Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam on a Budget, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam’s capitol, Hanoi, is a bustling city with a lot to explore. Cost of living is fairly cheap so there are many things to do in Hanoi on a budget. Despite not loving big cities and traffic, we have really enjoyed our past two visits to Hanoi where we have expat friends who graciously host us and share Hanoi’s treasures with us.

Southeast Asia is known for tasty, affordable food, and Hanoi has plenty of good food to offer. Just about everything you can think of is available in Hanoi - from traditional Northern Vietnamese street food to Domino’s Pizza to sushi. Vietnamese meals, especially if it’s in an open-air shop, can be found for under $1 per person, meanwhile the “expat food” tends to come with an “expat price.” Below are just a few examples of what and where you can eat in Hanoi on a budget.

Phở is perhaps the most ubiquitous of Vietnamese dishes you’ll find in North America. Last year, we learned that there are several types of phở available in Hanoi - only one of which comes in a savory broth. One of our favorites is Phở Cuốn, a wrapped version which you dip in delicious fish sauce.

Bún chả features vermicelli rice noodles and pork meatballs, served with greens/herbs and a dipping sauce. President Obama recently had this classic Hanoi dish with Anthony Bourdain, so you can now follow his footsteps (although the restaurant where they ate has since hiked up the price). We got ours down the street from our friends’ house on Pháo Đài Láng. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).