The city that is the ‘cheapest’ night out in the world at under £6 for beer and a taxi
New research suggests Vietnam's capital is one of the best-value cities on the planet for an evening on the town.
A city in Asia offers the ‘cheapest’ night out in the world at just £6. Hanoi might not be the first place Brits picture for a bargain “big night out” — but new research suggests Vietnam’s capital is one of the best-value cities on the planet for an evening on the town.
Hanoi is a vibrant city, known for its rich history, French colonial architecture, chaotic yet charming Old Quarter with narrow, trade-focused streets, and a thriving street food scene featuring dishes like phở. It's a city where ancient temples, French villas, modern cafes, and countless motorbikes coexist, serving as a cultural hub and gateway to northern Vietnam's attractions, such as Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Asia travel experts TransIndus used a “night out basket” of three beers, a 5km bike taxi ride, and a McDonald’s meal — and in Hanoi, the total comes in at around £5.60 all-in. The figures are based on typical local prices reported by travellers and expats on the ground.
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The breakdown in Hanoi is as follows: a McDonald’s combo meal (Big Mac Meal or similar) costs £3.14, a domestic beer (0.5L) from a supermarket is £0.42 each (£1.26 for three), and a 5km bike taxi ride is approximately £1.20. This makes it £5.60 for the full basket.
TransIndus also noted that Hanoi isn’t the only Asian city where travellers can keep costs low. Other cities that are still cheap (but slightly pricier than Hanoi) include:
Yogyakarta, Indonesia: about £8.07
Manila, Philippines: about £8.38
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: about £9.29
A spokesperson for TransIndus said: “People understandably want their holiday money to go further in 2026 — but the smartest approach is to plan with a few simple ‘anchor’ costs in mind.
“A short ride, a casual meal, and a couple of drinks are the sort of everyday purchases many travellers make in the first 24 hours. If those are low, it’s a strong sign the city is going to feel great value overall.”
