Surpassing Bali, Phuket, and Hoi An Becomes the Cheapest Destination in the World: Just 1.6 Million Vietnamese Dong is Enough to Explore Everywhere!

In Hoi An, a cup of coffee costs around 40,000 dong, a bottle of beer over 35,000 dong, a restaurant meal with three dishes accompanied by wine for two people costs from 1.2 million dong...

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Original post: Cafebiz.vn (Vietnamese)

Original photo : Người Hội An page

1.6 million dong for traveling to Hoi An?

According to the Holiday Money Report 2024 by the Post Office, a financial company based in the UK, Hoi An is the cheapest destination in the world for holidays in 2024.

In its 18 years of publication, 2024 is the first year Hoi An's ancient town has topped the list of long-haul destinations with the lowest costs for British tourists, surpassing Bali (Indonesia), Penang (Malaysia), and Phuket (Thailand).

The factors for comparing holiday costs at various destinations include eight basic expenses for travelers, including a three-course meal for two with wine, a cup of coffee, a local beer, a can of cola, a glass of wine, a bottle of water, a tube of sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Travelers to Hoi An will spend 51.18 pounds (about 1.6 million dong) for these expenses. Among them, a cup of coffee costs around 40,000 dong, a bottle of beer over 35,000 dong, and a restaurant meal with three dishes accompanied by wine for two people costs from 1.2 million dong. Not to mention, British tourists will benefit from the exchange rate due to the strength of the British pound.

Although the report does not include factors such as hotels and airfare, it somewhat helps travelers understand the expenses at various tourist destinations.

The second place belongs to Cape Town (South Africa). The capital of South Africa was ousted from the top spot in 2023 because prices increased by 5%, causing the average cost of shopping items to rise to $68.

The third place belongs to the city of Mombasa (Kenya) with the average cost of shopping items listed as $69.

Tokyo, Japan, jumped 4 spots from 2023 to fourth place, after costs decreased sharply by 16.2% to $74.

The city of Algarve (Portugal) is the only European destination in the top 5, with the average cost for shopping services being $75.

At the bottom of the ranking, the town of Tamarindo (Costa Rica), dubbed the most expensive destination in the world, has an average price of around $170, followed by New York City (USA).

Hoi An - the Enchanting Gem of Southeast Asia

 Hoi An is likened to an enchanting gem and has become an excellent destination for travelers to visit without spending too much money.

"Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An attracts tourists with its Ancient Town - once a bustling international trading port, including architectural heritage dating back hundreds of years - recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. This is a picturesque destination, where illuminated streets lead to antique shops and street food stalls. It's also convenient for experiencing the stunning white sandy beaches—one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia",

describes author Laura Begley Bloom the beauty of Hoi An's Ancient Town in Forbes magazine.

Or the famous British travel magazine Wanderlust once praised Hoi An as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.

Commenting on Hoi An's Ancient Town, Wanderlust remarks:

"Far from the smoky haze enveloping many tours to Southeast Asia, Hoi An is recognized by UNESCO as a quiet city... Traffic is prohibited in the center, creating opportunities to admire the pastel facades, balconies, cafes, markets, tailors, and clothing stores in the ancient town without disturbance. Everything is peaceful, except for the temple bells and the footsteps of tourists. It's almost not a secret, but it's not surprising that it is greatly loved."

Moreover, according to the Indian Express, one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam is Hoi An's Ancient Town. Author Rupali Dean writes that the blend of architectural styles and cultures is not the only remarkable factor here.

"The most striking thing when entering Hoi An's Ancient Town (Vietnam) is the numerous buildings painted in characteristic yellow, closely associated with the country's historical culture, representing destiny, prosperity, and solemnity",

notes author Rupali Dean.

Regarding the experience of international tourists with cyclos, the author suggests that if your feet become tired from walking too long, tourists can rent a cyclo to tour the ancient town. This is a type of three-wheeled vehicle, with the driver sitting behind and the passenger sitting in front. When it comes to shopping spots, the author also expresses particular admiration for made-to-measure services. Travelers can choose fabrics, negotiate for the best prices, and within a few hours, the store will deliver clothes to your hotel.

In addition, according to author Rupali Dean, the evening experience in Hoi An's Ancient Town is also very special. At night, when lanterns between the buildings are brightly lit, that's when the ancient town becomes the most charming. The center of the bridge is always a lively place as people stop to take pictures. And according to the author, after a long day exploring Hoi An, when you're ready to post pictures of cocktails, delicious dishes, and admire the romantic river, it's also the time when the stores have closed their doors, and the sparkling lights in the darkness on the way back to the hotel.

Below are the top 10 most affordable destinations according to the Post Office's 2024 Holiday Money report.

1) Hoi An, Vietnam - $64.51

2) Cape Town, South Africa - $68.48

3) Mombasa, Kenya - $69.96

4) Tokyo, Japan - $74.43

5) Algarve, Portugal - $75.33

6) Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt - $77.36

7)Sunny Beach, Bulgaria - $79.73

8) Kuta, Bali - $79.79

9) Marmaris, Turkey - $83.27

10)Paphos, Cyprus - $92.49

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