Places to visit in Hanoi with limited budget

If you are planning to visit Vietnam on a tight budget, Hanoi should be your destination. This capital city of Vietnam is where you can get an overview of Vietnamese culture and history. Another reason is Hanoi is one of the world's cheapest destination to visit. With US$10, you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, desert and a glass of beer or coffee. It is unbelievable?

To help tourists know how to save money when in Hanoi, here are our suggestions for the cheap places to visit in Hanoi

1. Hanoi city - If you stay in in Hanoi's old quarter, it is convenient to go on a walking tour. With a map, you can find attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet show, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hilton Prison, Long Bien bridge, etc. The entrance fees are cheap from 20.000 - 30.000 VND per person (around US$1). In summer, it can be hot, options can be hiring a bicycle. Taxi is a good option, but ask your hotel to call reliable taxi company.

2. Duong Lam ancient village - Around 50km from Hanoi, Duong Lam is a cheap place to visit. Walking and cycling around the village to explore the ancient houses, pagodas, temples, countryside are best things to do. For lunch, buy some local foods or reserve lunch at one of the families there.

3. Bat Trang ceramic village - 10 km from city centre, Bat Trang ceramic village is worth visiting if you travel with kids or are interested in ceramics. To get there, you can take taxi, hire a motorbike, but the the cheapest way is to catch the local bus which is less than US$1.

4. Ba Vi national park - Around 60km from Hanoi city centre, Ba Vi national park is a weekend destination for family with kids. A place to explore nature. It is possible to camp there. Camping tent is available for hire. During your visit to Ba Vi national park, do not forget to stop at Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Dong Mo tourism area.

5. Dai Lai Lake in Vinh Phuc -  This is an ideal place for weekend trip and we highly recommend for family with kids. Activities are rowing, fishing, skiing and cycling.

6. Tam Dao - Considered as Da Lat of the north, Tam Dao is blessed with cool and fresh air all year around. A place to hide yourselves from heat in Summer.