
• Get lost in the chaotic charm of Dong Xuan Market, excellent for souvenirs and street photography.
• Lunch with locals: bun cha or pho bo at a street food stall.

Evening

• Get a legendary egg coffee at Giang Cafe or a rooftop café near the lake.
• Walk around Hoan Kiem walking street, lively on weekends with street performances and food stalls.
• Optional: Get a taste of the backpacker night action at Ta Hien Street.

Day 2 – Day Trip to Halong Bay (or Overnight Cruise Option)

Morning

• Early morning minivan departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (reserve on 12Go or through Impress Travel).
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Pier by 10:00 AM.
• Set out on a Halong Bay day trip cruise: Halong Bay day trip tour to Sung Sot Cave, kayak tour of limestone grottos, and island visit to Ti Top.

Afternoon

• Lunch onboard with fresh seafood.
• Continue cruising through the karst peaks, perfect for photography.
• Return to harbor by 4:00–5:00 PM.

Evening

• Option 1: Back to Hanoi and overnight at Golden Legend Diamond Hotel.
• Option 2: Overnight at Ha Long Bay Fancy Hotel – 3* (~$30/night), or splurge and take an overnight budget cruise for ~$90.

Day 3 – Ninh Binh: Tam Coc & Bike Adventure

Morning

• Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (2.5 hours by train or bus).
• Check into Tam Coc Sunshine Hotel – 3* (~$28/night), situated amidst rice fields.
• Cycle along the Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda countryside roads.

Afternoon

• Take a sampan boat trip along the UNESCO landscapes at Tam Coc or Trang An.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda is Vietnam’s largest spiritual complex.
• Enjoy local delicacies: goat meat, crispy rice, and mountain herbs.

Evening

• Relax in the peaceful garden settings of your hotel.
• Optional: join a cooking class hosted by a local family.
• Watch the sunset over rice paddies and Vietnamese green tea.

Day 4 – Sunrise at Hang Mua & Ancient Hoa Lu Capital

Morning

• Early rise (around 5:30 AM) to climb Hang Mua Peak (500 stone steps).
• Reward yourself with the spectacular scenery of the Tam Coc River Valley at sunrise.
• Go back to the hotel for breakfast and some rest before checking out.

Afternoon

• Visit the ancient Hoa Lu capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties.
• Explore temples located in limestone hills and learn about Vietnam’s earliest independence.
• Lunch at a local cafe or pack food to take with you.

Evening

• Overnight travel on the train to Hue (SE3 or SE19) in the evening, about 19:25.
• Rent a soft sleeper cabin ($20–25) and save one night’s accommodation.
• Get ready for the imperial beauty of Hue on your next leg of this Vietnam Self-Guided Tour.

Day 5 – Hue Imperial Citadel & Ancient Charm

Morning

• Say goodbye to the tranquility of Ninh Binh and take the SE3 or SE19 train to Hue.
• Tickets are easily available directly from Baolau or Impress Travel for a mere $20, soft-sleeper cabins. The journey is 12 hours, but it is a must. Vietnam’s coastlines flow by outside your window like a moving painting.
• Arrive in Hue at 9:00 AM and be prepared to immerse yourself in the royal heritage. This portion of your Vietnam Self-Guided Tours opens up the imperial heart of Vietnamese identity.

Afternoon

• Stay at Beaulieu Boutique Hotel – 3* (~$30/night), a charming hotel near the Perfume River and walking distance to historical sites.
• Wander or bike to the Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi), a fortress that has been designated a UNESCO site and was once the home of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore palaces, pavilions, and stunning gates.
• Then, for a short taxi or Grab ride, head to the serene Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, whose pine trees, lotus ponds, and poetic architecture are in harmony.

Evening

• Enjoy a royal-style dinner featuring Banh beo, nem lui, and bun bo Hue
• Take a walk along the Perfume River or stop by Hue Night Market for snacks and shopping.
• Go back to the day’s glory, your self-touring Vietnam’s layer of history has just begun.

Day 6 – Da Nang & Hai Van Pass by Motorbike

Morning

• Get ready for one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic drives! Rent a motorbike (from Hue, ~150,000 VND/day), and set off early in the direction of Da Nang, driving over the legendary Hai Van Pass. This seacoast road winds its way through jade mountains and the glinting sea, and it’s a center of popularity among travelers who are dying for independent motorbike tours in Vietnam with stunning views.

Afternoon

• Arrive in Da Nang and stay at San Marino Boutique Hotel – 3* (~$35/night), a stone’s throw away from My Khe Beach.
• Visit Marble Mountains, a chain of limestone karsts with pagodas and caves to explore, each full of myth and Buddhism. Go to the summit for great views of Da Nang City.

Evening

• Relax with fresh seafood by the beach, grilled squid, garlic butter prawns, or a traditional hotpot.
• If you’re still energized, visit the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekends, or enjoy a night ride along the Han River.
• This portion of your Vietnam Self-Guided Tours blends freedom, flavor, and sea breeze perfectly.

Day 7 – Son Tra Peninsula & Beachside Freedom

Morning

• Begin the day with a motor up the Son Tra Peninsula. Stop at Linh Ung Pagoda, where the tall Lady Buddha statue overlooks the bay. This is your prime photography and peaceful contemplation time.
• Continue on your motorbike tour of Vietnam along the coastal roads that wind around the ocean for sea views.

Afternoon

• Unwind at My Khe Beach, swim, sun yourself, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze.
• Have a street lunch: banh xeo, seafood rolls, and coconut juice in the shade of a beach parasol.

Evening

• Spend the sunset viewing time from a rooftop bar or share a seafood banquet with locals at Con Market, which pulsates during the day and night.
• Prepare for your next cultural gem: Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets.

Day 8 – Hoi An Old Town & Countryside Cycling Tour

Morning

• Drive or bus (45 minutes from Da Nang) to Hoi An, the most lovely of Vietnam’s towns.
• Stay at Lantana Boutique Hotel – 3* (approx. $38/night), Thu Bon River.
• Start your independent bike tours in Vietnam with a bike ride into Old Town Hoi An: see the Japanese Covered Bridge, explore traditional houses, and observe artisans laboring in lantern factories.

Afternoon

• Continue pedaling to Tra Que Vegetable Village or Thanh Ha Pottery Village, both are hands-on with an eye-opening glimpse of rural village life. This serene countryside road is a favorite of most self-guided cycling tours in Vietnam.
• Enjoy a fresh, locally made lunch prepared from herbs freshly picked from the garden.

Evening

• Back to town by sunset to see the mystical lanterns of Hoi An glow.
• Float a paper lantern along the river for good luck or enjoy street food like cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings.
• Hoi An is where your Vietnam Self-Guided Tours slow down, to invite you to feel, not rush.

Day 9 – Nha Trang Arrival & Beach Vibes

Morning

• Flight from Da Nang to Cam Ranh Airport (~800,000 VND)
• Transfer by shuttle (45 minutes) to Nha Trang city
• Check into Seasing Boutique Hotel – 3* (~30/night) beachfront

Afternoon

• Head straight to Bai Dai Beach for sunbathing and swimming
• Optional: visit Thap Ba Hot Springs for a soothing mud bath and mineral soak
• Enjoy iced coconut and fresh mango on the beach

Evening

• Eat like a local: try bun sua (jellyfish noodles), nem nuong Ninh Hoa (grilled pork rolls)
• Night stroll along Tran Phu Street and enjoy a beachside café
• Return to the hotel for a comfortable night’s sleep

Day 10 – Islands, Relaxation & Sunset Markets

Morning

• Optional early visit to VinWonders Nha Trang for the aqua park, aquarium, water slides, and sea views
• Or a boat ride to nearby islands (Mun, Mot, Tam) for snorkeling

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local seafood restaurant near the wharf
• Go back to the hotel to relax or rent a scooter for a sunset drive along the beach

Evening

• Buy souvenirs, dried seafood, and local crafts at the Dam Market
• Grilled oysters or seafood hotpot with new travel friends
• Prepare for the overnight trip to the highlands

Day 11 – Da Lat’s Forest Air & Waterfalls

Morning

• Arrive in Da Lat by sleeper bus (leave last night from Nha Trang, ~250,000 VND)
• Check in at Hana Dalat Hotel – 3* (around $28/night), close to the market
• Start your day at Datanla Waterfall – ride the alpine coaster through the forest

Afternoon

• Take a motorbike out to the scenic Cau Dat Tea Hill (~25 km)
• Visit a hilltop café for sweeping views and hot arabica coffee
• Learn about tea planting and processing on-site

Evening

• Stroll around the Da Lat Night Market, filled with snacks and street vendors
• Attempt chicken hotpot with la  e, a local spicy plant that burns the heart
• Early to bed for another day of nature

Day 12 – Coffee Culture & Colonial Charm

Morning

• Take a walk by Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Flower Garden, or Crazy House for the architecture buff
• Enjoy brunch at a garden café in the hills

Afternoon

• Tour French villas or the Domaine de Marie Church
• Optional: hike up Langbiang Mountain on a short trekking trip or enjoy a massage in town

Evening

• Relax on the sunset at Panorama Café, and enjoy dinner with grilled meat or banh can
• Pack for the next destination—Saigon awaits

Day 13 – Ho Chi Minh City: History & Hustle

Morning

• Fly or take an early morning bus to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Check in at Ben Thanh Retreats Hotel – 3* (~$32/night)
• Start a self-guided walking tour of Vietnam:

• • Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Central Post Office
  • Reunification Palace

Afternoon

• Lunch at Ben Thanh Market – try hu tieu, banh xeo, or pho
• Visit the War Remnants Museum or the Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Browse local art and handicrafts around District 1

Evening

• Unwind on Nguyen Hue Walking Street
• Stop by a retro apartment café at 42 Nguyen Hue
• Optional: go for a motorbike street food tour or visit Bui Vien nightlife on your own

Day 14 – Breakfast, Mekong (Optional), and Farewell Flight

Morning
Rise early in Ho Chi Minh City and treat yourself to your last hotel breakfast, a steaming bowl of pho, a fresh banh mi, or tropical fruit and Vietnamese coffee. Spend a few minutes on quick packing and double-checking your flight or onward travel arrangements.

If your return flight is in the late afternoon or evening, you still have time for a half-day tour at the Mekong Delta – Ben Tre or My Tho. Impress Travel company can arrange for you an efficient tour (~5-6 hours) that comprises:

• Stop at a coconut candy factory
• Sampan boat ride under nipa palm trees
• Fresh tropical fruits tasting in an orchard
• A light southern lunch beside the river

If you’re short on time or prefer to take it easy, just sit back and enjoy your last few hours in Saigon with an easy-going café stop or some souvenir shopping near Ben Thanh Market.

Afternoon

• Pickup from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) by Grab or private van (30–45 minutes from District 1).
• Check in for your departure or onward flight to your next destination

How Impress Travel Supports Backpackers

At Impress Travel, we believe absolute freedom starts with smart support. This is why we provide solo travelers on their Vietnam Self-Guided Tours with flexible, hands-on services across the country. Whether solo traveler on a self-guided motorbike tour in Vietnam, exploring by two wheels in Hoi An with a self-guided bicycle tour in Vietnam, or designing a self-guided tour in Vietnam, our team is ever-present to provide flawless support every step of the way. From train and bus tickets to budget flights, hostel bookings, and offline maps of travel, we help you design your own Vietnam experience without missing a beat.

For those wanting independence with security, our semi-guided tour packages are the best option. You roam free, city to sea, mountain to delta, while we stay within reach through our 24/7 local hotline. You can also choose combo packages with pre-booked local services, transport, and accommodation. Thousands of tourists trust us as one of the best Vietnam self-guided tour operators, and with cross-border additions such as the Vietnam DIY Itinerary, your trip never has to come to a halt.

Head Office – Hanoi

•  125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
•  (+84) 912 379 189
•  info@impresstravel.com
•  www.impresstravel.com

Final Tips for a Smooth Vietnam Backpacking Trip

To have an easy time enjoying your Vietnam Self-Guided Tours, just keep the following in mind:

SIM card & Internet: Buy a local SIM card (Viettel or Mobifone) at the airport or any convenience store. 3G/4G is fine between cities and villages, ideal for solo traveling in Vietnam or long-distance traveling on an independent motorbike tour in Vietnam.

Health & Safety: Bring simple medicine for fever, motion sickness, and mosquito bites. Wear sunblock and bottled water. Always have a helmet on when renting a motorbike.

Culture & Language: Pick up simple Vietnamese phrases such as xin chao (hello) or cam on (thank you). Dress modestly at temples. Locals are friendly, just smile and remain polite.

Must-have apps:

• Google Maps – for itineraries during a self-guided walking tour in Vietnam
• Grab – book taxis or motorbikes safely
• BusMap – get local bus times for main urban centres

Conclusion

Ready to travel to Vietnam your way? With a researched Vietnam DIY itinerary, you can enjoy the freedom of travel without compromising affordability and meaning. From ancient cities to coastal roads, our staff of experts at Impress Travel will support your journey, including transportation, stay, and 24/7 assistance. Start your Vietnam Self-Guided Tours today, designed to your own pace and interests.