I visited the ‘world’s cheapest holiday destination for beer’ – it’s 30p a glass & four-star hotels are just £23 a night
ITS lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and riverside charm are enough to captivate any traveller.
But what this exotic location truly delivers on is budget-friendly prices.
Last year, Vietnam was named the most affordable place to live in the world for the fourth year in a row, according to the Expat Insider survey.
The Asian country has consistently delivered on affordability, with 86 per cent of expats rating its cost of living favourably, according to Forbes.
More specifically, Hoi Ann, a city on the central coast famed for its Ancient Town, was named one of the cheapest destinations for Brits in the Post Office‘s Long Haul Holiday Report.
The report found a drop in local prices, and the falling value of its currency, the dong, brought costs down by 19.2 per cent since 2022.
For holidaymakers like myself it means affordable food and drink.
Whether you’re unwinding after a day of exploring the town’s ancient alleyways or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you’ll find that enjoying a drink here doesn’t require splashing out.
Beer enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that a bottle of the city’s famed Larue lager will cost you just £1.
For an even cheaper option, head to any local bar, restaurant, or pub, where a glass of Bia Hoi – Vietnam’s beloved fresh beer – can be enjoyed for as little as 30p a glass.
Bia Hoi is known as the cheapest beer in the world but is rivalled by pints in Nigeria, Belarus and China, according to price search engine, Bountii.
While Bia Hoi is less ubiquitous than it once was, especially outside Hanoi, it remains a quintessential experience for those seeking authentic local flavour at an unbeatable price.
Of course, good beer is best paired with something delicious to soak up the drink, and food in Hoi An is just as much of a highlight.
Among the culinary treasures is the iconic bánh mì, a national favourite that showcases a harmonious blend of French and Vietnamese influences.
This irresistible sandwich features a crispy baguette stuffed with savoury fillings such as pork, chicken, or pâté alongside pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce.
One popular choice is Madam Khanh, known locally as the “Bánh Mì Queen,” who has been serving her unique creations to locals and tourists alike for over 30 years.
Bargain travel
Getting to Vietnam remains affordable, with Sun Online Travel finding return flights with Vietnam Airlines from £376 each way – although this does require a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hotels in Hoi An are extremely affordable too, with overnight stays at four-star hotels from £23 per person per night based on two people sharing a room.
However, I chose to stay at Uptown Hoi An Hotel and Spa for £35-a-night – still an incredibly reasonable price when it includes a roof-top pool.
Vietnam is seven hours ahead of the UK, with temperatures remaining above 30C throughout the year.
Brits don’t need a visa for holidays lasting 45 days or less but your passport will need to have at least six months left on arrival.
But be warned, Vietnam is also strict on damaged passports, so there must be no wear and tear.
Suit yourself
Beyond its culinary treasures, Hoi An boasts a wide array of activities to indulge in – one of the most popular being the opportunity to have bespoke clothing expertly crafted at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home.
During my three-night stay, I got two two-piece suits and a pair of linen trousers custom made, fitted, adjusted and delivered to my hotel within 48 hours.
The craftsmanship and efficiency were truly outstanding, and the best part? I only paid $200 USD (£155) for the privilege.
The only real challenge when it comes to tailoring in Hoi An is the sheer abundance of options, with countless tailors vying for your attention.
Fortunately, as part of a local tour group, our guide recommended Blue Chic Tailor (Chic Xanh), one of the select few that operate their own tailoring workshop right in Hoi An.
VIETNAM’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH BEER
VIETNAM’S enduring passion for beer is a captivating fusion of local tradition and colonial influences.
First introduced by the French in the late 19th century, beer swiftly gained popularity, transforming from a costly indulgence reserved for French soldiers and affluent locals into a staple beverage woven into the fabric of Vietnamese culture.
Today, beer serves as a social lubricant, playing a central role in business negotiations, festive celebrations, and casual gatherings alike.
A distinctive feature of Vietnamese beer culture is the practice of serving beer over ice, often accompanied by an array of snacks such as peanuts, dried squid, or fermented pork rolls. The country is renowned for its regionally produced bottled beers, which include:
- Beer Saigon (Sabeco): A leading brand in Vietnam, Sabeco offers a range of beers, including Saigon Special, Saigon Lager (available in red and green varieties), and the internationally recognised 333 (pronounced “Ba Ba Ba”)
- Beer Hanoi (Habeco): A popular choice in Northern Vietnam
- Huda: A regional favourite from Hue city, brewed by Carlsberg.
- Ha Long Beer: A local brand specific to the Ha Long Bay area.
- Larue: Another popular and affordable beer enjoyed by locals in Hoi An
- International Brands: Recognisable names like Heineken and Tiger also hold a significant presence in the Vietnamese market.
My days in Hoi An were filled with unforgettable experiences – biking through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, and witnessing the incredible skill of the local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD.
Taking a lantern boat ride and watching the sunset over the serene Thu Bon River was an unforgettable experience.
If you’re craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice while you’re here, a visit to Madam Khanh’s – The Bánh M Vì Queen is a must.
This in-house production not only ensures high-quality results but also allows for an incredibly quick turnaround – a definite advantage for travellers on a tight schedule.
Beyond these highlights, Hoi An offers a wealth of activities and enchanting experiences that are not to be missed.
Visitors can wander through the ancient town on foot, cycle through the picturesque countryside, or take a leisurely boat trip along the Thu Bon River.
For those seeking a more active adventure, biking through lush green rice paddies is a must, while those in search of relaxation can unwind on the golden sands of An Bang Beach.
One truly unforgettable experience is taking a lantern boat ride at dusk, watching as the sun sets over the tranquil waters of the Thu Bon River, casting a warm glow over the town and illuminating the river with the soft, flickering light of colourful lanterns.