vietnam daily travel budget

The Cost of Travel in Vietnam: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

Vietnam is one of the greatest countries in the world.

I should know: I’ve spent a almost full year travelling across this country, making my way from the very top to its southernmost point and exploring a hell of a lot along the way.

I’ve spent months living in Hanoi and Saigon, and celebrated birthdays in Hoi An and Mui Ne. I’ve rented apartments with local families in lesser-known neighbourhoods, diligently worked my way through every street food cart in the area, then partied my way through all of the best backpacker haunts. I’ve travelled solo in the country, with my boyfriend and with friends, and even spent a month showing my boyfriend’s parents around the country. I spent two weeks riding a scooter through the smallest of towns in the Mekong Delta, visiting places that few tourists have ever passed through.

I’ve seen so much of this country and yet there’s something that still continually pulls me back.

(Confession: it’s the food. Vietnamese food is the best .)

But beyond the incredible meals, there’s also the beautiful scenery, the friendly people, the amazing architecture, and the most bustling cities. From the awe-inspiring views up in Sapa and the beaches of Da Nang, to the beauty of Hoi An, the scenery at Halong Bay, and the chaos of Saigon, Vietnam offers something for everyone.

Today, I want to focus on what you’ll pay for all of this magic. Of course, being in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is an affordable country to visit, in comparison to countries in North America and Europe, so your Dong will take you far. Yep, that’s the name of the currency here: the Vietnamese Dong, and you’ll find yourself with plenty of opportunity to make jokes about it.

I usually travel on a mid-range budget in Vietnam, along with occasional splurges, and often average around $50 — I’ve managed to get by on $10 a day when I was a tight backpacker, and splurged on a five-star hotel and been blown away by how much $100 a night can get you.

At the time of writing this, in 2023, $1 equates to around 24,000 VND. You’ll usually get 500,000 VND notes out of the ATMs, so remember that those are worth just over $20 each. Be careful with the 20,000 and 500,000 notes, though — they look very similar and could make for quite the expensive mistake!

A quick housekeeping point before we continue: everything in the post I paid for myself – as always, this is a comp- and press trip-free article.

With all that being said, it’s time to take an in-depth look into just how much it costs to travel in Vietnam. Let’s get started.

Where to Go in Vietnam

I recommend allocating a full month to travel in Vietnam. Here’s how I recommend spending your time over those four weeks:

• Hanoi: 5 nights
• Sapa: 2 nights
• Halong Bay/Bai Tu Long Bay: 1 night
• Ninh Binh: 3 nights
• Phong Nga: 2 nights
• Da Nang: 2 nights
• Hoi An: 5 nights
• Dalat: 3 nights
• Saigon: 3 nights
• Can Tho: 1 night

What’s Included in This Post

The budget breakdown you’re about to read covers accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and miscellaneous costs. All prices are in U.S. dollars, as that’s where most of my readers are located.

Flight costs will vary, depending on where you’re travelling in from. I recommending using Skyscanner’s flight comparison search engine to find the very best deals.

I often book activities and transport online, but generally have found that local travel agents offer cheaper prices. You’ll find one on practically every street in tourist-popular destinations, so there’s always many places vying for your custom; amounts can usually be haggled.

But if that’s not your thing, or you prefer the peace of mind of having things booked in advance, online booking works well, too. More on that below.

Vietnam offers up amazing value for money. Yes, I often splashed out on fun excursions that are a bit pricier, but even then, costs didn’t spiral. It’s all about balance. 

My ethos is: if I’m not going to experience at least some of the sights and activities a place is known for, what’s the point? But equally, I’ve also found some lesser-known – and free – things to do along the way that I’ll be mentioning as well.

Time to jump in.

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in Vietnam

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Housesitting  is a great option for free accommodation. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. I have friends who have housesat in castles before! For free!  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these are  hostels . In Vietnam, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, in large cities, and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Vietnam  are on a par with the rest of Southeast Asia, and you can expect to spend around  $5 a night for a dorm bed  for a well-reviewed hostel in Vietnam, with the price increasing to slightly about  $15 a night  for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around  $20 a night  for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room.  $40 a night  will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel or hotel.

I use  HostelWorld  to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which will usually come in at around  $20-$60 a night  for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location. I always use  Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices. I share my personal recommendations below:

The Cost of Accommodation in Vietnam

Places to stay in Vietnam are excellent value.

There were a couple of exceptions where we treated ourselves and upped the budget a bit, but that’s not to say we didn’t see quality options within both price brackets.

For the most part, we stayed in hotels and guesthouses and picked places where breakfast was included. That way, our first meal of the day was covered by what was without exception a first-rate buffet, often with eggs made-to-order any which way we preferred. Going forward, whenever I mention breakfast, you can assume it was part of the rate.

Mid-range properties were super-reasonably priced. And even 5* accommodation doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – much less than a hotel room in Western Europe, Australasia or the USA, for example.

Hotel staff couldn’t do enough for us, from the concierge and the tour desk to the staff at breakfast. Honestly, the Vietnamese people were a delight: really friendly and helpful. Often they were keen to practice their English on us and claimed to not be very good, when in actual fact they were fluent. It put us to shame.

Read on for recommendations on places to stay in Vietnam.

Hanoi: Our stay at this contemporary hotel in the Old Quarter cost us $49 a night , and we can’t speak highly enough of this gem.

Just a five-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and tons of restaurants and bars, our superior double was spacious and modern, with wooden floors, splashes of colour throughout, and a feature wall. The breakfast buffet was varied and staff were incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to help us with forthcoming bookings.

For us, the historic centre was definitely the best area to stay in. It was bustling, atmospheric, and within ambling distance of most attractions. Talking of walking: make sure you watch out for the pesky mopeds in Hanoi, and Saigon too. In fact, there were even more zipping about down south.

Sapa: We opted for a homestay in Sapa, because we really wanted to throw ourselves into things. If you go down that route, Mao and her family are the people to choose.

After an overnight train ride northwards from Hanoi, we were met by Mao’s sister-in-law. We paid $68 per person for a one-night stay in Mao’s home. But that price also covered a two-day excursion. More on the details in the activity section.

It was Mao’s mountainous family home that we stayed in. It was basic, but comfortable: mattress-style beds on the floor enclosed by mosquito nets and shared bathroom facilities. The hospitality was warm, and the family were generous with their time.

We loved our night there and would wholeheartedly recommend it.

Bai Tu Long Bay: Boat time! Bai Tu Long Bay is just eastwards of the more famous Halong Bay, but doesn’t attract the crowds of the former. It’s just as beautiful, so if you want to see those limestone karsts without hundreds of boats surrounding you, this is the way to go.

We chose a two days/one night trip here. Our boat – Viola – was striking yet comfortable – a traditional wooden vessel with 16 cabins featuring dark wood and large windows. We were lucky: the boat wasn’t full, so we managed to bag an upgrade to the Honeymoon suite with a balcony to admire the spectacular scenery from.

Our cost came in at $149 per person for the two night trip, but that did include transfers, separate excursions off the boat, and food.

Ninh Binh: Just a couple of hours south of Hanoi we reached Ninh Binh, and this rather lovely homestay . Run by a family of four, the hospitality was first-rate, and our room was large, with pretty views out to the mountains. There was a roof terrace for drinks and excellent local food, and complimentary bicycles.

The property is outside the centre of town on a quiet residential stretch. We were there to get out and about on bikes, so the quiet location worked well for us. We paid $19 a night and were impressed. The family even invited us to join them one night for a home-cooked meal – an unexpected and kind gesture that we took them up on. That was our first taste of jackfruit.

Phong Nha: We pushed the boat out in Central Vietnam – for us anyway – and spent $45 a night . Located off the beaten path a little (about 15 minutes from the centre of town), this peaceful hideaway was set among lush greenery and rice paddies, and came complete with a swimming pool, wonderful views, complimentary bikes, tasty food, and quaffable fishbowl gin and tonics.

Situated just outside the National Park and the caves the area is famous for, we enjoyed sitting al fresco watching the sunset, sipping on a drink with a plate of crispy spring rolls to munch on.

The vibe was French colonial, with plenty of dark wood, wicker furniture and colourful tiles. And the ethos was ethical, sustainable and local, which got a thumbs up from us.

Danang: We continued with a slightly increased budget here, and spent $62 a night at this stylish beachfront property in a bright and airy superior double. .

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the white sands of My Khe beach and about 25 from the famous Dragon Bridge, this spot offered us the best of both worlds.

We made the most of the glorious rooftop pool and terrace and the plentiful breakfast buffet. And friendly staff were on hand to answer our questions – such as where to get the local bus to Hoi An from.

Hoi An: Just 45 minutes southwards on that bus we were advised about, we reached our next stop. We split our time here: three nights a short cycle from lovely Cua Dai beach at this contemporary hotel with a pool overlooking the Co Co river (we paid $40 per night ).

Our room was spacious, clean, and it was fab to have a balcony. Plus, we were just a 20-minute ride to the sea. And at the latter smaller property, we loved the eye-catching colourful tiles throughout and enjoyed a splash in the dinky pool.

Saigon: We stayed in this first-rate hotel in Saigon, with pale wood and bamboo decor, knowledgeable staff, a quality buffet breakfast, and a rooftop pool with city vistas. We paid $90 per night and were very happy.

Can Tho (Mekong Delta): We were here for just one night, and up very early for a Mekong Delta boat ride the following day. So we opted for a lower end of the price bracket option. And we couldn’t find fault with this virtually riverside boutique hostel , where we paid just $20 per night .

You can expect funky monochrome decor and air-con. Breakfast wasn’t included here, but we knew we’d be eating on our floating market trip.

OUR TOTAL COST OF ACCOMMODATION IN VIETNAM CAME TO $1178. THAT’S AN AVERAGE OF $42 PER DAY, OR $21 EACH.

Reminder: in Sapa and Bai Tu Long Bay, the cost I’ve used in the calculation included a whole excursion – so food, walks etc.

THE COST OF TRANSPORTATION IN VIETNAM

We chose to travel by bus throughout Vietnam for the most part. We generally found these to be clean, efficient and comfortable. Some had reclining seats that were bedlike, for longer journeys.

To reiterate: shop around for prices; we found there were deals to be had. If, however, you break into a sweat when you think about masterfully haggling with the experts, 12Go Asia is my go-to site for booking overland travel in Southeast Asia. They’ve got buses, trains, and private transport listed, and it’s usually only a dollar or two more than you’ll pay in person, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Keep in mind that sometimes the buses take less time than advised and you may have to swap buses, which you’re not always pre-informed about. For example, from Phong Nha to Danang we switched buses in Hue. And from Hoi An to Dalat, we changed vehicles in Nha Trang (but did get to see a lovely sunrise at the beach there). Really, for the prices we paid, we couldn’t complain.

Here’s a breakdown of our journeys:

Train from Hanoi to Sapa: $32 per person . Note: we shared our cabin with two other (snoring) people, so would recommend opting for a private cabin if funds allow (around $61 per person).

Bus from Sapa to Hanoi: $12 per person . We used Sapa Express : comfy seats, lovely views, and a very friendly member of staff was on board. Water and a snack were provided, too. The company was also very accommodating when we nearly missed the bus.

Bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh: $7 per person

Bus from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha: $12 per person

Bus from Phong Nha to Danang: $12 per person

Local bus from Danang to Hoi An: $1 per person

Bus from Hoi An to Dalat: $16 per person

Bus from Dalat to Saigon: $17 per person

Bus from Saigon to Can Tho: $6 per person

Shuttle bus from Can Tho to Ha Tien: $6 per person. Tip: don’t buy your ticket from the office, go directly to a shuttle and ask a driver for a price – they charged us less than what was quoted inside.

There are other modes of transport if buses aren’t for you. Trains are an alternative ( 12Go is a top website for those, too), and Grab was available in Hanoi, Danang and Saigon.

Similar to Uber, you just need to download the app. Scooters are an option with Grab; cheaper than booking a car. Watch out for taxis you hail off the street – they have a reputation for trying to rip off tourists, so it’s easier to use the app.

OUR TOTAL COST OF TRANSPORTATION IN VIETNAM CAME TO $242. THAT’S AN AVERAGE OF $8.60 PER DAY, OR $4.30 EACH.

THE COST OF ACTIVITIES AND ENTRANCE FEES IN VIETNAM

We saw and did a lot in Vietnam, ranging from rice paddy walks and scenic boat rides to food tours. There were also some well-known activities that we chose not to do, because of personal preference. For example, Phong Nha is famous for caves, but we opted for a bike ride into the countryside instead.

Here’s a rundown for you, with costs.

Halong Bay two-day/one-night tour from Hanoi: $150 per person. If there’s one thing you have to do when you’re in Vietnam, it’s to visit their most famous attraction. Halong Bay is incredible and well-worth taking the time and spending the money to see it. The rock formations are breathtaking! We opted for a tour that took us to both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, as the latter is free of the tourist crowds. That way, we got the best of both worlds. You can check availability for the tour we booked using the widget below (it is popular, so book well in advance!)

Food tour in Hanoi with Ha Food Tours: $25 per person . An amazing evening; we were fit to burst by the end. Our local tour guide was fun, friendly and very informative. She also gave us recommendations for other restaurants to try (Pho 10 below). We wandered our way around the Old Quarter sampling delights such as Bun Cha, egg coffee (nicer than it sounds!), dried beef salad, crab spring rolls, beef noodles, Bahn Mi, sticky rice, and coconut ice-cream. Told you there was a lot of food! We wouldn’t necessarily have known to go into some of the places, and it was lovely to be led by someone with first-hand knowledge of the city. We thought the price offered excellent value for money, when you coupled all of the food with the guided aspect.

Hoa Lo prison, Hanoi (pay at the entrance): 30,000 VND per person (approximately $1.50) . This was an eye-opening and moving experience. The former jail was used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for US Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War.

Sapa walking and homestay with Mao and family : $55 per person (two days, one night). The scenery was amazing in Sapa and the Muong Hoa Valley: rice fields, terraces, tea plants, and lush greenery. If you’re into glorious views and walking (there was a fair amount, and it was medium difficulty at times), this is for you. We met Mao’s sister-in-law in the centre of town, and from there, up we went into the mountains. It was peaceful, picturesque, and a world away from busy Hanoi. Included in the tour were two lunches, plus a plentiful home-cooked dinner and breakfast at Mao’s. Do try the rice wine – ‘happy water’ Mao offers at dinnertime – it was potent, reminding us a bit of sake.

Bai Tu Long Bay boat tour with Premier Travel: $144 per person (two days, one night). Again, the scenery here was pretty spectacular, with limestone rock formations jutting out of the water across the bay. The trip included visiting a pearl farm and an impressive cave, all meals, a summer roll making class, a swim, and a kayak. Just to let you know, it was communal dining, which some people like, and others don’t.

Trang An caves, Ninh Binh (pay at entrance): 200,000 VND per person (approximately $8.50) . We were really pleased we chose to cycle out to the river and the Trang An caves. They were a much quieter alternative to Tam Coc (we rode via there another day and it was busy). At Trang An, we jumped aboard a small boat just before 4pm; it was quiet on the water. The scenery was wonderful and the caves we went through made the journey exciting and interesting. Watch your head in some of the caves – they were low. We made a few stops along the way and helped to row for some of the trip. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours. Lunch tip: Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay (great views, and very tasty pomelo, pork and shrimp salad).

Mua Caves, Ninh Binh (pay at entrance): 100,000 VND per person (approximately $4.50) . We cycled from our homestay through paddy fields which was fab. The caves involved a 500-step climb – so it may not be for everyone. Tough, but totally worth it for the amazing and far-reaching vistas.

Scooter food tour in Hoi An: $35 per person . Another fantastic food tour. We sampled a whopping nine dishes on this tour — some of which were served in a local’s home who specialised in that particular item. So good, so fun, and so informative; this is a must-do!

Countryside tour in Dalat : $40 per person . One word: loved! We stopped at a cricket farm, the Elephant Falls, a silk factory, a coffee plant, and wandered around a local market sampling bits and pieces. We also enjoyed a lunch pitstop with a fun fruit tasting, and then came the secret aspect. I won’t reveal what that was – it was worth it though.

Crazy House , Dalat (pay at the entrance): 40,000 VND per person (approximately $1.75) . This really was crazy. An unconventional building constructed by Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga, designed to entice people back to nature. You can also stay there too, if that floats your boat.

Saigon Pho Trail : $55 per person . A food and walking tour highlighting the ‘real’ Ho Chi Minh City. We wandered around authentic markets, enjoyed a first-rate breakfast beef pho, calamansi juice, and then a huge lunch. So much tasty food! And a super friendly pair of guides.

Saigon foot scrub: $15 per person . We’d done an awful lot of walking throughout our trip and our feet deserved some attention! There were so many places offering spa services, so we shopped around. Our treatment also included a quick neck and back massage, and a pedicure for me.

Mekong Delta boat ride: $18 per person . We loved this tour so much. It was an early start down to the water where we took a boat tour to the Cai Rang Floating Market. Next, we stopped at a noodle factory and then a cacao plant. A wonderful morning. Our advice? Don’t book online, ask your hotel for a tour recommendation.  

There were also tons of free activities we enjoyed. They can sometimes be just as enjoyable, we think. Read on for a handful of our faves.

Phong Nha Bong Lai Valley bike ride: This was one of my favourite days. So scenic, not too difficult, and two great places to stop for a beer and food – always a bonus! Their names? Pub with Cold Beer (it did what it said on the tin), and Eco Boar Farm.

Danang beach walk: Non Nuoc and My Khe – wide stretches with fine sand.

Hoi An beach walk: Cua Dai. Another lovely stretch; keep an eye out for colourful crabs scurrying along.

Where I’ve mentioned bikes, these were complimentary with our hotel stay.

OUR TOTAL COST OF ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM CAME TO $418.50. THAT’S AN AVERAGE OF $15 PER DAY, OR $7.50 EACH.

Reminder: I’ve excluded the Sapa and Bai Tu Long Bay tours from my calculations because I included them in the accommodation costs above.

THE COST OF FOOD VIETNAM

I love, love, love food. Wherever we visit, we put a lot of research time into where to eat and what dishes we should try. We like to taste local specialities, and so we kept our ear out for recommendations. The food in Vietnam was among the best we tasted throughout the year, and super cheap too.

I’m going to list a handful of dishes we regularly ate across the four weeks, with an average price.

Like I said before, for the most part, breakfast was included as part of our room rate, so I won’t include that in this section. And on a handful of days when we were on an excursion, all of our meals were included. So I’ll calculate for the remaining days.

Let’s do it…

Bahn Mi: a super delicious snack that we had virtually every day! A baguette (Viet style – much lighter than the French version) filled with BBQ pork, pate, herbs, chilli, and pickled veg. Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi was our favourite by far and cost just 30,000 a pop (about $1.30). Madam Khanh, Queen of Banh Mi in Hoi An was also very tasty (25,000 VND, approximately $1).

Pho: fragrant noodle soup that struck the balance of being fresh yet filling.

Average cost: 65,000 VND ( approximately $3). Our recommendation? Beef pho at Pho 10 in Hanoi. The broth was delicate and the meat rare (it cooked a bit as it sat in the broth). There were sharing condiments on the table – fresh chilli, a fiery sauce and garlic. One portion and a beer came in at 85,000 VND (around $4).

Bun Cha: a tangy broth, with chargrilled pork patties, rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herbs. The average we paid for this scrummy dish was 90,000 VND ($4) per portion. We loved Bun Cha Ta in Hanoi.

Banh Xeo: super cheap and filling crispy pancakes filled with veggies, pork belly and prawns. Just 23,000 VND ($1) a portion in general.

Com Ga: chicken and rice. Simple yet delicious, and cheap at around 46,000 VND ($2) per portion.

Nem Nuong: pork sausage meat, greens, pickled veg, rice noodles and rice paper – a DIY meal where we wrapped the ingredients in the rice paper. So tasty, and only around 92,000 VND ($4) a portion.

Dumplings and wontons: need little explanation! Miss Ly’s well-known spot in Hoi An was a noteworthy place to try these. We shared, and paid 80,000 VND each (about $3.50).

A couple of evenings we fancied some Western food. For example, we had a yummy pizza each at Fatfish in Danang. That cost us 195,000 VND (about $8.50) per person. A bit more expensive, but still totally manageable.

Burger Bros in Danang cost us 100,000 VND (about $4) each – comparable to local food prices. And it was a really juicy burger.

A few times, we spent a bit more on Vietnamese meals. For instance, we enjoyed an early dinner at the Pub with Cold Beer. The family who owns the place offered a unique ‘kill your own chicken for us to cook’ service (you don’t have to; they can do it for you if you’d prefer). Dave opted to do the honours – brave man. A while later, a BBQed, spatchcocked bird appeared smelling wonderful. It was served with rice, greens and the most amazing sauces – peanut and fresh chilli. We really loved that meal. It cost us 230,000 VND ($10) each, and was so worth it.

Goc Ha Thanh in Dalat came in at 322,000 each (around $14) – that included a starter of spring rolls, coconut prawn curries, a side of veg, water, and local wine. Who knew very drinkable wine was made in Dalat?!

Average daily food cost: $8.57 per day, or $4.29 each

More on drinks next…

We sipped on plenty of bottled water which was dirt cheap, plus beers, and the odd cocktail here and there. A large water cost us about 50 cents.

In Hanoi, ‘fresh beer’ (bia hoi) is famous, and even cheaper than water. It cost us around 8,000 VND (35 cents) a glass. We only found this sold in the capital, out of big freezer chests. It was made fresh each day with few preservatives; foamy and quite light in alcohol. We highly recommend you try it.

Otherwise, we tended to share large bottles of local beer; they came in at about $1 a bottle.

Oh, and for lovers of the chocolate bar Bounty, or fans of coconut in general, you MUST pay Cong Caphe a visit. We stopped at outposts in Hanoi and Saigon. Their coconut smoothie was one of the best things I drank (a bold claim I know) – so good and so simple. It was made of coconut milk whizzed up with crushed ice and coffee. Yum. The chocolate and coconut version was equally delicious too. And the price? 45,000 VND each (about $2). Heavenly, and totally worth it.

In Saigon, we visited Pasteur Street Brewing , where a bottle was 70,000 VND (approximately $3). Dearer than local brands like Bia Saigon, but it was craft beer – and very good.

We indulged in happy hour cocktails at Mango Rooms in Hoi An a few times. They cost about 100,000 each (approximately $4). Keep an eye out for 2 for 1 deals – we found them a great way to be able to sample drinks we may not have done otherwise.

Average daily drink cost: $4.82 per day, or $2.41 each

Like I said, we can’t talk highly enough of the Vietnamese cuisine. Flavourful, packed a spice punch, and totally delicious. Such great value for money, too.

OUR TOTAL COST OF FOOD AND DRINK IN VIETNAM CAME TO $375. THAT’S AN AVERAGE OF $13.40 PER DAY, OR $6.70 EACH.

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES IN VIETNAM

A local SIM card:  I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in Vietnam, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and now, I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $4.50 for 1 GB of data  for Vietnam and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible before buying — all recent iPhones and many Androids are.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Vietnam. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL IN VIETNAM?

Okay, so after adding everything up, here are costs per person:

• Accommodation: $21 per day
• Transport: $4.30 per day
• Activities: $7.50 per day
• Food and drink: $6.70 per day
• Miscellaneous: $1.50 per day

Grand total spent in Vietnam: $41 per person per day .

Vietnam was excellent value for money, and a highlight of our year. We saw untold wonderful sights, ate incredibly well, and stayed at a range of quality accommodation.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? DID YOU EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO TRAVEL THROUGH VIETNAM FOR THAT PRICE?

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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13 comments.

An epic post, Laura! Covers everything I need to know about travel in Vietnam and how much it’ll cost me.

HI Laura, This as a great post – IM a new traveller so very helpful! Can you tell me how long did it take to organise a visa and do you have to have any vaccinations? (Im not partial to them …) Thanks!

It took about 48 hours for my visa to be approved — super easy process, so no worries about that.

There are a few vaccines that are recommended (although not required) — hepatitis A&B and typhoid, in particular — I got both of those vaccines back in 2011 when I first started travelling, then got a top-up a few years ago. Japanese encephalitis is a good idea if you’re going to be staying in any rural areas. It’s not worth taking anti-malarials, as dengue is the real problem there, not malaria — I have multiple friends who have contracted dengue in Vietnam and been really sick, one of whom was left with chronic joint pain from the virus. Because of this, definitely take care to cover up when mosquitoes are active (around sunset) and/or use lots of insect repellent. Dengue really is the biggest thing you need to worry about, as there’s a lot of it in Vietnam. COVID vaccines aren’t required to enter the country anymore.

I’ve had tons of vaccines, though — pretty much any travel-related ones you can get! As somebody who contracted cholera[!!] because I skipped getting the vaccine (and still have health issues from the illness, five years later), I resolved to get every vaccine I could. It sucked to get that sick and know I could have prevented it.

But either way, to answer your question, there’s several that are recommended but none that are mandatory.

Great post! Just confirming are your prices here in USD?

Thanks so much! Yes, they’re in USD.

Hi Lauren, my daughter and I are planning a trip to Vietnam in August. Great to find helpful info on your site, but just wondering what currency your pricing is based on? Travelling as a Kiwi I may need to double it!

Hi Jacqui, My hubby and I are also going in August. I was wondering the same thing as we are Aussies. We’ve been before but 12 years ago so I can’t remember alot and obviously things have changed. When we went last time I only booked the first 3 nights and the concierge at the hotel booked the rest of the 2 weeks for us for $600AUD each which included all accommodation, travel and sight seeing for the whole 2 weeks. It worked out at about a third of the price of what I’d have paid in Australia. I’m really tempted to just do the same again. Enjoy your trip and who knows – maybe we’ll see you on the road!

One of my favorite things about Vietnam was how inexpensive it was! I just came back from two weeks in SE Asia and I really can’t wait to go back. Vietnam was my favorite place we went. The people are SO a friendly and it really was an excellent experience. The food is amazing. And I love that you can get grabs for like $2 across Ho Chi Minh City. I came back to America and cringed paying $40 for my Uber back from the airport haha. I miss the food and people so much already! Planning to try my hand at making egg coffee- I saved a website that tells you how so hopefully it turns out well.

Fantastic article – thank you so much!

This post is really helpful, thank you so much.

How did you apply for a visa? I am in Australia and I hear there are lots of scams and I am not quite sure on what is the best process.

I would love to travel to Vietnam, but found it hard to figure out public transportation. is there a website you know of that is helpful? country is very long are there tips you recommend to save time ie special routes and travel time like overnight….

Hi Shiva! I use 12Go in Southeast Asia and book all of my buses, minivans, and trains through there. You’ll pay an extra dollar or so to use the service but it makes it sooo much easier than hunting down a travel agent to book everything in person! I personally am not a huge fan of travelling overnight as I find I always sleep terribly and lose much of the next day to napping and exhaustion — you may be different though. It’s worth experimenting with for sure! Plus you save money on accommodation by travelling overnight :-) Flying can definitely save you time for some longer legs and domestic flights in Vietnam are always pretty affordable.

Excellent post – thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed overview of your experience.

I’m looking for a place to stay in Hanoi – I was wondering the name of the hotel you have pictured near the top of the article, with a pool overlooking the river. If you could please let me know the name of this place I will be eternally grateful!

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Meet Lauren Juliff

• Travel Planning Guide

Vietnam Travel Budget - Visit Vietnam on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Vietnam Costs

• Is Vietnam Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Vietnam cost?
• Tips For Your First Trip To Vietnam
• Vietnam On-Your-Own Itineraries
• Northern Vietnam
• Central Vietnam
• Southern Vietnam
• Vietnam Hotel Prices
• Vietnam Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Cheap Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Hotels for One Week in Vietnam
• Best Hotels for One Night in Vietnam
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Vietnam
• Best Luxury Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Vietnam
• Best Business Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Beach Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Vietnam
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Vietnam
• Best Party Hotels in Vietnam
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Vietnam
• Where Do Backpackers Go in Vietnam? A Review of Hostels and Guesthouses.
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Vietnam Activities
• Vietnam Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Vietnam
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Vietnam
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Vietnam
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Extended Trip Tours in Vietnam, One Month or Longer
• The Best River Cruises in Vietnam
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam
• The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Vietnam
• The Best Religious Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Walking Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Vietnam
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam
• The Best Luxury Tours to Vietnam
• The Best Budget Tours to Vietnam
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh City
• How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam? (Average Daily Cost)
• Vietnam trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Vietnam?

Is vietnam expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Vietnam?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam?

You should plan to spend around $60 (d1,506,691) per day on your vacation in Vietnam. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $14 (d344,871) on meals
• $12 (d300,168) on local transportation
• $53 (d1,333,915) on hotels

A one week trip to Vietnam for two people costs, on average, $842 (d21,093,677) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 60 d 1,506,691
• One Week Per person $ 421 d 10,546,839
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 842 d 21,093,677
• One Month Per person $ 1,805 d 45,200,737
• One Week For a couple $ 842 d 21,093,677
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,685 d 42,187,355
• One Month For a couple $ 3,611 d 90,401,474

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Vietnam cost?

A one week trip to Vietnam usually costs around $421 (d10,546,839) for one person and $842 (d21,093,677) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Vietnam on average costs around $842 (d21,093,677) for one person and $1,685 (d42,187,355) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Vietnam will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Vietnam on average costs around $1,805 (d45,200,737) for one person and $3,611 (d90,401,474) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Vietnam is $128 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• 22 Days from Top Notch North to South of Vietnam 22 Days - 18 Destinations $ 3,800
• Vietnam South to North: Saigon to Hanoi Cycling Tour 16 Days - 12 Destinations $ 3,500

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Vietnam is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Vietnam is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Indonesia or Cambodia.

For more details, see Is Vietnam Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Vietnam?

The average Vietnam trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vietnam travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Vietnam

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Vietnam is $27 (d666,958). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Vietnam is $53 (d1,333,915). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 27 d 666,958
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 53 d 1,333,915

Hotel Prices in Vietnam

Looking for a hotel in Vietnam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Vietnam based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $29. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Green Boutique Villa Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 49
• Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 93

Local Transportation Budget in Vietnam

The cost of a taxi ride in Vietnam is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $12 (d300,168) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vietnam.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 12 d 300,168

Recommended Services

• Best Price Halong Bay Full-Day Trip,Cave,Titop,Kayak By Transfer Viator $ 50
• Nội Bài International Airport Private Transfer to city centre Viator $ 14

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town d 15,000
• Bicycle Rental d 50,000
• Taxi From Pier d 210,000
• Motorbike Rental d 225,000
• Taxi From Airport d 380,000
• Local Bus Ticket d 3,000
• Taxi Ride to Tombs d 350,000
• Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes) d 20,000

Food Budget in Vietnam

While meal prices in Vietnam can vary, the average cost of food in Vietnam is $14 (d344,871) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Vietnam should cost around $5.51 (d137,948) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Vietnam is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 14 d 344,871

Recommended

• Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street Food Tour Viator $ 24
• Jolie Da Nang Cooking Class: Market-Coffee-Cooking (JDN2) Viator $ 45

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Pho Soup d 15,000
• Western Dinner (for Two) d 199,264
• Quick Lunch (for Two) d 55,000
• Sitdown Dinner (for Two) d 110,000
• Pork Sandwich d 15,000
• Bowl of Pho d 20,000
• Italian Dinner (for Food) d 155,000
• Casual Lunch (for Two) d 169,728

Entertainment Budget in Vietnam

Entertainment and activities in Vietnam typically cost an average of $13 (d331,363) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 13 d 331,363

Recommended Activities

• Hanoi Jeep Tour: Red River Countryside Culture & Daily Life Viator $ 55
• Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Hanoi HIGHTLIGHTS & HIDDEN GEMS Viator $ 55

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Walking Stick d 5,000
• Lake of Sorrow Entrance d 10,000
• Ta Phin Village Tax d 20,000
• Jeep Up Lang Biang Mountain d 40,000
• CatCat Village Tax d 40,000
• Round Trip Cable Car to Monastery d 70,000
• Paddle Boat Rental on Sapa Lake (1 Hr) d 80,000
• Half Day Floating Market Tour d 210,000

Tips and Handouts Budget in Vietnam

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Vietnam is $4.89 (d122,494) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Vietnam is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.89 d 122,494

What did other people spend on Tips and Handouts?

Typical prices for Tips and Handouts in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Tips and Handouts prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Boat Driver Tip d 30,000

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Vietnam

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Vietnam is $5.22 (d130,605), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 5.22 d 130,605

Alcohol Budget in Vietnam

The average person spends about $7.78 (d194,749) on alcoholic beverages in Vietnam per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 7.78 d 194,749
• Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour Viator $ 48
• Pub Crawl Party & Hanoi's nightlife Viator $ 65

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Beer d 80,000
• Beer d 25,000
• Two Beers d 25,000
• Bottle of Wine d 240,000
• Beer d 18,000
• Beer d 10,000

Water Budget in Vietnam

On average, people spend $1.33 (d33,401) on bottled water in Vietnam per day. The public water in Vietnam is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.33 d 33,401

Related Articles

Vietnam on a budget.

At A Glance

• Consider getting in with the locals to really learn what the culture is like. One option is to become an English teacher in Vietnam so that you can become part of the community. Other volunteer options are available. Generally speaking, staying away from the larger organized tours, and traveling slowly will help with this.
• Haggling is part of the experience in Vietnam. If you keep it lighthearted and fun you'll find it less frustrating. Remember to cut the price to less than half of the originally offering price. It also helps to walk away a couple of times before settling on a price. This will help you see exactly what you should be paying for an item.
• Many people take the "VIP" buses through Vietnam. These can be arranged in your hotel or through any of the many travel agencies around town. Generally, all of the buses are comparable in quality. Many do break down, so be prepared. Wherever you decide to purchase your ticket, negotiate hard, because prices are often dramatically marked up.
• If you decide to purchase some tailor made cloths, most people do this in Hoi An. Make sure you have a few days in town and do your shopping on the first day. You'll want a few extra days in case the clothes don't fit appropriately and need to be resized. There are tailors of varying quality and you generally get what you pay for.
• There are plenty of western style restaurants throughout Vietnam, particularly in the more touristy areas. These restaurants are often dramatically more expensive than their local counterparts, and they are often a poor reflection on western cuisine. Stick to the local restaurants that serve up Vietnamese food and you'll save yourself a lot of money and have more interesting and delicious meals.
• Some of the more popular areas in Vietnam are almost always visited as part of a tour. These areas include the Mekong Delta and Halong Bay. Despite the appearance that you must visit these areas as part of a tour, it is very possible to travel to them independently on local buses or boats. The experience is often more enjoyable and memorable as well.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Vietnam trip cost per day & week – Travel budget overview

Your Vietnam trip cost can vary greatly depending on your travel style, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive cost overview divided in 3 travel budget styles per day and per week, so you can plan your trip with confidence and get the most out of your experience in this beautiful country.

• Calculate your Vietnam travel cost

Vietnam travel budget per day & week

• Vietnam cost overview
• Cheapest and most expensive season

Vietnam travel budget tips

Calculate your vietnam trip cost.

This tool provides a general cost overview for your Vietnam trip based on your travel style. By entering details about your preferred accommodation, transportation, food, and activities, the calculator will estimate your trip’s average cost. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and actual expenses may vary depending on the season and other factors.

• How long is your trip
• What kind of accommodations do you like
• What kind of transportation

When it comes to traveling in Vietnam, your budget will largely depend on your preferred travel style. Whether you’re a budget traveler, mid-range traveler, or high-end traveler, Vietnam has something to offer for all budgets. From budget-friendly hostels and street food to luxurious resorts and fine dining restaurants, there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste and budget in Vietnam.

Budget traveler – travel budget

Vietnam is a popular destination for budget travelers and backpackers, offering affordable options for accommodation, food, and activities. With its delicious and cheap street food, coupled with an abundance of budget-friendly accommodations, it’s easy to have an enjoyable time in Vietnam without breaking the bank.

• Per Day : $25-$35
• Per Week (7 days) : $175-$245
• Accommodation : Budget accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses, and homestays can range from $5-15 per night, so for a week, you could expect to spend around $35-105.
• Transportation : Local buses and trains are relatively cheap in Vietnam, with prices ranging from $1-15 depending on the distance. For a week, transportation costs could add up to around $20-30.
• Activities : There are many free or low-cost activities to do in Vietnam, such as visiting temples, hiking, or exploring local markets. Some more popular activities like a Halong Bay cruise or a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels can cost between $20-40 per person. For a week, budgeting around $50-60 for activities would be reasonable.
• Food & Drink : Vietnamese street food is known for being delicious and affordable. A budget of $10-15 per day for food and drink would allow you to enjoy local specialties and eat at small restaurants or street stalls. For a week, this would add up to around $70-105.

Mid-range traveler – travel budget

For travelers looking for more comfort and convenience, Vietnam is also a great destination for mid-range travel. With a slightly higher budget, mid-range travelers can enjoy more upscale accommodations, transportation, and dining options, while still getting good value for their money.

• Per Day : $50-$80
• Per Week (7 days) : $350-$560
• Accommodation : For mid-range accommodation, you can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per night for a private room in a hotel or a guesthouse.
• Transportation : Transportation costs can vary depending on how you choose to travel. If you opt for public transportation like buses and trains, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per day for transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing services will cost more. Renting a motorbike or a car will cost around $10 to $20 per day.
• Activities : Mid-range activities in Vietnam can include guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, and other experiences. Expect to pay around $30 to $50 per activity.
• Food & Drink : Mid-range meals in Vietnam can cost around $5 to $10 per meal. Local street food is usually the cheapest option, while restaurants and cafes will be more expensive. Drinks like beer and cocktails can cost around $2 to $5 each.

Luxury traveler – travel budget

Vietnam offers a plethora of luxury experiences for travelers looking for a high-end getaway. From 5-star hotels and resorts to private tours and fine dining experiences, Vietnam caters to those with discerning tastes and a willingness to spend more.

• Per Day : $150-$300
• Per Week (7 days): $1,050-$2,100
• Accommodation : As a luxury traveler in Vietnam, you can expect to indulge in high-end accommodations with prices ranging from $100 to $500 per night, depending on the level of luxury and location. Private villas, beachfront resorts, and five-star hotels are among the options available.
• Transportation : Transportation options for luxury travelers in Vietnam include private cars, chauffeur services, private jets, and helicopters. Expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 per day for transportation services, depending on the mode of transportation and distance.
• Activities : Luxury activities in Vietnam could include private tours, exclusive events, and personalized experiences. Prices can vary greatly depending on the activity and level of exclusivity, but expect to pay upwards of $200 per activity.
• Food & Drink : Fine dining experiences are also a must for luxury travelers in Vietnam, with high-end restaurants and upscale bars offering premium menus and drinks. Expect to pay around $50 to $100 per meal, with drinks costing $10 or more.

Vietnam trip cost overview

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering about the cost, this list provides a comprehensive overview of prices for common expenses. From accommodation and transportation to food and activities, these estimated costs can help you plan and budget for your Vietnam trip. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location, season, and travel style, but this list provides a good starting point for estimating your Vietnam trip cost.

Price for accommodation

• 1 night in a hostel: $5-$15 USD
• Mid-range hotel: $25-$50 USD per night
• High-end resort: $150-$500 USD per night

Price for food and drink

• Street food: $1-$3 USD per meal
• Eating at a local restaurant: $3-$7 USD per meal
• Fine dining restaurant: $30-$80 USD per meal
• Soft drink at a local restaurant: $0.50-$1.50 USD
• Local beer: $0.50-$2 USD
• Beer at a bar: $1-3 per bottle/can
• Wine at a bar: $10-30 per bottle
• Cocktails at a bar: $5-10 per drink
• Coffee at a café: $1-3 per cup

Price for activities & services:

• Entrance fee for a temple: $1-$3 USD
• Massage: $10-$20 USD per hour
• Group tour: $20-$50 USD per person
• Private tour: $50-$150 USD per person
• Spa treatment: $20-$50 USD
• Manicure/Pedicure: $5-$20 USD
• Haircut: $3-$10 USD
• Admission fee for museums: $1-5

Price for transportation

• Renting a car with driver: $50-$100 USD per day
• Bus trip between cities: $5-$20 USD
• Train travel: $10-$50 USD
• Motorbike rental: $5-$10 USD per day
• Taxi per km or mile: $0.50-1 per km
• Domestic flights: $30-100 per person

Miscellaneous

• Laundry service: $1-$2 USD per kilogram
• Souvenir T-shirt: $5-$10 USD
• Tailored suit or dress: $50-$200 USD
• Local sim card: $5-$10 USD
• Pack of cigarettes: $1-$3 USD

Cheapest and most expensive seasons in Vietnam

The cheapest season in Vietnam is generally from May to September, which is the low season due to the hot and rainy weather in most parts of the country. The most expensive season is from December to February, which is the peak season for tourism, especially around the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, and the weather is cooler and drier in the north. Prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities tend to be higher during this period.

• Bargaining is common practice in markets and smaller shops, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
• Always confirm prices before agreeing to services such as taxi rides or tours to avoid being overcharged.
• It’s a good idea to carry cash with you, especially when venturing into rural areas, as many places do not accept credit cards.
• If you’re looking for a cheap mode of transportation, consider renting a bicycle. Many hostels and guesthouses offer bike rentals for a low price.
• Be aware of hidden fees, such as service charges or taxes, when booking accommodations or tours.
• Prices for goods and services can vary widely depending on the region of the country you are in. For example, prices in tourist hotspots like Hoi An or Halong Bay will likely be higher than in more rural areas.
• Vietnamese street food is not only delicious, but it’s also very affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, eating at street food stalls and local markets can help you save a lot of money.
• If you’re planning to stay in Vietnam for an extended period of time, consider renting an apartment or a room in a shared house instead of staying in hotels or guesthouses. This can be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
• The cost of living in Vietnam can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and location. For example, living in a major city like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi will be more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas.
• Lastly, keep in mind that while Vietnam is generally a very affordable travel destination, prices for certain activities or services may be higher during peak tourist season or in popular tourist areas.
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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Vietnam Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Vietnam, a country famous for its emerald bays and rice paddies, can be visited with a  budget of $30 to $65 a day.

My nearly two-week trip to Vietnam cost a total of $1,251 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• 📍 My trip’s costs by destination

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Vietnam .

• Is Vietnam Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• Vietnam vs. Thailand Costs
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $89
• Flight: $183
• Accommodation: $150
• Transportation: $110
• Entertainment: $488
• Miscellaneous: $247
• Hanoi: $202
• Hoi An: $370
• Cat Ba Island: $146
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Cash-Only Places
• Tipping Etiquette

Vietnam Trip Planner

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Is Vietnam Expensive To Travel To?

Vietnam ranks as  one of the most affordable  destinations in Asia. It has a relatively low cost of living, a wide range of accommodation options, free attractions, and a competitive tourism market.

Along with Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, Vietnam is often considered an  inexpensive destination  in Southeast Asia.

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Destinations in Asia

For comparison, I visited these countries in Asia within a year of visiting Vietnam, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

*My Cambodia daily budget is high because I splurged on accommodation.

See all my daily budget for each destination I’ve visited .

How Much Is a Trip to Vietnam?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Vietnam Trip Cost

Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $30 per day or $420 for two weeks of travel in Vietnam, excluding flights.

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

Traveling Vietnam on a Budget

To travel on a budget to Vietnam, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – Stay at a dorm-style hostel for as low as $5 a night . For an additional $10 per night, you can stay at a mid-range hotel, as accommodation prices are very cheap in Vietnam.
• 🏍️ Transportation – Take Vietnam’s “sleeper buses” that travel at night to get around the country, as those are generally the cheapest mode of transportation.

Vietnam doesn’t have public transportation outside Ho Chi Minh City, but the country has a comprehensive bus network .

• 🍜 Food – Eat street food and local restaurants for $2 or less per meal. Tourist restaurants have an upcharge, and the food is not guaranteed to be more authentic or fresher.

Tap water is generally  unsafe to drink  in Vietnam, so you can also stock up on drinks and water at convenience stores instead of paying for them at restaurants or touristy places.

• ⛰️ Entertainment – Skip some of Vietnam’s guided tours, as paying for them will significantly increase your budget.
• ☀️ Travel Season – For the best deals, avoid traveling to Vietnam during the peak season and aim to visit sometime between April and June or September and November.
• 📍 Destination – Visit budget-friendly areas of Vietnam. Some of the most budget-friendly tourist areas include Hoi An, Nha Trang, the Mekong Delta, and Cat Ba Island near Lan Ha Bay.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Vietnam Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler, such as myself, can expect to spend approximately $65 per day or $910 for two weeks of travel in Vietnam, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

Is Vietnam or Thailand More Affordable To Travel To?

People often compare Thailand to Vietnam, as they are  Southeast Asia’s most popular and affordable destinations .

Vietnam is, on average,  slightly more affordable  to travel to than Thailand. However, affordability and cost of living vary by region within each country. Still, Thailand is a more developed country, and Vietnam’s cost of living is lower than Thailand’s.

For tourists, Vietnam’s cost per day is, on average, lower than Thailand’s. Below is a rough daily budget comparison for a mid-range budget traveler.

For a two-week trip, you can expect to spend   roughly  $910  in Vietnam and  $1,120  in Thailand.

You’ll see below that my daily budget in Vietnam is higher because I did relatively expensive activities (e.g., deep water soloing and getting tailored clothes in Hoi An ).

About My Vietnam Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• Hanoi : 1 day
• Ninh Binh : 1 day
• Lan Ha Bay : 2 days
• Ha Giang : 3 days
• Hoi An : 3 days
• Da Nang : 2 day

Comparing the two major cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam is, on average, roughly 10% more expensive than Hanoi City in northern Vietnam.

• ☀️ High season – I visited Vietnam in November, which is considered the high season.

Vietnam has two peak seasons: one from March to early May and the other from October to December.

• ✌️ Group travel – I traveled with one other person, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Vietnam’s local currency, the Vietnamese Dong.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = 24,300 VND at the time of writing.

Vietnam Trip’s Total Cost: $1,251

My nearly two-week trip to Vietnam cost a total of $1,251, including flights.

See the highlights of my trip in these northern Vietnam and central Vietnam itineraries.

💰 Cost Breakdown for Vietnam

🗓️ daily budget in vietnam: $89.

My Vietnam trip cost $89 per day , excluding my flights from Taiwan and to Thailand. My daily budget is on the higher end because I did relatively expensive activities.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $65 per day in Vietnam. This generally means staying at $15 per night accommodations, eating a mix of street and restaurant food, and going on several non-private guided tours.

✈️ Flight Cost to Vietnam: $183

I usually take round-trip flights from the United States, but I flew into Vietnam from Taiwan and out to Thailand for this trip. Here are my flight costs:

A round-trip flight between the US and Vietnam that costs under $750 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $850.

Be aware of  bag weight limits  on low-cost airlines that hop around Asia. I flew AirAsia and VietJet Air, and both had a combined carry-on and checked-bag limit of 7kg (about 15 lbs). If you pass this limit, you’ll have to pay an extra checked bag fee. I paid $14 per bag, but some fees were as high as $45.

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Vietnam: $150

My average cost of accommodation in Vietnam was $12 per day. I was able to split accommodations with one other person at all times.

(This total  doesn’t include  overnight stays on the three-day Ha Giang Loop; those are included in the tour price under  entertainment .)

Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:

Accommodations in Vietnam are incredibly affordable. You can stay at mid-range hotels for as low as $20 per night . Even luxury hotels, which start at  $100 per night , are relatively inexpensive.

🍜 Food Cost in Vietnam: $72

My average cost of food in Vietnam was $6 per day.

The food capital of Vietnam is Hoi An , a small town that serves regional food not found elsewhere.

Cheapest Meals in Vietnam

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

Food in Vietnam is extremely affordable. Many of my meals, which included a drink, were $2 or less , especially at local restaurants. Restaurants that target tourists will charge more.

Most Expensive Meals in Vietnam

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

I recommend going on an authentic food tour early on your Vietnam trip to discover authentic local food and restaurants that you can try throughout your trip.

🏍️ Transportation Cost in Vietnam: $110

My average cost of transportation in Vietnam was $9 per day .

My average cost of transportation is high because I took  a domestic flight  from northern to central Vietnam. Had I not taken any domestic flights, my average cost of transportation would have been  $6 per day.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

Grab rides are almost always more affordable than flagging down a taxi or tuk-tuk. Pro tip: use Grab prices as a baseline for negotiating with taxis or tuk-tuks when they’re more conveniently available.

⛰️ Entertainment Costs in Vietnam: $488

My average cost of entertainment in Vietnam was $41 per day. This total includes a 5% to 15% tip at certain places.

A typical mid-range traveler in Vietnam can expect to spend about  $30 a day on entertainment.

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

These Hoi An and Hanoi guides share details on the activities I did in Vietnam.

👗 Miscellaneous Cost in Vietnam: $247

My average cost of miscellaneous spending in Vietnam was $21 per day.

United States citizens traveling to Vietnam are required to get a tourist visa. The visa costs $25 and takes three business days to process. You can apply online here .

Cost Breakdown by Destination in Vietnam

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for Hanoi, Hoi An, and Cat Ba Island . Hanoi is often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.

🏍️ Hanoi Trip’s Total Cost: $202

During my three-day trip to Hanoi, I averaged $67 in daily travel expenses.

I went to a few Hanoi attractions with small entrance fees and paid for an Old Quarter street food tour , which I highly recommend doing at the beginning of your Vietnam trip so you can get familiar with authentic food.

Hanoi is at the center of northern Vietnam, so even if you don’t spend much time there, you will likely fly there to access other parts of Vietnam. It’s a bustling city where you can spend a lot or a little on accommodation and food.

Here are the things to do and skip in Hanoi .

👗 Hoi An Trip’s Total Cost: $370

During my three-day trip to Hoi An, I averaged  $123 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a nice hotel that I was able to split with someone else. My expenses in Hoi An are exceptionally high because I bought custom-tailored clothes .

Hoi An is one of the most well-known places in central Vietnam and is known as Vietnam’s food capital. Even though it’s a fairly tourist-oriented town, you’ll be able to find plenty of Vietnamese food for cheap if you look for it. This Hoi An travel guide shares an itinerary and great things to do there

🚤 Cat Ba Island Trip’s Total Cost: $146

During my two-day trip to Cat Ba Island, I averaged $73 in daily travel expenses.

Although Cat Ba Island is its own destination, I mainly traveled there to deep water solo (rock climb above water) . I stayed at a no-frills mid-range hotel , which I was able to split with one other person.

Cát Bà Island is a well-known tourist area in Vietnam, so you can expect prices to be high here . I visited during the island’s low season and thought the prices were comparable to other places in Vietnam.

Do You Need Cash in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s economy is  largely based on   cash transactions , especially in non-tourist areas, so bring some cash. I needed to use cash almost everywhere when I visited.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Vietnam.

💵 1. Withdraw cash in Vietnamese dong.

Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and the US dollar is not widely accepted.

ATMs are readily available in many tourist places in Vietnam, but if your debit card doesn’t reimburse your ATM fees, you’ll want to withdraw a higher amount less frequently to save on fees.

🏧 2. Carry about $30 to $40 worth of cash per day in Vietnam.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Vietnam will need  at least $30 in cash  to cover food, transportation, and attractions. A daily cash expense breakdown can look like this:

• $10 at restaurants and cafes
• $15 for tipping and entrance fees
• $5 for transportation and other miscellaneous spending

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💳 3. Some places in Vietnam take credit cards.

Being able to use a credit card in Vietnam is the exception, but below are some places that  accepted credit cards  during my trip:

• High-production shows – The Bamboo Circus in Hoi An accepted cards, but not the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi.
• High-cost tailoring services in Hoi An – However, these places typically had a 3% credit card fee.
• Grab app rides  – You can also tip through the app, so you don’t need cash for these.

💰 4. Tipping is not customary in Vietnam.

Tipping is  often appreciated  in Vietnam, but it’s optional. Tipping is most often expected from tourists and businesses that serve visitors.

• Tour – Tour guides will gladly accept 10% to 15% tips, especially those serving Americans.
• Dining – Tipping is not expected when eating street food, but upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge. For many restaurants, rounding your bill up and leaving some change is sufficient as a tip.
• Drivers – You can round up the change for drivers. Getting around Vietnam with Grab was so cheap that I just tipped drivers $1 regardless.

See other essential travel tips for Vietnam before visiting.

To make your travel planning easier , download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Vietnam Travel Guides

• 🇻🇳 Vietnam Travel Tips: 11 Practical Things To Know
• ⛰️ 10 Epic Days in North Vietnam: Unique & Active Itinerary
• 🍜 Hanoi Guide: 14 Great Things To Do, Eat and Skip
• 🏍️ Ha Giang Loop: Packing List & Firsthand Tips
• 💧 Deep Water Solo in Vietnam: How To & Firsthand Tips
• 🏮 Hoi An Guide: 11 Great Things To Do + 3-Day Itinerary
• 👗 My Hoi An Tailor Experience: Prices & What To Know

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

If you find my travel tips helpful, say thanks with a bubble tea 🧋!

Can you share the contact for the Da Nang private car day trip?

Hi Bea, I unfortunately don’t have the contact. He didn’t speak any English and I mainly communicated with him through my tailor. You can likely easily find a driver through any local you trust once you get there.

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How much will a Vietnam trip cost? Full Breakdown 2023

This website contains no sponsored content. The content is written entirely on my own and is based on my personal experience and extensive research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

How much will a Vietnam trip cost is usually the first question that comes to mind the moment you consider Vietnam as an option for your next trip. Isn’t it?

But you hardly ever come across a straightforward answer to this question. But in this post, I aim to clear the confusion for you and give you an actual estimate of a trip to Vietnam – at least one that’s recent, updated, and useful to you for Vietnam trip planning in 2023 .

Don’t want to read the full post? Want a quick estimate for a trip to Vietnam? Use the Vietnam trip budget calculator below.

Vietnam Trip Budget Calculator

Have some extra time? Want more details on the average trip cost to Vietnam? Wondering how to use the calculator above?

Read this entire post to get a complete idea of the costs of traveling to Vietnam.

How Much Does a Trip to Vietnam Cost? Quick Overview

If you don’t want to read the full post but want a quick idea of how much a trip to Vietnam would cost, here’s an overview with the average costs per person.

Budget trip cost to Vietnam: USD 50 per day Mid-range trip cost to Vietnam: USD 80-100 per day High-end trip cost to Vietnam: USD 185+

The above figures are a slightly higher-end estimate of the total costs of a Vietnam trip. The actual costs would differ based on the number of internal flights, the type of Halong Bay cruise you book, the number of cities you cover, the amount of shopping you indulge in, and the type of sightseeing attractions you visit.

Read the detailed break-up section below to get actual per-day Vietnam trip cost estimates of the various heads of expenditure on a Vietnam trip.

Average cost of a trip to Vietnam – Full Breakdown

In this section, we will go over the key components of your Vietnam trip budget one at a time.

1. Accommodation in Vietnam

Accommodation in Vietnam is fairly affordable and offers tremendous value for money. The price will obviously vary depending on the city in which you’re staying and the quality of accommodation you choose.

But since I do not want to be vague, here are a few estimates for you

Accommodation in Hanoi costs

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and usually included in most Vietnam itineraries.

As a first time visitor to Vietnam, you should choose a stay in the Old Quarter of Vietnam. The location is central and there are plenty of things to do in the Old Quarter . Booking street food tours in Hanoi or tours to nearby places and cities is convenient if you stay in the Old Quarter.

The cost of accommodation in Hanoi shall be as follows:

• Budget accommodation – in hostels, guesthouses, etc. = approximately USD 7-10per person per day
• Mid-range accommodation – in centrally located hotels = approximately USD 40-60 (per person on a twin sharing basis) (We got a steal deal for the 4-star Hanoian Central Spa and Hotel – Agoda winner of the top choice of hotel in Hanoi – 2022)
• High-end accommodation – high end accommodation in Hanoi costs around USD 60-100 per person on a twin sharing basis

Accommodation in Hoi An/Danang costs

Accommodation in Hoi An or Danang is usually cheaper than accommodation in bigger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Out of the central Vietnamese cities, Hoi An is probably the most expensive because of its touristy appeal.

The cost of accommodation in Hoi An, Danang or Hue shall be as follows:

• Budget accommodation – in hostels, guesthouses, etc. = approximately USD 7-10 per person per day
• Mid-range accommodation – in centrally located hotels = approximately USD 30-50 (per person on a twin sharing basis)
• High-end accommodation – high end accommodation in Hanoi costs around USD 50-90 per person on a twin sharing basis

But a few points to remember: – Staying in Hoi An Old Town would be a bit more expensive than staying away from the Old Town – Da Nang is home to numerous luxury chain resorts – a stay at one of the premium properties would be far more expensive than USD 50-90 per person. But mid-range properties in Da Nang are very affordable and offer the best value for money.

But since I do not want to be vague, here’re a few estimates for you

Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh costs

Ho Chi Minh is the biggest city in Vietnam and being its commercial hub – also the most expensive city in Vietnam .

Accommodation in central areas of Ho Chi Minh city like in District 1 or District 3 would be substantially more expensive than accommodation in central areas of Hanoi, Hoi An or Da Nang. But the extra money you spend on accommodation here would get set off against the more affordable stay in other parts of Vietnam.

As a first time visitor to Vietnam, you should choose a stay in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Most important tourist attractions in SaigonThe location is central and there are plenty of things to do in the Old Quarter . Booking street food tours in Hanoi or tours to nearby places and cities is convenient if you stay in the Old Quarter.

The cost of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City shall be as follows:

• Budget accommodation – in hostels, guesthouses, etc. = approximately USD 10-15 per person per day
• Mid-range accommodation – in centrally located hotels = approximately USD 50-80 (per person on a twin sharing basis) We absolutely loved staying at Hammock Hotels in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City – and with all the freebies they offer, we ended up saving a lot of money on extras! Read our full review of Hammock Hotel .
• High-end accommodation – high end accommodation in Ho Chi Minh costs around USD 60-100 per person on a twin sharing basis

2. Food in Vietnam

The next expense on your trip to Vietnam shall be food. In Vietnam, you have plenty of food options. From local street food, to dining in local restaurants, cafés or fine dine places serving global cuisine – you can decide what to eat depending on your taste.

But to get the best feel of Vietnamese food, my advice to you would be – to book a food tour in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city (to explore the best local food joints and taste the most authentic and delicious food, desserts and drinks in Vietnam) – eat at a mix of street food places and restaurants serving Vietnamese food or global food (like Indian, Japanese, Italian restaurants) – try their egg coffee, drip coffee, cold brew and other special coffee preparations

But to sum up, here’re typical cost estimates of meals in Vietnam:

• Vietnam street food cost: 1-2 USD per person per meal
• Vietnam Mid-range restaurant food cost: USD 10-15 per person per meal
• Vietnam High-end restaurant food cost: USD 20 and above per person per meal
• Vietnam beverage costs: USD 1-2 per person per beverage
• Alcoholic drink costs in Vietnam: USD 1 to USD 15 per person (Depending on what brand and alcohol you choose. Local beer is super cheap in Vietnam and a bottle of beer would cost only about 0.5-2 USD. But wines and expensive alcohol bottles could go all the way up to USD 15-20 per person depending on where you buy your alcohol from)

3. Sightseeing and Entrance ticket costs in Vietnam

The entrance ticket and sightseeing costs incurred would depend entirely on the places that you choose to visit.

Typically, the average cost of sightseeing in Vietnam per person per day are USD 20 . Some Vietnamese attractions would be expensive but the free sightseeing places would offset those expenses and keep the overall Vietnam entrance ticket and sightseeing tour costs to around USD 20.

Some places where you’d end up spending a lot of money on entrance fees and sightseeing tours are:

Ba Na Hills: Approximately USD 40 (Booking a guided tour of Ba Na Hills using Viator saves some money)

Day trips: During your time in Vietnam, you’d go on a few day trips from your base city. An average day trip costs around USD 60-70 per person .

Some typical day trip options are: – Day trips to Hue from Hoi An or Da Nang – Day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An or Da Nang – Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City – Day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi – Day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi – Day trip to Mua Caves from Hanoi

So if you’re on a budget, you should avoid a few of the above places or try to visit these places by yourself.

4. Local Commute costs in Vietnam

You can commute within a city either on a two-wheeler, or a car with driver. Grabs are available only in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc. Public transport is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh but isn’t a very practical way of visiting the many tourist attractions in the city.

The typical costs of local commute are:

• Two wheeler rental costs in Vietnam (With petrol) – USD 7 per day
• Costs of hiring a car with a driver are USD 35-40 for about 8 hours

Grab even though available in major cities in Vietnam is often not a convenient – language is a major barrier and communicating with Grab drivers could be a challenge – many areas in the heart of the Hanoi and Hoi An are shut off for vehicular traffic

That said, taking a Grab from the airport to your hotel is one of the most comfortable and value for money option.

The other way of accessing tourist places when on a short trip to major cities in Vietnam is by using the well-connected hop-on-hop-off bus in Hanoi or the hop-on-hop-off bus in Ho Chi Minh city.

5. Inter-city commute within Vietnam

Vietnam is a long country and its major cities are spread out and quite far away from one another. Road journeys between cities are possible but not comfortable or recommended due to the vast distances between two cities.

The best way to travel from one city to another is by a flight. The average cost of an internal flight between two cities is around USD 70-100. I highly recommend booking a Bamboo Airways flight for their excellent hospitality and fewer flight cancellations. Read my full review of the Bamboo Airways .

You could also take a train between cities. The cost of AC- sleeper trains between major cities is around USD 35-50. But for how long a train journey between cities takes and how little the difference in ticket costs is, taking a flight between cities makes the most sense.

6. Other Vietnam Trip Expenses

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs of a trip to Vietnam, it is important to look at a few more expenses that you’d incur while traveling in Vietnam.

Halong Bay Cruise

Most tourists visiting Vietnam visit the Halong Bay area . You could either take a day trip to Halong Bay cruise or go on an overnight cruise to Halong Bay. A 2 day 1 night cruise is the most popular way of visiting Halong Bay. But some even prefer to go on a 3 day cruise to Halong Bay.

The typical average cost of a Halong Bay cruise are:

Day trip to Halong Bay: USD 70 per person 1 night 2 days Halong Bay cruise: USD 160 per person 2 nights 3 days Halong Bay cruise: USD 320 per person

Airport Transfers

Airport transfer costs in Vietnam would depend on the nature of transport you choose.

For a comfortable airport transfer, book a Grab or a private car transfer. Choose an airport shuttle if you’re on a budget. The cost of an airport shuttle is approximately USD 3 . You can take an airport shuttle from Hawould be approximately USD 3.

The costs of airport transfer are:

By Grab (From airport to central touristy areas in Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City): USD 15

By private car : USD 20

Quick note: Getting a Grab will require you to go to a specific Grab pick up point. You’ll need internet access on your phone. Communicating with the driver would be challenge because of the language barriers. The drivers may try to cheat you by taking longer routes.

Plus, the difference in costs of a Grab airport transfer and a private car is minimal. So to save yourself unwanted hassle, I highly recommend booking this private airport pick up in advance .

Leading SIM card companies in Vietnam are Viettel, Mobiphone and Vinaphone. I used Mobiphone and loved the network coverage and data speed. A Sim Card with My husband used Viettel – a slightly more expensive option but ran into trouble with insufficient data (probably because he was scammed and sold a used SIM card).

The sim cards sold at the airport often prove to be more expensive than SIM cards sold at official network companies. But regardless of which network provider you choose and where you buy your SIM from, the cost of a SIM card in Vietnam per day shouldn’t be more than USD 2 per day.

But based on our scammy experience with the vendors, buy an Airalo E-sim in advance . You don’t need to go through the hassle of changing the physical sim card and the prices are comparable with locally sold sim cards.

There are plenty of things to buy in Vietnam – all available at super affordable rates. From silks, souvenirs, coffee, cheap shoes and clothes to fancy artwork – there is something for everyone.

So what you shop for and how much you shop for is a call you have to take and estimating how much you’ll spend on shopping is difficult.

The only tips I have for you to save money on shopping are – to shop from local markets like the Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh city or Da Nang market and – to bargain heavily.

Vietnam Budget Calculator

Now that I have given you a break-down of the costs of a trip to Vietnam, you can use the handy Vietnam budget calculator below.

The Vietnam trip calculator below takes into consideration the following: – the average daily accommodation costs (based on style of travel) – the average daily food, sightseeing and airport transfer costs (based on style of travel) – the average cost of internal flights between cities – the average cost of a Halong Bay cruise.

How to use the Vietnam budget calculator for your Vietnam trip – Insert the number of people traveling to Vietnam – Insert the number of days you plan on spending in Vietnam – Insert the number of internal flights you plan on taking – Insert whether you plan on going on a Halong Bay cruise and the type of cruise you’d take – Insert your travel style (budget, mid-range or high-end)

The result will give you an approximate Vietnam trip budget for all adults put together excluding costs of flights to Vietnam and shopping expenses.

Vietnam Trip Cost – Frequently Asked Questions

Is vietnam expensive.

Vietnam is not an expensive country and traveling on a budget of as low as as 50 USD per day including stay, food, sightseeing, internal commute and flights is easily possible. If you stick to just one city or travel internally within the country by train or bus, eat street food and stay at hostels and guest houses, you can even bring down the per day cost of Vietnam travel to USD 35-40.

How much money Do I need in Vietnam?

As you can see from the above breakdown, if you want to cover Vietnam properly and travel between important cities within the country, your average daily budget inclusive of stay, food, sightseeing, local commute and internal flights or train would be as follows:

The above amounts are purely an estimate and the costs can be brought down further by skipping expensive sightseeing options, opting for airport shuttles, renting two-wheelers for commute, etc.

How much does a trip to Vietnam for 7 days cost?

A trip to Vietnam for 7 days would cost USD 350 for a budget vacation, USD 700 for a mid-range vacation and USD 1295 for a high-end vacation. The suggested costs are costs per person for the entire duration and do not include internal flights, Halong Bay cruise and shopping and other extras.

How much will a Vietnam trip cost from India?

The average cost of a trip to Vietnam from India for 8 nights 9 days inclusive of flights, stay, food and sightseeing for a mid-range traveler would be around INR 1,00,000 .

The break-up of these expenses would be as follows: – Flights to Vietnam from India : INR 25000-30000 – Stay in mid-range accommodation in Hanoi, Hoi An/Danang and Ho Chi Minh city : INR 2,500 per person per day or approximately INR 20,000 for the entire trip – Total Sightseeing costs (inclusive of Hanoi sightseeing, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills and Ho Chi Minh City) = INR 15,000 per person – Food expenses (mix of street food, food at Indian restaurants and mid-range restaurants) = INR 18,000 – Internal flights from Hanoi to Da Nang, Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City = INR 18000

In addition to this, you will need to factor the costs of your Halong Bay cruise, shopping and miscellaneous expenditure.

When we went to Vietnam, we also went on a 2 days 1 night Halong Bay cruise, which cost us USD 160 per person. So our total expense per person was approximately INR 130,000.

You can see our experience of the Halong Bay cruise in the video below:

Does Vietnam use cash?

Most commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, super markets, grocery stores, spas and tour operators accept cards. But small shops and local street food vendors do not accept cards. The only currency accepted all over Vietnam is VND or Vietnamese Dong. So always carry some local currency cash with you when traveling in Vietnam.

Related posts

• Must-have apps when traveling to Vietnam
• Vietnam vs Bali: Ultimate Comparison
• Hanoi in 24 hours – A practical itinerary
• How to travel to Vietnam with kids: A complete guide
• Is Halong Bay worth it? A full evaluation
• Is Vietjet really bad? Full review
• What to buy in Vietnam – a solid shopping guide

Vrushali Ketkar is a lawyer turned travel blogger. She has travelled to 14 countries. She travels like a regular working woman with family. Her lawyer-level research skills make her a destination expert and help her get the most out of my trips. Today, her travel articles and videos help thousands of people across the world plan their trips to various parts of the world.

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Vietnam trip cost – A complete budget breakdown for your vacation

Are you pondering a Vietnam trip but uncertain about the expenses? Crafting a budget for your Vietnam journey may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local prices. Yet, with the right insights, planning an affordable and delightful trip is entirely feasible. Vietnam boasts a rich culture, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. 

From Hanoi’s lively streets to the tranquility of Halong Bay, there’s much to explore. By grasping the costs and budgeting wisely, you can relish Vietnam’s offerings without straining your wallet. Join us as we unravel the complete breakdown for your Vietnam trip cost to make your travel planning a breeze!

Is Vietnam an affordable country to travel to?

Vietnam stands out as a sought-after and budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia , renowned for its affordability. When compared to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, Vietnam consistently ranks among the region’s cheapest travel destinations. The cost of daily expenses in Vietnam, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities, contributes to its appeal for budget-conscious travelers.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi , cruising through Halong Bay’s stunning landscapes, and immersing oneself in the rich culture of Ho Chi Minh City can be remarkably cost-effective. Considered alongside its diverse attractions, Vietnam emerges as an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching travel experience without the strain on their wallets. 

To further understand the Vietnam trip cost , below is a table comparing the daily travel costs in Vietnam with those in five other countries in the region:

*The numbers above are average for daily spending.

Vietnam trip cost breakdown – How much would you be spending on a Vietnam trip? 

Constructing a financial plan can be a daunting task without a clear starting point. For a clearer understanding, let’s look at an example for a 7-day trip in Vietnam. The expenses for a one-week journey to Vietnam are contingent on variables like travel style, accommodation, transportation, and activities. Budget-conscious travelers can anticipate spending $500-$700, encompassing basic necessities. Mid-range travelers may allocate $1,000-$1,500, while those seeking luxury may surpass $2,500. This implies a daily expenditure of at least $70. Notably, airfare isn’t factored into these approximations and can fluctuate based on departure location and time of year. 

For a comprehensive understanding and practical budgeting tips, let our financial guidelines navigate your Vietnam trip costs , ensuring a well-planned and realistic budget for your upcoming vacation.

Accommodation

Lodging constitutes a significant portion of your Vietnam trip cost, and the expenses can vary widely based on the location and type of stay. 

Budget-friendly options like hostels and guesthouses start at approximately $5-10 per night, while mid-range choices, including hotels and homestays, may fall in the $20-50 range. For those seeking luxury, upscale hotels and resorts can surpass $100 per night. Conducting a thorough comparison of prices and reading reviews before making reservations is advisable to secure affordable yet comfortable options. 

Exploring accommodations outside major tourist hubs or scheduling visits during low seasons can yield additional savings. By strategically planning your budget, Vietnam offers a range of lodging choices that cater to diverse financial plans, ensuring you find a place that aligns with both your preferences and budget constraints.

Transportation

In planning your Vietnam trip, transportation costs encompass flights or buses connecting cities, as well as local options like taxis or motorbike rentals. Flights between major cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, range from $30 to $100, contingent on the airline and season. Long-distance bus fares can be as economical as $5-10 per journey. Local transport, including taxis and motorbikes, fluctuates based on the city and distance, with short rides typically costing $2-5. 

Opting for a rented motorbike is a popular and budget-friendly means of exploring Vietnam, with prices ranging from $5-20 USD per day, contingent on the bike type and location. Navigating these transportation costs thoughtfully in your budget ensures a seamless and cost-effective journey through the diverse landscapes of Vietnam.

Visa fee and Activities

In budgeting for your Vietnam trip cost , it’s crucial to factor in visa fees and planned activities. Visa costs vary based on nationality, length of stay and number of entry, ranging from $25 USD to $135 USD. It’s essential to research your country’s visa requirements and fees well in advance of your journey.

Activities, including tours and entrance fees, can significantly contribute to your overall expenses. For instance, a half-day city tour in Hanoi may cost approximately $25 USD per person, while a two-day cruise in Halong Bay can exceed $150 USD per person. Opting for tours through a reputable local travel agent can be a cost-effective solution. Beyond cost considerations, working with a travel agent brings numerous advantages. Their in-depth knowledge enables the creation of a personalized itinerary aligned with your preferences. Additionally, they offer valuable insider tips and recommendations, enriching your travel experience beyond what online research may provide. Engaging with a local agent ensures a smoother and more enriching exploration of Vietnam while optimizing your budget.

Food and Drinks

Don’t forget to factor in food and drink expenses when planning your Vietnam trip cost , especially in a country celebrated for its delectable and economical street food. Exploring local restaurants is a delightful way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cuisine. 

The cost of food varies, with street vendors offering meals as low as $1-2, mid-range restaurants averaging $5-10 per person, and high-end establishments in tourist hubs reaching $20 or more per meal. Refreshing with bottled water is affordable, while alcoholic beverages, like a beer at $1-2 or cocktails around $5-10, can add up. Note that restaurants often include a service charge, eliminating the need for additional tipping unless service is exceptional. Embrace the culinary richness of Vietnam, savoring street-side delicacies and dining in local gems, while accounting for these expenses in your budget for a comprehensive and satisfying journey.

Final thoughts

A trip to Vietnam is a great way to experience the essence of SouthEast Asia with all that this fascinating country has to offer, but budgeting for a Vietnam trip cost can seem overwhelming. . Fear not, as strategic budgeting ensures a memorable trip without financial strain. 

For optimal value and experiences, consider booking a Vietnam tour with Viland Travel . Their diverse range of tours caters to various budgets and interests, allowing you to maximize both time and money. Utilizing a travel agent often results in cost savings by bundling activities and accommodations. With Viland Travel’s seasoned guides and years of expertise, you gain access to insider insights, enhancing your exploration of local wonders, cuisine, and attractions. 

Seize the opportunity to plan your well-deserved vacation – book now and get ready for an enriching adventure!

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How to visit Vietnam on a budget

Aug 8, 2023 • 10 min read

Vietnam has lots of budget options for accommodation, food and getting around © Oscar Wong / Getty Images

Whether you choose to live like royalty or scrimp on a shoestring in Vietnam , you’re going to have a memorable trip.

Once you’ve covered the cost of getting here, you can explore for less than US$40 a day, staying in dorms and eating pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (baguette sandwiches), or go all-out for heritage hotels, adventure tours and banquet dining.

Either way, you’ll get your fill of fabulous food, colorful cities, complex cultures and landscapes plucked straight from a medieval woodcut, in one of Asia’s most captivating corners .

The important thing to remember is that how much you spend is largely within your own control. If you’re happy with a dorm bed, bus travel and street food dinners, the basic costs of living in Vietnam will not make a massive dent in your wallet.

However, if you crave creature comforts, organized activities and top-end dining – or hire a car and driver to get around – your costs will climb steeply. Here are our top tips for exploring Vietnam on a budget.

Time your trip right

Vietnam gets a soaking from the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from October to April, making this a highly seasonal destination . Flight and accommodation prices soar when the weather is good, and drop when the skies open, but the climate varies as you move around the country – you can usually find somewhere to explore even at the height of the rainy season.

Flight prices peak during July and August, coinciding with the warmest weather on the central coast. There’s another peak from December to March when many visitors head to Phu Quoc island and the hiking trails of the northwest. Watch for more price spikes associated with local holidays such as Reunification Day on 30 April, International Workers’ Day on 1 May and the Tet lunar new year celebrations in January or February, when it can feel like the whole country is on the move.

Fly into Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) rather than Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has the biggest and busiest airport in the country, so flying here is often cheaper than flying into Hanoi in the north, with lots of competition between airlines. However, remember that living costs in HCMC tend to be higher than in Hanoi. Any money you save can quickly be eaten up if you loiter too long in the former Saigon, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Come into Vietnam the back way

You don’t need to fly directly to Vietnam – the country has easy land border crossings with Laos , Cambodia and China . There are often cheap flight deals to smaller Chinese cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with connections to northern Vietnam by bus or train via Nanning, crossing the border at Lang Son.

If you’d rather come in from the south, consider flying into Thailand and traveling overland across Laos or Cambodia – the route from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and on to HCMC is a backpacker favorite.

Don’t linger too long in major cities

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are significantly more expensive than other parts of the country, so use your sightseeing time strategically – prioritizing essential sights and street food – then move on to calmer corners that won’t put such a squeeze on your budget.

Of course, one reason Vietnam’s twin megacities are so expensive is the sheer variety of things to see, do, and eat. If you can resist the temptation to take in everything, it’s still possible to enjoy Hanoi and HCMC on a modest budget.

Take the "open tour" bus

You won’t get a lot of cultural immersion on an "open tour" tourist bus, but taking the road more traveled can save you time – and time, as every traveler knows, is money. Fares tend to be higher than for ordinary buses, but you’ll know exactly what you are getting and you won’t have to bargain to pay the correct fare.

Services start and finish in town rather than at the bus stand, saving you a taxi fare at either end of the trip, and many long-distance routes run overnight, saving you the price of a hotel room. You’ll also cut out the minor stops that can slow long-distance bus travel to a crawl.

Travel overnight

Budget flights can be very affordable in Vietnam, but you’ll have to balance any money you save against the carbon cost. A better way to save is to travel overnight. For longer trips, such as the journey from Hanoi or HCMC to Hoi An or Nha Trang , take a sleeper bus or train and save the cost of a night’s accommodation, without eating into your valuable daylight sightseeing time. Reclining seats and fully flat berths are available on both trains and buses.

Make the most of hostels

Hostels were once rare in Vietnam, but these days, they’re popping up everywhere, including sleek flashpacker hangouts such as Hanoi’s Nexy Hostel and HCMC’s Hideout Hostel . You’ll even find hostels with on-site bars, restaurants and swimming pools. Some hostels offer private rooms as well as dorms, but if you crave your own space, you may find cheaper private rooms at ordinary budget hotels.

Homestay in the hills

There are plenty of hotels in Vietnam’s emerald hills, but you can save a few dong, and have a more authentic experience into the bargain, by staying in village homestays. In the Mekong Delta , the Central Highlands, the Cham Islands and away from the crowds in quieter corners of the northwest such as Mai Chau, Ba Be and Moc Chau, you can get a simple but comfortable room and a deep immersion into local life for a modest price, often with blistering home cooking as part of the package.

Eat on the street

Street food is the lifeblood of Asia and Vietnam is no exception. For a price you’ll hardly feel in your hip pocket, you can feast on everything from pho soup, banh mi sandwiches, banh xeo pancakes, bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), to the tongue-twirling flavors of banana flower salad and bo la lot – skewers of beef grilled in betel leaves.

At lunchtime and in the evening, street eateries set out plastic tables and chairs on the pavement, so you’ll have somewhere to perch while you munch – night markets and busy transport hubs offer the richest pickings.

Order on the app

Another cheap way to eat is to order lunch or dinner on a local food app. Deliveries generally cost less than eat-in dining at the same restaurants, and meals arrive as fast as your motorcycle delivery rider can make it through the traffic. Using the Grab Food , Shopee and BAEMIN apps (amongst others), you can pay using your phone and pick up at the door to your hotel or hostel. Just set the app language to English and ask the receptionist for recommendations of the best dishes to order and the best places to order them from.

Watch out for "optional" extras

Some swankier-looking restaurants and hotels in Vietnam will shower you with extras – tissues, bottled water, moist towels, peanuts – but don’t assume that all these items are complimentary. Often, they’ll be added to your bill, at a premium price. Check first, to avoid a surprise later.

Find cheaper adventures

Vietnam is one giant playground for adventurers, but organized tours and adventure activities can eat up your travel funds. For cheaper thrills and spills, bring your own snorkeling gear, use public ferries rather than boat tours, and rent a bike, motorcycle or scooter to explore under your steam rather than taking a tour.

If you’re here to hike, seek out trekking routes that you can follow without joining an organized hike, such as the trails on Cat Ba Island or walks to the minority villages near Bac Ha in the far northwest. Many homestays can arrange an inexpensive guide for local exploring – it’s usually cheaper than booking an agency tour and it funnels money directly into the local economy.

Prioritize the free sights

Entry fees to Vietnam’s excellent museums – which often take an unflinchingly honest look at the history of the American War – are not excessive, but many of the country’s fascinating pagodas, temples and cathedrals are completely free to visit, and there’s no charge for checking out Vietnam’s striking colonial-era architecture from outside.

For temples, take your pick from the heirloom monuments of Hanoi, Hue and HCMC or modern marvels such as Chua Bai Dinh near Ninh Binh . For relics of French colonial rule, concentrate on HCMC, Dalat and Hanoi. Markets are always free, so get your fill of brilliant bazaars such as Ben Than Market in HCMC and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi.

Hone your bargaining skills

Some travelers complain about being overcharged in Vietnam but bargaining is normal here – it's okay to bring your best haggling game. Remember to treat it as a game, not something to get angry about – if you think the price is too high, come back with a lower counteroffer and see how the seller responds. With a bit of give and take, you should reach a price that is mutually acceptable.

Before taking public transport or hailing a taxi or rickshaw, ask your hotel or guesthouse about the price to get a sense of what you should be paying. Never let the haggling process become confrontational – everyone has a right to make a living, and you may be arguing over a tiny sum of money that makes a bigger difference to the vendor than to you.

The 8 best national parks in Vietnam

Save on downtown transport

Metered taxis in Vietnam are very affordable by global standards. Unfortunately, some drivers in tourist areas refuse to use the meter, and we hear regular stories of meters being rigged to ramp up fares. If you take cabs, rides booked through the Grab app tend to be cheaper than taxis hailed in the street.

Even if you’re paying the right fare, costs for taxi travel can quickly mount up, so save money by exploring on foot, renting a bicycle, or taking local buses (just watch out for pickpockets on crowded buses at busy times).

Drink bia hoi

A big night out in the hip bars of Hanoi or HCMC can take a big bite out of your travel budget, as well as leaving you with a monster hangover. Choose an evening on the bia hoi – Vietnam’s gently alcoholic, homemade draft beer – and you may be able to avoid both of these inconveniences.

Costing significantly less than bottled beer, this agreeable brew is normally quaffed at plastic stools on street corners, often with some light eats to keep the conversation flowing. Track it down everywhere from Dien Bien Phu to Cat Ba Island, but particularly in Hanoi.

Daily costs in Vietnam

• Hostel dorm bed: US$5-10
• Basic room for two: US$10–20
• Village homestay: US$5–20
• Room at a beach resort: from US$80
• A local bus ticket: from US$1
• A cup of ca phe (drip coffee): US$0.70
• A banh mi sandwich: from US$0.70
• A sit-down dinner for two: US$15
• A bottle of beer in a bar: US$1
• A glass of bia hoi (local beer): from US$0.30
• Average daily cost: US$40–70

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Vietnam Travel Budget – How much do 15 Days cost?

Updated: January 14, 2023

Vietnam , Asia , Travel Budget Guides

written by: Steph Kloeckener

How much do 15 days in Vietnam cost? A general estimate based on my own spendings.

While I was in Vietnam, I tried to travel on a budget and wrote down every single cent I spend. Doing so allowed me to be fully aware of how much I was spending and to plan my daily budget in Vietnam for future trips there. And based on how beautiful and picturesque Vietnam is, I will definitely return there.

I love knowing how much I should expect to pay when I am traveling. And I hope that this all-inclusive list of all my spendings in Vietnam will help you if you are just like me.

At the very least, this Vietnam travel budget should make you laugh as I somehow managed to spend more than twice as much on food and drinks than on accommodation. A situation for which I blame my travel buddy Caro and the fact that Vietnamese food is amazing.

In general, I can say that Vietnam was one of the cheapest countries I have ever explored. You get amazing quality and adventures for little money. Therefore, Vietnam is the perfect destination if you wish to travel on a budget.

Table of Contents

Vietnam Travel Budget

While traveling, a large part of my daily budget in Vietnam was spent on food and transportation. These two things made up half of my spendings, and it is likely that your budget will be similar.

The prices in this Vietnam travel budget are in Vietnamese Dong and in Euro. The exchange rate as of July 2020 is as follows: 100.000 VND equals 3.80 EUR, 3.41 GBP, 6.18 AUD, and 4.31 USD.

Accommodation: 934K VND / 36,53€

While traveling in Vietnam, we stayed in both hotels and hostels. The costs accounted here, therefore, list the full amount of hostel costs and half of the costs of a private room.

Costs of a Private Room

Cheapest Night: 65K

Most Expensive Night: 70K

Average Cost per Night: 67K

Hostel Room Costs in Vietnam

Cheapest Night: 58K

Most Expensive Night: 85K

Average Cost per Night: 71,8K

Food & Drinks: 2.141K VND / 83,76€

I love Vietnamese food, so I ate two meals per day. Therefore the total amount includes food and all drinks, including water, soda and cocktails. 

Based on my experience vegan and vegetarian dishes costs about the same as those with meat.

The price of alcoholic beverages in Vietnam can be very low. On beer road in Hanoi, you can get a beer for as little as 5K VND and in Hoi An there are long happy hours where you can get two cocktails for the price of one.

Alcohol: 321K / 12,55€

Cost of Food in Vietnam

Cheapest Meal: 40K / 1,54€

Most Expensive Meal: 180K / 6,95€ at a fancy restaurant in HCM

Average Cost of Food per Day: 121,5K / 4,75€

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.

Transport Costs in Vietnam: 1.889K VND / 73,89€

For the biggest part of our Vietnam adventure, we took the bus to get around between the big cities. We bought all our bus tickets at the last minute. If you want to plan ahead and book online, I recommend using 12GoAsia .

Using sleeper buses is the most affordable option to explore Vietnam, whereby you can opt for normal or luxurious sleeper buses. Alternatively, you can take the train that runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh.

Flight (Da Nang to HCM): 644K

Due to time constraints, we decided to fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh. Taking the bus would have taken between 21 to 24 hours, while the flight only took 1,5 hours. Therefore, it was the only viable option given that we only had two weeks in Vietnam . The flights including checked-in luggage only cost twice as much as the bus, so it was the better option for this trip. However, I can only recommend the more sustainable approach if you have more time, as there are amazing stops along the way.

Bus: 800K VND

The price includes two longer sleeper bus rides from Ha Long to Ninh Binh and then onwards to Hue. Furthermore, two airport shuttle buses in Ho Chi Minh and the local bus from Da Nang to Hoi An are included.

Cat Ba Ferry: 160K VND

The ferry to Cat Ba might just be the most picturesque ferry ride in the world and resembles a mini Ha Long Bay cruise. A one-way ticket costs 80K VND

Taxi & Grab: 285K

Grab is the UBER of Asia and the prices for a ride are more than fair. You can get a scooter ride or a car ride.

Scooter Rental in Vietnam (0.5x): 859K VND / 33,60€

During our trips across Vietnam, we ended up renting a scooter at different locations. In total, we rented scooters eight times. The costs consist of the scooter rental, fuel, and parking. Hereby it is noteworthy that you should always expect to pay a small fee when parking.

Normal Rental: 659K VND

Van Han Pass Rental (oneway rental with luggage transport) 200K VND

Entrance Fees & other Fees: 790K VND / 30,90€

Take the wording ‘other fees’ with a grain of salt. We all know that there are some amazing and restricted places in Vietnam and every now and then you’ll end up in a situation where you will hand over a small amount of money so you can access a certain area.

I honestly feel a little conflicted about this practice, but no one that received money was an official authority, so I would say it is a grey area. And exploring places like Poem Mountain and the Abandoned Water Park in Hue was worth the expense.

Cat Ba National Park and Trung Trang Cave 80K

Trang An Boat Ride 200K

Mua Caves 100K

Imperial City, Hue 150K

My Son Sanctuary 150K

War Museum, HCM 40K

other fees 70K

Activities: 575K VND / 22,49€

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

If you wish to explore Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay on a budget, you should book a day trip from Cat Ba. It is an amazing trip and the costs are only a small percentage of what these trips cost if you depart Ha Long City or Hai Phong.

If you do not want to spend time on Cat Ba, you should book a one-day roundtrip from Hanoi. It will save time and if you add up the costs it will be less expensive than booking everything separately.

Sim Card in Vietnam: 190K VND / 7,50€

When compared to international prices, a sim card and a data package in Vietnam are rather affordable. Therefore, getting a local sim card is a better option and will save you a lot of money.

I bought a local sim card that gave me 2 GB a day for 30 days. I used Vinaphone and had a cell phone reception wherever I went. Furthermore, it is possible to call other Vinaphone users free of charge, so you can reach your travel buddy if you end up splitting up.

The other phone provider with great coverage even in rural areas is Viettel. The data packages of Viettel are slightly more expensive with 200K VND for 15 GB and 300K VND for 30 GB. Their coverage is even better than that of Vinaphone, but you have to venture quite far off the beaten track to need it.

Additional Trip Costs in Vietnam

For some dumb reason I arrived in Vietnam without sunscreen, and I ended up regretting it after kayaking in Ha Long Bay. And it certainly did not get better once I saw how much it costs in Vietnam. Do yourself a favor and buy it before you travel to Vietnam. It will save you quite a bit of money.

I think it is important to consider costs like this when planning one’s daily budget in Vietnam, as there are always unexpected costs. Be it the sunscreen you left at home or that cute Vietnamese hat you buy to escape the torching sun.

Shopping: 270K / 10,56€

Souvenirs: 177K / 6,92€

Washing: 130K / 5,09€

I ended up not getting a custom-tailored item in Hoi An, but the prices for one item are usually between 15€ and 30€.

Due to my nationality and the fact that I only stayed in the country for 15 days, I did not need a visa. If you do not qualify for a visa exemption or want to stay for up to 30 days, you most likely have to pay 25 USD for an e-Visa. Check the visa regulations for Vietnam to see if you have to add the costs to your Vietnam budget.

My Vietnam Trip Costs

Daily Budget in Vietnam : 530K VND / 20,75€

Total Cost of 15 Days in Vietnam: 7955K VND / 311,22€

Planning a trip?

Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my own adventures.

More Budget Guides

If you are planning a trip to more countries in Asia , you should also read these: Bali Budget per Day , Sri Lanka Travel Budget & Bangkok Backpacker Budget

More about Vietnam

If you are making plans for your Vietnam trip, you might also want to check out these Vietnam Travel Guides : 10 Days in Vietnam Itinerary Inspirational Vietnam Images

Love this Daily Budget in Vietnam Guide? Pin it for later !

Is the Vietnam Travel Budget lower or higher than you expected it to be?

Let me know in the comments down below!

Infographic: Vietnam Travel Budget

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a solo traveling digital nomad, photographer, and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia & Mexico.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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7 thoughts on “Vietnam Travel Budget – How much do 15 Days cost?”

Wow! So impressive how you were able to do your trip on such a small budget. I was in Vietnam in 2016 and I don’t think I was able to keep it quite this low. We took a few flights and stayed in places that were about $35 CAD per night. But I love that Vietnam has options for all different types of budgets.

Wow, thanks for the detailed information regarding costs. I haven’t been tot Vietnam, but it is on my list. Thank you for this helpful information. Pinning so I have this reference for when I go.

I could go for some Pho right now! I’ll dream of going here in the future. Great information in your post.

Vietnam sounds like such good value (well, apart from the sunscereen!) I love the sound of the Ha Long Bay Day Cruise, but it is amazing how much you managed to see on this budget!

I’d just love to visit to try all that tasty-looking (and bargainous) food!

I’ve never been to Vietnam but it’s on my travel bucket list! Thanks for sharing the breakdown of costs on the trip–that’ll definitely help with planning! :]

I’ve heard hw inexpensive Vietnam can be! I can’t wait to visit someday!

I love that your post gives the cost of things. It’s frustrating to me when other travel posts talk about these wonderful travel opportunities, but don’t give enough details, so the trip can be planned effectively. Vietnam had never been on my radar, but after reading your post, I’m intrigued.

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My Vietnam Trip Cost: How Cheap Is Vietnam and My $25 Daily Budget (2024)

Find out exactly how much it will cost to travel Vietnam budget backpacker style and how cheap is Vietnam. Let’s talk about the price of accommodation, transportation, food, and more before I let you know my EXACT Vietnam trip cost!

Traveling can be expensive, even in Asia, so it’s good to keep track of costs and make a budget. I track my spending so I can share with you how much my Vietnam trip cost.

When I was researching online, Vietnam was on the cheaper side when compared to other countries on the banana pancake trail such as Thailand or Laos. Most websites seemed to recommend approximately $20.00 per person per day.

I actually ended up spending more for my cost to travel Vietnam than I had originally planned and what many other websites recommended during my 28 days. Though, this is due to some surprises which resulted in me changing my normal way of getting around as well as some splurges for bucketlist activities.

Though, before I get into my much my Vietnam trip cost, I will let you know the average prices of accommodation, food, and transportation. Then let you know my daily cost to travel Vietnam each day before we finally find out how much over budget I went and money-saving tips so you can avoid doing the same!

How Cheap Is Vietnam and How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Vietnam?

Accommodation costs in vietnam.

• Food Prices In Vietnam
• Transportation Costs In Vietnam
• My Daily Cost To Travel Vietnam
• Total Vietnam Trip Cost

Budgeted VS Actual Vietnam Trip Cost

• Money-Saving Tips To Lower Your Cost To Travel Vietnam

How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: 12.Go Asia

I am traveling around Vietnam with my partner, James. This allows us to split certain costs such as private rooms, taxis, hiring a motorbike etc. Where this is true I will state that the cost is ‘shared’ or ‘split’. Now time to get on to find the cost to travel in Vietnam…

For those travelers on a budget, you will absolutely love the accommodation prices in Vietnam. There are plenty of cheap options right throughout the country.

Hostels : One of the cheapest ways to travel Vietnam is by staying in Hostels. Rooms generally start around $5.00 for an air-conditioned dorm room. We found this a much cheaper choice than staying in private rooms so we would often end up booking shared rooms instead. In my opinion, they were great value for money and often would include extras such as free beers in the evening or a free walking tour.

Guesthouses: If you are traveling Vietnam with a friend or with your partner then a good budget option is by booking Guesthouses. These are usually locally owned accommodations that only have a few rooms. You will get a private bathroom and a clean room. Though the furniture might be a bit dated. It is much more of a local experience where it is expected you take your shoes off outside the building and you will be passing by a family every time you enter/exit.

Hotels: If you enjoy a bit of luxury, though cannot often afford it in Western countries. Then you will absolutely love Vietnam. You can find plenty of affordable hotels here starting from $20.00 per night. Brand-name hotels will be a bit pricier, though it is much cheaper than you can find elsewhere in the world. The service is often second to none and you will be living in uttermost luxury.

Food Prices in Vietnam

Whenever I am asked which country has the best food, I always say Vietnam . The food here is absolutely incredible and extremely easy on the wallet. It is easy to eat out and only spend a couple of dollars. Whilst testing out the street food will cost less than $1.00. The flavors are incredible and no doubt I would come back just to visit some of my favorite restaurants again.

Street food: For those street food lovers Vietnam is the place for you. There are plenty of great options here such as the ever-popular Banh Mi and Pho. Meals start from less than $1.00 and there is no better place to appreciate the crazy hustle and bustle of Vietnam than on little plastic chairs on the curbside. As you will see a bit further down in my daily expenses I actually did not spend too much money on street food in Vietnam. This is simply due to the street food here not being to my personal taste.

Restaurants: I loved all the restaurants in Vietnam. There is plenty of places that cater to vegetarians and vegans, so it was so easy for me to find a delicious spot to eat. The restaurant prices here are insanely affordable and there is always a variety of choices available. I was always able to eat at a restaurant for whatever I was craving and even splurged on my fancier options a couple of times in Hanoi.

Transportation Costs in Vietnam

Vietnam is a large country and no doubt you will be needing to take some sort of public transportation to get around. Luckily the main tourist hubs are well connected and the network of trains, buses, and planes will deliver you there in one piece. Though, if you are traveling the whole country, prepare yourself for some overnight long and painful journeys. Definitely check out 12.Go Asia to book your transport for easy and comfortable options with reviews so you can know what to expect.

Trains: Taking the train is no doubt my personal favorite way of traveling around Vietnam. The main train line runs from Hanoi all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City and makes plenty of stops in popular tourist towns along the way. This includes Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang , and more. I highly recommend booking the 4-berth cabins. They might be a bit more expensive, though are much more comfortable than chairs, roomier than the 6 berths, and are air-conditioned.

Buses: Now, this is where my Vietnam trip cost was blown, all thanks to the horrible bus journeys. The majority of the time this is my main way of getting around. It’s cheap, it’s simple and you eventually get to your destination. Though, after one too many squished journeys with insects crawling all over me, I said goodbye to buses in Vietnam and part of my budget.

Flights: Luckily for those travelers who cannot survive overland travel you can find cheap flights around the country. There are airports in all tourist hot spots, making it super easy to get around. Of course, this is the most expensive way to travel. Though there are plenty of budget airline choices and it makes a great alternative for those long 12+ hour overland journeys.

How Cheap Is Vietnam and My Daily Cost To Travel?

Vietnam trip cost in hanoi, day one – hanoi.

Previous to arriving in Vietnam I had purchased a Visa approval letter online for $17.00 / 385000 VND – Linked is the same company I purchased through and I had no issues at the airport.

While going through immigration I had to buy my Vietnam Visa stamp which cost $25.00 / 565000 VND.

Then James and I split a taxi we had pre-booked from the airport to Chien Hostel $8.80 / 200000 VND.

Craving western food for dinner I grab mac n cheese, fries and a soft drink from S&L’s Diner costing $6.60 / 150000 VND.

We stay in a large dorm room at Chien Hostel which includes breakfast. It costs $5.05 / 115000 VND per night – Check out my review here .

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $62.45 / 1415000 VND

Day Two- Hanoi

Breakfast is included in the rate at Chien Hostel . For lunch, I grab a pizza and tea for $3.50 / 80000 VND. Then on the way back, we split a cookie for $0.55 / 12500 VND. We share the cost of a large bottle of water at $0.33 / 7500 VND each. I join in on a free walking tour which Chien Hostel organizes to familiarize newbies on the highlights of Hanoi. Dinner at Aubergine Cafe which costs me $4.40 / 100000 VND. I order a lemon juice, caramel, ginger and chili tofu with rice- Highly recommend this place for vegetarians!

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $13.83 / 315000 VND

Vietnam Trip Cost In Sapa

Day three- sapa.

Breakfast is included in the rate at Chien Hostel .

We head to Sapa in Northern Vietnam by taking a bus we booked through Chien Hostel . This costs me $9.02 / 205000 VND.

Once in Sapa, we grab lunch at Little Sapa Restaurant . I grab 2 cups of green tea and a toastie which costs $6.16 / 140000 VND. Sapa is freezing in February so I purchase a Beanie to keep my head warm for $6.60 / 150000 VND.

Then we split a taxi to take us to our homestay in Ta Van $5.50 / 125000 VND. Entry fee into the Ta Van area costs us $3.30 / 75000 VND each. We have dinner at our homestay which is true family-style with a variety of delicious dishes. This costs $3.30 / 75000 VND each. The homestay costs $5.98 / 136000 VND per night for a private room including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $39.86 / 906000 VND

Day Four- Sapa

A basic breakfast is included in the homestay price. We split a taxi back to Sapa town which costs $4.40 / 100000 VND

For lunch, we hunt for the best deal in town which takes us to La Roma Pizza. We share a pizza, pasta dish, garlic bread and I grab a tea for $7.26 / 165000 VND. Then stop at a small supermarket we grab 2 chocolate bars each, large water and chips for $2.64 / 60000 VND each.

We hike back to Ta Van and visit Luckydaisy’s Bamboo Bar and Restaurant . We share a banana pancake and grab a green tea which costs $2.64 / 60000 VND. The homestay costs $5.98 / 136000 VND per night for a private room including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $22.92 / 521000 VND

Day Five- Sapa

A basic breakfast is included in the homestay price.

We hike back to Sapa town and grab lunch at Little Sapa Restaurant again. I grab a cup of green tea, hot chips and an egg baguette which costs $4.84 / 110000 VND.

Then for dinner, we purchase a chocolate croissant from a bakery for $0.66 / 15000 VND.

While in Sapa Town we stay at Luong Thuy Family Hotel in a private room. We split the price which works out to be $4.62 / 105000 VND each per night.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $10.12 / 230000 VND

Day Six- Hanoi

We take a bus from Sapa to Hanoi for $9.68 / 220000 VND. Because we are running late we split a taxi to the bus stop which costs $0.88 / 20000 VND each.

After we arrive in Hanoi we share an Uber to Chien Hostel which costs $0.70 / 16000 VND each.

It’s back for the delicious western food at S&L’s Diner . I grab mac n cheese, hot chips and a soda costing $4.84 / 110000 VND.

Then for dinner, we are craving Indian so stop at Namaste India . I highly recommend this place and is one of the best dining experience I have ever had. It is well worth the price. I order a curry, naan, rice and mango lassie for $9.24 / 210000 VND.

Before bed, we head to the supermarket and purchase a few snacks for our Ha Long Bay trip which costs $2.64 / 60000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $33.03 / 751000 VND

The Cost To Travel Ha Long Bay

Day seven- ha long bay.

We purchase a 3-day / 2-night tour of Ha Long Bay . This is an all-inclusive tour and costs $111.81 / 2540000 VND each. I purchase two soft drinks throughout the day which totals $1.76 / 40000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $113.57 / 2580000 VND

Day Eight- Ha Long Bay

We spend the day relaxing in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ong Island. Purchase pringles and a soft drinks for snacks during the day which costs $1.76 / 40000 VND Daily Cost In Vietnam: $1.76 / 40000 VND

The Cost To Travel In Hanoi

Day nine- hanoi.

I purchase a bottle of water to keep refreshed while trekking on Cat Ba Island. This costs me $0.22 / 5000 VND.

Then we head back to Hanoi for dinner at Namaste India . I order a curry, naan, rice, entree and mango lassie for $13.20 / 300000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $18.47 / 420000 VND

Day Ten- Hanoi

We head to Geckos Cafe for Lunch. I purchase a pasta dish and a soda for $3.74 / 85000 VND. We grab some snacks for the sleeper train from a nearby supermarket. I split the total price with James which works out to be $5.06 / 115000 VND each, Then for dinner, I get a vegetable Banh Mi for $0.66 / 15000 VND A 4 berth sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue costs $31.70 / 720000.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $41.16 / 935000 VND

Vietnam Trip Cost In Hue

Day eleven- hue.

After arriving in Hue we grab breakfast at Hung Vuong Inn where we share an egg baguette and a drink for $1.62 / 37000 VND. For lunch, we walk across the river to a local supermarket. Once there we purchase chocolate, cheese, baguette, crackers, and water for $2.42 / 55000 VND each. Then for dinner, we head to Lien Hoa which is quite a locals restaurant with an interesting English menu. It is sharing style so we order four dishes to share and some rice which works out crazy cheap to $1.98 / 45000 VND each. We are staying at Thanh An Guesthouse 2 in a private room with two double beds, a balcony, and a bathtub. The shared price is $3.52 / 80000 VND each per night. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $9.54 / 217000 VND

Day Twelve- Hue

I have a basic breakfast of some of the food we purchased at the supermarket the previous day. We head over the river to explore the Imperial City of Hue . The entrance fee is $6.60 / 150000 VND. For lunch, we find a simple restaurant overlooking the street side called Lac Thien Restaurant . I order tofu, rice and a lemon juice for $3.30 / 75000 VND. We stop off back at the supermarket to purchase some bread, chocolate, soy sauce, water, and noodles. The price comes to $1.54 / 35000 VND each. Then for dinner, we are craving Indian again so head down the street to Ganesh Indian Restaurant . Here I order a curry, naan, soda, and rice which comes to a total of $7.48 / 170000 VND.

We are staying at Thanh An Guesthouse 2 in a private room with two double beds, a balcony, and a bathtub. The shared price is $3.52 / 80000 VND each per night.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $22.44 / 510000 VND

Vietnam Trip Cost In Hoi An

Day thirteen- hoi an.

I have a basic breakfast of some of the food we purchased at the supermarket the previous day.

We buy tickets and catch a train from Hue to Da Nang . The 4 berth ticket costs $5.63 / 128000 VND. Once in Da Nang, we catch the public bus to Hoi An for $1.32 / 30000 VND. Checked into our hostel we bicycle to the beach where parking costs $0.44 / 10000 VND. At the beach, we share a donut for $0.33 / 7500 VND each. For dinner, we head out for a western meal at Jim’s Snackbar . I order a burger, chips and a soda for $5.54 / 126000 VND. Checking out the old town at night costs $5.28 / 120000 VND for the entrance fee. Then the parking fee for my bicycle in the old town is $0.08 / 2000 VND. Once there we meet up with some friends and grab a beer ( $1.10 / 25000 VND), share a banana pancake ($0.22 / 5000 VND), ice cream ($0.22 / 5000 VND) and water ($0.22 / 5000 VND). We are staying in a dorm room at Little Leo’s Homestay & Hostel , this includes free breakfast and free bike hire. The cost per night each is $6.82 / 155000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $27.20 / 618500 VND

Day Fourteen- Hoi An

Breakfast is included in the hostel price. We hire a motorbike for the day and split the cost. It comes to $2.99 / 68000 VND each. Of course, I have then got to fill up the motorbike, again splitting the price of $1.98 / 45000 VND each. We explore Tra Que Vegetable Village which is free. Then for lunch, we head a bit out of town to Restaurant & Cafe Tuan . Here we share a pizza, tofu, rice and a soda which costs $3.30 / 75000 VND each. Exploring the Pottery Village and the entry cost is $1.10 / 25000 VND as well as $0.11 / 2500 VND each for parking the motorbike. Heading to the beach for a little relax parking costs are shared of $0.22 / 5000 VND each. Since beach chairs aren’t free we purchase a drink to use them. This costs $1.43 / 32500 VND. For dinner, we head to a vegetarian restaurant called Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant . I order a tofu dish with rice and a lemon juice which comes to $2.94 / 67000 VND. We get a bit hungry later and grab another amazing burger from Jim’s Snackbar . It costs $5.50 / 125000 VND for a burger and soda. We are staying in a dorm room at Little Leo’s Homestay & Hostel , this includes free breakfast and free bike hire. The cost per night each is $6.82 / 155000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $26.39 / 600000 VND

Day Fifteen- Hoi An

This morning we take a tour of My Son Temple which costs $11.00 / 250000 VND. The entrance fee to My Son Temple is $6.60 / 150000 VND. After the sunrise tour, we grab breakfast at. Here I have avocado on toast for $2.42 / 55000 VND. That evening we pay $0.13 / 3000 VND for bicycle parking in the old town. Then its time for Indian again so we head to Namaste . Here I get a curry, naan, poppadom, rice, soda, and dessert for $6.60 / 150000 VND.

We are staying in a dorm room at Little Leo’s Homestay & Hostel , this includes free breakfast and free bike hire. The cost per night each is $6.82 / 155000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $33.57 / 763000 VND

The Cost To Travel In Da Nang

Day sixteen- da nang.

Breakfast is included in the hostel price. We catch a public bus from Hoi An to Da Nang for $1.32 / 30000 VND. For lunch, we find an amazingly cheap bakery called BonPas Bakery & Coffee where I grab 1 slice of pizza, a cheese bun, cheesecake and ice tea for $2.20 / 50000 VND. Then I buy some new earphones for $2.64 / 60000 VND We do some more grocery shopping at a supermarket and grab some baguettes, peanut butter, water and noodles for $3.96 / 90000 VND. For dinner, we head back to BonPas Bakery & Coffee and I get 2 slices of pizza, a cheese bun and a drink for $1.10 / 25000 VND. We stay at Hachi Hostel in a dorm room. The price is $5.98 / 136000 VND which includes breakfast. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $17.20 / 391000 VND

The Cost To Travel In Nha Trang

Day seventeen- nha trang.

For breakfast/lunch, we stock up on food from BonPas Bakery & Coffee to take on the train with us. The cost is $1.54 / 35000 VND.

We take a train from Da Nang to Nha Trang . It costs $21.00 / 477000 VND for a 4 berth cabin.

Dinner is at a semi upscale restaurant costing $4.40 / 100000 VND We stay at Tabalo Hostel in a 4 bedroom dorm. It costs us $4.84 / 110000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $31.78 / 722000 VND

Day Eighteen- Nha Trang

Breakfast is included in the rate at Tabalo Hostel.

Down at the beach, we relax and hire beach chairs at $1.54 / 35000 VND each.

For lunch is Cafe Des Amis for tofu, rice and a lemon juice totaling $4.18 / 95000 VND. Then it’s Indian again for dinner so we head to Taj Grill Indian Restaurant . I get a curry, rice, naan, and soda for $5.50 / 125000 VND. We visit a small supermarket and purchase some fruit, water and ice cream for $1.54 / 35000 VND. We stay at Tabalo Hostel in a 4 bedroom dorm. It costs us $4.84 / 110000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $17.60 / 400000 VND

Day Nineteen- Nha Trang

We decide to do an amazing snorkeling tour which costs $15.40 / 350000 VND. This rate includes equipment, lunch, water and entry fee into the protected area. We decide to be a bit fancy and have dinner at Da Fernando . I grab a pizza and soda which costs $5.72 / 130000 VND. Then on the way back to the hostel, I grab a bottle of water which costs $0.44 / 10000 VND. We stay at Tabalo Hostel in a 4 bedroom dorm. It costs us $4.84 / 110000 VND each per night including breakfast. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $26.40 /600000 VND

Day Twenty- Nha Trang

Breakfast is included in the hostel price. We have lunch at Ciao Vietnam where I grab a tofu and rice dish with a drink. This costs me $2.24 / 51000 VND. James and I share a box of donuts which we split the price of for $0.22 / 5000 VND. Then for dinner it’s back to Cafe Des Amis for another delicious tofu dish and drink which costs $3.30 / 75000 VND. On the way back from dinner we stop to get some snacks from the supermarket which costs $2.42 / 55000 VND. We finally were over hostels and decided to get a private room for the night at Forget Me Not Hotel . We split the room charge which comes to $5.06 / 115000 VND each. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $13.24 / 301000 VND

Vietnam Trip Cost In Mui Ne

Day twenty one- mui ne.

For breakfast, we eat some of the snacks to brought yesterday.

We catch the bus from Nha Trang to Mui Ne . It costs $5.06 / 115000 each. For lunch, we pop to a restaurant which is next door to our hostel. I order tofu, rice and a soda for $3.34 / 76000 VND. Then for dinner, we head down the road for more Indian at Mughal House Indian Halal Restaurant. I get a curry, rice, naan, and drink for $5.50 / 125000 VND. On the way back we stop off to grab a bottle of water which costs $0.19 / 4500 VND.

We stay at Mui Ne Backpacker Village in a dorm. It costs us $5.50 / 125000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $9.59 / 445500 VND

Day Twenty Two- Mui Ne

For breakfast, we head across the road to The Bar for breakfast. I grab a scrambled egg baguette and water for $2.24 / 51000 VND. After relaxing in the pool lunch is back over at The Bar . I have a cheese toastie and water which costs $2.42 / 55000VND. Then we do for a bit of a walk for dinner down at Dong Vui Food Court . Here I get an Indian thali set for $5.50 / 125000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $15.66 / 356000 VND

Day Twenty Three- Mui Ne

I start the day with a highlights of Mui Ne tour . This costs $7.04 / 160000 VND each. Then for lunch, I head back to the restaurant next door and grab$4.84 / 110000 VND. Afterwards, we head to the supermarket to grab some snacks for tomorrow which split between us costs $2.20 / 50000 VND.

We stay at Mui Ne Backpacker Village in a dorm. It costs us $5.50 / 125000 VND each per night including breakfast. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $19.58 /445000 VND

Vietnam Trip Cost In Ho Chi Minh City

Day twenty four- ho chi minh city.

We jump on a bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City which costs $4.35 / 99000 VND each. I purchase a pair of sunglasses for $3.30 / 75000 VND. We a falafel lunch over at Gotcha! which costs $3.52 / 80000 VND. Then for dinner, we head to a local restaurant which costs $2.28 / 52000 VND. Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome . It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $17.80 / 405000 VND

Day Twenty Five- Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast is included in the hostel price. We visit the War Remnants Museum which costs $0.66 / 15000 VND each for entry. For lunch, we grab another delicious Indian meal over at Namaste India . I order a naan, rice, curry, and soda for $5.50 / 125000 VND. Then for dinner, I grab a couple of packets of noodles from the supermarket costing $0.26 / 6000 VND. Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome . It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $10.77 / 245000 VND

Day Twenty Six- Ho Chi Minh City

For breakfast, we head to the supermarkets and grab some snack foods for $2.20 / 50000 VND.

We take the cheapest tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels which costs $6.16 / 140000 VND each. Also, the entry fee to Cu Chi Tunnels is an extra charge of $4.84 / 110000 VND. Then we stop back at the Gotcha! for another falafel lunch costing $3.61 / 82000 VND. Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome . It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $21.16 / 481000 VND

Day Twenty Seven- Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast is included in the hostel price. We split a Grab to the beginning of our free walking tour which costs $0.44 / 10000 VND each. The entry fee into the Independence Palace is $1.76 / 40000 VND. Then for lunch, we head to and I get a tofu dish with a soda which costs $3.08 / 70000 VND. We split a Grab to the beginning of our free night tour which costs $0.35 / 8000 VND each. I pay for petrol in the scooter of the free night tour $3.08 / 70000 VND. Next, we stop for a milk tea which costs $0.44 / 10000 VND. Another stop, this time for coconut ice cream which costs $1.76 / 40000 VND. Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome . It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $15.26 /347000 VND

Day Twenty Eight- Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast is included in the hostel price. Then we stop at the supermarket and grab a snack for the bus which costs $0.44/ 10000 VND. The Grab to the bus terminal costs $0.44 / 1000 VND each. Daily Cost In Vietnam: $0.88 /20000 VND

My Total Vietnam Trip Cost

There was a variety of things that put me slightly over budget. I will say that the times we took train journeys it would have been cheaper to take a bus. Though, due to mishaps that happened at the start of the trip we were well put off the idea.

Unlike a lot of other countries such as Cambodia or Vietnam, visiting Ha Long Bay was a crazy expense which was a one-off. This certainly bumped up my cost per day. Lastly, I did not really eat any street food in Vietnam (yes, I know, I am disappointed in myself as well). I just was not a fan of many of the general street food dishes so I choose to visit supermarkets or eat out in restaurants quite a lot. Though, all in all, my cost per day of $25.55 was not too much over budget and I had an excellent time in Vietnam. We did some unforgettable tours which I absolutely loved and I did not regret doing them at all.

Money Saving Tips To Decrease Your Cost To Travel Vietnam

• Book hostels with free breakfast.
• Check out whether your accommodation also includes free water.
• Share transport with other people, waiting ten minutes to see if anyone else is going to the airport/bus station could save you money.
• Visit supermarkets! They were my go-to choice in Vietnam and I always seemed to be within a 15-minute walk of one.
• Use Uber or Grab instead of taxis whenever possible. I swear this saved us from being scammed so many times and we always knew the price we would pay.
• If the city does not have Uber make sure the taxi driver uses the meter.
• Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad , which can be a great way of earning some extra cash!

Check out Passport Symphony’s visiting Vietnam tips.

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Want more Vietnam inspiration? Check out….

• EXPLORE HA LONG BAY ON A BUDGET, VIETNAM
• TOP THINGS TO DO IN MUI NE, VIETNAM
• TOP THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
• EXPLORE THE IMPERIAL CITY OF HUE IN VIETNAM
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM

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21 Comments

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

21 thoughts on “ My Vietnam Trip Cost: How Cheap Is Vietnam and My $25 Daily Budget (2024) ”

Wow! amazing experience. Definitely help my travel plans this April for a month. Although, I would spend a bit longer in Nah Trang for scuba dive and meet some friends there but travelling alone onwards. I enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you so much for sharing, great photos by the way.

Wow I didn’t know Vietnam was that cheap! I should include it in my itinerary around Asia. I love street food, and meals for less than 1$ damn that is incredible! Gotta love Asia for its cheap prices… makes it possible to travel a lot longer!

Thanks to this post. It’s very informative. Now I can comfortable create my itinerary and travel Vietnam without any worries. Thanks again!

Really helpful post! Travelling Vietnam in December and wasnt sure how much I would need, but this is after really helping me. Thank you :)

Vietnam does not have Uber but you can use Grab in Vietnam. It is quite convenient. But I highly recommend you could use Grab bike to feel as local people

Thanks! It has changed since I have been in Vietnam last.

Hi Tasha thanks a lot for this post, I love budget expenses breakdowns. When you book through 12go do you have to print the ticket? How did you manage to rent a bike for 3 dollars? Was that a motorbike or just a bycicle? Thanks again

Hey! It depends on the different transport companies whether you need to print your ticket or can just show it on your phone. As far as I am aware you only really know which after booking, though plenty of hostels and guesthouses will happily print it out for you for a couple of cents. The 3 dollar bike was just booked through our guesthouse and was just a regular bicycle.

Nice post. Very informative and useful, particularly for first time visitors. Surprised you paid an entrance fee to Ta Van hamlet. I stayed there last year, at Ta Van Ecologic Homestay and didn’t have to pay anything extra on top of my stay there.

im in vietnam right now and this post has been super helpful. Thanks for your links which dirrect me to the booking options as well. It also gives me a good idea on the average price for things to not get scammed. And another trip would be to use Grab transport app. Currently you get 10% off when you load credit on and 10,000 off for every trip you pay with thr credit. So a 50,000 trip easily comes down to 90% total 45,000 with additional 10,000 discount. Total 35,000 for a 25 minute ride in car. Around half price if you do the bike option but they can only take one person at a time.

I’m so surprised to see how expensive Vietnam is. I was expecting much cheaper. I’m from Turkey and you can travel Turkey and have good food & visit beautiful places in better prices (less than 25$). Having dinner 4.40 $ and otel with breakfast included 5.05 $? It’s a bir unproportion!

Really? I cant imagine Turkey being chepaer than Nam. How much is a hostel with breakfast over there?

I think it all depends on how you travel (I am not an EXTREME budget backpacker, I would rather pay a couple dollars more to stay in a 6 bedroom dorm vs a 12 bed dorm and I do enjoy restaurants). I have been to both countries and Turkey was more expensive for my ‘travel style’.

My husband and I are VERY into our budget day to day, but when we travel we seem to let it go out the window! These kinds of posts are SO helpful for us planning our trips…you got to see and do so much while not being too far off your budget!

Exactly! It’s possible and i traveled very comfortably.

Wow! now that was so much detailed. I have pinned your post for a proper read again. We have been planning Vietnam for about 10 days – sometime later this year. I am not sure how much we can cover but definitely Ho-chin min and Hanoi. I loved the budgeting you have done for this tour; it is indeed helpful:)

I would recommend just visiting two maybe three places if you only go for 10 days. That way to can see more instead of rushing through ?

Wowza, what a detailed post!

I am so impressed that you managed to do so much for such a bargain price! Your photos are stunning too. You look happier and more relaxed as you get further into yuor trip. :)

Haha it definitely took a while to write! Yeah it’s a super affordable and I was able to travel very comfortably. If I was to take buses and eat street food it would have been even more cheaper.

This is super helpful! Hoping to visit this beautiful country soon :)

Glad you found this helpful!

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Vietnam Trip Cost Advice | What’s a Good Budget for Vietnam?

If you’re considering a trip abroad, one of the main questions you will ask yourself is how much is it going to cost and what is a suitable budget? If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you will probably have the same question; what’s a good budget for Vietnam? In this post, we will give Vietnam trip cost advice. After living in Vietnam for over 5 years, we will share with you all of our knowledge of the expenses of travelling in Vietnam. We will cover costs to consider before your trip begins, including the cost of accommodation, food, activities, and transport.

Disclosure: Wander Vietnam contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

Vietnam trip cost to prepare before your trip

Vietnam tourist visa.

Whether you’re starting your trip from your home country or heading to Vietnam as part of a wider Southeast Asia trip , chances are you’re going to need to arrange a visa. Citizens from only 24 countries can enter Vietnam visa-free. Currently, the cost of a 30-day single-entry visa for Vietnam is $25, as set by the Vietnamese government. On top of this, you will need to pay a processing fee to the company that applies for the visa on your behalf.

>>> Check if you need a visa HERE! <<<

Travel Insurance

If you’re travelling to Vietnam, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is SafetyWing as you can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available for purchase in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Exchanging money

It is better to exchange your money once you arrive in Vietnam. As the Vietnamese Dong is not a currency that can be used outside of the country, you may find it difficult to get hold of the Vietnamese Dong before you arrive. We personally prefer to use ATMs to withdraw money, rather than exchange cash at a gold shop or bank. Out of experience, we find that Citibank has the highest withdrawal limit, which will save on fees for using the ATMs multiple times. International withdrawal fees at Citibank are around 60,000 vnd ($2.61) per transaction and the withdrawal limit for our British bank account is 6,000,000 vnd ($260.81) as opposed to 3,000,000 vnd ($130.40) at other banks inside Vietnam.

If you only need a sim card to access the internet, it is probably not worth the effort or money to set up a sim card as many cafes and restaurants are equipped with wifi for when you’re out and about. However, if you would like to have data for peace of mind, or to browse whilst you’re on long bus or train journeys, we recommend you get a Viettel sim card. Viettel is the major network in Vietnam and provides the most coverage in comparison to the other networks.

For the sim card only, expect to pay around 50,000 vnd ($2.17). You will then need to top up and add data according to your desired data package. If you’re in Vietnam for 30 days we recommend texting ST120K to 191. This will give you 2GB of data per day for 30 days. This data package costs 120,000 vnd ($5.22) and is what we personally use each month. The best place to buy your sim card is at one of the official Viettel stores.

Vietnam trip cost for accommodation

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation choices for travellers on all kinds of budgets; from shoestring to luxury. No matter your budget for Vietnam, you are sure to find something to suit your needs. Accommodation is probably the biggest thing to factor in your Vietnam trip cost.

Hostels are a great way to meet fellow travellers. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a group of mates, or even a couple, hostels are a cost-effective accommodation option. Hostels in Vietnam typically range from $4 – $8 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels in Vietnam are generally clean and equipped with air conditioning, which you will certainly need in the humid summer months.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses mainly consist of a few basic double rooms. This type of accommodation is perfect for couples who are travelling on a budget, or for solo travellers who would like to take some time to relax away from hostel life. Guesthouses are also a fantastic way to connect with the local people. Most guesthouse owners are extremely welcoming and a simple breakfast consisting of egg banh mi is often included in the price. Prices for guesthouses range from $10 – $15 per night.

If you want to go all out and go on a luxury holiday, Vietnam is the perfect place to get a bang for your buck. If you want a simple hotel with no frills, you can expect to pay between $15 – $20 per night. However, if you want a more luxurious stay with a pool, gym facilities, and spa facilities, prices range from $50 – $150 per night. However, we often find that once you reach the $50 mark the facilities and quality are generally the same as a room that costs $100+ per night.

Click here to check out our best recommendations for accommodation of all types in Vietnam !

Vietnam trip cost for food & drink

Vietnamese cuisine is arguably one of the most delicious and flavoursome cuisines in the world. Unsurprisingly, like everything in Vietnam, the food is super cheap so! If you opt to eat in a local restaurant, often sitting on tiny plastic tools at plastic tables, you can expect to pay between 30,000 – 50,000 vnd ($1.30 – $2.17) per meal. If you fancy tucking into a Western-style dish, such as a burger and fries at a restaurant, expect to pay between 80,000 vnd – 150,000 vnd ($3.48 – $6.52). Below we have listed some of the classic Vietnamese foods and the general price based on the local eateries that we frequent whilst living in Hanoi.

Pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken) – 30,000 vnd ($1.30)

Bun cha (grilled pork & noodles)  – 50,000 vnd ($2.17)

Banh mi (Baguette with meat & veg) – 15,000 – 20,000 vnd ($0.65 – $0.87)

Nem nuong ((grilled sausages wrapped in rice paper with veg) – 35,000 vnd ($.1.52)

Mi xao bo (noodles with beef & veg) – 30,000 vnd ($1.30)

Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls with pork) – 20,000 vnd ($0.87)

Com binh dan ( broken rice with your choice of meat & veg)- 30,000 vnd ($1.30)

Hotpot – 200,000 vnd for 2 people with a beer each. ($8.70)

Beer  – Beer on Hanoi’s Beer Street is just 5,000 vnd ($0.22) per cup and is one of the cheapest beers you will find in Vietnam. Beers in bars range from 25,000 – 50,000 vnd ($1.09 – $2.17) per bottle.

Smoothies – Smoothies from an outside cart cost around 20,000 vnd ($0.87). In coffee shops expect to pay around 50,000 vnd – 60,000 vnd ($2.17 – $2.61).

Coffee – Coffees from a local coffee shop cost between 15,000 vnd – 30,000 vnd ($0.65 – $1.30). Prices rise the closer you are to the tourist area. P.s. don’t miss out on Note Coffee in Hanoi ! It is a unique quirky coffee shop in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Vietnam trip cost for activities and excursions

Vietnam is teeming with activities to suit all kinds of travellers. From a reposeful trip floating down the serene Mekong Delta to adrenaline-pumping activities like abseiling down the Dalatan waterfall in Dalat . One thing for sure though, is you are going to want to make the most out of your trip to Vietnam. The prices of activities and excursions vary. You can opt to book activities online before you leave for peace of mind that your holiday is all planned and ready for you to thoroughly enjoy. Another benefit of booking online is that you will sometimes find deals that won’t apply to you if you book in tourist shops, such as lunch included, or skip-the-line passes.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to wait and book excursions from one of the tourist shops that line the tourist hotspots from north to south of Vietnam. Below we have listed some of the best activities and attractions that you simply cannot miss along with a guideline of how much they cost. Keep in mind though that Vietnam has a bargaining culture, so you may get quoted slightly more or less depending on your bargaining skills.

Below we have listed a few of the top attractions and the entrance fees:

Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City) – 120,000 vnd ($5.18) for half-day tours

Mekong Delta (from Ho Chi Minh City) – 200,000 – 250,000 vnd ($8.64 – $10.79)

Abseiling waterfalls (Dalat) – 700,000 vnd ($30.21)

Egg mud baths (Nha Trang) – Around 300,000 vnd ($12.95). The price varies depending on the package

Sun World Ba Na Hills (Da Nang) – 700,000 vnd ($30.21) for entrance

Cooking Class (Hoi An) – 600,000 vnd  ($26)

Imperial City (Hue) – 150,000 vnd ($6.47) for entrance

Trekking rice fields and meeting tribes (Sa Pa) – 500,000 vnd – 600,000 vnd ($21.67 – $26) per day

Ha Long Bay boat tour – Prices start around 600,000 vnd ($26) per night for the most basic cruises

Of course, there are a million more sights and attractions for you to explore, these are just a few of the major things to do in Vietnam. Besides these, beaches are free to relax on and parks and temples are generally free to stroll around. If there is an entrance fee, the fee is very minimal and typically costs between 2,000 – 5,000 vnd ($0.20). In terms of museums and waterfall entrances, expect to pay in the region of 20,000 vnd – 50,000 vnd ($0.87 – $2.17).

Vietnam trip cost for transport

Domestic flights around Vietnam are usually super cheap if you’re not travelling during the national holidays. You can find fares for as low as $20 inclusive of taxes and VAT. The cheapest airlines to book with are VietJet Air and Air Asia . You may also want to check out Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines as well.

When it comes to buses, you can either opt to venture into the local areas to catch a local bus or opt for a tourist bus which usually picks you up at your hotel and drops you off at your hotel in the next location. Local buses are relatively cheap, but you would need to pay the taxi fare to and from the bus/train station. Below we have listed some of the major routes and their fares. All of these routes can be booked online via Bookaway.

Hanoi to Sapa: 6-hour bus for $12

Sapa to Ninh Binh: 9-hour bus for $17

Ninh Binh to Hue: 11-hour bus for $14

Hue to Hoi An: 4 hours bus for $6

Hoi An to Dalat: 14-hour sleeper bus for $17

Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City: 7-hour bus for $22

The train system in Vietnam is quite slow but a fun and safe way to travel. The prices of trains vary depending on the class and the length of the journey. If you’re travelling during the day, 2nd class seats are available at low costs. If you’re travelling during the night, you can opt for a luxury sleeper cabin.

Click here to book train journeys online!

Taxis in Vietnam are cheap and easy to use. You can easily flag a taxi down from off the street and ask them to take you to your destination. However, we recommend using the Grab app instead. Grab works a little like Uber. You simply input your pick-up and drop-off point and you will be shown a price beforehand. Once your journey finishes you can pay in cash. You can opt for a car or motorbike taxi. Motorbike taxis start from 12,000 vnd ($0.52) and rise per km. However, in the cities, you are highly unlikely to spend any more than 50,000 vnd ($2.17) on a motorbike taxi. Cars tend to be double the price of motorbikes.

Motorbike rental

Motorbikes are a great way to get around the country. Some people even take on the adventurous task of motorbiking the entire coastline from north to south . Motorbike rental costs around 120,000 vnd ($5.20) per day. For a full tank of petrol expect to pay around 50,000 – 70,000 vnd ($2.17 – $3.03), depending on the model of the motorbike.

Click here to read about the famous Hai Van Pass motorbike trip !

Essential Vietnam budget tips

Eat local food – Local food is always cheaper than eating international food. If you see small plastic stools and food carts, this is where the cheap, cheap food is at.

Stay in guesthouses – Guesthouses are perfect for couples. They tend to be cheaper than staying in two dorm beds. You will also get your own private space and bathroom.

Rent scooters to explore – Vietnam is the land of scooters. Scooters are a fantastic way to get around and explore cheaply, as opposed to using taxis or paying for private sightseeing tours.

Shop around for excursions – Similar to shopping at the markets , you can bargain with the price of excursions too. Don’t settle on the first price you are given. Pop by the next shop to check if the prices are similar, you will often find that they will either throw in an extra benefit or give you a better deal.

Exchange your currency before leaving the country – If you have some Vietnamese Dong left at the end of your trip, don’t forget to exchange it before you leave. Once you leave the country, the currency is essentially worthless and you won’t get as much, if anything, for it.

Check out freebies at your accommodation – When booking accommodation check what freebies are offered. For example, breakfast, water, tea, coffee, or bicycle rental. These costs can quickly add up, so if they are complimentary with your accommodation it is a win-win situation.

Don’t rule out the convenience stores – Convenience stores such as Circle K and Vinmart are great for grabbing a quick snack or refreshing drink. They sell sandwiches, rice dishes, and even noodle pots that can be made on the spot.

Team up with other travellers for excursions – If you’re going to book an organised tour, it is a good idea to team up with other travellers. The more of you on the tour, the more discount you can barter.

Skip the upgrade – If you’re offered to upgrade your seat on the bus, or upgrade your room on the Ha Long Bay tour, make sure it is very clear what you’re getting. We have found that the upgrade is essentially nothing more than a money-making scheme. In fact, the upgrade doesn’t even exist or is so minor that you may as well have taken the cheaper option. For example, we opted for a deluxe room with a window on the Ha Long Bay trip, and it turned out that all the rooms had windows with fantastic views anyway.

Daily budget for Vietnam

Shoestring budget – If you’re on a super tight budget, we recommend a budget of $30 per day, or $40 per day if you’re a couple. This will cover the cost of a dorm bed or a basic double room, street food, a few beers, transport, and excursions if you do it yourself as opposed to booking a tour.

Flashpacker budget – $50 per is a good budget if you want to stay in modern hotels and eat at restaurants and take the odd chartered tour.

Luxury budget -$80+. Of course, if you’re on a luxury holiday this can be as expensive and luxurious as you like. To stay in top-of-the-range accommodation, eat at high-end restaurants, and take air-conditioned transport everywhere you will need around $80 per day. If you plan to use spa facilities regularly and go on a lot of shopping trips, you will need to factor this into your daily budget.

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Vietnam Travel Budget: How Much It Costs To Travel Vietnam

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 23, 2023

Categories Vietnam

Traveling in Vietnam is a fantastic experience! The people are friendly, getting around is easy and the food is delicious.

Plus, travel in Vietnam is not expensive at all! Curious about the costs of a trip to Vietnam? In this post, I'll disclose our Vietnam travel budget and give you a detailed breakdown of our Vietnam costs. Let's dive in!

Vietnam travel budget

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Vietnam on a budget

In the infographic below you can find a detailed budget breakdown of our Vietnam trip costs to give you a quick overview of how much (or actually how little) you can spend during your trip in Vietnam.

Of course, the amount you'll spend depends on your style of travel, the length of your trip, and the type of accommodation you choose.

However, compared to countries such as Japan , New Zealand , Canada , and Europe , Vietnam is a very affordable destination.

Generally speaking, you can travel around Vietnam on a budget of $30-$60 per day (per person). As you can see in the infographic, we spent $66 per day as a couple.

I'll explain more about how much we spent on accommodation, food, transport, and activities further on in the post.

How much does it cost to travel around Vietnam: facts and figures

• I traveled with my husband, all Vietnam travel costs are for the two of us together.
• We spent a month in Vietnam , traveling from the North to the South, you can find our Vietnam itinerary here .
• I quote prices in Vietnamese Dong (VND) as well as Euros (€) and US Dollars ($). When we were in Vietnam €1 was approx. 25000 VND and $1 was around 22200 VND . Check the current exchange rates on XE.com .
• In total, we spend 44 million VND / (€1764 / $1986 in the 30 days we were in the country. This comes down to a budget per day of  1.470.000 VND / €59 / $66 per day .
• This includes all expenses in Vietnam plus transportation costs for the trip from Phu Quoc , (Vietnam) to Kampot ( Cambodia) . It does not include the plane ticket from Manila to Hanoi.

How to save money when planning a trip to Vietnam

The good news is: traveling to Vietnam on a shoestring budget is definitely possible!

That being said, it's important to plan carefully, look for discounts, and be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your travel budget for Vietnam.

Avoid the high season (travel during the low season instead)

Start by researching the best time of year to visit Vietnam as flight costs and hotel prices vary throughout the year.

The busiest months in Vietnam are July and August . During these months accommodation prices are at their highest.

If you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates and able to travel in the low season (April-June and September-November), this is a great way to save money on your Vietnam trip.

Save money on flights

You can look for discounts on flights to Vietnam on websites like Kiwi.com . Try different travel dates and see how this affects the price of your flight.

Generally, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days, so it's worth checking the booking sites and comparing prices on different days of the week.

You’ll get a better deal by booking your flight in advance. For domestic flights 1-3 months before your trip is ideal.

Although we got lucky and landed a great deal on last-minute tickets from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City and from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island. Reputable low-cost airlines in Vietnam are AirAsia, Vietjet, and Nok Air.

For international flights, it’s best to book 2-8 months in advance. Tickets to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are usually the cheapest option, but you may be able to snag up a cheap flight to Da Nang or Nha Trang.

Lastly, you may be able to find cheaper flights if you're willing to be flexible with your departure and arrival times.

Sure, it’s not ideal to arrive in the middle of the night, but if it saves you hundreds of dollars it’s worth losing one night of good sleep.

✈️ Click here to find the best ticket deals

Book your accommodation in advance

Once you've got your flights booked, it’s time to research budget accommodation. I always use Agoda and Booking to find the best value-for-money accommodation for our trips.

I recommend checking both platforms before you book to make sure you get the best deals on hotel rooms.

Please note that Agoda includes taxes in their price whereas Booking doesn't always include this. Make sure to check this before finalizing your booking.

Also, if you're in a country with hefty ATM fees or a limit on how much cash you can withdraw per transaction it can be better to book with Agoda as you can often pay online with your credit card (thereby reducing your need for cash).

Cost of travel in Vietnam

Now that you know some great ways to save money in the planning phase of your Vietnam trip, it's time for a deep dive into our Vietnam expenses. Our daily budget can be divided into five categories:

• Accommodation costs : 18% of our daily travel budget
• Transportation costs : 22% of our daily travel budget
• Cost of food & drinks : 39% of our daily travel budget
• Activity costs: 17% of our daily travel budget
• Visa costs: 5% of our daily travel budget

1. Cost of accommodation in Vietnam

During our one-month trip in Vietnam , we spent 7.852.250 VND / €314 / $354 in total on accommodation, which comes down to  261.742 VND / €10,50 / $11,80  per day*.

We stayed in private rooms with our own bathroom, often breakfast was included! In the table below you can find the hotels that we stayed at.

* Note that our trip to Vietnam was a couple of years ago and average prices have increased a bit since then. I've updated the prices in the table to reflect the current prices per night, that's why these are a bit higher than the average of $11.80 per night mentioned (though still very affordable).

Budget hotels we stayed at in Vietnam

• Hanoi Serenity Hotel  (Hanoi): a lovely place to stay in the middle of the Old Quarter. The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern. Breakfast is good and included in the price. Book here .
• Tuan Ngoc Hotel  (Tam Coc): a small-scale hotel and one of the best accommodations we stayed at during our Vietnam trip. The family who runs the hotel is incredibly friendly and really makes you feel at home. Book here .
• Charming Riverside Hotel (Hue): a nice and comfortable budget hotel in Hue. There are different room options and some have a river view. Breakfast is excellent and the staff is lovely. Book here .
• Jolie Villa Homestay (Hoi An): this modern homestay offers spacious double rooms with huge comfortable beds. But what will really make your stay is the wonderful host family, they're all super-friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Book here .
• Cam Ly Homestay  (Dalat): a nice homestay with a great atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Spacious and light rooms with comfortable beds (and a mosquito net) with views of the Cam Ly stream and a small balcony. Book here .
• Thao Nhi Hotel  (Ho Chi Minh City): a comfortable hotel that's close to all the major sights in Ho Chi Minh City but still nice and quiet because it's on a small street just off the main backpacker street. Book here .
• Fortuna Hotel  (Phu Quoc Island): a lovely place to stay in Phu Quoc. The rooms are lovingly decorated and spotlessly clean, with private bathrooms. Book here .

2. Cost of transport in Vietnam

Let’s take a closer look at transportation in Vietnam. There are many ways to travel around the country, such as trains, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks, and minivans.

One of the most popular and cost-effective ways is taking the night train. You'll save money on accommodation because you're taking a sleeper train. Plus, you'll save valuable time by covering (large) distances at night, so you can see more of Vietnam.

I really enjoyed our train journeys in Vietnam. The 4 people soft sleeper cabins are pretty comfortable and I usually got a decent night’s sleep.

Another budget-friendly way to travel in Vietnam is by catching a local bus. Bus services are available in all of the major cities and most of the smaller towns as well.

This is a great way to explore parts of Vietnam where there aren't any train tracks (such as the more rural areas of the country).

A quick note: when traveling in Vietnam (and Southeast Asia in general), you need to be prepared for delays. Most of these delays will be relatively short but sometimes your train, bus or minivan can be delayed for hours (without anyone offering an explanation).

The easiest way to get from A to B in Vietnam is by booking your transportation ticket via 12Go Asia . This is an online platform where you can book tickets for trains, buses, ferries, minivans, and private transfers all around Southeast Asia.

I've used 12Go Asia several times and had great experiences with both the ease of booking on the platform itself as well as their fast and friendly customer service when I needed to amend our booking.

For example, you can use 12Go Asia to book train tickets from:

• Ninh Binh to Hue ( check availability here )
• Da Nang to Nha Trang ( check availability here )

How much did we spend on transportation in Vietnam?

During our trip around Vietnam, we traveled by night train, taxi, plane, bus, bike, and more.

Our total cost for transportation was 9.480.000 VND / €379 / $427. The average costs per day were 316.000 VND / €12,60/ $14,20 .

3. Cost of food and drinks in Vietnam

Vietnam is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, with many dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Some of the most popular dishes in Vietnam you should definitely try include:

• Pho (noodle soup)
• Banh Mi (a type of sandwich and a personal favorite)
• Goi Cuon (spring rolls)
• Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes)
• Chả Giò (fried spring rolls)

Other classic Vietnamese dishes include Bún Bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), Cơm Tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), and Bánh Khọt (fried mini pancakes).

Whatever you choose, you're sure to enjoy a truly unique and flavorful experience when eating in Vietnam.

Dishes are freshly prepared, you can add all the spices you like (and stay clear of them if you don't), eat soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and find delicious smoothies on every corner.

How much did we spend on food and drinks in Vietnam?

Good news: the food in Vietnam is not only really tasty, but it’s also very cheap!

That is if you eat local food at local restaurants. Eating Western Food always triples the price of dinner when traveling around Southeast Asia.

So when it comes to food, explore the local markets to find inexpensive meals and try delicious street food whenever you have the chance.

Anyway, let’s talk numbers .

In total, we spent 17.145.000 VND / €686 / $772 on food and drinks which comes down to an average of 571.500 VND / €23/ $25,70  per day.

4. Activities in Vietnam

When you’re in Vietnam, make sure to take advantage of all the free activities the country has to offer, like exploring temples, local markets, green rice paddies, National Parks, and pretty beaches.

Doing so will help you make the most of your vacation while still sticking to your budget.

When planning your Vietnam trip, it's also worth looking into tour companies that offer (discounted) activities that can help you save money while still getting the best experience.

Klook is the largest tour operator in Southeast Asia, but Get Your Guide has been working really hard on growing their SEA offers as well so be sure to check out those websites as well when you're planning your Vietnam activities.

Some of the most worthwhile tours in Vietnam are:

• 2D1N cruise in stunning Halong Bay : explore Ha Long Bay on a 2-day cruise, and discover paradise. Climb aboard a traditional junk boat and zigzag through the tiny islands. Enjoy swimming, and kayaking in the blue waters, and discover hidden caves. Check availability .
• Tam Coc day trip from Hanoi : join a unique rowing boat trip to visit three caves, have a Vietnamese lunch, and bike to traditional villages. Visit Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and Ngo Dong River. Check availability .
• Full-day tour in historic Hue : explore the former Imperial capital of Hue, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See amazing citadels, fabulous palaces, and royal tombs on a full-day private tour. Check availability .
• Cooking class in Hoi An : Master the best of Vietnamese cuisine from appetizers to main courses in an interactive cooking class. Go shopping at a local market and buy organic produce. Check availability .
• My Son Sanctuary half-day tour (from Hoi An) : Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of ancient Vietnam with a tour of the historic My Son Sanctuary. Check availability .
• Half-day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels (from Ho Chi Minh City) : discover the hidden underground world of Vietnam's complicated network of tunnels. Learn about the complicated and incredibly inventive lives of the tunnel residents. Check availability .

How much did we spend on activities in Vietnam?

In total, we spend 7.613.000 VND / €305 / $343 on tours and activities in Vietnam, which comes down to 253.767 VND / €10,20 / $11,40  a day.

Activity costs include things like museum tickets, organized tours, bike rentals, etc.

5. Vietnam Visa costs

The costs for a tourist visa to Vietnam depend on your nationality. In our case, we have Dutch nationality and paid $45 each for a 1-month single entry visa .

Most nationalities need a  visa for Vietnam and you can apply for a visa online.

Keep in mind you will need to pay two fees: online you will pay the  Visa Pre-Approval Letter Fee  and once you arrive at the airport you must pay a  Stamping Fee  (to be paid in cash, so be sure to bring dollars).

6. Travel insurance costs

I didn't include the cost of travel insurance in our Vietnam budget breakdown because we use our travel insurance for all our trips, not just for our Vietnam itinerary.

However, that doesn't take away the fact that making sure you have proper travel insurance is super important .

It helps protect you and your belongings in the event of a mishap during your travels. Furthermore, it provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, and more.

Also, having good travel insurance will provide you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a safety net in place.

With so much to consider when planning a trip, having the right travel insurance can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without stressing out about things that can go wrong.

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Vietnam budget travel: in conclusion

These are the most important costs to take into account when you are traveling in Vietnam. As you can see Vietnam is a very budget-friendly destination and totally worth a trip!

I found Vietnam an intriguing country with a very interesting history, beautiful temples and pagodas, friendly people, and delicious food.

You can download the infographic with all the information about our Vietnam trip budget below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

This post was updated in December 2022.

Friday 16th of November 2018

Awesome blog Lotte!!! This is informative & especially relevant for a traveler on budget. Thank you so much. :D

Thank you Alice, happy to hear that!

Thursday 2nd of November 2017

Nice post! I'm planning to go to Hanoi on January to experience the winter, and the snow perhaps:p.

I'll be there for 4 days, would it be enough if I bring 8.5 million dong? The budget for accommodation and the ticket will be calculated separately. I'll travel solo:).

Thank you for reading the post! In my opinion 8,5 million dong should be more than enough, especially if you won't use that money for accommodation or your flight. Food is very cheap in Vietnam, but if you plan on doing a cruise in Halong Bay it will cost you around 80 USD. If you don't have enough money you can always get cash from an ATM. Just make sure you have a couple of different bank cards (Maestro Card and Mastercard).

Have a great trip! Lotte

Friday 17th of February 2017

Lotte I am so impressed with your detailed breakdown of costs, you must have recorded every cent! I am taking 30 days to backpack Vietnam so your guide has been fascinating reading, very informative and interesting. Thank you x

Sunday 19th of February 2017

Haha thanks Kevin, I did exactly that;-). But happy to hear my slight OCD has been helpful in your travel planning, have a great trip to Vietnam!

Jennifer Melroy

Tuesday 9th of February 2016

You did a good job at saving money. I have never really looked into the costs about daily travel. I should really track these things more.

Haha I did Jennifer, I just didn't want to have to go back to the Netherlands before my unpaid leave was up because I ran out of money;-)

Joe Ankenbauer

Monday 8th of February 2016

Excellent article and very informative! This will be very helpful!

Thank you Joe!

Your Vietnam Daily Travel Budget for 2023

Last updated on: March 2, 2024

Here we will try and cover a broad range of different prices, whatever your Vietnam daily travel budget! Most articles cater to shoestring budgets because they are the most limited and the most common, but in Vietnam, sometimes, you will find that for a slightly higher price you will double the advantages , something to consider even more strongly if you plan to stay awhile .

Your daily travel budget for Vietnam by category

Accommodations.

Cheap You can find low-cost accommodations for around $10/night . Wherever you are you can find a room, dorm, or bed for that price. However, the lodgings may or may not have air conditioning, and the aesthetics may not be as pleasant as desired, but you can rest, bathe, and eat there. To find budget accommodations, have a look at Booking.com and Agoda. If you want a cheap AirBnB, the prices range from $10 to $20 per night. A comfortable situated Airbnb will cost about $30. For a less expensive option in your daily travel budget for Vietnam, there are also family-run hotels and homestays, they will cost around $20 – $50 per night.

Modest Modest hotel accommodations cost around $50 to $80 per night. That’s because these accommodations have swimming pools, business centers, and comfortable rooms, and may be more centrally located and in nicer areas than the cheaper hotels. For a modest daily travel budget, the mid-range hotels include Alagon Hotel & Spa (289 -291 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Saigon) and Sunland Hotel (302-304 Vo Van Kiet Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Saigon).

High-End If you want to be pampered expect to pay $80 and above for lodgings. There are hotel rooms that rent for $500/night and more. So, if you want luxurious accommodations for a high range daily travel budget, at world-class hotels in Vietnam – you can have it. Hotels with luxurious accommodations include the Reverie Saigon (22 – 36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, Saigon), Park Hyatt Saigon (2 Lam On Square, District 1, Saigon), Intercontinental Saigon (Corner Hai Ba Trung, Street & Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Saigon) and the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (88 Dong Khoi, District 1, Saigon).

Food & Drink

Cheap: $1 – $15/meal Travelers under a low Vietnam daily travel budget would want to save money, therefore they should eat the local food , and buy it from local vendors, cafes and restaurants. By eating and drinking locally, meals can cost less than US$5/meal including a drink. Some recommended places to try are Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, Phuong Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Saigon), Pho Le (413 – 415 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5, Saigon), Bookworm’s Coffee (4 Do Quang Dau Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Saigon), and The Workshop (2nd Floor, 2nd Floor, 27 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1, Saigon).

Modest: $15 – $50/meal Diners can eat local food , international food, dine at different types of food establishments, and spend more money on drinks and snacks. If you are interested in some modestly-expensive dining places visit the Racha Room (12 – 14 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, Saigon) and The Old Compass Café (Floor 3 – 63/11 Pasteur, District 1, Saigon).

Upscale: $50/meal and above. Travelers can enjoy upscale dining in lovely, comfortable, air-conditioned, well-furnished restaurants with a diverse menu that includes local and international food. For those interested, buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner are easy to find too. Upscale dining establishments include the La Villa French Restaurant (14 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Saigon), Mandarine Restaurant (11A Ngo Van Nam Street, District 1, Saigon), and The Deck Saigon (38 Nguyen U Di Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Saigon).

Transportation

Cheap Even if travelers are under a cheap daily travel budget, public buses are cheap, but a time consuming , inefficient way to travel around Vietnamese cities and towns. That’s why the recommendation here is that you should rent a motorbike or bicycle, walk, or take a Grab taxi. If you are brave and able to quickly adapt to changing traffic conditions, ride a motorbike. Some expats feel comfortable cycling in traffic. Walking is great exercise and you will notice your surroundings more. It is generally suggested that you walk if the destination is close to you, or take a Grab taxi (motorbike, private car, or traditional taxi). Grab taxis are cheaper than traditional taxis (Mai Linh and Vina Sun) unless it is rush hour, and you will know the cost of the trip before you accept the ride.

Modest Your options under a daily modest travel budget in Vietnam are walking, Grab taxis, and traditional taxis. The traditional taxis are more expensive than the Grab taxis, except during rush hour. However, if you can afford to take a traditional taxi, just hail one on the street.

Costly Travelers will probably find traditional taxis and private cars with a personal driver more convenient and comfortable. You will not have to wait for a Grab taxi or risk your life navigating traffic. The best and most expensive option is a private car with a personal driver, there are many options from medium to high range in the market, from small cabs to fully equipped vans. It all depends of your daily travel budget for Vietnam. On top of enjoying the air conditioning and sun protection, you will also have someone who knows the surroundings. Some drivers only speak in Vietnamese, but a translator app and the GPS will do the trick.

Entertainment

Your entertainment options depend on your location. In big and medium-sized cities, you can find live music , bars, and sometimes live comedy shows. There is also sightseeing, visiting local attractions, and shopping at the local markets and shopping centers. The nightlife consists of karaoke clubs, bars, rooftop dining, hanging out in cafes, and watching movie s. Some cities may have night tours too. The amount of money spent on your entertainment depends on your interests, where you are, what’s available and your budget. It is certain that you can find some entertainment, just be open to your location’s options

Traveling in Vietnam is cheap! A Hanh Café bus from Nha Trang to Hanoi costs $24. The trip is 10 hours long and you can use the buses wifi during the trip. For a quicker trip, still under a cheap daily travel budget for Vietnam, bus transport from one city to another is 50,000 VND per hour of travel time. The VIP buses cost $7 to $20. Those buses have air conditioning, and wifi, and they are comfortable . An overnight sleeper train from Saigon to Hanoi costs $60 . The offer of Day trips, short tours, and extended tours come at different prices. Wherever you are, you can visit travel agents or search the Internet for travel packages, package tours, and day trips.

The recommended Vietnam daily travel budget in a low-cost travel plan is $40/day or less. If you want low-cost travel with some pampering set aside $50/day. The modest budget is $60 –$100/day . Accommodations comprise the majority of the modest budget. The pampered budget is about $150/day , including a nice hotel and dining out. The extravagant budget is upwards of $200/day for an opulent hotel room and dining out for every meal.

Kevin is the author of a series of historical novels on the Beatles (Les Beatles, un roman), published in his home province of Quebec. He used to work as an editor first, then as a director for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation but his midlife crisis left him wanting to see the world… He started writing and traveling and ended up in Asia, specifically Nha Trang, Vietnam, where he is living since 2019.

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Is Vietnam a cheap country to travel to? Travel costs, daily budgets and money-saving tips

Visitors are drawn to Vietnam for its bustling cities, rich history, paradise beaches and delicious food. But there’s another factor that shouldn’t be ignored: it’s cheap!

Kate Maskedtravelsx

Aug 21, 2023

Vietnam is fast becoming one of South East Asia's most popular countries . Why? It's bursting with diversity. Visiting this remarkable country feels like you’re discovering a new country everyday.

One day you’ll be lounging on a white-sand beach, staring up at Vietnam’s famous karst limestone rock formations. And the next, you’re jumping out of the way as a train comes rushing down the streets of Hanoi.

It’s a bucket-list destination for a lot of us. The thought of eating delicious Pho everyday, and uncovering its fascinating history , is almost irresistible.

It’s not only the food, history, culture, incredible landscapes and friendly people (see the list is endless) that draws people to Vietnam, it’s the price too!

It's true that flights to Vietnam can be expensive, but the cost of travelling, or living there, is extremely low. It’s music to our ears — Vietnam is an incredibly cheap country to travel to .

Why is Vietnam so cheap?

Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel . Even amongst the other countries in South East Asia, which are generally cheap places to travel, it’s still one of the cheapest.

Check out four of the cheapest Asian countries to travel long term .

There are two main reasons for Vietnam being so cheap.  

The first one is  currency . If you’re lucky, and from a country that uses the US Dollar, Euro, or British Pound then you’ll get more bang for your buck . These currencies have a strong purchasing power against the Vietnamese Dong.

The second reason is that labour costs are cheap in Vietnam . The labour costs that go into making your Pho for lunch are relatively low, meaning food prices remain low too.

Cost of transport in Vietnam

Vietnam has a good transport system . It’s a big country, with almost every form of transportation, so getting around is relatively easy .  The most populars ways to explore Vietnam include planes, trains, buses, boats, and, of course, motorbikes.

Here’s a run-down of when you should use each form of transport and the average cost of them:

Best for:  long distances. Whilst short plane journeys aren’t good for the environment, sometimes they're the only option. For example, getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes around 30 hours on a bus. If you need to get between the two cities quickly, then flying can be the best option.

Price: from $25 one-way

Best for: comfortable and long journey’s with a view. Trains are a great option in Vietnam. Most of the time, they offer comfortable journey’s, even the sleeper trains, which are a must-try experience in Vietnam. Along the way you’ll be treated to incredible views of Vietnam's countryside, and have a bit more freedom than sitting on a bus.

Price: depends on the distance. Between $15-80.

Best for: cheap travel and overnight journey’s. Similar to the trains, an overnight bus is a true Vietnam experience that every traveller should experience . Whilst you might not get the best nights sleep, they’re a lot of fun. Buses can be an easy and cheap way to get around Vietnam, but the quality can vary a lot between different companies. Make sure to do your research before hopping on a 12-hour bus that’s nearly falling apart!

Price: $0.20-$2 within cities. $5-30 between cities, depending on the distance.

Best for: adventure and convenience. The Hai Van Pass is the most famous road in Vietnam for riding a motorbike. The views are like nothing you’ve seen before, and the adrenaline that pulses through your veins is indescribable. Having your own motorbike means that you can stop when and where you want. Do be careful though!

Price: $6-10 per day. You can arrange a better price if you rent the bike for longer.

Cost of accommodation in Vietnam

The cost of accommodation in Vietnam depends entirely on what your budget is . If you’re a backpacker then you can score rooms for as cheap as $2 a night . They’re obviously not going to be the nicest place you’ve ever stayed, but they do the job.

Vietnam has an awesome hostel scene . Average hostel prices range between $5-15 in Vietnam, but even the cheapest of hostels can feel luxurious. It’s not hard to find a vibrant hostel with a pool, games area or bar.

If you’re past the days of sharing a room with 10 strangers, and would prefer a room to yourself, you can still find cheap accommodation. Private rooms in hostels, hotels or homestays start at around $12, and increase depending on the level of luxury that you’re after.

You can even stay in a five star hotel for as little as $30 ! That's nearly impossible in almost every other country.

How to save money on accommodation

Worldpackers connects travellers with incredible hosts all around the world. In exchange for your skills and time, you get free accommodation . This can be a shared room or, if you’re lucky, a room all to yourself.

Often you’re sharing the accommodation with other like-minded volunteers who end up becoming life-long friends by the end of your stay.

As well as the bonus of free accommodation, you also get to live alongside locals and enjoy an authentic experience.

• Also, take a look at: Teaching English in Vietnam: how to live this transformative experience .

There are over 40 volunteering opportunities in Vietnam on Worldpackers. Here are some that you should check out:

• Teach English in Hanoi City
• Experience tea processing in the mountains of the Baiyue tribes
• Care for disabled children in Hanoi
• Get your hands dirty on a sustainable farm

Daily budget for Vietnam

Travelling in Vietnam works for all types of budget . If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry as Vietnam can be super cheap. For those with a higher budget, you can enjoy the extremes of luxury, still without having to spend a lot.

Backpacker daily budget: $30 or less

Flashpacker daily budget: $30-50

Living-it-up daily budget: $50+

Tips for budget travellers in Vietnam

Vietnam is a cheap country to travel, but there are always extra ways to save money:

Act like a local

By this we mean eat and drink like a local . It’s the cheapest way to live in Vietnam. Instead of international beers, opt for local beers, like Tiger and Saigon, that will cost you around $1.

Street food is where you’ll find the cheapest price , but if you’re a bit cautious with street food, then local restaurants are a great second choice. You can find local dishes for around than $2.

Take overnight buses

Vietnam is famous for its sleeper buses — they're buses that allow you to lay flat and kind of get a good night's sleep. There are plenty of long journeys in Vietnam, so why not save on accommodation , and your time, by taking an overnight bus instead?

Travel out of season

This is a money-saving hack that’s relevant to every country. Travel outside of the peak periods and you’ll save a ton of money. Accommodation prices can double, or even triple, during peak season.

Try to travel in the shoulder months if you want to save money, and not have terrible weather. For Vietnam, this would be March, April, September and October . 

When locals see a foreigner walking down the street, they sometimes see a walking dollar sign. If you’re shopping in a market, the price they give you is likely to be at least double what it’s worth.

Make sure to haggle! Start with a price that is less than 50% of what they said, and then work towards a price that you're happy paying. 

Volunteering in Vietnam saves you money, but it also offers you an unforgettable , and even life-changing, experience . Exchanging your skills for free accommodation, and sometimes food, is great, but the lessons and new skills that you’ll learn are even better.

Spending a few weeks living and working alongside locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the lives of locals, getting a true insight into the culture.

Be sure to check the volunteer positions a few topics up in this article.

Is Vietnam worth visiting?

Without a doubt, Vietnam should be on your list of countries to visit . And before it becomes too touristy, like Thailand. Vietnam’s dynamic landscapes, rich history, and world-famous food offer a trip that you’ll never forget. And it’s cheap!

There’s nothing worse than travelling on a tight budget in an expensive country. You’re constantly worrying about how much you’re spending and having to make compromises.

That’s why travelling in a cheap country, like Vietnam, is great. You don’t have to worry about missing out on things. Everything is affordable, yet still incredible!

Check out this ultimate guide to Vietnam  and read about safety in Vietnam to help plan your trip.

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Kate Woodley

Maskedtravelsx

Kate is a Management Consultant (and now writer) who decided to take a 2 year career break and travel the world. She shares her travels around the world and shows people the fun of solo travelling!

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Aug 10, 2023

A really great place to visit. I will definitely go to these places in the future https://tinyfishing.co

Your article offers a unique perspective on the topic.

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Vietnam Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Most people either love or hate traveling in Vietnam. When I first went, there was a negative attitude towards foreign travelers (for good reason), lots of scams, and just not a lot of good vibes. But, since that trip many years ago, the country has changed a lot: it’s embraced tourism, people have opened up more, there’s fewer scams, and Ho Chi Minh City has even become a hub for digital nomads.

From exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the delicious food and fancy garments of Hoi An , Vietnam has a lot to see and do so take your time. Don’t rush your trip.

This budget travel guide to Vietnam can help you plan your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vietnam

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in vietnam.

1. Tour the Mekong Delta

The delta is a 60,000-kilometer (37,000-mile) long web of interconnected waterways, which spans three Vietnamese provinces and has been used since the 4th century BCE. What I love about this area is it’s filled with small villages, pagodas, mangroves, and orchards. The best way to experience the area is to go on a boat or bike tour, where you’ll experience rural Vietnamese culture. Some of favorite things include the Cai Rang floating market for the colorful fruits and veggies and vibrant atmosphere; Vinh Trang Pagoda for its impressive golden exterior and lush gardens; and the incredible Sadec Flower Village that is stunning and serene, even if you’re not a flower enthusiast. Spend a few days really getting to know the region outside the hustle and bustle of the cities. Day trips on the river start at around 575,000 VND per person.

2. Wander Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital dates to the 3rd century BCE when it was the capital of the ancient nation of Au Lac. I love to wander around the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. It’s a great place to get a feel for the city as there are tons of vendors, smells of street food, people watching, and bustle. Some of my favorite places to visit include the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Hanoi Water Puppet Theater. Be sure to check out the history museum to learn about French colonialism and Communist rule (from the Vietnamese perspective) as well as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi is also a good base for doing multi-day tours to Ha Long Bay.

3. Explore Ha Long Bay

This iconic region is home to more than 3,000 islands and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The towering limestone islands are covered in lush jungles and surrounded by calm emerald waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s located 2-3 hours from Hanoi and travelers can take multi-day boat cruises around the islands (most are 2-5 days). During the cruise, you’ll visit floating markets, incredible beaches, massive caves, and either sleep onboard your boat or on one of the many islands. Just keep in mind that this area is super popular and is often overcrowded. Cheap tours start around 1,200,000 VND while a mid-range tour costs around 3,000,000-4,500,000 VND. Just remember that you get what you pay for and the cheaper boats might be a bit run down.

4. Hang out in Hoi An

Hoi An was a thriving port city between the 15th and 19th centuries and the architecture is incredibly well preserved (the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It was easily my favorite place in Vietnam because I loved walking around, taking a thrilling sidecar trip in the countryside, and of course, Vietnamese cooking classes, which are great because you learn to prepare fresh fish caught right there. This place is famous for its tailors so if you’re looking to buy some custom made clothes at an inexpensive price, this is the spot to do it in. They will even ship it back to your home country.

5. Get adventurous in Sapa

This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking area and it’s hugely popular with all sorts of travelers. Sapa is famous for its hill tribes, lush vegetation, beautiful hiking trails, and breathtaking mountains. If you’re looking to experience the scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities Vietnam has to offer, this is the place. This area is rich in culture because it is comprised of 85% ethnic Vietnamese minority groups that have different colorful traditional dress and unique styles of houses. To avoid the tourists, come during the off-season or take longer hikes to parts the crowds don’t go to.

Other Things to See and Do

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I visit a new destination is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can answer all my questions. Both Hanoi and HCMH (the two largest and most popular cities in the country) have a few free tours available that cover the main highlights and are a great primer to the country (Hanoi Free Walking Tours and Saigon Free Day Tours are two companies worth checking out). Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

This extensive network of tunnels spans nearly 310 miles (500 kilometers). It was utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets. It’s a sobering experience and not one meant for anyone claustrophobic. However, if you want to better understand the terror of the Vietnam War, this is a must-visit. Admission is around 100,000 VND per person.

3. Relax or find adventure in Dalat

Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands and is popular with tourists who want to relax in the mountain air and those who want to participate in a host of adventure sports (such as rock climbing, ziplining, and rappelling). The hills around Dalat are filled with traditional tribal villages, which you can tour as well. Expect to pay around 2,000,000 VND per person for a full day of ziplining and rappelling around waterfalls.

4. Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

South of Hanoi lies Vietnam’s first National Park, Cuc Phuong. Covering 222 square kilometers (85 square miles), this place is home to over 2,000 species of trees and some truly rare wildlife including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur and Owston’s Civet. It was my favorite park in all of Vietnam and the only place I didn’t find hordes of tourists. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND.

5. Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and is definitely worth exploring. Ho Chi Minh is the place to really gain an understanding of French colonialism as well as the US headquarters there during the Vietnam War, which you can learn more about at the War Remnants Museum. Like most cities in Vietnam, you’ll be met with the roar of motorbikes speeding through colonial streets. I loved Ben Thanh Market, which is a must-see for amazing food and there is a great buzz of activity within the place. Don’t miss your chance to get the best Pho soup in Ho Chi Minh, that means some of the best is right on the side of the street.

6. Get active in Mui Ne

Despite being a fishing village, Mui Ne has a significant tourism scene due to its popularity as a wind- and kite-surfing destination. The best highlight for me aside from the beach was riding on the rolling sand dunes similar in size to the Saharan ones and also the Jeep Tour to the Fairy Stream through a canyon, which is not something you get to do very often! Also, don’t miss the 9th-century Po Shanu Cham Towers with beautiful views of the Phan Thiet coastal town. Mui Ne is definitely worth checking out for a day or two when you’re passing by on the bus because it has a nice chill vibe to it, friendly people, and beautiful sunsets.

7. See My Son

My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam that date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat. The entrance fee is 150,000 VND.

8. Visit the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Hang Son Doong is reputed to be the world’s largest cave and is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was discovered by a local in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009. You can arrange trips to see this stunning cave in all its glory with stalactites and stalagmites, an inner cave forest, and even cave pearls. You’ll be blown away by its beauty. Entrance to the caves is around 150,000 VND per person.

9. Check out the rice terraces

Outside of connections to the Vietnam War, the stereotypical image of Vietnam is of the many rice paddies. You can find these in the Muong Hoa Valley. If you’ve never visited rice terraces, you should make a point to see them in Vietnam. Visit them to learn about rice production and take stunning photographs of the unbelievable Vietnamese countryside. Expect tours to cost around 600,000 VND per person.

10. Relax in Hue

Hue is generally passed by, making it a bit of a quieter stop along the tourist trail. Stroll along the beautiful Perfume River and into the Imperial Citadel. Don’t miss the Tu Hieu Pagoda and the Tombs of the Emperors, which mostly date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the main tombs to see are the Tomb of Minh Mang, the Tomb of Tu Duc, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.

11. Take a cooking class

Vietnamese food is delicious and the best way to learn about these incredible dishes is to take a cooking class. You’ll not only learn how to make some of these tasty meals but you’ll get to interact with a local chef who can teach you about their history and cultural significance. Many cooking classes also include a visit to the local market where you’ll shop for ingredients. Prices vary but expect to pay at least 800,000 VND per person.

12. Tour the former DMZ

The Vietnamese Demilitarized zone was the dividing line between the Communist north and anti-Communist south during the Vietnam War. It was in use from 1954 to 1976. These days, you can take a tour of the DMZ from Hue and learn about the conflict from expert guides who were actually involved in the war (or survived it as civilians). You’ll see secret tunnels, learn about military surveillance, and get insight about the conflict from a perspective not often shown in the media. Full-day tours from Hue start around 2,500,000 VND.

13. Buy a motorbike

If you’re an adventurous traveler, buy a motorbike and drive the length of the country. This is considered the best way to travel Vietnam by veteran backpackers who like to get off the beaten path. You can buy bikes in Hanoi or HCMC at either end of the country and then make your way to the opposite end, stopping along the way over the course of a few weeks. While it’s not for everyone, this mode of travel offers the most freedom as you’ll be able to visit a lot of places that the buses and trains don’t stop at. You can buy a bike for as little as 4,800,000 VND, and then you can sell it once your trip is done to recoup some of the cost. There are always backpackers looking to buy a bike in HCMC and Hanoi.

14. Sample the local coffee

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer (after Brazil) exporting a whopping 1.5 million tons of it per year (after rice, it’s their biggest export). Even if you don’t drink coffee (I don’t), trying fresh coffee here is a must. Whether you just hop arounds cafes, do a tasting experience in Hanoi of HCMC, or head out to one of the many coffee plantations, learning about this vital crop (and also sampling it fresh) is an experience not to be missed. Expect a half-day plantation tour (with lots of samples) to cost around 700,000 VND.

For more information on specific cities in Vietnam, check out the following guides:

• Hanoi Travel Guide
• Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
• Hoi An Travel Guide
• Nha Trang Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels start at around 100,000 VND per night for a dorm room. These can be a bit rustic and no-frills. For a hostel with more amenities, such as free breakfast or a a free happy hour (as well as improved cleanliness), expect to pay double. Private rooms cost at least 350,890-425,000 VND per night for a double room. Most hostels include free Wi-Fi, and many also include free breakfast or free beer during certain hours of the day. Self-catering facilities are not very common since eating out is so cheap.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is not legal in Vietnam. While it is still possible to do as enforcement is sparse (especially if you’re sleeping in a hammock), I also wouldn’t recommend it. Insects and animals can be an issue, there are lots of landmines still undiscovered out in the brush, and robbery can occur. Stay safe and stick to hostels.

For a budget hotel with a double bed, expect to pay around 225,000 VND per night. This usually includes free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

On Airbnb, a private room costs at least 325,000 VND per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 600,000 VND. Prices double when not booked in advance so plan accordingly

Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as bahn me , and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint.

You can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for 20,000 VND. Street food is the cheapest and the most delicious food option in the country.

Most sit-down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 45,000-95,000 VND. The fancier (and more touristy) the restaurant, the more expensive.

Western food is also more expensive, usually around 110,000 VND for a fast food meal, so skip it if you’re on a budget.

If you want to splash out on a fancy three-course meal, expect to spend around 250,000 VND.

A liter of water at a convenience store is about 15,000 VND, while beer or soda is about 20,000-35,000 VND.

For those looking to cook their own meals, expect to pay at least 400,000 VND per week for basic groceries. Be sure to shop at the local markets to get the cheapest and freshest food. That being said, food is so cheap in the country that it’s simply easier – and cheaper – to just eat street food, especially as most hostels and hotels don’t have shared kitchens.

Backpacking Vietnam Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Vietnam for 600,000 VND per day. This budget covers a stay in a large hostel dorm, eating street food for all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking the bus, and doing free activities in each destination. If you plan on drinking, add another 20,000-40,000 VND to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 1,125,000 VND per day covers staying in a cheap hotel, eating street food and at the occasional sit-down restaurant, enjoying a few more drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities such as museum visits and water upper shows.

On an upscale budget of 2,460,000 VND, you can stay in a nice hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, and more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want, including a multi-day trip to Ha Long Bay. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Vietnam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Vietnam is a very affordable country. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest in Southeast Asia. Even with the explosion of tourism in the last few years, it still remains very affordable. You’ll be hard pressed to spend money if you’re sticking to non-Western food, cocktails, and hotels. However, if you’re looking to travel even cheaper and save some money, here are some tips:

• Eat delicious street food – The street food here is excellent and cheap, and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side pho, bread, sandwiches, donuts, and bananas are your best deals.
• Late-night travel – If traveling on long journeys, try to take the late-night “sleeper” buses or trains as these will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation. Depending on the company, you may even have a chance to comfortably lie flat as you ride through the dark countryside to your next destination.
• Take the tourist bus – It is actually cheaper to take the tourist bus around the country than taking local transportation because of the “tourist” price you get at the bus station. Tickets from one end of the country to another are very affordable.
• Fly for cheap – Vietnam’s low-cost airlines VietJet and FlyVietnam are extremely inexpensive. This is a great option for people with limited time to explore different regions of Vietnam. Both airlines frequently offer special deals and at the time of writing this, Hanoi to Da Nang is just 820,000 VND!
• Bargain hard – Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cyclos (a three-wheel bicycle taxi) to clothes to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.
• Avoid paying tourist prices – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should I pay to have a gown like this made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Hanoi is not safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw make a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

To help you save money on accommodation, here’s a list of my recommended hostels and budget hotels in Vietnam:

• Mad Monkey (Hoi An)
• Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel (Hoi An)
• Little Hanoi Hostel (Hanoi)
• San Palace Hotel & Spa (Hanoi)
• Hanoi House Hostel & Travel (Hanoi)
• Ccasa Hostel & Coffee Bar (Nha Trang)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• Orchid’s Saigon Hotel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Vietnam

Public transportation – Larger cities in Vietnam (such as Hanoi and HCMC) have reliable and safe public transportation. In Hanoi, there are buses that cover most of the city and generally have stops near all the major tourist sites. Tickets are paid for in cash on the bus and generally cost 7,000-15,000 VND depending on how far you go. HCMC also has a large network of buses, with tickets costing up to 10,000 VND (again, depending on how far you travel).

Cyclos (a bicycle rickshaw) is one of the cheapest ways to get around. A short ride costs as little as 12,000 VND, while a longer night ride costs upwards of 40,000 VND. A more popular option is the ze om , a motorbike taxi that has fares starting from 15,000 VND. You’ll have to hold on tight though (and make sure you wear a helmet as accidents are common).

Train – A lot of people love taking the train in Vietnam because it’s safe, affordable, and comfortable and, although some routes might be slow, you’ll get some amazing views of the Vietnamese countryside. The rail network also covers most of the country, so you can get just about everywhere you want to go (except the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta). You can use the website Baolau to research train schedules and book your tickets. A train journey between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (which spans the entire length of the country) starts at 1,000,000 VND for a soft seat (not a berth). The journey takes three days. Hanoi to Hue costs around 600,000 VND and takes around 13 hours while HCMC to Nha Trang costs around 500,000 VND and takes 8 hours.

Bus – It’s easy to find long-distance hop on, hop off bus tours running the length of Vietnam. You can hop on or off at any stop along the way. They cater to tourists, but locals actually use this service too since it’s super affordable. Prices depend on route and operator but generally, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is between 815,000-1,600,000 VND.

Flying – Flying domestically in Vietnam is a good idea if you’re looking to fit a lot into a shorter trip. For example, a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes two hours while the train ride would take at least 30 hours. One-way flights around the country start at around 590,000 VND.

Car rental – Vietnam is very easy to navigate by bus, so I don’t really suggest renting a car here — especially because traffic in the cities is very hectic and accidents are common. That said, car rentals are affordable, costing around 500,000 VND per day. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Vietnam

In the southern part of Vietnam, the dry season lasts from December to late April/May while the rainy season occurs from May to the end of November. The rainy season usually just means brief heavy downpours in the afternoon, although sometimes the Mekong Delta will flood. The dry season is the best time to visit but keep in mind that it’s winter up north and it’s going to be a lot colder in the north than the south. Rainy season isn’t that bad either but, like the name implies, it rains a lot.

May through November is still a good time to visit. Temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), but they can sometimes get as high as 40°C (104°F) in the hottest months (March to the end of May). The south especially gets very hot and humid during this time but it’s perfect beach weather!

Along the central coast, the rainfall pattern differs quite a bit. In the northern part of the region (like Hué and Da Nang), the rain lasts from September to February. February to May is the best time to visit this area. Temperatures soar from June to August, often in the high 30s°C (80s°F).

In Northern Vietnam, the weather is most pleasant from October to December.

The weather in Vietnam varies so much per region so it’s hard to pick the best time to go. But generally, it’s recommended to visit sometime between September-December and March-April if you’re hoping to get an overall experience in the country.

How to Stay Safe in Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is really, really rare. Petty theft is the most likely thing to happen to you here. Always keep your valuables secure when out and about just to be safe. Lock your windows and use common safety sense, especially in bars at night and in touristy areas.

Traffic in the major cities (specifically Hanoi) is super hectic and there are virtually no rules of the road. There are also millions of motorbikes and scooters here (literally). For that reason, take extra caution when crossing the street. It’s best to just walk as directly and calmly as possible and let the traffic weave around you. If you’re not comfortable doing that alone, follow locals when they cross.

If renting a bike or riding on the back of one, make sure you always wear a helmet. Accidents are incredibly common here, both in the traffic-heavy cities but also in rural areas where roads can be less than optimal.

There are some common scams in Vietnam, such as the motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for pre-existing damage to your bike rental. When renting anything, take photos and videos beforehand just in case.

Be sure to always count your change. The money is similar looking here so oftentimes people will “mistakenly” give you the wrong change hoping you won’t notice that the 200,000 VND bill you just got is actually only 20,000. Always count your change here!

Most scams here are really just people trying to try to nickel and dime you and try to get you to spend extra money since they know, as a tourist, you have more than they do. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Use common sense when using dating apps while traveling and meet in public places.

Street food here is very safe, but whenever you’re not sure of where to eat simply find somewhere where there are locals eating. If it’s good (and safe) enough for them, you should be fine. Avoid meat that looks uncooked or that has been out in the sun too long. Always wash your hands before and after eating just to be safe.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Be sure to make copies of your important documents in case of theft.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Vietnam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Vietnam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Biking the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Why I’ll Never Return to Vietnam

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How to Plan the Perfect Vietnam Itinerary (2-3 Weeks)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

If you’re a backpacker or crave a little luxury while immersing yourself in culture, then Vietnam is for you. Vietnam is one of your best choices because the country is easily one of the most budget-friendly in the world making your luxurious vacation possible.

But with so much to see and do how do you even begin to plan traveling through Vietnam? Luckily Vietnam caters to tourists in many ways.

It’s a breeze to travel either by bus, train, or by motorbike, it’s relatively easy to communicate, and everyone travels on the same path so it’s easy to make friends (either north to south or south to north).

My best advice is to make sure you give yourself enough time to see all of the country. I’d say a minimum of 2 weeks, but even that makes for a tight schedule so I’d follow my Vietnam 3-week itinerary instructions below.

It’s easy to get a month-long Vietnam visa so I recommend getting one and being able to extend your stay if you need to (as you’ll probably want to!).

Table of Contents

Vietnam Fast Facts

Currency:  Vietnamese dong Language:  Vietnamese Population:  96.5 million Religion:  Buddhist is the majority

Now that you know all of the budget tips, here’s a rough backpacking Vietnam itinerary; what places to visit in Vietnam, for how long, and what things to do in Vietnam! Keep in mind this is a rough guide to give you an idea of how much time to spend in each place.

Vietnam Itinerary

Now it’s time to figure out where to go in Vietnam. This Vietnam route covers all of the best places to visit in Vietnam and what to see in Vietnam but there are definitely some other areas worth checking out too. This Vietnam travel guide covers the basics so you won’t miss the good stuff.

Recommended Vietnam Tours

• Vietnam Express Northbound – 10 days
• Vietnam Intro – 12 days
• Vietnam Experience – 12 days, read my review of Contiki tours

Vietnam Itineraries by Length

2 weeks in Vietnam

• Hanoi (2 days)
• Sapa (2 days)
• Halong Bay (2 days)
• Hue (2 days)
• Hoi An (2 days)
• Mui Ne (1 day)
• Ho Chi Minh (3 days)

3 weeks in Vietnam

• Halong Bay (3 days)
• Ninh Binh (1 day)
• Hoi An (3 days)
• Nha Trang (3 days)
• Mui Ne (2 days)

How this Vietnam backpacking guide works:  If you wish to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam choose the minimum amount of days for each destination. If you want a Vietnam 3-week itinerary choose the maximum amount of days. This itinerary moves north to south, it can easily be done in reverse.

Daily Breakdown of My Vietnam Trip Itinerary

Hanoi: 2 days.

DAY ONE:  Start to orient yourself in this hectic city by exploring the streets. You’re bound to find something cool. Visit the Old Quarter to take a step back in time with the French colonial buildings that stand between the merchants selling all sorts of random things.

Take a peek at the Women’s Museum to understand more about the women’s role in the Vietnamese culture and make sure you find a spot to try some egg coffee.

DAY TWO:  Get out early and head straight to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum . It’s quite interesting to see how they’ve preserved Ho Chi Minh’s body and all the grand facilities. It closes early (approx. 12PM) so be sure to line up early and double check the times.

From there you can visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and/or the Ho Chi Minh Museum which are both close to the Mausoleum. Then spend the afternoon on a street food tour of the city.

READ MORE: What to do in Hanoi & Where to Stay in Hanoi

Sapa: 2 Days

Sapa is one of the best places to see in Vietnam. And it is the place in Vietnam for trekking. You can either book a 2-3 day tour through a company that will include your buses to Sapa and back to Hanoi that includes your trek leaders, homestay, and food. Or you can choose to do it on your own . Plenty of backpackers stay at homestays so you’re bound to find someone to go trekking with if you’re solo.

READ MORE: Trekking in Sapa: The Good, The Bad and the Landslides

Halong Bay: 2-3 Days

Halong Bay is definitely some of the best of Vietnam. Most tours and buses will use Hanoi as their start and end point, so if you choose to do Sapa and Halong Bay (which I highly recommend) then you’ll come back to Hanoi in between for a night.

The majority of people choose to do a tour for Halong Bay (there are literally hundreds) that are either 2-3 days long. Or you can do it on your own. Most people who do it on their own will head to Cat Ba island which is the largest island in the area. Many tours include a stop at Cat Ba, but not all.

Tours can include either sleeping on the boat, on an island or both. They can include activities such as kayaking, cliff jumping, hiking and more. Though most are pretty much the same it’s best to go with a recommendation.

The one advertised in Central Backpackers has good feedback and by-far the most popular for backpackers is the Castaway tour. It has stellar reviews but is definitely for people who like to party and it’s not the most budget-friendly. But if you’re going to splurge while in Vietnam, Halong Bay is the place to do it!

Ninh Binh: 1 Day

My best advice for Ninh Binh is to get in and get out. Though it is beautiful and referred to as the Halong Bay on land, there is not much to do and you can do it all in one day. Stay in the Tam Coc area as it is the closest to all of the major attractions.

DAY NINE: Before it gets too hot jump on a boat and ride through Tam Coc to see all of the limestone formations and caves. Close by is Bich Dong pagoda, which is not spectacular, but interesting to see.

And lastly take a walk up the 500 steps to the top of the mountain to admire the limestone formations from above. Trust me, it’s worth the walk up!

Hue: 2 Days

Though Hue can be done in a day, it can be exhausting to take two nights buses back to back. So either get through quickly or take an extra day to leisurely explore Hue.

DAY 10:  In the morning explore the citadel . It’s a lot of walking so be prepared for the heat. In the afternoon rent a scooter and head to the abandoned waterpark for Instagram-worthy pictures.

DAY 11:  There are seven tombs around the countryside that you’re able to go take a peek at. They’re where some of the rulers from the Nguyen Dynasty lie. Then head over to Thien Mu Pagoda for a bit more history. It’s still regarded as a holy site that has many monks visiting every day.

And lastly check out the Dong Ba markets to get a taste of the local culture.

Hoi An: 2-3 Days

Hoi An is often called the Venice of Asia because of the river that runs through the city and all of the historical sites. Its got more of a small town than city feel and is famous for having anything tailor-made for you.

DAY 12:  Take the morning to get yourself oriented in town and start getting ideas of what you want made. It’s best to browse through the shops to see what they can make, though the tailors can make virtually anything.

If you need to move on quickly then go to a shop for a fitting as sometimes they need 2-3 fittings to get your piece exactly as you want it. You can then spend the afternoon lounging on one of Hoi An’s beaches that lie just outside of town.

DAY 13:  This day you’ll have to head back to any fitting’s that you may have. Before or after you can roam the streets some more and visit any of the historical sites that interest you. You need to purchase a ticket to see these sites.

During the evening make your way to see a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. It sounds funny, but it was actually quite entertaining. Tickets can be bought in town the day of the show.

DAY 14: Finish up any fittings you may have left. Take a cooking class in Hoi An because they have some unique dishes that are only made in this area of Vietnam and are some of the best dishes in the country.

On your last evening spend time walking by the river to see the lanterns and to explore the food and shopping markets in the area.

READ MORE: 11 Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam and Where to Stay in Hoi An (The Best Hotels and Hostels)

Nha Trang: 2-3 Days

Though Nha Trang is known as the place where all the Russian tourists go in Vietnam, there’s good reason why they go: Vietnam beaches. It’s the perfect spot to rest up and enjoy some quality beach time before tackling the south of the country.

DAY 15: Enjoy the beach! Trust me, you’ll be tired after arriving on an overnight bus at 4 AM. At night head to Skylight to par-tay. Its got a seriously great 360 degree view and the drinks are worth the price. They’re delicious!

Warning: the party may not start right away, but it will end up a good time with everyone dancing. Pro tip: If you’re used to strong drinks make sure you ask for it, drinks in Vietnam are made weaker than western standards!

DAY 16: Embrace the inner kid in you and go to Vin Pearl. It’s a water and theme park in one. It is a pricier day, but it’s well worth it. Head in early to avoid line-ups and go to the water park first, everyone will go there in the afternoon and it gets packed but in the morning almost no one is there.

DAY 17: After a day of acting like a child and playing you can take some time to enjoy the spa. Head to one of the famous mud spa’s and leave feeling refreshed and cleansed. It’s a four step process and after you can relax by the pool. There are multiple spas to choose from, I arranged one with a pick-up and drop-off through the recommended hostel below.

READ MORE: 9 Things to do in Nha Trang and Where to Stay in Nha Trang

Mui Ne: 1 Day

DAY 18: Mui Ne can easily be done in a day. Spend the morning lounging at the pool at the hostel I recommend below then go on a tour of the red and white sand dunes and the fairy stream. You can head out that evening on another night bus to your last destination.

READ MORE:  8 Epic Things to do in Mui Ne &   Where to Stay in Mui Ne

Ho Chi Minh: 2-3 Days

Ho Chi Minh is more often referred to as Saigon, its original name that is preferred by the locals.

DAY 19: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh and prepare yourself for a somewhat somber day. Ho Chi Minh is full of war history that’s both interesting and good to know.

First, you can head to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam war. Secondly, check out the Independence Palace to be taken back to the 70’s that served as a government building during the war. And lastly, you should see the Bến Thành Market for some shopping and dinner.

DAY 20: Take a day trip to the  Củ Chi tunnels . They’re outside the city so it’s very popular to book a tour and have a bus full of tourists take you out. These tunnels are famous because they were used during the war, some locals even living in them. It’s difficult to understand what it was actually like until you go into the tunnels, which you actually do on the tour!

When you get back to the city find a rooftop bar (there are plenty) to chill at for the night and enjoy the view of the bustling city lights.

DAY 21:  For your last day in Vietnam you can take another day trip to the Mekong River or use this day to relax at another spot during your trip!

READ MORE: 12 of the Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh  &   Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh

There are some Vietnam destinations that I didn’t mention, Dalat is one of them. I unfortunately, had to skip it because it is for those adventurous souls who like to jump from heights or go canyoning (these were not possible with my sprained ankle).

But if you’re into that then definitely take 2-3 days to see Dalat between Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh.

Where to Go in Vietnam

A quick overview of the best places to visit in Vietnam that are detailed in this Vietnam itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Deciding when the best time to visit Vietnam is tricky as the country is dominated by monsoon reasons (don’t be surprised to see streets flooding) and since the country is so long from north to south it can make picking one month of the year to travel difficult but not impossible.

Ideally, the best time to go to Vietnam is in the spring (February-April) or fall (August-October) as you will see the least amount of rainfall (but still expect some) during these two time periods. The temperature will be warm but not scorching hot and in the north you should expect to have a few layers as temperatures are cooler.

Avoid the north in the winter as places such as Sapa can get snow or the summer where the heat in the cities is almost unbearable.

In the spring and fall Hanoi (north) averages temperatures as low as 16°C and as high as 30°C. (60°-86°F). Ho Chi Minh (south) hovers around the 30°C (86°F) mark.

Vietnam Budget

Get excited because Vietnam is so cheap! You’ll be able to stretch your dollar far in this country with a backpacking Vietnam budget that doesn’t have to generous to get you far.

For a Vietnam daily budget you will be able to do everything you want and drink your heart out at night while backpacking in Vietnam easily for $50 a day which is a very easy Vietnam backpacking budget to follow. And if you’re on a tight budget you can still do plenty on $25 a day.

If you want a little luxury $75 a day will get you that and anything above $100 a day (which is a very high budget for Vietnam) and you’ll be living the life.

Vietnam accommodation is where you’ll save a ton. Hostels typically start at 100,000 ($5) for a night including breakfast and sometimes even a pool. There’s no need to pay more than 230,000 ($10) for a hostel as these will be plenty nice. Many also include free beer for 1-hour everyday.

Food is also dirt cheap. You can get a bowl of pho or other dishes at street stalls for as cheap as 20,000 (less than $1) (you must try Bánh mì). Sit down restaurants are typically double the price or more (so still very affordable) and western restaurants will be the most expensive 150,000 ($6.50) for a higher end meal.

Fresh beer is the cheapest for 3,700 ($0.16) in a restaurant with bottles costing between 20,000-30,000 ($0.86-$1.38) but expect to pay double in clubs.

Transportation is, you guessed it, also cheap but there’s more about that below.

Lastly, activities will be your most expensive cost in Vietnam. Entrances to most museums and buildings are around 15,000-45,000 ($0.65-$2). Day trips are typically $15-25 and multiple day trips average at about $100.

READ MORE: How to Create a Backpacking Budget for a Southeast Asia Trip

If you’re worried about not having enough money for your Vietnam trip, why not try volunteering to extend your travels? With Worldpackers you get access to a ton of volunteer opportunities with verified hosts in Vietnam (and around the world) plus you join a community of over 1 million travellers for only $49 a year (BUT you get $10 off when you use the code TAYLORSTRACKS ).

READ MORE: How to Volunteer in Southeast Asia (So You Can Travel for Longer)

Getting Around Vietnam

Travel to Vietnam can be easy or complicated but once you’re in Vietnam it’s quite simple.

Bus:  Vietnam is known for its night buses, and they’re dirt cheap. They have the best sleeper buses in Southeast Asia so your chance of getting a decent night’s sleep is pretty good.

I recommend buying them as a package. You simply pick which destinations you want (or may want) to go to as the price changes based on how many places you want to visit. You pay upfront and get the tickets on the spot. Then at each new destination, you call a day before and let them know you want on the next night bus.

Some I even booked day of and only once was I not able to get on that night’s bus. For $45USD I took 5 buses. Keep in mind that when taking night buses it means you don’t have to pay for accommodation!

Train:  Trains in Vietnam are a true Vietnamese experience where you may even get to mingle with some locals.  They are a more expensive option compared to buses but they are more comfortable.

The best part is that sleeper trains are available so you can save on accommodation as you travel longer distances overnight and not waste precious daytime travelling around Vietnam by air. Most train stations are in the city centre in main cities (with the exception of Hoi An, the closest train station is Da Nang which is only a taxi ride to Hoi An). Tickets can be as cheap as $11.50 but as much as $50 depending on the length of the route or class you opt for.

Motorbike:  A lot of travel in Vietnam is through the country by motorbike if you’re feeling a little adventurous. You’ll find plenty for sale either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. I was definitely too much of a chicken to try but heard so many good things by others who chose to explore Vietnam by motorbike .

Flying: Flying in Vietnam should be your last option. I only recommend it if flying from one end of the country to the other or simply to fly into the country from wherever you are. Flying in Vietnam is cheap too as there are low-cost carriers. Just be sure to have the right visa if flying into the country.

For the most part you can walk pretty much anywhere in Vietnam if you’re staying in the central areas (which you can do so cheaply). Or taxis are very affordable. Be careful to not get scammed, it’s best to take the green taxis because they’re metered. You can also get taxi bikes through Grab.

Travel Insurance Vietnam

READ MORE: 11 Common Southeast Asia Travel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Did you get all of that?! Vietnam is a country so vastly different from North to South that it needed to be broken down like this. Every place I mentioned is worth a visit and there are still more places to visit. These are the highlights and some of the best places in Vietnam that are the ideal Vietnam backpacking itinerary!

Be open to the people, the customs, and the food when you backpack Vietnam. Visit Vietnam without any expectations. Let the country tell you how to feel and you will have an unreal time and unforgettable adventure during your Vietnam holidays.

Heading to Southeast Asia? You’ll love these posts:

• Vietnam Trip Planning Resources
• 51 Travel Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia

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How Much Money Do I Need In Vietnam?

How much money do you need to visit Vietnam? The answer ultimately depends on what kind of food you plan to eat, what standard of accommodation you plan to stay in, and how you plan to make your way around the country.

Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest growing countries but it’s still possible to travel in Vietnam on a backpacker’s budget of $40 or less per day, or enjoy a more comfortable trip for $60 to $100 per day.

Below, we’ve broken down the costs of travelling in Vietnam, from hotels to buses, flights and food. We’ve also covered factors like Vietnam’s currency and the availability of ATMs, credit card usage and the cost of visas and other travel documents.

Vietnam Holiday Essentials

• Where To Stay In Vietnam: See our guides for the best areas and the best hotels to stay in capital city Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City .
• Things To Do In Vietnam: Book online from huge lists of activities in Ho Chi Minh City , Hanoi , Ha Long Bay , Nha Trang , and more .
• Flights To Vietnam: Find the cheapest tickets and check times to Ho Chi Minh City or the capital Hanoi from dozens of airlines.
• Vietnam Airport Transfers: Book a convenient airport transfer for hassle-free arrival at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi .
• Vietnam Itineraries: Make the most of your trip with our 1-week and 2-week Vietnam itineraries, and our extensive guides for how to spend 2 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam and 2 weeks in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam .
• Vietnam Packing List: Don’t forget any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Vietnam .

How Much Will My Vietnam Trip Cost? How To Quickly Figure It Out

• How Long Are You Going For? Decide how many days you’ll be in Vietnam. Choose some dates.
• Flights: Compare the prices and timings of international flights to Vietnam – between $800 to $1000 for USA and Europe to Vietnam.
• Accommodation: Decide what type of accommodation you want and check pricing. Hanoi (Vietnam’s capital) and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are a good benchmark, most other places in Vietnam are cheaper
• Private room with own bathroom $12 to 20 a night – see recommended places in Hanoi | see recommended places in Ho Chi Minh City
• Mid range 3 star hotel $30 to 50 a night – see recommended places in Hanoi | see recommended places in Ho Chi Minh City
• Luxury 4 -5 star hotel $100 and up a night – see recommended places in Hanoi | see recommended places in Ho Chi Minh City
• Food in Vietnam: budget $20 a day for a comfortable 3 meals and coffee, snacks etc. This doesn’t include alcohol and cigarettes, both of which are relatively cheap in Vietnam.
• Activities in Vietnam: a full day trip to Halong Bay is $50 , a Hanoi food tour $30 , an Instagram Hanoi tour $35 , a Chu Chi Tunnels Tour $20 , a Mekong Delta 2 day tour $200 … budget for $50 a day on average for things to do in Vietnam. Browse GetYourGuide for a huge list of Vietnam activities and to get a sense of prices for the things you want to do.
• Travel around Vietnam: buses and trains are cheap, domestic flights fairly cheap. You obviously won’t be travelling every day. Budget $200 – $300 for the whole trip to move around. Check 12go for an overview of transport options for specific journeys in Vietnam you want to make e.g. Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang . You can compare the cost and journey time between bus, train and plane to see if the time is worth the money saved.

Check Hotel Availability And Pricing

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Daily Budget for Vietnam

• Although Vietnam is getting more expensive every year, it’s still a cheap country to visit. Costs are comparable to Thailand and other nearby countries like Cambodia, although like with any country, certain things are either cheaper or more expensive in Vietnam than elsewhere.
• As a general rule, you’ll be able to travel around Vietnam as a backpack on a budget of $40 to $50 per day. However, your luxuries will be limited and you’ll spend more of your time eating at local restaurants instead of Western cafés and eateries.
• For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you’ll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms.
• For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs. This gives you enough to pay for a comfortable three to four star hotel room, eat in mid-range to high-end restaurants and visit most activities and attractions.
• For a five-star experience in Vietnam, expect to pay $150 per day at the bare minimum (you’ll spend about $75-$100 for your hotel room, at the very least) or $200+ if you plan on dining out often and staying in a very luxurious hotel.

Things To Do In Vietnam – How Much Do Activities Cost?

There are countless activity options for your time in Vietnam. Below is a small sample of popular tour and activities in and around Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – you can book all of these activities online , but you can also simply check them out for a sense of the price and then shop around when you arrive on the ground.

Ho Chi Minh City Things To Do

• Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels Learn about Vietnam’s history and visit Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion Southern Vietnams Mekong Delta is a stunning maze of rivers, islets, Khmer pagodas, floating markets and small villages with rice paddies. This 9 hour tour is a visual buffet of delights.
• Saigon Skydeck Take in 360-degree views of the city from the 70th floor of Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest building, Bitexco Financial Tower.
• City Motorbike Adventures Urban scooter adventures to explore Saigon’s diverse districts and markets – no need to drive yourself, you’ll be riding on the back of the bike!
• Vietnamese Food Cooking Class Learn how to make Vietnamese food, visit a market for ingredients and dine on your creations.

Hanoi Food Tours

• Old Quarter Food Tour Try a myriad of local delicacies, from the French-influenced Vietnamese banh mi and Bun Cha noodles to sweet milk dessert, fruity drinks, and egg coffee.
• Evening Street Eats Tour the backstreets and local markets to sample some of the best local food under the guidance of a resident foodie.
• Street Food Walking Tour Discover delicious mouth-watering street food from family-run stalls and restaurants.
• Home Cooking Class Learn how to recreate Vietnamese dished with an experienced chef. Includes market visit and take home recipes.

Halong Bay and Sapa Sightseeing

• Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise Enjoy beautiful Halong Bay, this unique location is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and a stunning area not to be missed.
• Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Day Trip Visit Vietnam’s ancient capital and enjoy the scenery and diverse landscapes along the Tam Coc River.
• 2 Day, 1 Night Sapa Trekking Tour Immerse yourself in Vietnams stunning countryside, see village life and include a hotel or homestay.

Travel Insurance For Vietnam

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Food in Vietnam

• One of the easiest ways to save money in Vietnam is to eat local food. Vietnamese food is tasty, affordable and — provided you avoid the deep fried dishes — substantially healthier than most of the alternative options you’ll find in cafés and Western restaurants.
• For the most part, street food stands and small restaurants in Vietnam are clean, sanitary and completely safe. They’re also amazingly cheap, with snacks and small dishes available from as little as 10,000 dong a piece.
• Some of the most popular Vietnamese dishes include pho (noodle soup), which is available for 15,000 to 50,000, depending on the ingredients, and makes a great simple breakfast. Bánh mì, which are meat and pickled vegetable sandwiches, can also be found for 10,000 to 35,000.
• Because of Vietnam’s import taxes, some Western restaurants will be priced equally or higher than they would be in Western countries. Expect to pay 100,000-150,000 for dishes like pizza, Indian curry, spaghetti and other simple dishes and 400,000+ for steak, usually imported from Australia or New Zealand.
• If you like street food, expect to spend $10 to $15 per day for your meals. If you prefer to eat in air conditioned restaurants, it’s best to budget $15 to $30, or more if you plan to eat expensive, imported items like steak and certain seafood dishes.
• Like all countries, food costs can range from cheap to incredibly expensive in Vietnam. If you’re fond of dining in hotels and high-end restaurants and have a taste for nice wine, it’s completely possible to spend $200 or more on a meal for two in a high-end restaurant in Hanoi or Saigon.

Street Food and Cafés in Ho Chi Minh City

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: Popular bánh mì outlet close to Ben Thanh Market, with some of the best sandwiches you’ll find in Ho Chi Minh City. Prices are fixed at 35,000 dong as of February 2017, which is more expensive than other bánh mì shops but worth it for the quality ingredients.
• Pho Le: One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular pho shops, famous for strongly seasoned pho and its somewhat cramped interior. Like Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, Pho Le is slightly more expensive than other pho restaurants but is famous among locals and visitors alike for its quality.
• Bookworm’s Coffee: Coffee shop and restaurant in Pham Ngu Lao, close to the backpacker district. A great option for strong coffee, tea, burgers and vegetarian food.
• The Workshop: One of many high-end cafés to have opened in Ho Chi Minh City over the last few years, The Workshop serves cold brew coffee, espresso and other favourites in a top-floor location overlooking Dong Khoi Street.

High-end Dining in Ho Chi Minh City

• Mandarine Restaurant Saigon: High-end Vietnamese dining in a beautiful historic building. A great option if you’d like to explore Vietnamese food beyond what’s available on the streets and in the shopping malls.
• La Villa French Restaurant: One of many French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, La Villa is a great choice if you’re seeking a break from Vietnamese food and want a rich French dinner with great wines and desserts.
• The Deck Saigon: An excellent bar and restaurant, The Deck Saigon is located on the bank of the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2. One of the best places to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon.

Street Food and Cafés in Hanoi

• Banh Mi 25: Located a short walk from Hoan Kiem, Banh Mi 25 sells great sandwiches priced from 25,000 dong. A great place to enjoy a cup of fresh coffee and a filling sandwich before starting your day.
• S’Patisserie: A nice café and eatery located on the southern edge of Hoan Kiem, S’Patisserie is a great place to enjoy strong coffee and rich, tasty French desserts. Also served a good variety of European lunch dishes.
• Pho Thin: One of Hanoi’s most popular pho restaurants, Pho Thin serves excellent Vietnamese noodle soup for around 50,000 dong. It’s best to arrive a few minutes before you plan to eat, as this restaurant is always crowded with both visitors and locals alike.

High-end Dining in Hanoi

• Spices Garden: High-end Vietnamese dining in a beautiful colonial setting, with a diverse menu covering most areas of Vietnam. Located inside the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
• La Badiane: Excellent French-inspired restaurant with indoor and courtyard dining areas. Prices are on the high side for Vietnam but very reasonable compared to similar restaurants in Western countries.
• Jacksons Steakhouse: Small, charming steakhouse serving up American, Australian and New Zealand beef. Also has a great cocktail and dessert menu.

Alcohol and Cigarettes in Vietnam

• Alcohol is very affordable in Vietnam, with bia hoi (locally brewed beer served on tap) available from as little as 5,000 dong in local restaurants and backpacker hangouts.
• Expect to pay about 30,000 to 50,000 dong for canned or bottled beers in backpacker areas like Bui Vien in Ho Chi Minh City and the Old Quarter in Hanoi, or up to 100,000 in normal bars and restaurants. Upmarket bars and restaurants may charge 150,000 or more for imported beers.
• Craft beer is available in Vietnam at many Western restaurants, and at brewery bars such as the Pasteur Street Brewing Company in Ho Chi Minh City. Wine is somewhat expensive in Vietnam when compared to most Western countries, although not exorbitantly so.
• Spirits in Vietnam are fairly cheap, with local moonshine available for less than 20,000 dong per bottle and most imported spirits available for 50,000 to 150,000 per glass in bars. As always, it’s possible to drink cheaply or spend a fortune on alcohol in Vietnam, depending on your tastes.
• Cigarettes in Vietnam are extremely cheap, with local cigarettes available from 15,000 dong and imported cigarettes available for 20,000 to 30,000 per pack. In short, even if you’re a very heavy smoker, you’ll spend very little on cigarettes in Vietnam.

Travelling Around Vietnam

• There are three main ways to travel around Vietnam – airplane, train and buses. You look up the cost and buy tickets for each route you want to travel (e.g. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) on 12Go – this site lets you compare the prices and time of journey between planes, trains and buses in Vietnam so you can decide when to go slow and cheap or spend some extra cash and get there quickly.

Vietnam Domestic Flights

• Domestic flights are available between most major cities in Vietnam, with connections from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to other tourist destinations cheap and plentiful. Today, several budget airlines operate in Vietnam and offer low-cost domestic flights, including:
• Vietjet, a Vietnamese low-cost airline that offers ultra-budget flights between cities in Vietnam and international destinations such as Bangkok and Hong Kong.
• Jetstar, an international low-cost airline that offers flights between most cities and major tourist destinations in Vietnam.
• The cost of domestic flights in Vietnam varies based on the season. It also varies based on how early ahead of time you book your flights. Book weeks in advance and you can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to a destination like Da Nang for under 700,000 dong (about $30 USD). Book at the last minute, especially during high season, and you could spend two million dong or more.
• You can compare flight prices on 12Go
• If your budget permits, we recommend flying around Vietnam instead of travelling by train or bus. Traffic in Vietnam is extremely noisy and chaotic, and even a short bus trip can end up taking several hours due to road congestion, accidents and interruptions.

Vietnam Buses

• Buses are by far the cheapest way to get around Vietnam. However, the country’s crowded road network means that even short trips of 100 miles or less can take the better part of a day due to interruptions and traffic.
• You’ll also have to deal with noise when you travel by bus, both from other vehicles and from the ubiquitous karaoke machines installed on Vietnamese buses, including overnight ones. If you’re tolerant of noise, however, travelling Vietnam by bus can be pleasant and very affordable.
• The best way to travel around Vietnam by bus is to buy tickets for the specific legs you need to cover a day or two in advance. Bus tickets are available from travel agencies in all major cities and tourist destinations, such as Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang.
• Bus tickets generally cost approximately 50,000 dong per hour of travel time. You’ll pay slightly more for VIP buses (which are worth getting, especially if you like a comfortable trip) but should be able to travel inexpensively at 150,000 to 500,000 dong for most eight to 10 hour bus trips.
• For example, a ticket on a SinhTourist bus between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang costs just over 160,000 dong ($7 USD) and takes 10 hours, with free Wi-Fi provided on board.
• You can compare bus prices on 12Go

Vietnam Trains

• Vietnam’s train network is a little rough around the edges but offers a great way to travel around the country cheaply. Travelling by train costs about the same as travelling by bus but offers the peace and quiet that’s hard to find on Vietnam’s highways.
• Travelling by train in Vietnam is best for long, overnight journeys that give you plenty of time to rest and relax. Soft sleeper tickets, which provide a bunk in a small room with enough space for four people, offer the best mix of comfort and value for money.
• See 12Go for prices and timings of specific train journies in Vietnam

Vietnam Dong and US Dollars

• Vietnam’s national currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Thanks to its high denomination (one US dollar is worth about 22,700 dong, as of February 2017), it can be quite a confusing currency to adjust to as a visitor.
• The dong has steadily decreased in value compared to most Western currencies over the past few years, so it’s best to check the current exchange rate before you start your trip. Be wary of articles that are more than two to three years old, as they often provide outdated information.
• Vietnamese banknotes range in value from 500 to 500,000 dong. All Vietnamese banknotes have a similar design, with a smiling portrait of Ho Chi Minh and the note’s value printed in a bold, obvious font.
• Despite the huge font, it can be easy to get Vietnamese banknotes mixed up. Before you pull out your money to pay for anything, be aware that the 20,000 dong and 500,000 dont notes — one worth less than a dollar and the other more than $20 — have an almost identical colour.
• This is also true of the 50,000 and 200,000 dong notes, which are both printed on red plastic paper. Double-check that you have the right note before you pay for anything, as merchants have been known to “forget” to give change in this situation in the past.
• Vietnam doesn’t have any coins, meaning you’ll amass a large collection of banknotes (usually low-value, somewhat useless notes like 500 and 1,000 dong) over the course of your stay. It’s best to keep these in your backpack and use them all at once to buy cheap, simple items.
• Although Vietnam used to use the US dollar as an unofficial second currency, as of 2017 almost all transactions are made using Vietnamese dong. The only transactions made using US dollars are for visa processing fees, which you’ll need to pay if you plan to get a visa on arrival.
• You can convert almost all major currencies into Vietnamese dong in any of Vietnam’s major cities and tourist destinations.

Cost of Visas for Vietnam

• Visitors from most Western countries will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Some citizens of European countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days – see this separate page about Vietnam visas for more details. Vietnam allows you to apply for a visa online through the official government website . You upload your documents, pay your fee and once it’s approved, you print out your visa to show the immigration official when you arrive in Vietnam.

ATMs and Credit Cards in Vietnam

• Just a few years ago, ATMs were fairly rare in Vietnam outside of business districts and tourist areas. Today, ATMs from both Vietnamese and international banks are very easy to find in any Vietnamese city and offer competitive fees for withdrawing Vietnamese dong.
• If your ATM card uses the Visa, Mastercard or Cirrus networks, you’ll be able to withdraw cash from almost all Vietnamese ATMs without issues. Fees range from 40,000 to 66,000 dong for each withdrawal, depending on the specific bank.
• To keep your ATM fees down, it’s worth withdrawing several million dong at once. Some ATMs, particularly ATMS operated by Vietnamese domestic banks, have a limit of two million dong per withdrawal. You can avoid these limits by withdrawing cash from CitiBank or ANZ machines.
• Credit cards are accepted by most modern businesses, hotels and chains in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. However, if you’re visiting a small city or off-the-beaten-track destination, it’s always best to carry enough cash to cover your expenses without having to use a credit card.

Spend or Convert Your Dong Before You Leave

• Because Vietnamese dong is not a major regional currency, it can be hard to exchange outside of Vietnam. If you have dong leftover at the end of your trip, it’s best to exchange it at the airport into a currency you can use in your next country.

Accommodation in Vietnam

• Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from ultra-budget rooms in family-owned guesthouses to some of Southeast Asia’s most luxurious hotels. Over the last 10 years, Vietnam has grown at an incredible pace, with new hotels opening throughout the country every few months.
• In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you’ll be able to choose from a huge selection of hotels in all price ranges. In smaller destinations, you’ll find a good mix of budget and mid-range accommodation options at very reasonable prices.

Affordable Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located on Bui Vien — Ho Chi Minh City’s version of Bangkok’s Khao San Road — the Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel is an inexpensive hotel that over delivers in terms of comfort and facilities, with a large outdoor pool and clean, spacious rooms. One of the best budget options in Saigon.
• Duc Vuong Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Another Bui Vien option, Duc Vuong Hotel is a cosy and clean three-star hotel with a variety of rooms and suites priced with budget travellers in mind. One advantage of this hotel (as well as Beautiful Saigon 3 Hotel above) is that it’s within walking distance of several museums.
• Cititel Boutique Ben Thanh Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located close to Benh Thanh Market, Cititel Boutique Ben Thanh Hotel is a modern three-star hotel with clean and comfortable rooms, a good restaurant and a great location in the heart of District 1.

Mid Range Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Silverland Yen Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located close to the Independence Palace and a short walk from Dong Khoi, Silverland Yen Hotel is a great four star hotel with modern rooms and great facilities, including a rooftop pool, fitness centre and more. One of the best mid-range options in the Ben Thanh area.
• Avanti Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located on Le Thanh Ton street, the Avanti Hotel is a great three-star hotel that’s a short walk away from the Independence Palace, People’s Committee Building, War Remnants Museum and other popular sights. A great option if you want to get around Ho Chi Minh City on foot.
• Millennium Boutique Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Millennium Boutique Hotel is a new four-star hotel located no Thai Van Lung Street, close to Ho Chi Minh City’s Japanese district. With a great location close to shopping and attractions, clean and comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool, this is one of the best mid-range hotels in the area.

Luxury Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located on Pasteur Street, Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel is a four star luxury hotel that sits close to the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and other sights. Rooms here are clean, modern, comfortable and fairly priced for a high-end hotel.
• Rex Hotel Saigon View on Booking.com or Agoda.com The Rex Hotel famously served as a base of operations for the US military leadership during the war. Today, it’s one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest hotels and a great option for anyone that prefers a classic, grand old hotel to the modern buildings that are popping up all over Ho Chi Minh City.
• The Reverie Saigon View on Booking.com or Agoda.com One of Asia’s most luxurious hotels, The Reverie Saigon is as close as Vietnam gets to six-star luxury. Rooms here are extremely lavish and comparable to the top hotels in major world cities like New York and London, both in quality and in price.

Affordable Hotels in Hanoi

• Hanoi Serenity Hotel 2 View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Like most budget hotels in Hanoi, Hanoi Serenity Hotel 2 is located in the city’s Old Quarter. A short walk from sights like the Temple of the Jade Mountain, this is a simple and pleasant three star hotel with clean rooms and a convenient location.
• Spring Flower Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Spring Flower Hotel is a small budget hotel a short distance from Hoan Kiem lake and several of Hanoi’s top sights. Rooms are comfortable and clean, with a variety of good cafés and eateries a short walk away.
• Hanoi Romance Hotel View on Agoda.com Another Old Quarter accommodation option, Hanoi Romance Hotel is a small three-star hotel with modern rooms and a convenient location. Located on a small laneway, this hotel offers a little more peace and quiet than most hotels in the Old Quarter.

Mid Range Hotels in Hanoi

• Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy is a modern four-star hotel located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem and attractions like the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Rooms here are clean and modern, with free Wi-Fi and friendly, helpful staff.
• May De Ville Old Quarter Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Another option close to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, May De Ville Old Quarter Hotel is located just north of Hoan Kiem Lake. Rooms here are clean and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and, for some rooms, good views over the Old Quarter and surrounding area.
• Thang Long Opera Hotel Hanoi View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located across Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Opera Hotel Hanoi is conveniently situated close to many of Hanoi’s top attractions but doesn’t have the noise or bustle of hotels located right in the Old Quarter. Rooms here are clean, spacious and elegantly decorated.

Luxury Hotels in Hanoi

• Apricot Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Apricot Hotel is a neo-classical luxury hotel with excellent views of Hoan Kiem Lake. Rooms and suites here are spacious and very nicely decorated, with lots of natural light and plenty of space for you to stretch out and relax. This hotel also has a rooftop pool with spectacular views.
• Pan Pacific Hanoi View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located right beside Hanoi’s West Lake, the Pan Pacific Hanoi is a modern five-star hotel with a spectacular view of Hanoi’s largest lake. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering exactly what you’d expect from an international five-star hotel.
• Fraser Suites Hanoi View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Fraser Suites Hanoi is located a short distance from the West Lake, making it a great option for exploring Hanoi’s CBD and largest recreational area. This is a modern, high-end hotel with large and luxurious rooms and facilities like a gym and outdoor swimming pool.

Affordable Hotels in Hoi An

• Pho Hoi Riverside Resort View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located close to Hoi An’s Old Town, Pho Hoi Riverside Resort is an affordable resort with large rooms, villas and bungalows. It also has a relaxing riverside location and outdoor pool, making it one of the best budget resorts you’ll find in Hoi An.
• Nova Villa Hoi An View on Booking.com or Agoda.com One of Hoi An’s highest rated budget hotels, Nova Villa Hoi An is conveniently located close to the historic Old Town. Beautiful river views, cosy rooms and an outdoor pool make this one of the best affordable hotels in Hoi An.

Mid Range Hotels in Hoi An

• Hoi An Silk Boutique Hotel and Spa View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Hoi An Silk Boutique Hotel and Spa is a modern four-star hotel located close to the centre of Hoi An. Clean, modern rooms and great facilities such as its calm outdoor swimming pool make this a great option near Hoi An’s main sights.
• Hoi An River Town Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Hoi An River Town Hotel offers large, comfortable rooms with balconies that offer a panoramic view of the Thu Bon River. A short distance from the Old Town, this is a peaceful and luxurious hotel that offers excellent value for money.

Luxury Hotels in Hoi An

• Hoi An Historic Hotel View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Hoi An Historic Hotel is a beautiful colonial hotel located close to Hoi An’s Old Town. Rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable and elegantly furnished, with facilities including a large outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, kid’s play room, beauty salon and spa.
• Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery View on Booking.com or Agoda.com Another colonial hotel, Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery combines modern rooms with a grand old hotel atmosphere. Rooms here are spacious and comfortable, with a great outdoor pool and a short walk from the hotel to nearby attractions like the Japanese Bridge and Hoi An Old Town.

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• How Much Money Do I Need For Vietnam
• How Much Money Do I Need For Myanmar
• How Much Money Do I Need For Cambodia
• How Much Money Do I Need For Laos
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• How To Travel Vietnam On...

How to Travel Vietnam on a Budget

Vietnam is a dream come true for travelers looking to get the most for their precious dollars – provided you understand how things work in your new, temporary home. If you’re willing to look around for deals and eat like a local, you can easily survive for under $20 a day. Here’s how to travel through Vietnam on a tight budget.

Transportation.

By motorbike

Motorbikes are ubiquitous in Vietnam . Because there are so many, you can get yourself one super cheap almost anywhere in the country. For the easiest transaction, though, you should try to buy one off a foreigner completing their own motorbike adventure in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City . Just punch a few choice words like “Motorbikes for sale” and “Hanoi” into Google and you’ll have hundreds of bikes to choose from. Many of these motorbikes are in rough condition, but repairs are cheap and you won’t have to deal with any ownership papers. With a bit of searching, you can easily find decent motorbikes for under $400 that you can resell for almost the same price once you’re finished with them. We recommend you stay away from fully-automatic bikes, though, since they don’t handle distances well and repairs can easily cost more than the purchase price of the bike.

The roads are fairly well-maintained, but don’t let your guard down in rural areas. There are many potholes just waiting to ruin your day. Get a good helmet and have travel insurance. Accidents happen.

For many people, riding a motorbike through Vietnam’s chaotic traffic is an experience they’d pay good money to avoid. Sure, you could fly over large chunks of the country by plane, or even rumble along the coastline in the comfort of a train, but moving around by bus is a happy medium between comfort, experience and budget. Companies offer air-conditioned routes between pretty well all the major backpacker stops, and since these same buses are used by locals, the prices are very reasonable.

Accommodation

Vietnam was once a wild frontier for backpackers. These days, you can roll into most towns and find a place to match your budget fairly easily. But to really save money, we recommend you book in advance and keep an eye out for deals. Some places will assume you’re out of options if you show up at their door and give you their highest price because they know you need a bed.

The cheapest options will always be large rooms with bunks beds. While this can provide for a lot of fun because of easy friendships with interesting people, you’ll often get lumped in with obnoxious drunks that have zero consideration for you or your schedule. Bring high-quality earplugs with you and let the front desk know you what time you need to be up so they can come get you when you inevitably sleep through your alarm.

Because Vietnam is still a developing country, hotels here are cheaper than you’d pay for a hostel in wealthier countries. So, when you get sick of listening to drunks, splurge on a night in a hotel. Many include breakfast as well, so there’s one of your meals paid for. To find the cheapest hotels, look a bit outside the main touristy areas. Hotels that fill up with foreigners are usually the most expensive.

Camping hammock

If you plan on motorbiking through the country, consider bringing a quality hammock. You might have a bit of trouble in urban centers, but in the rural areas you can find restaurants and families that will let you sling yourself up for free. It’s definitely the cheapest way to travel. Famous travel bloggers have done this and kept their expenses down below $10/day with this strategy.

Here’s where you can really save some money. It all depends on your discipline, because everywhere you go you’ll be tempted by Indian, Italian, French, Thai and American cuisines, among others. It’s easy to give in and splurge for a meal, but you can quickly develop a taste for rich foreign foods, sending your budget into a reckless tailspin that you’ll never recover from.

Without really trying at all, you should be able to find tasty meals for under a dollar. Everyone knows about pho , but there are so many other amazing Vietnamese dishes that are all as cheap as a bottle of beer. We recommend you experiment because Vietnam has so many amazing and good value dishes. Try to avoid eating in your hostel or any places that specifically cater to foreigners, since their prices are usually inflated. Also, don’t worry if you don’t know any Vietnamese. You can usually just point to what you’d like. Plus, English is now taught in grade schools , so many locals can speak enough to help you. For the cheapest dishes, look for signs like the ones in the picture below:

phở (pho), mì/mỳ (noodles), bún (noodle soup), cơm (rice)

Most foreigners don’t know the extent of bartering in Vietnam . For food and items like toiletries, there’s usually no bartering. Try to buy from places with their prices listed, because then you’ll avoid the Foreigner Tax – their adjusted prices. The one exception is at fruit markets. While you might not be able to barter with them, you should ask around to a couple different stalls to make them compete with each other.

For anything tourist/souvenir related , barter, and barter hard. These places know what you’d pay for similar items in your home country and often give a price that makes you think you’re getting a deal. You’re not. Be prepared to walk away and you’ll find out what the actual prices are. Keep in mind that sellers in touristy areas barter every day and they’re probably better at it than you. Try to never show your actual interest in an item, because that’s when they dig their heels in.

Entertainment

The entrance fees to museums and historical sites are very reasonable, since they need to be affordable for locals as well. You can get into the most popular spots in the country – Imperial City in Hue , Temple of Literature in Hanoi, War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City – for just a few dollars.

War Remnants Museum, 28 Võ Văn Tần Phường 6 Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Even if you don’t drive a motorbike the length of the country, you should still consider renting one in certain places like Sapa and Hoi An, because the best (and cheapest) way to explore these wonderful destinations is to drive yourself around and have a look. Guided tours are more efficient, but also much more expensive. Don’t even think about taxis. Backpacker forums and blogs overflow with stories of scams and bad experiences.

In general, more foreigners means more expensive. Unfortunately, if you’re staying in backpacker hostels, it will be very difficult to stray far enough away from the overpriced bars and clubs that fill the touristy areas. We recommend you check online for restaurants and filter your search to Vietnamese cuisine. The other option is to find a bia hơi place, which literally means “cheap beer.” They’re plentiful and it’ll warm your frugal heart to drink all night for under $10 –usually less.

Getting around

To get to where you want to go, use Uber or Grab. Their cars are fairly cheap, but to really save money, order a motorbike. Xe oms (motorbike taxis) on the street are often notorious cheats, but you can trust the ones on Uber and Grab. They’re vetted and you can even see their scores from previous passengers. These apps have taken over in Vietnam , and they’re probably the easiest way to really save a lot of money. Taxi rides add up fast.

Communications

You can bring your phone from home, but be wary of thieves. Foreigners with expensive cellphones are their primary targets, and they’ll even stalk people they think look like easy prey. The other option is buying a cheap smart phone in Vietnam. You can get adequate phones for under $50. Sim cards and data are also super cheap, but the language barrier stops many foreigners from even trying. Either ask your hostel/hotel for some assistance, or simply Google a nearby place. Most shops in touristy areas can speak English. If you need more data, look for signs with whichever carrier your Sim card is through – Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone. If you’re using maps and other data-intensive apps, you’ll probably spend about five dollars per week.

It’s available everywhere, even in rural areas. You won’t have a problem staying connected in Vietnam. It’s not as fast as you’re used to at home, but you’ll still be able to upload all the pictures of your budget adventure in this amazing country .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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7 Days Vietnam Itinerary With Cost of Travelling

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Vietnam is one of the crowning jewels of the famous banana pancake trail of Southeast Asia. While you can spend months exploring Vietnam, you can still see the best of Vietnam in just one week! All that on a shoestring budget.

This Southeast Asian gem offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food at prices that won’t empty your wallet. In this blog, I’ll take you on a 7-day journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, all while sticking to a budget that won’t leave you penniless.

My Vietnam itinerary is perfect for backpackers and travellers who want to experience the country’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery without breaking the bank. I’ll show you how to make the most of your Vietnam budget travel, from exploring bustling cities to relaxing on pristine beaches. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this Vietnam 1-week itinerary has something for everyone.

Get ready to taste mouth-watering street food, meet friendly locals, and explore fascinating historical sites on this Vietnam budget itinerary. You’ll start in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh and make your way to the charming town of Hoi An, the historic city of Hue, and the bustling capital of Hanoi. Along the way, we’ll share tips on how to save money, where to find the best local cuisine, and how to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s fascinating culture. Wonder how? Let’s dive right into my ultimate 7 days Vietnam itinerary on a budget.

So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Our Vietnam itinerary will take you on a journey that you’ll never forget.

In This Post

Vietnam itinerary 7 days 

Day 1: ho chi minh city (saigon).

Start your day by visiting sites of historical importance in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Start as early as 08:00 AM and visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an extremely important sight showcasing the warfare used during the American war. If you plan to use public transportation, start by taking Bus nº 13 from 23-9 Park (located near Pham Ngu Lao, the backpacker area) to Cu Chi bus station. From there, transfer to Bus nº 79 which will take you to Ben Duoc. While this is the most economical option, remember that the entire journey may take around two and a half hours. To return to HCMC, take Bus nº 79. Alternatively, book a tour of Cu Chi tunnels that includes pick-up and drop-off. You can visit these tunnels to go back in time, but if you are claustrophobic avoid going inside the tunnels. There aren’t many vegan options around the site, so carry some fruits and snacks for the journey.

Head back to the city and grab lunch at Hum, Café & Restaurant an all- vegetarian restaurant with a brilliant atmosphere. Walk over to the War Remnant Museum , which exhibits the timeline, statistics and weaponry used during the French & American Wars. Continuing on the history lesson visit the Saigon central post office, built by the great architect, Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel Tower. Set in gothic-style architecture, this post office is a piece of art! You can even send some postcards while here. There are also brilliant walking tours that take you through these cultural aspects.

Grab a USD1 coffee from a street shop before heading for dinner. End your day with a hearty hot pot for dinner at Vegan Family Restaurant in District 1. You have another early start to the day.

Day 2: Mekong Delta

Get up as early as 07:30 to visit the Mekong Delta & the surrounding islands. While you can do it yourself, I recommend booking a tour , that makes it much easier to traverse around. Lunch is included in all the tours, but do specify your dietary needs before booking. Here you get a taste of the cultural side of Vietnam. You’ll come across the beautiful floating market of Cai Be, some small-scale cottage industries that make traditional Vietnamese sweets & savouries, a fruit market selling the most exotic of fruits and a host of other experiences. You’ll be filled with awe simply walking in the bylanes of the villages. You’ll be back in Ho Chi Minh City by 18:00 or so.

After coming back, take a break and let yourself loose in Saigon’s nightlife. Grab an inexpensive dinner at Veggie Saigon Restaurant and then walk around for drinks in any of the bars in District 1 . Saigon really comes alive at night and you’ll see a whole new world, go bar hopping or enjoy the street food there’s something for everyone. 

Day 3: Hoi An

Time to visit the ancient town of Hoi An , you can take an overnight train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An. Or take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and another taxi ride to Hoi An – this is much quicker and will take just about 1.5 hours.

Take the day to walk around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the gorgeous buildings of the yesteryears. It is amazing how the town is so well preserved after going through terrible wars. Shop for handicrafts, and souvenirs or get a suit made for yourself! This one is a must when planning your Vietnam itinerary. Two of my favourite places to eat in Hoi An are: The Fisherman and Nhat Da

Start your day by visiting the Silk Village of Hoi An , located in the Quang Nam Province which is just about a kilometre from the city centre. Here you’ll witness the artisans making beautiful objects using silk, you can even try your hands on it. In addition to that, the Silk Village is a great place to view traditional Vietnamese homes & interact with locals. Continue the cultural expedition and visit the Hoi An museum & Tan Ky family house. If you wish to go off the beaten track take a day trip to My Son- a temple complex built over the 4th to 13th century, it is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Or if you wish to unwind head to An Bang Beach . 

Day 5: Hanoi

Today head up north to Hanoi , the quickest way is to get on a flight from Da Nang to Hanoi . It is only a 20-minute flight and will cost between $30 to $70 depending on when you book.

Downtown is where everything is happening, so try and stay around here to avoid taking a cab all the time. Explore the old quarters and grab a coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake. Later visit the Ngoc Son Temple & watch a water puppet show . Grab dinner at Vegan Bánh mì call it an early night because you have an early start of the day tomorrow. Here’s a map of some of the absolutely best tried and tested vegan restaurants in Hanoi.

Day 6: Halong Bay

Today you start your day at 8:00 AM to visit the famous UNESCO heritage site of Halong Bay . Most tours are 11 hours long, where you start by driving through the countryside and then sail in a junk boat throughout the trip. Get the adrenaline rushing by visiting the limestone caves around the bay or kayaking in the bay. Lunch is included in the tours, do specify your dietary needs. It’s a good idea to book a full-day tour of Halong Bay from Hanoi . If you have the time you can also stay overnight, and book a 2-day Halong Bay tour .

If you choose to come back to Hanoi unwind with Hanoi’s nightlife. The best way is to walk around downtown and grab a stool at any one of the restaurants on Bia Street . Most eateries will happily make vegan food even if they don’t have a vegan menu.

Day 7: Flight Back Home

Today is the last day in Vietnam, before flying out to shop for your heart’s content in Hanoi’s French quarters. Also, visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum before saying bye to Vietnam. 

And we come to the end of our 7-day Vietnam itinerary. If you are looking for more here’s an extensive list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in just 2 days.

You may also like to read:

• Explore Vietnam

Travel Guide To Phong Nha National Park

• Vegetarian/Vegan Food Guide To Vietnam
• Better Safe Than Sorry; Tourist Scams in Vietnam
• Cat Ba Island Travel Guide: UPDATED 2023

The average cost of travelling in Vietnam

Cost of internal transport in vietnam.

When travelling across Vietnam taking the road is the cheapest mode of transport but also the most time-consuming. A slightly more expensive yet quick way is to take flights wherever possible, cost of flying is highly dynamic & can range between $45 to $70 so keep an eye out and book as early as possible. To move around in a city you can use local metered taxes, GRAB or a bike taxi – expect to pay between $4 to $7 depending on the distance travelled. If you are living in the downtown area it’s best to walk around & explore the streets to find new gems. 

Cost of food & drinks in Vietnam

When in Vietnam you’ll be spoilt for choices, the food culture has something for all budgets. A coffee at the street side cafe will cost you only $ 1 while the same at an upscale cafe like a Starbucks or Trung Nguyên would start at $ 3 and upwards. Like its neighbours, Vietnam has a rich street-food culture and one you must give a try! You can garb fried rice or noodles for $3 & a bowl of Pho for $2 at a roadside stall. A sit-down dinner at a restaurant establishment will cost anywhere upwards of $5. You’ll have to buy water here and a big bottle costs $1.4 at the supermarket. When it comes to alcohol, the Vietnamese love their beer (called Bia) the local beer costs a little less than $1 while imported ones start at $3 and above. 

Cost of budget accommodation in Vietnam

Being a backpacker’s paradise Vietnam has no shortage of comfortable & affordable accommodations . For your budget holiday in Vietnam stick to staying at hostels, you can book dorms or even a private room, which would still be cheaper than a budget hotel. A bed in a dorm starts from $5 and can go up to $10 depending on the facilities and the location of the hostel. A room at a budget hotel starts at $15 a night the same at a midrange hotel starts from $30 a night 

Cost of other activities in Vietnam

Most of the sites are free to visit in Vietnam like- Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral & the Pagodas. To visit Museums you’ll end up paying a ticket free of about $2 to $4. A guided tour to the Mekon Delta will cost $14 from a local operator. A day trip to Halong Bay could cost around $30 or more depending on the facilities and operator. 

How much does a 7-day trip to Vietnam cost?

The cost of a 7-day trip to Vietnam can vary widely depending on factors such as your travel style, accommodations, dining preferences, activities, and transportation choices. Here’s a rough breakdown for each category:

Budget Traveler- $210-$490 for 7 days

• Accommodation: Budget hostels or guesthouses ($5-$20 per night) = $35-$140 for 7 nights.
• Food: Street food and local eateries ($5-$10 per day) = $35-$70 for 7 days.
• Transportation: Public buses, trains, and budget flights ($10-$20 per day) = $70-$140 for 7 days.
• Activities: Mostly free or low-cost attractions like visiting temples, hiking, and exploring markets ($10-$20 per day) = $70-$140 for 7 days.

Midrange Traveler – $595-$1470 for 7 days

• Accommodation: Midrange hotels or guesthouses ($30-$80 per night) = $210-$560 for 7 nights.
• Food: Combination of street food, local restaurants, and occasional nicer meals ($15-$30 per day) = $105-$210 for 7 days.
• Transportation: Mix of public transportation, taxis, and occasional private tours ($20-$50 per day) = $140-$350 for 7 days.
• Activities: More guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, and possibly some adventure activities ($20-$50 per day) = $140-$350 for 7 days.

Luxury Traveler – $1750-$6650+ for 7 days

• Accommodation: Upscale hotels or resorts ($100-$300+ per night) = $700-$2100+ for 7 nights.
• Food: Dining at high-end restaurants, possibly with some fine dining experiences ($50-$150+ per day) = $350-$1050+ for 7 days.
• Transportation: Private drivers, domestic flights, and luxury transportation options ($50-$200+ per day) = $350-$1400+ for 7 days.
• Activities: Exclusive tours, spa treatments, luxury cruises, and unique experiences ($50-$300+ per day) = $350-$2100+ for 7 days.

If the Maldives has been on your list, here’s my guide to visiting the Maldives on a budget. 

Pin this 7-day Vietnam Itinerary

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MyFunkyTravel

Backpacking | Budget Travel | Living Abroad

Vietnam Cost of Travel – What is a typical Backpacker Budget?

This post details the estimated cost of travel in Vietnam. Read on for suggested shoestring and more comfortable backpacking budgets for the Southeast Asian country as well information about the local currency and sample prices.

Vietnam Cost of Travel in 2023

Shoestring backpacker budget.

• US$20/day | 470,000 Vietnamese Dong

Vietnam remains very budget friendly despite an enormous rise in visitor numbers over the past decade or so. Costs are quite low, even by mainland Southeast Asian standards and you are likely to find it slightly cheaper than the cost of travel in Thailand and more in line with neighbouring Laos which is also great value.

$20 is a realistic Vietnam backpacking budget but doesn’t allow much lee-way for extra excursions and activities. This shoestring budget covers all your typical daily travel expenses in Vietnam including the cost of accommodation (hostel dorm bed), transport and meals. If you eat in ‘local’ restaurants and street stalls all the time, you can probably get by on even less, certainly if you aren’t doing much partying.

One way to save money if you are a budget traveller in Vietnam is to find a bit of work to support your travels. Signing up to join Worldpackers may be a good move before your trip. It will give you access to a host of possible work exchanges varying from teaching jobs to hostel work and environmental projects. You won’t get paid but you will generally be rewarded with free accommodation and food cutting your travel costs down even further. Find out more about the benefits of travel using Worldpackers here .

More Comfortable Vietnam Backpacking Budget

• US$30/day | 700,000 Vietnamese Dong

You can travel pretty comfortably in Vietnam on US$20 in truth and doubling that doesn’t really provide an enormous upgrade in terms of your overall experience. The temptation to waste your money on partying and alcohol isn’t quite as great here as in Thailand as the backpacker scene is slightly calmer and bars and clubs are less plentiful and shut earlier.

Allowing for $30 will allow you to fork out on the odd extra excursion/activity every now and then, such as a more extensive boat trip around Halong Bay or kite-surfing lessons at Mui Ne. The main difference on this kind of budget will be that you can afford to fork out for a private room. You can often find good deals in hotels too so there may be times where you want a break from the hostel scene and a bit more luxury.

How much do things cost in Vietnam?

The food cost in Vietnam is very cheap and you can even find some decent international restaurants serving meals for just a few dollars if you’re not a fan of the local cuisine. Vietnamese beer is also great value, as is travelling by train. In short, Vietnam is one of the best value countries in the world.

Compare this to our Laos backpacking budget for an idea of how prices differ between the neighbouring countries. For money-saving tips, learn  how to bargain in Vietnam .

Money – Vietnamese Dong

Currency – Vietnamese Dong

£1 = 29,000 VND

€1 = 25,000 VND

US$1 = 23,000 VND

These exchange rates are correct as of January 2023. US Dollars are the best currency to take to Vietnam and are accepted in many places and are frequently used for larger transactions such as paying for excursions or accommodation in places geared towards foreigners.

However the local currency (Vietnamese Dong) is still used for most day-to-day small payments. Therefore it is useful to carry a stash of both currencies but it’s fine if you only arrive with US Dollars or a Debit/Credit card as ATM’s and exchange places are plentiful in the cities.

These estimates for the cost of travel in Vietnam were last updated in January 2023.

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The Busy Retiree

2024’s Top 15 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations

Posted: March 7, 2024 | Last updated: March 7, 2024

Deciding on a budget-friendly travel adventure doesn’t mean compromising on the excitement of exploration. In 2024, several enchanting destinations offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or beach lover, these affordable destinations promise a memorable journey. Let’s look into the cheapest places to travel in 2024, where your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief while you create lasting memories.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Ho Chi Minh City is a budget traveler’s dream. Explore the bustling streets filled with delicious street food, visit historic landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, and take a boat trip through the iconic Mekong Delta.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Wander through the historic center, marvel at ancient Aztec ruins in Teotihuacan, and savor authentic tacos at local markets. With affordable accommodations and many free cultural attractions, Mexico City is a top pick for budget-conscious travelers.

Sofia, Bulgaria

For a taste of Eastern European charm without the hefty price tag, Sofia is an excellent choice. Visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, stroll through Vitosha Mountain, and indulge in budget-friendly local cuisine. The affordable public transportation and low-cost attractions make Sofia an ideal destination for those seeking an affordable European getaway.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Another gem in Vietnam, Hanoi boasts a unique blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese culture. Explore the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, sample delicious pho at street stalls, and take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi’s affordability extends to accommodations and local experiences, making it a top destination for budget travelers.

Quito, Ecuador

Nestled in the Andes, Quito offers a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, take a cable car ride up Pichincha Volcano, and discover the vibrant markets. Quito’s affordability makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to experience the charm of South America.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, charms visitors with its colorful neighborhoods, historic architecture, and scenic views. Enjoy affordable local cuisine, explore the iconic Belem Tower, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem. Don’t miss the famous custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, at a fraction of the cost compared to other European capitals.

Krakow, Poland

Steeped in history, Krakow offers a budget-friendly European escape. Wander through the picturesque Old Town, visit the Wawel Castle, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Kazimierz district—all at an affordable cost. Enjoy a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage through the charming streets of the Old Town.

Bucharest, Romania

Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is a blend of grand architecture and modern delights. Explore the Palace of the Parliament, stroll through Herastrau Park, and indulge in the city’s thriving nightlife without breaking your budget. Discover hidden gems in the city’s lively neighborhood of Lipscani, filled with trendy cafes and vintage shops.

Kathmandu, Nepal

For an adventurous yet budget-friendly trip, head to Kathmandu. Discover ancient temples in Durbar Square, trek the nearby Himalayas, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Nepal without straining your wallet. Dive into the local culture with a visit to the bustling Thamel district, known for its vibrant street markets.

Bogotá, Colombia

Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. Explore the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, visit the Gold Museum, and take a cable car ride to Monserrate for panoramic views—all within a budget-friendly travel plan. Immerse yourself in the city’s artistic spirit by exploring the vibrant street art scene in La Candelaria.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Home to the iconic Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Explore ancient temples, discover the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and enjoy affordable street food in this enchanting Cambodian destination. Catch a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, a moment that won’t cost you a dime.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, stroll along the Danube River, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife—all without breaking the bank. Join locals in a traditional kafana for live music and a taste of Serbia’s hospitality.

La Paz, Bolivia

Nestled in the Andes, La Paz captivates with its stunning landscapes and indigenous culture. Explore the Witches’ Market, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, and embrace the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s highest capitals. Challenge yourself with a stroll along the famous El Camino de la Muerte, the Death Road, for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Manila, Philippines

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of history and modernity. Explore the historic Intramuros district, visit Rizal Park, and indulge in the diverse street food scene—all at an affordable cost. Attend a traditional Filipino cultural show to witness the country’s rich heritage come to life.

Accra, Ghana

Experience the vibrant culture of West Africa in Accra. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, explore Jamestown’s colonial architecture, and relax on the beautiful Labadi Beach, all while enjoying the affordability of this welcoming city. Join locals in a dance at Independence Arch during one of Accra’s lively festivals.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of discovery. The cheapest places to travel in 2024 provide unique experiences, rich cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes—all without breaking the bank. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the historic charm of Mexico City, these destinations offer budget-friendly adventures that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and explore the world affordably in 2024!

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