Hanoi is a high energy city known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Hanoi that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Hanoi?
You should plan to spend around $57 (d1,481,328) per day on your vacation in Hanoi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $23 (d598,188) on meals
- $6.62 (d172,553) on local transportation
- $48 (d1,254,792) on hotels
A one week trip to Hanoi for two people costs, on average, $796 (d20,738,592). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$398
d10,369,296
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$796
d20,738,592
-
One Month
Per person
$1,706
d44,439,840
-
One Week
For a couple
$796
d20,738,592
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,592
d41,477,184
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,411
d88,879,680
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hanoi cost?
A one week trip to Hanoi usually costs around $398 (d10,369,296) for one person and $796 (d20,738,592) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hanoi on average costs around $796 (d20,738,592) for one person and $1,592 (d41,477,184) 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 Hanoi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Hanoi on average costs around $1,706 (d44,439,840) for one person and $3,411 (d88,879,680) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Hanoi expensive to visit?
Hanoi is a big city that promises an array of activities. With travelers of all budgets and styles flocking here, there's something for everyone to enjoy. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Hanoi can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and finding free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $21 (d544,983) per day, mid-range travelers spend $57 (d1,481,328) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $167 (d4,332,686) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hanoi.
Within Asia, Hanoi is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hanoi Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Hanoi?
The average Hanoi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hanoi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hanoi cost?
Hanoi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$8
(d219,759)
|
$24
(d627,396)
|
$77
(d1,996,227)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(d62,581)
|
$7
(d172,553)
|
$20
(d517,828)
|
|
Food2
|
$9
(d234,724)
|
$23
(d598,188)
|
$59
(d1,536,145)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(d71,098)
|
$8
(d213,024)
|
$28
(d729,051)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(d42,141-126,424)
|
$4-11
(d96,341-289,024)
|
$7-21
(d184,197-552,591)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Hanoi. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Hanoi on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $21 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Hanoi is packed with plenty of hostels, including Nexy Hostel, Hanoi Buffalo Hostel, and The Drift Backpackers Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Hanoi, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Hanoi are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $57 per person, per day.
Hanoi offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Gondola Hotel & Spa is an excellent option for kids, and Royal Holiday Hanoi Hotel is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Hanoi here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $167 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Cooking Class in Local Villa with Market Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Hanoi
The cost of hotels in Hanoi can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $28, but peak season (winter) average prices jump to $52. Overall, prices range from $16 to $104. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hanoi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $48 (d1,254,792). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $24 (d627,396) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Hanoi include:
- Angel Palace Hotel starting at $29
- Sunway Hotel Hanoi starting at $33
- Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa starting at $16
- Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa starting at $43
- Imperial Hotel & Spa starting at $38
Many people stay up to a week in Hanoi. If you're here for a longer time, you might want a vacation rental with a kitchen for preparing some of your own meals.
By avoiding the peak winter season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
The city's old town is a significant attraction for travelers. Although hotels in this area may be more expensive, they usually feature plenty of character and easy access to all that the area has to offer.
Transportation Budget in Hanoi
In Hanoi, the public transit system is not very good. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.
In some sections of Hanoi, you can enjoy a walkable environment, which helps you see the sights. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.62 (d172,553) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hanoi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hanoi is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.62
d172,553
A good first stop in the city is the Tourist Information Center, which is just north of Hoan Kiem Lake. It's staffed by English speaking attendants who can offer you some great advice and give you a map of the area. You can also access the Internet from their office.
If you're traveling a distance of any real length, your best bet is to hop into a taxi. Taxis have meters, but most have been tinkered with, so you'll likely do better to set a price ahead of time. Like everything else in Vietnam, negotiate hard. Don't be afraid to let one taxi go by if they aren't giving you a fair rate and flag down another. For shorter distances, cyclos or pedicabs are a good option. They tend to be cheaper and are a fun way to travel.
There are buses that travel through the city as well. They are a little difficult to navigate but are surprisingly comfortable and convenient. There are over 60 bus lines and the conductors are usually helpful with information.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Halong Bay Day Tour With Sunlight Luxury Cruise With Transfer for $62 details
- Hanoi Airport car transfer & Vice versa for $16 details
- Best Price Halong Bay Full-Day Trip,Cave,Titop,Kayak By Transfer for $50 details
How much does it cost to go to Hanoi? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Hanoi will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Hanoi, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Food Budget in Hanoi
Don't overlook the delicious food in Hanoi. Make sure you take some time to savor all the local specialties. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Hanoi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hanoi is $23 (d598,188) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$23
d598,188
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hanoi is around $23 (d598188) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $59. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hanoi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $16
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Vietnam has a very diverse and delicious cuisine that makes use of fresh ingredients. Soup, or "pho" is a popular dish around town. It is prepared with a variety of ingredients including "Ga" (chicken) or "Bo" (beef). There are thousands of small restaurants around town that serve up dishes with chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, or seafood. Street stalls are also very common and incredibly cheap. They typically offer plastic tables and chairs that you can eat at and the food is quite good. Many of these eateries are located in the Old Quarter. The atmosphere here is great and there are many places that cater specifically to tourists. One of the best authentic restaurants in Hanoi is Bun Bo Nam Bo, so check it out when you're in town.
Western food is also abundant but quality can vary and prices are dramatically higher than local food. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and other types of Asian food are all available around town. Street baguettes are also quite common.
You can save some cash by dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many eateries in tourist hotspots or business districts feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are frequently just smaller and less expensive versions of their dinner offerings. If you search in the right spots, you might even snag a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. After that, just enjoy a light meal for dinner.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Hanoi, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- [Hi-end] Private Hanoi Street Food Tour With Real Foodie for $52 details
- Hanoi Cooking Class Learning 5 Dishes including Banh Xeo for $50 details
- Local Market Tour and Private Cooking Class for $110 details
Typical prices for food in Hanoi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Hanoi. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hanoi
It's no surprise that Hanoi sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, historical sights, budget-friendly accommodations, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hanoi typically cost an average of $8.18 (d213,024) 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.
$8.18
d213,024
There is no shortage of sights in and around Hanoi. Some of the more interesting museums include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnamese Women's Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Ho Chi Minh's Vestige In The Presidential Palace Area. There are also plenty of temples around the area with some of the most famous being the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, and Bach Ma Temple. There are also some educational and memorial sights related to the war. These include the Hoa Lo Prison (The Hanoi Hilton), B-52 Lake, and the Army Museum. Parks in the area include Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Tay, the Lenin Statue and Park, and Ly Thai To Statue and Lake. Also while you're in Hanoi it's worth checking out the famous Vietnamese puppet theater. You can see this at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which is near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Also check out the interesting Phung Hung Street Art, located in various parts of the city.
If you're interested in traveling through Vietnam while saving money, check out this great guide to Motorbiking Vietnam on a budget.
There are a variety of activities that you can enjoy in Hanoi. Cooking classes are quite popular and fun. Eco tours and food tours are common as well. There are a variety of markets that you can visit in Hanoi also. Hang Da is a 6 story building with a variety of kiosks and shops. Other markets around town include Cho Hom, Dong Xuan, and the night market which opens at 7 pm in the old quarter. You can also get a massage in Hanoi as the Omamori Spa.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Hanoi specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.
A nice way to explore destinations in Hanoi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Hanoi HIGHTLIGHTS & HIDDEN GEMS for $57 details
- Private Unstoppable Gourmet Gastronomic Tour for $83 details
- Ninh Binh Luxury Day Tour by Limousine- Small Group- All included for $89 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Hanoi, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Hanoi
The nightlife experience in Hanoi is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.40 (d192,683) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hanoi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.40
d192,683
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Hanoi. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry for $52 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 25, 2025
Traveling in Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
Definitely allow yourself several days to explore the area, sample the food, and do some day trips to the surrounding areas. You can see the colonial French influence in much of the architecture around the city. The city itself continues to develop and modernize, and it is quickly becoming an influence in Asian culture.
Hanoi's climate is tropical and the temperatures stay hot and damp through most months. The winter can be surprisingly chilly though and the wind chill and humidity make it feel even cooler. It's best to avoid the hottest summer months when the city feels almost unbearable and the air is very stagnant.
Neighborhoods & Around
Hanoi has a variety of neighborhoods that are worth exploring. It is suggested that you spend at least a few days here, perhaps as part of a 7-day itinerary of Vietnam. Hanoi makes a great base for exploring the nearby towns as well.
Hoan Kiem is named for the lake and has green landscape and a social setting. In the morning there are many exercisers and during the day there are local families and tourists wandering about.
The Old Quarter has winding, narrow streets with flower carts, spice shops, and restaurants lining them.
West Lake is north of the Old Quarter and has many palaces and ancient architecture. There are also high end hotels and restaurants in the area.
Ba Dinh is where you'll find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum compound as well as botanical gardens, the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda and many nice hotels.
Tourists rarely visit the Hai Ba Trung area and it has many local markets, merchants, and food stalls. It's where you'll find the best local food and a truly authentic experience.
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.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We booked a few tours from Hanoi. It's easy to organize trips to Halong Bay or Sapa from town, but prices can vary widely so shop around.