Traveling to Vietnam offers an incredible blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture—all at a variety of price points to suit different budgets. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to stretch every dong or a luxury traveler seeking comfort and convenience, understanding the costs involved can make your planning much easier and your trip more enjoyable. This Vietnam travel cost guide will walk you through the typical expenses you can expect, breaking them down by category so you can anticipate and budget for your adventure with confidence.
General Cost Overview in Vietnam
Vietnam is renowned for its affordability compared to many other travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Generally, daily expenses can range widely depending on your travel style. Budget travelers often get by on as little as $15-$30 USD per day, while mid-range travelers may spend between $40-$80 USD daily. Luxury travelers might spend $150 or more each day for premium accommodations, fine dining, and private tours.
While cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang tend to be on the higher end of the budget scale, smaller towns and rural areas can offer significantly lower costs. Nonetheless, Vietnam remains an affordable destination, providing excellent value for money across all categories.
Accommodation Costs by Region and Type
Accommodation prices vary notably depending on location, the type of lodging, and the level of comfort you desire. Here’s a breakdown to help you estimate:
- Hostels and Budget Guesthouses: In major cities and popular tourist areas, dorm beds in hostels often cost between $5-$10 USD per night. Private budget rooms usually range from $10-$20.
- Mid-range Hotels and Boutique Guesthouses: Expect to pay $30-$60 USD per night for a comfortable double room with private facilities, air conditioning, and sometimes breakfast included.
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Upscale accommodations, especially in major cities or beach destinations like Nha Trang or Phu Quoc, start around $80 USD and can go well over $200 USD per night depending on the brand, view, and services offered.
In more remote regions like Sapa or the Mekong Delta, prices tend to be lower, and you can often find charming homestays for $15-$30 USD per night.
Food and Dining Expenses
Vietnam’s cuisine offers both delicious and wallet-friendly options. Street food is a highlight for many travelers and is incredibly cheap and tasty.
- Street Food and Local Eateries: Meals at street vendors cost between $1-$3 USD. Popular dishes like pho, banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls are affordable and filling.
- Casual Restaurants: Dining at small local restaurants or cafes may cost $3-$7 USD per meal.
- Mid-range Restaurants: For a sit-down dinner with a variety of dishes and drinks, prices typically range from $8-$15 USD per person.
- Fine Dining: Upscale restaurants and international cuisines in big cities might cost $20-$40 or more per person, especially with wine or cocktails.
Drinking bottled water is a common additional cost, usually about $0.30-$0.50 USD per bottle. Fresh juices, coffee, and tea also remain inexpensive, making it easy to stay hydrated and energized.
Transportation: Buses, Trains, and Flights
Getting around Vietnam can be very affordable and offers options ranging from budget to more convenient modes of transportation.
- Local Buses: City buses mostly cost under $1 USD for a ride, making long-term stays or city-hopping very budget-friendly.
- Intercity Buses: Traveling between cities by sleeper or regular bus can cost anywhere from $10-$25 USD depending on distance and class.
- Trains: Vietnam’s train network connects many major cities and offers scenic travel. Sleeper beds on overnight trains can cost $15-$40 USD. Booking in advance helps secure better cars and prices.
- Domestic Flights: Low-cost carriers such as VietJet or Bamboo Airways offer flights from $20-$60 USD one-way on popular routes like Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. Flights save time and may be worth the extra cost for longer distances.
- Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike typically costs $5-$10 USD per day, popular for independent travelers wanting freedom to explore rural areas.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Short taxi rides can be as little as $2-$5 USD in cities, while app-based services like Grab offer convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis.
Entrance Fees and Tour Prices
Vietnam is rich in cultural and natural attractions, many of which have small entrance fees. Here’s what to expect:
- Historical Sites and Museums: Most charge between $1-$5 USD. For example, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City costs about $2 USD, while the Imperial Citadel of Hue is usually around $3.
- Natural Attractions: National parks and caves may require a fee of $2-$10 USD, such as the famous Phong Nha caves.
- Guided Tours and Excursions: Day tours can range from $15-$50 USD depending on the inclusions, size of the group, and destination. Popular tours include Halong Bay cruises, Mekong delta boat trips, and trekking in Sapa.
- Special Experiences: Cooking classes, motorbike tours, and cultural performances generally cost $20-$40 USD or more.
Budget Tips for Saving Money
Vietnam is naturally budget-friendly, but these tips will help you get the most bang for your buck:
- Eat where the locals eat—street food stalls offer authentic flavors and low prices.
- Use public transportation or walk when possible to reduce transport costs.
- Book flights and accommodations early for the best deals.
- Travel during the shoulder or low seasons for discounts.
- Negotiate prices for taxis, motorbike rentals, and souvenirs.
- Stay in homestays or budget hostels for both cultural immersion and savings.
- Join group tours rather than private ones to reduce excursion costs.
Mid-range vs. Luxury Travel Costs
If you’re leaning toward a more comfortable travel experience but don’t want to splurge excessively, here’s an idea of mid-range spending:
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels or reputable guesthouses at $40-$70 per night
- Meals: Mix of street food and occasional restaurant dining, averaging $10-$20 per day
- Transportation: Domestic flights for longer hauls, taxis or Grab rides for convenience
- Activities: Guided tours and cultural experiences costing an average of $20-$40 each
Luxury travelers can expect higher-end hotels and resorts, private transportation, fine dining, and exclusive tours. These comforts can elevate daily costs easily beyond $150, but Vietnam still remains relatively affordable for luxury vacations compared to Western countries.
Currency and Payment Methods
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While large bills are commonly used, smaller denominations help with everyday purchases. Most tourists exchange USD for VND upon arrival or withdraw cash from ATMs, which are widely available.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities, but always carry some cash when traveling to rural or remote areas. Using mobile payment apps like MoMo is growing in popularity among locals and visitors alike, but a working Vietnamese SIM card and some tech-savviness are required.
Planning Your Travel Budget Wisely
Setting a realistic budget before your trip is key to a worry-free experience in Vietnam. Think about your travel style, the destinations you want to explore, and the activities you’re interested in. Whether you plan to backpack on a shoestring or indulge in a luxurious escape, Vietnam offers possibilities for all kinds of travelers.
Keep some extra funds handy for unexpected expenses or splurges like nightlife, shopping, or a special excursion. Research your destinations ahead of time to estimate transportation and accommodation costs accurately. With proper planning, you can enjoy a memorable trip packed with authentic cultural experiences and stunning scenery without financial surprises.
