How much does a trip to Ha Giang & Hoi An cost from South Africa?
About R24 690 for 7 days, solo
Or R21 960 each for two people sharing a room. Saving for a trip a year from now means about R2 060 a month.
Estimates from Johannesburg, booked 3 to 6 months ahead, including a 20% buffer and the visa fee. Prices checked Sep 2026.
Join the waitlistMountain loops in the far north, lantern-lit Hoi An, and some of the world's best street food at street-food prices.
Cost by trip length and style (solo)
| Length | Tourist | Blend | Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | R22 050 | R23 082 | R23 595 |
| 7 days | R24 690 | R25 559 | R25 893 |
| 14 days | R33 930 | R34 228 | R33 936 |
Tourist covers the famous sights. Niche swaps them for places locals love, usually with cheaper stays but more travel between them. Blend mixes both. Two people sharing pay less each, because the room is split.
Where the money goes (7 days, Tourist, solo)
| Return flight from Johannesburg | R12 500 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, 7 nights | R4 550 |
| Food, local transport and activities | R3 150 |
| 20% buffer for surprises | R4 040 |
| Visa and entry fees | R450 |
| Total | R24 690 |
Visa for South Africans
Online visa Yes, but it's online. South Africans apply for a Vietnam eVisa before travelling to Vietnam.
Apply on the official portal 1–2 weeks ahead.
When to go
| Best time | Oct–Apr (varies by region) |
|---|---|
| Cheapest time | May–Sep |
| Currency | Dong (₫) |
Book 3–4 months out; north and south have different rainy seasons.
Know before you go
| Getting there | About 16 to 20 hours with one stop via Singapore, Bangkok or a Gulf hub to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. |
|---|---|
| Health | Dengue is common; malaria risk is low in tourist areas. |
| Money | Cash rules outside the big cities; use Grab for taxis and food delivery. |
A 7-day plan that mixes both
- Day 1 Arrive, check in and find dinner nearby
- Day 2 Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
- Day 3 Ha Giang loop with a local rider
- Day 4 Ha Long Bay cruise
- Day 5 Ma Pi Leng pass
- Day 6 Hoi An's lantern town
- Day 7 Final morning, then fly home
The classics
- Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
- Ha Long Bay cruise
- Hoi An's lantern town
- Hue's Imperial City
- Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cu Chi tunnels
- Mekong Delta boat trip
- Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
Where locals go
- Ha Giang loop with a local rider
- Ma Pi Leng pass
- Rowing through Tam Coc in Ninh Binh
- Kayaking Lan Ha Bay
- Phong Nha's caves
- Cycling Hoi An's countryside
- Highland cafés in Da Lat
- Egg coffee and a bia hoi corner in Hanoi
Ready to book?
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Quick answers
How much does a trip to Ha Giang & Hoi An cost from South Africa?
About R24 690 per person for 7 days travelling solo, or R21 960 each for two people sharing a room, booked 3 to 6 months ahead. That includes return flights from Johannesburg, mid-range accommodation, daily spending, the visa fee and a 20% buffer. These are estimates checked in Sep 2026.
Do South Africans need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, but it's online. South Africans apply for a Vietnam eVisa before travelling to Vietnam. Apply on the official portal 1–2 weeks ahead.
When is the best time to visit Ha Giang & Hoi An?
The best time is Oct–Apr (varies by region). The cheapest time is usually May–Sep.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg?
About 16 to 20 hours with one stop via Singapore, Bangkok or a Gulf hub to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.