Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable travel destinations — but how much does it actually cost to travel Vietnam in 2026?
Your daily expenses can vary widely depending on your travel style, cities you visit, and how local you go. From street food meals under $2 to long-distance buses, accommodation, SIM cards, and unexpected tourist costs, this guide breaks down the real Vietnam travel expenses you should budget for in 2026 — whether you’re a backpacker, a mid-range traveler, or traveling comfortably on a budget.
Understanding Vietnam travel expenses starts with one simple truth: Vietnam can be extremely cheap or surprisingly expensive, depending on how you travel. Backpackers, slow travelers, digital nomads, and short-term tourists will all experience very different costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down real, updated Vietnam travel costs for 2026, covering accommodation, food, transport, activities, visas, SIM cards, and the hidden expenses many travelers overlook.
Why Vietnam Travel Expenses Are Lower Than You Think
Most travelers drastically overestimate Vietnam travel expenses. They assume Southeast Asia requires thousands of dollars. Wrong.
The reality? Vietnam delivers incredible value that Western destinations can’t match. A two-week adventure costs less than one week in most European cities.
But poor planning means waste. Tourists eating only in hotel restaurants, booking last-minute accommodations at peak prices, and taking expensive airport taxis unnecessarily inflate their Vietnam travel expenses.
Smart travelers stretch their budget further by understanding the real costs.
Daily Vietnam Travel Budget (2026 Overview)
Let’s start with the most common question:
👉 How much does it cost to travel Vietnam per day?
🇻🇳 Average Daily Budget in Vietnam (USD)
Budget Backpacker: $30-45 Per Day
Accommodation: $6-10/night
- Dorm beds in top-rated hostels
- Vietnam Backpackers, Nexy Hostel, Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
- Social atmosphere with breakfast included
Food: $8-12/day
- Street food exclusively
- Three filling meals daily
- Local coffee and snacks
Transport: $3-6/day
- Walking (free)
- Local buses
- Motorbike rentals ($5-8 daily)
Activities: $5-10/day
- Free walking tours
- Beaches and temples
- Occasional paid attractions
14-Day Total: $420-630 (excluding flights)
This budget works for thousands of backpackers. Real Vietnam travel expenses for budget travelers prove you can explore comfortably without luxury prices.
Mid-Range Comfort: $60-90 Per Day
Accommodation: $25-40/night
- Private hotel rooms with AC
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, breakfast
- Three-star quality matching four-star Western standards
Food: $18-28/day
- Mix of street food and sit-down restaurants
- Nice dinners at local establishments
- Western-style cafes for breakfast
Transport: $10-15/day
- Grab rides throughout cities
- Some traditional taxis
- Occasional domestic flights
Activities: $15-25/day
- All major tours
- Cooking classes
- Museum entries
14-Day Total: $840-1,260 (excluding flights)
This sweet spot offers the best value in Vietnam travel expenses. You get comfort, variety, and flexibility without breaking the bank.
Luxury Experience: $150-300+ Per Day
Accommodation: $80-200/night
- Four and five-star hotels
- International chains (Marriott, Hyatt)
- Boutique resorts in prime locations
Food: $45-80/day
- International dining
- Premium restaurants
- Hotel breakfasts and room service
Transport: $30-60/day
- Private drivers
- Domestic flights between cities
- Premium car services
Activities: $40-100/day
- Overnight Ha Long Bay luxury cruises
- Private guided tours
- Premium spa treatments
- Helicopter tours
14-Day Total: $2,100-4,200 (excluding flights)
Even luxury Vietnam travel expenses remain remarkably reasonable compared to $300-600 nightly rates for equivalent Western hotels.
These estimates assume:
- Eating mostly local food
- Using public transport or Grab
- Staying in guesthouses or hotels (not luxury resorts)
Accommodation Costs in Vietnam
Accommodation is one of the biggest factors affecting Vietnam travel expenses.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation
- Hostels (dorm): $5 – $10
- Budget guesthouses: $10 – $18
Great value cities:
- Hanoi
- Hue
- Da Nang
- Can Tho
👉 Budget travelers can comfortably stay under $12/night in most regions.
🏨 Mid-Range Hotels
- 3-star hotels: $25 – $50
- Boutique hotels: $40 – $70
These usually include:
- Air-conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast
Food Costs in Vietnam (One of the Cheapest in Asia)
Food is where Vietnam truly shines.
Food represents where Vietnam travel expenses become incredibly affordable.
🍜 Street Food Paradise: $8-15 Daily
Breakfast Options:
- Pho (noodle soup): $1.50-2.50
- Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich): $1-1.50
- Vietnamese iced coffee: $0.80-1.50
Lunch Favorites:
- Com tam (broken rice dishes): $2-3.50
- Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles): $2-3
- Fresh spring rolls: $1.50-2
Dinner Selections:
- Cao lau (Hoi An noodles): $2-3.50
- Grilled seafood: $3-6
- Fried rice or noodles: $2-3
👉 Safety Tips: Choose busy stalls with high customer turnover. Locals eating there signals quality and food safety.
Street food isn’t compromise—it’s often superior to restaurants. Vendors specialize in single dishes perfected over decades, keeping your Vietnam travel expenses low while eating authentically.
🍽️ Restaurant Dining: $15-30 Daily
Local Restaurants:
- Breakfast at cafes: $5-10
- Lunch at sit-down spots: $4-8
- Dinner at nicer establishments: $8-15
Beverages:
- Local beer (Saigon, Hanoi Beer): $0.50-1
- Imported beer: $2-4
- Fresh juice: $1.50-2.50
- Cocktails: $3-6
Tourist-Oriented Restaurants:
- Western breakfast: $8-15
- Lunch with international menu: $10-18
- Dinner at popular spots: $15-25
👉 Money-Saving Strategy: Eat street food for breakfast and lunch ($4-6 total), then splurge on nice dinners ($10-15). Your daily Vietnam travel expenses for food stay under $20 while enjoying variety.
Pro Tip: Walk 2-3 blocks from main tourist squares. Restaurant quality improves while prices drop 40-60%.
These are optional and not representative of average Vietnam travel cost.
Transport Costs in Vietnam
Transportation significantly impacts your total Vietnam travel expenses.
Within Cities: $2-8 Daily
Walking (Free): Most city centers are pedestrian-friendly. Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Ho Chi Minh’s District 1 work perfectly for walking.
Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber):
- Short rides (1-3km): $1.50-2.50
- Medium distances (3-6km): $2.50-4
- Longer trips (6-10km): $4-7
- Download before arrival for best Vietnam travel expenses
Traditional Taxis:
- Metered rides: $4-8 for longer distances
- Always insist on using the meter
- Mai Linh and Vinasun are reliable companies
Motorbike Rentals:
- Daily rental: $5-8
- Weekly rental: $30-45
- Requires international driving permit
- Perfect for coastal areas and countryside
Between Cities: $10-50 Per Journey
Buses (Best Value):
- Standard coaches (4-8 hours): $10-18
- Overnight sleeper buses: $18-30
- VIP sleeper buses: $25-40
- Book through hotels or reputable operators
Trains (Scenic Routes):
- Hard seat: $8-15
- Soft seat: $12-20
- Soft sleeper berths: $30-45
- Hanoi to Hue coastal route offers stunning views
Domestic Flights:
- VietJet budget flights: $35-60
- Bamboo Airways: $50-80
- Vietnam Airlines: $70-120
- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh saves 30+ travel hours
Two-Week Transportation Budget: $120-200 total including all intercity travel keeps Vietnam travel expenses reasonable.
Overnight Transport Hack: Sleeper buses and trains let you travel while sleeping, saving both accommodation costs ($20-35) and daytime hours.
Hidden Costs Tourists Miss
These often-overlooked Vietnam travel expenses can surprise unprepared travelers.
Visa Fees: $0-50
US Citizens:
- 45-day visa exemption (FREE for most trips)
- E-visa for longer stays: $25
- Visa on arrival: $25-50 plus $10-20 approval letter
Application Timeline: Apply for e-visa 5-7 days before departure through the official government portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
👉 Always check official government sources before travel.
Travel Insurance: $35-80 for Two Weeks
Why It’s Essential: Medical emergencies happen. Don’t risk thousands in medical bills.
Recommended Providers:
- SafetyWing: $42/month
- World Nomads: $65-95 for two weeks
- Allianz: $55-85
Must-Have Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and emergency evacuation.
Also read our travel blog post on Travel Insurance Vietnam: Your Complete Guide to Safe and Worry-Free Travel
SIM Card & Mobile Data: $8-18
Essential for:
- Google Maps navigation
- Grab app usage
- Restaurant recommendations
- Staying connected
Provider Options:
- Viettel (best coverage): $12-18 for 30 days unlimited data
- Mobifone: $10-15 for 20GB
- Vinaphone: $8-12 for 15GB
Purchase Location: Buy at airport immediately after landing. Bring your passport for registration.
ATM Withdrawal Fees: $3-5 Per Transaction
Fee Structure:
- Your bank’s international fee: $3-5
- Vietnamese bank fee: $2-3
- Total per withdrawal: $5-8
Minimize Fees: Withdraw $100-200 at a time rather than multiple small amounts.
Best ATMs: Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank have widespread availability and reasonable fees.
Tipping (Optional): $15-35 for Two Weeks
When to Tip:
- Tour guides: $3-5 per day
- Hotel housekeeping: $1-2 per night
- Restaurant service: 5-10% for exceptional service
- Spa treatments: $2-5
Cultural Note: Tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated for excellent service.
Laundry Service: $2-4 Per Load
Most hotels offer laundry service. Street laundries cost even less but take 24 hours.
Toiletries & Supplies: $15-25
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and toiletries cost more in tourist areas. Buy at local supermarkets for better prices.
Shopping & Souvenirs: $25-120
Popular Items:
- Coffee ($5-15 per bag)
- Silk clothing ($15-40)
- Lacquerware ($10-50)
- Conical hats ($3-8)
Haggling Expected: Start at 50-60% of asking price. Meet somewhere in the middle.
Money-Saving Tips (Local Tricks)
These proven strategies dramatically reduce Vietnam travel expenses.
1. Embrace Street Food Completely
Savings: $15-25 daily
Watch where locals eat. Lines indicate quality. Street vendors specialize in perfecting single dishes over decades.
2. Travel During Shoulder Season
Savings: 35-45% on accommodation
Visit March-April or October-November. Weather stays excellent while prices drop dramatically. Avoid Tet (Vietnamese New Year) when prices spike.
3. Book Accommodations Last-Minute
Savings: 20-35%
Vietnam has abundant lodging. Walk-in rates often beat online prices except during peak season.
4. Use Overnight Transportation
Savings: One night’s accommodation ($20-35)
Sleeper buses and trains save both money and daytime hours for exploring.
5. Negotiate Everything Except Grab
Savings: 25-50% on markets, taxis, tours
Haggling is expected and respected in Vietnam. Start at 50-60% of asking price.
6. Stay Outside Tourist Centers
Savings: 40-55% on accommodation
Hotels 1-2km from main attractions cost half the price with identical quality. Short Grab rides cost only $1-2.
7. Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases
Savings: 15-30% better prices
“Xin chào” (hello), “Cảm ơn” (thank you), “Bao nhiêu?” (how much?) earn respect and better treatment.
8. Rent Motorbikes for Day Trips
Savings: $30-60 per organized tour
Hoi An countryside, Dalat waterfalls, and Mekong Delta areas work perfectly for independent exploration.
9. Buy Groceries for Snacks
Savings: $8-15 daily
Local markets sell fresh fruit, banh mi, and snacks at a fraction of tourist prices. Co.opmart and VinMart supermarkets offer air-conditioned shopping.
10. Avoid Restaurant Tourist Zones
Savings: 40-60% on dining
Walk 2-3 blocks from main squares. Quality improves while Vietnam travel expenses drop dramatically.
Complete Vietnam Travel Expenses: Sample Budgets
Budget Backpacker: 14-Day Trip
Daily Expenses: $35 × 14 days = $490
One-Time Costs:
- Round-trip flights (US West Coast): $650
- Visa: Free (45-day exemption)
- Travel insurance: $40
- SIM card: $12
- Miscellaneous (laundry, toiletries, tips): $50
Total Vietnam Travel Expenses: $1,242
What’s Included:
- Hostel dorms in top-rated locations
- Street food for all meals
- Local buses and occasional Grab rides
- Mix of free and low-cost activities
- 2-3 signature experiences (Ha Long Bay, cooking class)
Mid-Range Traveler: 14-Day Trip
Daily Expenses: $75 × 14 days = $1,050
One-Time Costs:
- Round-trip flights (US East Coast): $900
- Visa: Free
- Travel insurance: $70
- SIM card: $15
- Miscellaneous: $120
Total Vietnam Travel Expenses: $2,155
What’s Included:
- Private hotel rooms with breakfast
- Mix of street food and nice restaurants
- Grab rides and occasional taxis
- All major tours and activities
- Comfortable travel without luxury prices
Luxury Traveler: 14-Day Trip
Daily Expenses: $220 × 14 days = $3,080
One-Time Costs:
- Premium flights with better routing: $1,100
- Travel insurance: $90
- SIM card: $18
- Miscellaneous (shopping, premium services): $250
Total Vietnam Travel Expenses: $4,538
What’s Included:
- Four-star hotels and boutique resorts
- Fine dining and international restaurants
- Private drivers and domestic flights
- Premium tours (overnight Ha Long Bay cruise)
- Complete comfort and convenience
International Flight Costs
Flights represent 40-50% of total Vietnam travel expenses.
From US West Coast
Cities: LA, San Francisco, Seattle
- Round-trip average: $550-850
- Direct flights (Vietnam Airlines): $800-1,100
- Save 6-8 hours with direct routing
From US East Coast
Cities: NYC, Boston, Washington DC
- Round-trip average: $750-1,200
- Typical layovers: Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong
- 1-2 connections standard
Money-Saving Flight Tactics
Book 8-12 Weeks Ahead: Last-minute bookings cost 30-50% more.
Fly Tuesday-Thursday: Weekend flights add $100-200 to Vietnam travel expenses.
Use Google Flights Price Tracking: Set alerts for preferred dates and receive notifications for price drops.
Consider Nearby Airports: Flying into Bangkok then catching a $60 regional flight to Hanoi sometimes saves money.
Be Flexible with Dates: Shifting travel by 3-4 days can save $200-400.
Pro Insider Tip: Book separate one-way tickets into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City. This eliminates backtracking and often costs the same as round-trip while maximizing your Vietnam itinerary.
Activities & Attractions Costs
Activity expenses vary widely in your Vietnam travel expenses calculation.
Free & Cheap Experiences: $0-8
Hanoi:
- Old Quarter walking tours (free)
- Hoan Kiem Lake nightly entertainment (free)
- Train Street photo opportunities (free)
Ho Chi Minh City:
- War Remnants Museum ($2 entry)
- Notre Dame Cathedral exterior (free)
- Ben Thanh Market browsing (free)
Beaches:
- Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc beaches (free)
- Bring your own snacks and drinks
Temples & Pagodas:
- Most charge $0-2 (donations appreciated)
- Dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees
Mid-Range Activities: $15-50
Popular Tours:
- Ha Long Bay day cruises: $35-65
- Mekong Delta tours: $22-38
- Cooking classes in Hoi An: $28-40
- Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour: $18-28
- Motorbike adventures: $45-70
Luxury Experiences: $70-250
Premium Options:
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruises: $140-280
- Private guided tours: $90-160
- Helicopter tours: $220-450
- Premium spa treatments: $60-110
Smart Strategy: Mix free walking exploration with 2-3 signature paid experiences. Your Vietnam travel expenses for activities stay reasonable while hitting all highlights.
For comprehensive planning, check our detailed Vietnam travel guide covering the best attractions and activities.
Vietnam vs Thailand vs Bali: Cost Comparison
Wondering how Vietnam travel expenses compare to alternatives?
Daily Mid-Range Budget:
- Vietnam: $60-85
- Thailand: $75-110
- Bali: $85-130
Where Vietnam Wins:
Street Food: Vietnam costs 30% less than Thailand and 40% less than Bali.
Accommodation: Vietnam offers 20-25% better value for equivalent quality.
Domestic Transport: Buses and trains run 15-20% cheaper than Thai options.
Tours & Activities: Vietnam activities cost 15-20% less on average.
Bottom Line: Vietnam delivers the best Southeast Asian value for budget-conscious travelers. Your cost of traveling Vietnam stretches further than neighboring countries.
Real Traveler Budget Examples
Sarah’s 12-Day Budget Trip: $1,180 Total
Breakdown:
- Flights (LA to Hanoi): $680
- Accommodation (hostel private rooms): $168 ($14/night)
- Food (mostly street): $132 ($11/day)
- Transport (buses + Grab): $95
- Activities: $105 (Ha Long Bay, cooking class, museums)
Her Feedback: “I expected to spend $2,000. Vietnam’s affordability let me extend my trip by three extra days. Street food was incredible and my Vietnam travel expenses stayed well under budget.”
Mike & Jennifer’s 14-Day Mid-Range Trip: $2,340 Total
Breakdown:
- Flights (NYC to Ho Chi Minh, both tickets): $1,580
- Accommodation (3-star hotels): $420 ($30/night)
- Food (mix of street and restaurants): $350 ($25/day)
- Transport (buses, Grab, one domestic flight): $180
- Activities: $310 (all major tours, beaches, temples)
Their Feedback: “The same trip in Europe would’ve cost $6,000+. Our Vietnam travel expenses were half what we budgeted, so we upgraded several hotels and added extra tours. Best value destination we’ve ever visited.”
Essential Tips for Managing Vietnam Travel Expenses
Before Departure
Financial Preparation:
- Research exchange rates (1 USD ≈ 24,000 Vietnamese Dong)
- Notify banks about travel to avoid card blocks
- Get small US bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips
App Downloads:
- Grab (ride-hailing)
- Google Maps (download offline maps)
- Currency converter
- Google Translate (download Vietnamese offline)
During Your Trip
Price Communication: Always ask prices before any service to avoid miscommunication and disputes.
Cash Management: Keep small Vietnamese Dong bills handy. Vendors often lack change for 500,000 notes ($21 USD).
Exchange Rates: Never exchange money at airports. Rates are 8-12% worse than city exchange shops. Use gold shops or reputable exchange counters.
Photo Documentation: Take photos of street food stalls you love. Return visits save searching time and guarantee good meals.
Essential Phrase: Learn “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much money?). You’ll use it constantly to manage Vietnam travel expenses.
Your Action Plan: Calculate Vietnam Travel Cost
Now you know exactly what Vietnam travel expenses look like for YOUR travel style.
Step 1: Choose Your Daily Budget
- Budget: $35
- Mid-range: $75
- Luxury: $200
Step 2: Multiply by Trip Length
- 10 days
- 14 days
- 21 days
Step 3: Add One-Time Costs
- Flights: $650-1,200 from US
- Visa: Usually free for 45 days
- Insurance: $40-80
- Miscellaneous: $60-150
Example Calculation (Mid-Range, 14 Days):
$75 × 14 = $1,050
- Flights: $850
- Insurance: $70
- Misc: $100 Total: $2,070
Most travelers spend $1,200-2,400 for two weeks including flights. That’s less than one week in many Western destinations while experiencing richer culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures.
Sample Vietnam Travel Budget (7 Days)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $120 |
| Food | $70 |
| Transport | $50 |
| Activities | $40 |
| Miscellaneous | $20 |
| Total | $300 |
👉 That’s ~$43/day
FAQs: Vietnam Travel Expenses
How much cash should I bring to Vietnam?
Carry $200-300 USD cash plus credit/debit cards. ATMs accept international cards everywhere with $3-5 fees per withdrawal. Withdraw $100-200 at a time to minimize fees. Some street vendors and small shops only accept cash, while hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept cards.
Can I really travel Vietnam on $30 daily?
Absolutely yes for determined budget travelers. Hostel dorms ($8), street food ($10), local buses ($5), and free activities plus occasional tours ($7) total $30-35 daily. Thousands of backpackers prove this budget works consistently throughout Vietnam.
What’s the cheapest month to visit Vietnam?
May through September (wet season) offers 45-55% cheaper accommodation. Trade-off includes afternoon rain showers lasting 1-3 hours, though mornings and evenings stay dry. Best value months are March-April and October with 30% cheape
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Yes. Vietnam travel expenses run 15-25% less than Thailand overall. Food, accommodation, and transportation all cost less in Vietnam. Thailand offers more developed tourist infrastructure but at premium prices that increase your total budget.
Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam?
Strongly recommended. Medical care is affordable but emergencies cost thousands. Insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage costs only $2-4 daily. Don’t risk thousands in medical bills to save $50 on insurance.
Should I exchange money before arriving in Vietnam?
Exchange only $50-100 before departure for immediate needs. Get better rates at city exchange shops or gold shops in Vietnam than at US banks or airports. ATMs offer competitive rates with $3-5 withdrawal fees.
Final Thoughts: Budgeting Smart for Vietnam
Vietnam travel expenses in 2026 remain manageable, flexible, and rewarding. Whether you travel on $25 a day or $100 a day, Vietnam adapts to your budget — not the other way around.
Plan smart, travel local, and you’ll experience one of Southeast Asia’s richest cultures without overspending
Plan Your Perfect Vietnam Adventure
📧 Have questions about planning your Vietnam and Cambodia trip? Drop a comment below or Contact us for personalized budget travel advice
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Last Updated: December 2025