Looking for a destination filled with emerald rice terraces, dramatic coastlines, rich history, and unforgettable food—without emptying your wallet? Vietnam is your answer. From the buzzing streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An and the breathtaking bays of Ha Long, Vietnam delivers incredible experiences for every kind of traveler. Thinking about your next trip? Don’t miss our article on the Top 5 Cheapest Places to Visit for Malaysians 2025.
🇻🇳 Why Visit Vietnam in 2025?
Vietnam offers a beautiful blend of ancient traditions, French colonial charm, breathtaking natural wonders, and one of the most exciting street food cultures in the world. From exploring centuries-old temples and bustling night markets to cruising through Ha Long Bay or wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, every corner of Vietnam tells a story. For Malaysian travelers, it’s an especially attractive destination—thanks to affordable travel costs, visa-free entry for up to 30 days, and a cuisine that feels both new and comfortingly familiar. And with Tune Protect Travel Insurance, you can explore confidently, knowing you’re covered against unexpected hiccups like flight delays, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.
🗺 Cost of Traveling in Vietnam for Malaysians
Here’s a breakdown of the expected expenses for a 7-day trip to Vietnam in 2025:
✈️ Flight (KL to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh return): RM550
🏨 Accommodation (7 nights): RM700 (RM100/night)
🍜 Food & Drinks: RM441 (RM21/meal x 3 x 7)
🚗 Local Transport: RM140 (RM20/day)
🎟 Attractions & Tours: RM280 (RM40/day)
📱 SIM Card & Connectivity: RM15
🧾 Buffer/Shopping/Souvenirs: RM453
🛡 Travel Insurance (Tune Protect): RM36
Total estimated daily budget: RM170 – RM210
Total budget for 7 days: Approximately RM2615
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Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or adventure, Tune Protect has you covered at a budget-friendly price. Get insured before you go and enjoy a worry-free journey!
🏨 Where to Stay in Vietnam
Here are some accommodation options in Vietnam in all price ranges:
Budget Options
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Nexy Hostel (Hanoi) – from RM38/night
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DaBlend Hostel (Ho Chi Minh City) – from RM42/night
Mid-Range Options
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La Siesta Hotel (Hanoi) – from RM138/night
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Hoi An Sincerity Hotel – from RM127/night
Luxury Options
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Fusion Maia Da Nang – from RM1,320/night
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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – from RM1,650/night
🚗 Getting Around Vietnam
Here are some transportation options available in Vietnam:
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Grab / Gojek Rides: RM3 – RM15
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Local Bus: RM0.80 – RM2
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Intercity Bus (e.g., Hanoi to Hoi An): RM80 – RM150
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Domestic Flights: RM188 – RM376
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Scooter Rental: RM24 – RM47/day
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Train (e.g., Da Nang to Hanoi): RM100 – RM200
🍔 What to Eat in Vietnam
Street food is everywhere, tasty, and super affordable—perfect for Malaysians who love bold flavors.
Must-Try Local Dishes
- Pho (Noodle Soup): RM6 – RM10
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich): RM4 – RM9
- Bun Cha (Grilled Pork & Noodles): RM8 – RM15
- Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): RM6 – RM10
- Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee): RM4 – RM6
🛍 Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
1. Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a blend of centuries-old temples, bustling Old Quarter streets, and French colonial architecture. Don’t miss:
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Hoan Kiem Lake
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Temple of Literature
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Train Street
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Night Market in the Old Quarter
2. Halong Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Take a:
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Day cruise or overnight junk boat
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Kayaking or cave exploration tour
3. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
A fast-paced city full of history, street food, and rooftop cafes. Top spots:
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Cu Chi Tunnels
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Ben Thanh Market
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Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
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War Remnants Museum
4. Hoi An
A charming ancient town with lantern-lit nights, riverside cafes, and tailor shops. Things to enjoy:
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Hoi An Night Market
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Cooking classes
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An Bang Beach
5. Da Nang
A coastal city popular for its beaches and dramatic bridges:
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My Khe Beach
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Marble Mountains
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Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills (famous for the giant hands)
🎪 Can’t-Miss Festivals in 2025

Hue Festival
📅 Date: April 6 – 10, 2025
📍 Location: Hue
🎉 A colorful mix of traditional Vietnamese performances, fashion shows, lantern displays, and food fairs in the historic capital.

Reunification Day & Labor Day Celebrations
📅 Date: April 30 – May 1, 2025
📍 Location: Nationwide
🎇 Expect parades, fireworks, and cultural shows in major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Hoi An Lantern Festival (monthly)
📅 Dates: April 12, May 11, June 10, etc.
📍 Location: Hoi An Old Town
🏮 On the full moon each month, Hoi An turns into a glowing wonderland with floating lanterns and traditional music.
💸 Vietnam Currency & Exchange Rate
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Exchange Rate: RM1 ≈ 5,200 VND (subject to current rates)
ATMs are widely available and money changers are reliable in major cities.
📱 SIM Cards & Connectivity
Prepaid SIM cards in Vietnam are cheap and easy to get:
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Viettel Tourist SIM – RM15 (6GB, valid 7 days)
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Vinaphone – RM14 (5GB)
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Mobifone – RM17 (7GB)
These SIM cards can be bought at airports, convenience stores, or mobile shops across Vietnam.
🛡 The Importance of Travel Insurance
Traveling in The Philippines can be exciting and affordable, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. From flight delays to lost luggage and even medical emergencies, travel insurance ensures you’re covered. Activities like hiking and island hopping come with inherent risks, so it’s important to have protection.
A good travel insurance plan includes coverage for:
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💊 Medical emergencies
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🧳 Lost luggage & personal belongings
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❌ Trip cancellations
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🚑 Accidents & injuries
With good insurance like Tune Protect Travel Insurance, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered for these and more. Secure your travel insurance today to enjoy a worry-free trip!
💡 Final Tips for Malaysians Traveling to The Philippines
✅ Visa: 30-day visa-free stay for Malaysians
✅ Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November (cool and dry)
✅ Language: Vietnamese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
✅ Packing Tips: Light clothes, sunblock, insect repellent, power adapter
Conclusion
With stunning landscapes, delicious food, and low daily costs, Vietnam is a paradise for budget-savvy travelers. From scenic boat rides to street food tours in Hanoi, every day offers something new without breaking the bank. Add Tune Protect Travel Insurance to your travel checklist and enjoy peace of mind as you explore Vietnam’s beauty, culture, and adventure safely and confidently.
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