A Budget-Friendly Cultural Gem: Explore This Vibrant Asian City in 2024

2024 is set to be a big year for tourism in Asia. Many destinations across the region are seeing a surge in foreign visitors, thanks to better connectivity, tourist-friendly policies, and easier visa processes. One standout city is Hanoi, Vietnam, which expects to welcome around 5 million international tourists this year, according to the state-run news agency TTXVN. Hanoi is now competing with Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok for the title of Asia’s top city break destination.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich culture. The city is growing rapidly, with a population exceeding 8 million. It serves as the political and economic hub of northern Vietnam and is a major cultural center. While other Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Hoi An have their own historical sites, Hanoi boasts the highest concentration of them.
One of Hanoi’s key attractions is the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 11th century. The city is a mix of architectural styles, from native Indochinese and colonial landmarks to brutalist apartment blocks and modern buildings. Despite its urban density, Hanoi offers plenty of green spaces with its lake-dotted parks.
Tourists flock to Hanoi to see the Imperial Citadel, enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee while watching trains pass through narrow streets, admire the Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and explore the local markets in the Old Quarter. The city is also home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoàn Kiếm Lake with its iconic Turtle Tower, and the French-built Opera House.
What truly sets Hanoi apart is its people. Visitors often highlight their interactions with the friendly and humble locals as the best part of their trip. Despite being a cosmopolitan city, Hanoi retains a strong sense of hospitality.
Hanoi’s vibrant social scene is another big draw for tourists. While it may not be known for its nightlife like Bangkok, the city offers a thriving café culture and lively night markets. The food scene is also a major attraction, with a variety of delicious and affordable dishes like pho, prawn-stuffed rice paper rolls, cao lau noodles, and sweet potato-based stew miến.
Hanoi is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the world. According to research by British website Wethrift, it’s the second cheapest, only behind New Delhi. Meals at curbside restaurants can cost as little as $2, while three-course dinners at upscale restaurants are around $25-30. Hotel prices average $49 per night. Budget travelers can get by on as little as $17 per day by staying in hostels, eating street food, and visiting free attractions like Train Street and the city’s lakes. On average, tourists should plan to spend about $48 per day, or $334 for a week. Even high-end travelers will find Hanoi reasonably priced, with daily costs around $143 and just over $1,000 for a week-long stay.
With its many temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lush green parks amid modern buildings, Hanoi is one of the most affordable and culturally rich destinations to visit this year.