Top 10 affordable and exciting travel destinations, including Vietnam.

1. South Africa

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine on your South Africa Airways flight to Cape Town – one of South Africa's three capitals. The city is also renowned for having some of the world's most beautiful hiking trails.

If you're an adventurous type, you might want to try the "Three Peaks Challenge"—a one-day trek to conquer Lion's Head, Table Mountain, and Devil's Peak. Since the trip is quite challenging, don't forget to pack some snacks. You can buy fruit from a street vendor or a BBQ chicken sandwich at a grocery store for under $2.50.

Alternatively, you can also experience another hike to the summit of the Twelve Apostles in Camps Bay – just a 10-minute drive from downtown Cape Town. This location attracts not only tourists but also locals, thanks to the stunning sunrise views of the city from the Rhodes Monument on Table Mountain, or the brilliant full moon at night from Lion's Head.

2. Thailand

When traveling in Thailand, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal for as little as $1 (approximately 23,000 VND). Desserts or fruits from street vendors can be even cheaper. However, you'll need to learn how to bargain to avoid being overcharged at some tourist spots.

3. Vietnam

According to Reader's Digest, besides the charming scenery and diverse cuisine, visitors to Hanoi or Hoi An Ancient Town can also find many tailor shops in the city center and order custom-made clothing at very affordable prices. You can easily own your own designed shirts or stylish, high-quality garments at much more modest prices than high-end brands.

4. Peru

Peru's capital, Lima, boasts several interesting attractions that draw large numbers of tourists, such as El Parque del Amor and the Larcomar shopping center. If you're looking for a place to relax or buy souvenirs, the two-story outdoor Larcomar shopping center is an ideal spot. Here, you can explore countless shops or enjoy a meal in a dreamy, romantic setting by the Pacific Ocean.

If you're looking for physical activity, El Parque del Amor park is a must-visit. Besides a 5km trail often used by locals and tourists for jogging, cycling, walking, or playing tennis, visitors can head to the beach for a two-hour surfing lesson with a local instructor for $30 (approximately 670,000 VND).

Alternatively, instead of dining at a fancy restaurant, you can immerse yourself in local life by trying a typical Peruvian meal for just $6 (approximately 137,000 VND).

5. Uruguay

A short ferry ride from Buenos Aires, Argentina, will take you to Uruguay, a small, peaceful country in South America.

For history enthusiasts, exploring the cultural landmarks and architectural styles from centuries past in Colonia del Sacramento will be an unforgettable highlight of the trip. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia offers walking tours steeped in history, nestled within cobblestone streets interspersed with vibrant buildings and shops.

During warmer seasons, locals hold large street parties, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Uruguayan street food. You can easily spend an entire day at these parties without spending more than $10 (approximately 300,000 VND) on food and drinks, even when dining at restaurants.

6. India

It would be hard to miss a visit to the Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world – in the city of Agra, when the cost is under $100 (approximately 2 million VND), including guide fees and transportation.

Additionally, in Jaipur, one of the most popular activities among tourists is visiting the Elefantastic Elephant Sanctuary. The cost of food and activities there is less than $55 (approximately 1 million VND). Furthermore, you should consider traveling to India during festival seasons, as the cost of attending and eating there is significantly cheaper than elsewhere in the world.

7. Mexico

Besides its vibrant and modern lifestyle, Mexico City is also famous for its rich history and unique culture. You can find many world-class museums and numerous renowned art centers here. Notable among them are the Palacio de Bellas Artes, known as Mexico's "art sanctuary," and the Palacio Nacional, which houses works by the famous artist Diego Rivera. Many museums offer free admission on Sundays, and the cost of visiting museums on weekdays is also not too expensive for tourists.

Furthermore, Mexico is also one of the very few countries in the world to possess an underwater museum - MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte) - making it a popular destination for many foreign tourists.

8. Portugal

To increase tourism to Portugal, TAP Air Portugal offers a "stopover" program, allowing travelers transiting through Portuguese airports to stay for three days before reaching their final destination. This program offers affordable travel with reduced accommodation costs and privileges such as complimentary wine at participating restaurants, guided tours, museum visits, and dolphin shows.

9. Cuba

One interesting "challenge" when visiting Cuba is trying to learn the traditional dances of the locals. You can sign up for a salsa dance class at La Casa del Son for about $15 (343,000 VND) to get acquainted before performing at outdoor dance clubs like Jardines del 1830, Casa de la Musica, etc.

The cost for evenings at clubs with live bands typically ranges from $3 to $15 (approximately 70,000 to 340,000 VND), depending on the venue.

Alternatively, you can easily find restaurants on the street to buy a serving of spaghetti for just 60 cents (approximately 14,000 VND).

10. Guatemala

For just $22 (approximately 500,000 VND), visitors can join a half-day guided hike to Pacaya Volcano in Antigua, including entrance fees, water, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. If you love water activities, Jorge's Rope Swing is a worthwhile experience at Peten Itza Lake, near Flores Island. For between $3 and $5 (approximately 70,000 to 114,000 VND), you can challenge yourself with a thrilling rope swing; or for $10 (approximately 330,000 VND) to rent a canoe for a full day of fun on the lake.

Khanh Ha