Travel Hanoi on a Small Budget

Exploring the Warmth and Kindness of Vietnamese Culture in Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay.

Vietnam is a country that captures your heart the moment you arrive. From the buzzing energy of Hanoi’s old quarter—where every street corner tells a story—to the serene, emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, this journey is a beautiful contrast of chaos and calm. In this post, I’m taking you through some of the most unforgettable cultural experiences, local flavors, and genuine kindness that make Vietnam truly one-of-a-kind.

Join me on a soul-stirring adventure as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of Vietnam, getting lost on the many bustling streets; where every smile is a welcoming embrace and every interaction is a heartwarming reminder of the happiness that can be found in the simplest of moments.

First and foremost, it is soooooo affordable to travel all over Vietnam (once you get there by flight and depending on where you are located). My travels over the last 2 years has been from Seoul, South Korea so the cost is quite lucrative. So yasssssss, we had to get the most out of Asia while living abroad🤣.

Our first trip ever in Asia was Ha Noi, Vietnam which will forever have a piece of my heart for life. The moment you step out of your taxi, Grab, or driver’s car you are welcomed with honking-horns, motorcycle mufflers, and hectic streets. We chose to stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter to get the true experience in the culture and food. Total Foodies here👋🏼.

After tons of research on my fave app-Pinterest, we decided to book our boutique style stay at a 4-star hotel The Golden Silk Boutique Hotel for 4 nights and 5 days for $345 USD or 8,793,280 VND via Booking.com, dead smack in the midst of it all. Address FYI: Literally, when we slept at night the horns, squeals and noises never subside. You kinda get used to it day 2. If you’re looking for a more serene-quite hotel then definitely look near the West Lake.

📍The Golden Silk Boutique Hotel in Old Quarter

Our flight arrived in the am so we immediately took our baggage to the hotel to hold until check in time at 2 pm. We were super hungry so decided to head off and get lost near our hotel since we had a lot of time to kill. We stumbled on the best CÓM CHIÊN fried rice for 50K VND & MY XÀO GÀ and stir-fried noodle with chicken for 55K VND right down the street at Mỳ Phố 10/10 recommend this spot for lunch or dinner Address: 67A P. Hàng Bông, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam.

Check out my Video here 👇🏼https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClEAE7kjEsT/?igsh=OWY5emp2Y25nd3Ni

Riding a Cyclo or Rickshaw through the buzzing streets of Hanoi is like stepping into the heart of organized chaos—and loving every second of it. We gave him a $10 bill and he rode us around the thrilling town of the Old Quarter. As my wife and I perched in the seat, weaving between a symphony of honking scooters, cars, and street vendors balancing baskets on their shoulders, the thrill was unreal. It felt like the whole city was dancing around us, wild and alive. Our destination? The beautiful Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. The moment we arrived, the noise melted into calm as we crossed the iconic red bridge leading to the temple. Surrounded by ancient trees and tranquil waters, the peaceful energy of this sacred spot was the perfect contrast to the adrenaline-filled ride getting there.

Next stop…Temple of the Jade Mountain:📍 Ngoc Son Temple

Tucked away on a little island in the middle of Hanoi’s bustling Hoàn Kiêm Lake, Ngoc Son Temple feels like someone hit the mute button on the city. One moment you’re dodging scooters and street vendors asking for sales (can be rather pushy btw), and the next you’re strolling across a bright red bridge into total serenity. This temple isn’t just photogenic—it’s packed with history, honoring military heroes (thus one hits close to home), scholars, and even a sacred turtle (yes, really I have him featured in my video below). The gentle scent of incense, chirping birds, and peaceful lake views make it the perfect spot to reflect, recharge, or pretend you’ve entered a calmer dimension. To top it all off, we met a kind local artist who hand-painted a beautiful calligraphy scribe just for us—a personal souvenir filled with meaning and a touch of ancient tradition.Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or just need a break from the chaos, Ngoc Son Temple is a must-visit sanctuary in the heart of the action.

There is an entrance fee for adults, but children under a certain age (usually 15) can enter for free.Normal cost in VND 30,000 =$1.15 yesssss, it’s that low to enter. Check out their website for more info & tickets HERE. The Temple remains a powerful symbol of Vietnamese heritage, it combines deep legend, religion, and of course, national pride. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of chaotic Hanoi, where locals and travelers alike can pause and reflect on the stories that shaped Vietnam. The architecture blends Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist influences, featuring altars, statues, calligraphy, and beautiful gardens.

Take a peek at this video below of the Temple.

Next stop for the day: 📍Beer Street Hanoi 🍻

Tucked away in Hanoi’s buzzing Old Quarter is the legendary Beer Street (Ta Hien Street) — where chaos meets charm in the best way possible. We arrived the local way, via a Cyclo ride that bumped along the narrow streets until we landed right in the heart of it all. We grabbed a cold beer and a bottle of soju from a corner vendor and snagged tiny stools curbside, fully immersed in the scene. As we sipped and soaked it all in, we noticed a camera crew filming a couple just across from us — a little cinematic moment unfolding right there on the street. Between the neon lights, live music, and that perfect beer buzz, Beer Street turned into one of those unforgettable Hanoi days. I can imagine this area will be thick with laughter, clinking glasses, sizzling street food, and the hum of every language in the evenings🍻