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How to Book a Trip to Vietnam

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Vietnam

Plan your street food tour and bay cruises in Vietnam during the shoulder season without breaking your budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $138.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Vietnam is about hot bowls of pho on plastic stools in Hanoi, strong iced coffee in the shade, and quiet mornings on the green water of Ha Long Bay. You want to aim for the shoulder months of March or September to miss the heaviest rains and the worst of the summer heat while still getting good weather across the whole country.

A typical trip runs about $2500 once you factor in flights, places to sleep, and all the noodles you can eat. Splitting that chunk of cash into smaller payments makes it easier to handle, especially if you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to spread the cost over time.

That 0% intro window is a deadline, not free money, so make sure you pay off the full $2500 before those 18 months are up or standard interest rates will kick in on whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Aim for March or September to get the best weather in both the north and south without paying peak prices. Check flight prices a few months out so you know what the baseline looks like.

  2. 02

    Lock in your stays

    Book a mix of small boutique hotels and homestays along your route. Having your lodging locked down early gives you a clear target for the total cost of the trip.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you divide $2500 across that intro window on purchases, you get $138.89 per month.

  4. 04

    Map out the food

    Make a rough list of the spots you want to hit in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. Street food is cheap, but having a little cash on hand for tours and transport keeps things smooth.

  5. 05

    Automate your payments

    Set up an automatic monthly transfer for at least your target amount so you do not have to think about it. Staying consistent means the balance shrinks every single month without stress.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a trip to Vietnam usually cost?

A typical US traveler spends about $2500 for a solid two-week trip covering flights, mid-range lodging, internal travel, and food. You can do it cheaper if you stay in hostels, or spend more if you book luxury resorts and private tours.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

March and September are great shoulder months because the weather is generally pleasant across the length of the country. You avoid the coldest winter days in the north and the heaviest monsoon rains further south.

How does the Citi Simplicity card help with travel?

It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, which lets you buy your flights and hotels now and pay them off over time. Just remember you still have to make those monthly payments to clear the balance before the window closes.

Do I need cash for street food in Vietnam?

Yes, street vendors and small market stalls only take Vietnamese dong in cash. Keep some local currency on hand for daily meals, while larger hotels and tours will take cards.