Viet Nam is listed among nine countries where the US dollar is strongest in 2019, according to a report from Smart Travel.

According to the 2019 Backpacker Index of Smart Travel, a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, Ha Noi and HCM City are named as the top two most affordable cities to travel to in 2019 while Hoi An also makes the top ten.

“For less than US$20 per day, travelers to Viet Nam can pay for budget accommodation (hostels), meals, some entertainment, and public transportation. Mid-range accommodation also tends to be affordable,” Smart Travel says.

While the exchange rate is predicted to increase slightly in Viet Nam this year, the Big Mac Index suggests the dollar will remain very strong in Viet Nam in 2019.

According to Smart Travel, choosing a destination can be a difficult decision when you’re looking to maximise your travel budget. By choosing a destination with a favourable exchange rate and strong US dollar, you can make the most of every penny spent in 2019.

Besides Viet Nam, Smart Travel also suggests travelers looking to stretch the dollar this year should consider Latin America and parts of Africa and Asia. Projected prices for Latin America and Africa are expected to decrease by 2 per cent for air travel and about 1.4 per cent for hotel in 2019, according to the Global Travel Forecast.

“Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for luxury without the high price tag, these undervalued currencies and decreasing foreign exchange rates should be on your radar,” Smart Travel says. — VNS