How much money will you need for your trip to Vietnam?You should plan to spend around d1,206,180 ($51) per day on your vacation in Vietnam, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.Past travelers have spent, on average, d277,122 ($12) on meals for one day and d243,399 ($10) on local transportation.Also, the average hotel price in Vietnam for a couple is d1,063,779 ($45).So, a trip to Vietnam for two people for one week costs on average d16,886,519 ($709).All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
How expensive is Vietnam? How much money do I need for Vietnam?
How much does a trip to Vietnam cost? Is Vietnam expensive? The average Vietnam trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Vietnam prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price for one person for accommodation in Vietnam is d531,890. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Vietnam is d1,063,779.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
d531,890
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
d1,063,779
Hotels 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.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
What did other people spend on Accommodation?
Typical prices for Accommodation in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Accommodation prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Minibus From Pier
d120,000
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 d243,399 per person, per day, on local transportation in Vietnam.
Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
d243,399
Featured Services
What did other people spend on Transportation?
Typical prices for Transportation in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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
Intercity Transportation Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Transportation between cities and towns in Vietnam costs an average of d1,385,473. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
Intercity Transportation1Travel between cities
d1,385,473
Flights to Vietnam
How much does it cost to go to Vietnam? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in Vietnam
The price of renting a car in Vietnam 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.
What did other people spend on Intercity Transportation?
Typical prices for Intercity Transportation in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Intercity Transportation prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Taxi to Airport
d250,000
Taxi to Train Station
d115,000
Taxi From Airport
d120,000
Short Taxi Ride
d40,000
Taxi Around Town
d16,000
Cable Car (for Two)
d100,000
Motorbike Rental
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 d277,122 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Vietnam should cost around d110,849 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.
Food2Meals for one day
d277,122
Featured
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.
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 d265,090 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
d265,090
Featured 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.
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 price for Tips and Handouts in Vietnam is d97,995 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Vietnam is 5% - 15%.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
d97,995
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.
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 d104,484.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
d104,484
Alcohol Budget in Vietnam
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about d155,799 on alcoholic beverages in Vietnam per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
d155,799
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.
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 d26,398 on bottled water in Vietnam per day. The public water in Vietnam is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
d26,398
What did other people spend on Water?
Typical prices for Water in Vietnam are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Water prices in Vietnam, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Sugar Cane Juice
d7,000
Water
d20,000
Coffee and Dessert (for Two)
d140,000
Water
d5,000
Coffee (for Two)
d76,000
Water
d6,000
Coffee (for Two)
d62,000
Water (1.5L)
d10,000
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2023
Vietnam On a Budget
The rice fields near Sapa, 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.
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.