Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Rank Among Asia's Top 10 Most Affordable Travel Destinations

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been recognized as two of the most affordable travel destinations in Asia, according to a recent ranking by the American travel magazine Travel & Leisure.

The magazine's list of the 10 most budget-friendly cities in Asia was compiled based on the average cost of a standard double room and round-trip economy airfare during the period from June to December.

In this ranking, Ho Chi Minh City secured the second spot, with an estimated average trip cost of $1,452. Hanoi followed in ninth place, with a total travel expense of around $1,546.

Travel & Leisure experts highlighted that the direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco significantly lowers travel costs for tourists, with round-trip tickets priced at approximately $660. Moreover, the cost of food and accommodation in Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis is notably affordable. This cost advantage makes Ho Chi Minh City an ideal destination for travelers on a budget.

Topping the list of Asia's cheapest cities to visit is Taipei, Taiwan. Japan also features prominently with Tokyo and Osaka taking the seventh and tenth spots, respectively. New Delhi, India, ranks fourth.

Within Southeast Asia, Jakarta (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) are also featured in the top 10, occupying the third, fifth, sixth, and eighth positions, respectively.

Vietnam has recently gained international attention as a destination praised for its delicious, low-cost cuisine, convenient public transportation, and a wide range of affordable accommodation options, from budget to luxury, all priced lower than the regional average.

Additionally, the online travel platform Tripadvisor recently included Hanoi in its list of the 15 cities with the world's most enticing culinary scenes, making it the only Vietnamese city to be featured.