A Brit has shared how they managed to enjoy the trip of a lifetime for a bargain price, without having to cut down on luxuries.
We all know the feeling of needing a break, whether it’s due to work stress, personal issues, or an overbooked social calendar that leaves us exhausted. However, with rising bills and the high cost of living, splurging on a lavish holiday often seems out of reach for many.
One woman has shared how she was able to travel to Vietnam for a nine day holiday on the cheap while enjoying luxury hotels, a cruise, explore the country’s most beautiful sites, food, beaches, and activity spots.
Shelly loves travelling and often shares her experiences and top tips on social media. She said she loves “discovering what’s out there and taking you with me – inspiring you to travel.”
On her most recent adventure she explained that she spent £787 on her Vietnam trip which covered the costs of flights, visiting three different areas, a cruise, food, and other transportation.
Shelly got on a flight from London Gatwick Airport to Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi for £420 via Air China. She spent the first three days of her holiday at Ja Cosmo Hotel and Spa – a four-star modern hotel which has been inundated with positive reviews. She spent £31 per night on the hotel room, which offered plenty of luxuries.
Shelly insists there are plenty of other hotels to choose from for similar price. She visited the famous train street while enjoying a cocktail, spending nothing other than the price of her drink. She also visited Megan Grand World, a free night time wildlife experience.
After plenty of fun exploring in Hanoi, on day four Shelly decided to take cruise around Halong Bay which set her back between about £100 for two days and one night. “The cruise company will send you a car to pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi,” she explained.
A description of the cruise on TripAdvisor reads: “Explore Halong Bay and have several activities planned for you on this two-day group tour from Hanoi. Several meals, transport, accommodation, and more are taken care of for you, so you just need to enjoy your time cruising the bay. Try cooking class, bamboo boat, kayaking, and more, all organized by your guide and crew.”
Shelly also took a luxurious bath onboard while looking out onto the bay and had a stunning balcony view from her room.
For the final leg of her trip, Shelly got a flight to Da Nang for £28. She spent four days in the city where she found more high end hotels for cheap prices – ranging from £20 to £30 per night. She recommends Daisy Boutique Hotel, Golden Lotus Hotel, and Pama Boutique Hotel and Bistro. They are all rated four star and have breakfast included.
Shelly added: “Things to do in Danang – spend a relaxing day at the beach, go see the dragon bridge show at night for free, and go experience ‘Vietnam’s Santorini’ at Son Trà Marina.”
Her eighth day on the trip was spent in Hanoi which took 40 minutes in a car to get to from Danang. Shelly stayed at a beautiful hotel named Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel. It has beautiful rooms, with a larger bathroom and bath with petals in it. The impressive entranceway has beautiful umbrellas on the ceiling. But Shelly’s room only cost her £26 for a night.
Speaking about what activities she got up to, Shelly added: “Activities to do here range from the coconut basket experience for £4, the latern boat ride fro £3. You can also try express tailoring. Budget £80 on transportation and feeding for your entire trip.”
“I’m sold,” one individual commented. Another added: “Ok, you won. Now I want to go to Vietnam so bad.”
“Vietnam is on my radar, I am saving this – thank you,” added another.
Have you visited Vietnam? Share your experience in the comments below.