The ultimate guide for solo backpackers who want dorm beds, street food, sleeper buses, and instant friends – all in small groups (max 12), 80–90 % solo travelers, and zero single-supplement surprises. Hanoi → Ha Long → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An → HCMC.
Luxury is relative (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years guiding more than 100,000 international travelers across Vietnam & Cambodia. This backpacker guide is built from the exact routes used by thousands of happy solo backpackers on Legend Travel Group Vietnam Tours since 2008.
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Home sweet home (Source: Internet)You want $1 phở at 3 a.m.
You want $8 dorm beds with rooftop parties.
You want $15 sleeper buses that arrive on time.
You want to meet 20 new friends every night.
Vietnam delivers all of that – and Legend Travel Group makes it zero-stress.
80–90 % of our backpacker tour guests travel solo – meaning you'll never eat alone unless you choose to.
All tours: max 12 travelers • 80–90 % solo • dorm/private rooms • daily departures • everything included
|
Tour Name |
Duration |
Backpacker Highlights |
From (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vietnam Backpacker Classic Loop |
12 days |
Hanoi → Ha Long → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hoi An → HCMC |
$599 |
|
Northern Vietnam Backpacker Trail |
8 days |
Hanoi → Sapa → Ha Giang → Ba Be Lake |
$499 |
|
Central Vietnam Backpacker Paradise |
7 days |
Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Phong Nha |
$449 |
|
Ultimate Backpacker Vietnam – Full Country |
21 days |
Complete North-South journey + island extension |
$999 |
Every departure guaranteed – you will never be the only backpacker.
Breakfast of champions (Source: Internet)Day 1: Hanoi
6:00 PM – Meet your crew at Mad Monkey hostel (free welcome beer)
7:00 PM – Street food crawl ($5 all-you-can-eat)
9:00 PM – Bia hoi corner takeover
The Next 11 Days
Sleeper buses/trains included
Top-rated dorm beds or cheap private rooms
All activities + entrance fees
Daily "who's up for...?" optional plans
New hostel = new crew every night
The best things in life are $0 (Source: Internet)|
Typical Independent Backpacker |
Legend Backpacker Tours |
|---|---|
|
Hours planning buses/hostels |
Everything pre-booked, zero stress |
|
Risk of scams/bad hostels |
Vetted hostels + 24/7 support |
|
Eating alone |
Instant dinner crew every night |
|
Missing highlights |
All must-see + secret spots included |
|
$40–$60/day |
$25–$40/day all-inclusive |
Zero single supplement – dorm or twin-share with another solo
80–90 % solo backpackers every tour
No hidden costs – everything included
Only 10 % deposit – pay balance 30 days before
Free cancellation up to 7 days
★★★★★ "$599 for 12 days everything included? Unreal value." – Jake, 27, Australia
★★★★★ "Came alone, left with 15 new friends across 6 countries." – Lisa, 25, UK
★★★★★ "Best backpacker trip ever – Legend nailed the vibe." – Max, 29, Germany
Adventure doesn't have to be expensive (Source: Internet)|
Item |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Legend Backpacker Tour |
$25–$40/day |
|
- Dorm bed |
Included |
|
- All transport |
Included |
|
- All activities/entrances |
Included |
|
- Breakfast |
Included |
|
Extra Daily Spend |
$5–$15 |
|
- Street food lunch/dinner |
$3–$8 |
|
- Bia hoi & snacks |
$2–$7 |
|
Total per day |
$30–$55 |
est money I ever spent (Source: Internet)|
Category |
Rating |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall |
Extremely Safe |
Small groups, vetted hostels |
|
Solo females |
Very Safe |
98 % feel completely safe |
|
Night activities |
Very Safe |
Local hosts + group setting |
|
Transport |
Very Safe |
Private vans + reputable sleeper buses |
$0.30 beers, million-dollar memories (Source: Internet)|
City |
Hostel Name |
Dorm Price |
Why Backpackers Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hanoi |
Mad Monkey Old Quarter |
$10–$15 |
Rooftop bar, free beer hour, central |
|
Ha Long |
Castaway Island (dorm bungalow) |
$45/night |
Private island, kayaking, parties |
|
Ninh Binh |
Hidden Charm Hostel |
$8–$20 |
Free bikes, rice-field views, social |
|
Phong Nha |
Easy Tiger Hostel |
$8–$25 |
Cave tour desk, family dinner, backpacker central |
|
Hoi An |
Tribee Edee |
$10–$25 |
Pool, lantern groups, 5 mins to ancient town |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
The Hideout District 1 |
$10–$25 |
Walking street, rooftop, free breakfast |
Essentials (40L backpack max)
Quick-dry t-shirts × 5
Light pants/shorts × 2
Flip-flops + trainers
Reusable water bottle
Universal adapter + power bank
Small combination lock
Backpacker Hacks
Microfiber towel
Laundry sheets (wash in sink)
Deck of cards (instant friends)
Earplugs (dorm life)
Book the 12-day Classic Loop – perfect balance of everything
Travel June–September – 30–50% cheaper hostels
Join every free beer hour – fastest way to meet people
Say yes to the first group activity – zero regrets
Bring a portable speaker – someone always forgets
Will I be the only backpacker?
Never – 80–90% are solo backpackers.
Private room possible?
Yes – upgrade for $10–$20/night (still budget).
Safe for solo females?
Yes – vetted hostels, small groups, 98% feel safe.
Best season for budget travel?
June–September – cheapest everything.
Still "real" backpacking?
100% – just with zero stress and instant friends.
You don't need a big budget to have a big adventure.
You just need the right crew and the right plan.
Join thousands of solo backpackers who chose Vietnam Tours by Legend Travel Group and proved Vietnam is the best value destination on earth.
Only 10% deposit – change dates free – max 12 travelers – daily departures.
Start your $30/day legend now → https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
By Legend Travel Group – Where solo backpackers become legends since 2008
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