Destinations in Vietnam top the list of the world's most economical

The end of the year in Vietnam is the peak time for European and American tourists to come to avoid the crowds, and for such distant markets, saving costs is an extremely important issue.

According to a survey by the Post Office (based in the UK) cited by Time Out magazine, Hoi An in Vietnam was honored as the most economical long-distance destination for this winter. This is one of 10 remote locations where European and American tourists can enjoy more for their money.

Red-leafed banyan tree in Bach Dang street area, Hoi Anh

PHOTO: DO ANH VU

While Europe has a lot to offer, from cool art districts to autumn hikes in fairytale forests, sometimes travelers crave a vacation further afield. The catch? Long-haul flights mean high fares—and you've already spent all your savings on rent, restaurants, or hotels.

But road trips don’t have to be expensive. Sure, airfare can be expensive, but travelers often return to cheaper hotels, food, and activities by choosing a more affordable destination.

PostOffice has crunched the data and revealed the top 10 best value far-flung destinations for European and American travellers to soak up the winter sunshine, based on the daily cost of various items.

Hoi An, Vietnam, took the top spot. Here, a three-course dinner for two, including a bottle of house wine, starts from £40, while a bottle of local beer is £1.23. Aside from the bargains, Hoi An is also one of Vietnam’s most photogenic cities, with cobblestone streets winding around a lantern-lit river, world- class street food, idyllic beaches and a bustling night market.

Hoi An ancient town in red leaf season

PHOTO: DO ANH VU

Close behind is Cape Town in South Africa, where a glass of wine costs an average of £2.65. The city has it all: majestic Table Mountain, the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap and penguins frolicking on Boulders Beach.

Third place goes to Bali in Indonesia. The island is affordable, with cocktails costing an average of £4.86, and offers everything from humble beach huts to swanky rooftop bars. While Bali has a reputation for being crowded, there are still plenty of hidden gems – particularly along the south coast, where surfers can find secluded beaches.

Here's a list of the 10 most budget-friendly long-haul destinations for winter 2025:

1. Hoi An, Vietnam

2. Cape Town, South Africa

3. Bali, Indonesia

4. Mombasa, Kenya

5. Tokyo, Japan

6. Columbus, Sri Lanka

7. Penang, Malaysia

8. Delhi, India

9. Phuket, Thailand

10. Santiago, Chile

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/diem-den-o-viet-nam-dung-dau-danh-sach-tiet-kiem-nhat-the-gioi-185251007083752256.htm