Vietnam is a long-time Filipino favorite for its extraordinary food, dramatic landscapes, and incredible value. Hanoi's Old Quarter buzzes with scooters and French-colonial architecture. Ha Long Bay's 2,000+ limestone karsts rising from jade-green waters is one of Asia's most dramatic natural sights. Hoi An's lantern-lit ancient town and Da Nang's beach strip offer a completely different Vietnam. Spend 10–14 days to do it justice.
Visa
Visa-Free for Philippine passport
Best months
Hanoi/North: Best Sep–Nov, Mar–Apr
Flights
Direct flights MNL→Hanoi (HAN): Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
Realistic budget
~6 days · per person
₱25,000 – ₱55,000
All-in: airfare from MNL · visa · accommodation · food · local transport · activities
Visa USD 25, 3★ hotels, Ha Long Bay cruise (1-night), internal flight Hanoi↔Da Nang, street food.
Sources: The Poor Traveler, Detourista, Two Monkeys Travel. Ranges are 2024–2025 estimates — peak season, FX, and personal spending style will shift them. Always verify before booking.
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🏨Hotels
🎟️Tours & Activities
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SafetyWing
Things to do
- • Ha Long Bay overnight cruise (2D1N minimum)
- • Hanoi Old Quarter street food walk
- • Hoan Kiem Lake morning tai chi & Ngoc Son Temple
- • Cooking class with local family (Hoi An)
- • Hue Imperial Citadel & royal tombs
- • Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills (giant hands)
- • Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary (UNESCO, near Hoi An)
- • Motorbike food tour (teens/adults)
Free things to do
- ✓ Main square or plaza public walk (free)
- ✓ Waterfront or beach public access (free)
- ✓ Heritage church exterior visit (free)
- ✓ Local market browse (free)
- ✓ Public park or garden (free)
Best for
With kids
Ha Long Bay cruises are magical — kayaking through caves, swimming off limestone cliffs. Hoi An lantern-making workshops and cooking classes are hands-on. Vietnamese food is generally mild and kid-friendly. Hold hands in Hanoi's Old Quarter — traffic is intense.
With seniors
Best experienced with a private driver or tour package. Ha Long Bay cruises are comfortable with minimal walking. Hoi An's ancient town is mostly flat. Vietnam's healthcare varies by city — Hanoi and HCMC have good private hospitals.
Visa
Visa-Free for Philippine passport. Up to 30 days. For longer stays, e-Visa available online (USD 25, 90 days, multiple entry).
When to go
Hanoi/North: Best Sep–Nov, Mar–Apr. Ha Long: Best Oct–Apr. Hoi An/Central: Best Feb–Apr. Avoid typhoon season Jun–Sep in the north.
Getting there from MNL
Direct flights MNL→Hanoi (HAN): Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air. Flight time ~2.5 hrs. Also direct to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Da Nang (DAD). VietJet and Cebu Pacific offer budget fares.