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


How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam?

You should plan to spend around $61 (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
  • $54 (d1,333,915) on hotels

A one week trip to Vietnam for two people costs, on average, $852 (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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $61
    d1,506,691
  • One Week Per person
    $426
    d10,546,839
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $852
    d21,093,677
  • One Month Per person
    $1,825
    d45,200,737
  • One Week For a couple
    $852
    d21,093,677
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,703
    d42,187,355
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,650
    d90,401,474
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


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

A one week trip to Vietnam usually costs around $426 (d10,546,839) for one person and $852 (d21,093,677) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Vietnam on average costs around $852 (d21,093,677) for one person and $1,703 (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 $1,825 (d45,200,737) for one person and $3,650 (d90,401,474) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in Vietnam?

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 $131 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.



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.

Is Vietnam expensive to visit?

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.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) d1,333,915 ($54)
Local Transportation 1 d300,168 ($12)
Food 2 d344,871 ($14)
Entertainment 1 d331,363 ($13)
Tips and Handouts 1 d61,247 - 183,742 ($2 - 7)
Alcohol 2 d97,374 - 292,123 ($4 - 12)
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 $54 (d1,333,915). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27
    d666,958
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $54
    d1,333,915

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


Local Transportation Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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 Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $12
    d300,168

Recommended Services

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
    d15,000
  • Bicycle Rental
    d50,000
  • Taxi From Pier
    d210,000
  • Motorbike Rental
    d225,000
  • Taxi From Airport
    d380,000
  • Local Bus Ticket
    d3,000
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    d350,000
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    d20,000


Food Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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 $5.57 (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.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $14
    d344,871

Recommended

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
    d15,000
  • Western Dinner (for Two)
    d199,264
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    d55,000
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    d110,000
  • Pork Sandwich
    d15,000
  • Bowl of Pho
    d20,000
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    d155,000
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    d169,728


Entertainment Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $13
    d331,363

Recommended Activities

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
    d5,000
  • Lake of Sorrow Entrance
    d10,000
  • Ta Phin Village Tax
    d20,000
  • Jeep Up Lang Biang Mountain
    d40,000
  • CatCat Village Tax
    d40,000
  • Round Trip Cable Car to Monastery
    d70,000
  • Paddle Boat Rental on Sapa Lake (1 Hr)
    d80,000
  • Half Day Floating Market Tour
    d210,000


Tips and Handouts Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Vietnam is $4.95 (d122,494) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Vietnam is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $4.95
    d122,494

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
    d30,000


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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 $5.27 (d130,605), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $5.27
    d130,605


Alcohol Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.86 (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.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $7.86
    d194,749

Recommended

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
    d80,000
  • Beer
    d25,000
  • Two Beers
    d25,000
  • Bottle of Wine
    d240,000
  • Beer
    d18,000
  • Beer
    d10,000


Water Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $1.35 (d33,401) on bottled water in Vietnam per day. The public water in Vietnam is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $1.35
    d33,401


Last Updated: May 17, 2023
Vietnam On a Budget
Vietnam Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces, Vietnam
Vietnam is a country rich in culture and history. It's an ever changing country that is forever working to increase its tourism base. Although the growing tourism industry is improving the country's economy, the travel infrastructure often has the feel of mass marketing that flocks visitors from one attraction to the next. Still, it is possible to step outside of this structured vacation and see more of the Vietnam that has existed for centuries.

Despite its popularity as a travel destination for Australians and Europeans, for many American's Vietnam still conjures up memories of a long ago war. Once you arrive in this culturally rich country, you will find a place that has changed dramatically in the recent decades. Bicycles have been replaced by motorbikes, and more recently motorbikes are being replaced by cars. Towns have been restructured to offer amenities to visitors. Restaurants cater to both local and western palates. It's a country that sees the benefit of attracting foreigners, and it's still working out the best strategy to combine authenticity with convenience.

Vietnam's long narrow geography make it somewhat difficult to navigate, but this unusual shape also gives it a wonderful diversity of landscape and culture. In the north you can experience rural life in the mountainous Hmong communities around Sapa. As you head to the far south you can have the incredible experience of riding a boat through the floating markets on the Mekong Delta. In the middle you can dine on some of the country's best cuisine in Hoi An, or you can shop for tailor made cloths in any number of towns. Vietnam has embraced the tourism industry, and you can feel this at almost every corner. In markets you must negotiate hard with shopkeepers eagerly hoping to sell you a souvenir. Keep the bartering light, and negotiate with a smile and the experience will be far more fun for both sides.

Many people make the trip through Vietnam by traveling north to south. Buses are the most affordable option, but the trips can be long and are often overnight. If you're short on time consider taking at least one or two flights. They are reasonably priced and will save you a lot of time. The unfortunate downside of flying is you will likely miss out on some of the more interesting small towns in Vietnam.
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.

Related
Looking for a hostel in Vietnam or Cambodia? Find party hostels in Vietnam or Siem Reap or find the best place to stay if you're traveling alone to Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Tourist Attractions
Halong Bay: This is one of the most popular attractions in all of Vietnam. It's a beautiful bay where islands jut out dramatically from the water making for a stunning scene, particularly in the evening and early morning hours. Most visitors come to Halong Bay as part of an organized boat tour which typically lasts several days.

Mekong Delta: This is a beautiful area in southern Vietnam where you can visit floating markets and see rural Vietnamese life. You can ride on boats through canals and visit local villages where tropical fruit and seafood are the norm.

Sapa: Located in the very northern part of Vietnam the beautiful mountains around Sapa are lined with rice terraces. You can hike through the interesting Hmong villages and shop at local, weekly markets.

Popular Foods
Vietnamese food is really about excellent street food. Whether you're enjoying fried spring rolls in Hanoi or a hot bowl of pho in Saigon, basic, fresh ingredients are really what it's all about. Don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money to have the most delicious Vietnamese meal. Instead, step into a back alley that is lined with hot grills frying up the country's best specialties. This is where you'll find the best food in Vietnam.

Pho: This flavorful dish a traditional broth based Vietnamese soup made from noodles, meat, basil, vegetables and spices. It is served in large bowls with sides of fresh basil and sprouts which you can add to your liking.

Com tam: This meal of grilled pork is typically served with rice and a sweet and sour sauce. It's a popular meal at lunch or dinner and has a surprisingly rich flavor making it a favorite for many travelers.

Banh xeo: This is a traditionally local dish that is made with a rice flour crepe. It's cooked like a pancake and made with turmeric. It's usually served with shrimp and vegetables on top.

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.