Vietnam is frequently viewed as one of the most appealing places in Southeast Asia, due to its varied natural landscapes, cultural diversity, specialties and, of course, very cheap prices. But before you head off on your adventure, you might be thinking “How much will a trip to Vietnam cost me?”. Understanding the Vietnam travel cost in detail will help you plan better and avoid overspending.
Overview of total costs when traveling in Vietnam
Vietnam travel cost is considered quite affordable compared to many other destinations in Southeast Asia. On average, a trip will cost around:
- Backpacker travel: 25-40 USD/day
- Comfort travel: 50-80 USD/day
- Luxury travel: from 150 USD/day
At this price point, Vietnam is an ideal choice for different types of travelers; backpackers, families wanting to holiday, and those looking for a more luxe experience.
Naturally, Vietnam daily expenses will depend on factors such as whether you were in a hostel or a resort, whether you were eating at a street stall or restaurant, and whether you traveled by public transportation or renting a vehicle. I will expand upon all of these factors affecting Vietnam travel cost below so that you can have a better understanding.
Main Expenses That Shape Vietnam Travel Cost
Transportation
Transportation fees account for a large portion of the overall trip budget. If traveling from a destination outside of Vietnam to Vietnam, the price of international flight tickets will account for the majority of this budget, likely costing anywhere from about 300-800 USD round trip (depending upon which specific city you are flying from, which airline you are flying, and how far in advance a person books their flight). To cut costs in the budget a person will want to either book well in advance, find a reasonably priced flight ticket, or have an itinerary with reasonable layover time between connecting flights.
Once you are in Vietnam, there are many options for domestic travel:
- Domestic flights: Flights from Hanoi to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or big islands such as Phu Quoc, usually range from 30 to 80 USD one-way. Flying on long-distance legs will save you a ton of time and allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and food!
- Bus or train: This is a friendly option for budget travelers, tickets usually cost anywhere from 5 to 30 USD, both cheap and fast, at the same time you can watch a variety of natural scenery along the way, making it a great way to enjoy cheap travel in Vietnam.
- Taxi or Car: You can book a car online on travel apps and show you the transparent prices. In the city, this option is too easy but be careful as rush or long distance travel will cost you more, so you should figure this in your budget. For more comfort and flexibility, you can also choose private car rental services, which make it easy to explore Vietnam at your own pace.
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike for 5 to 10 USD each day is an easy way to get around nearby and can be especially useful in small towns. One thing to note is that you should be comfortable with riding a motorbike, and you also need a driver’s license if you decide to use a motorbike as your mode of transportation during your trip.
Transportation
Accommodation
Costs for stay are amongst the largest Vietnam daily expenses in a trip. Vietnam offers a range of accommodation options to fit your travel style and budget.
- Budget hostels or homestays: starting from 5 to 25 USD per night, can be useful if you travel on a budget backpacking trip and will be satisfied with basic rooms with limited amenities such as a bed with a fan or air conditioner and wifi. This is the most common choice for those who want cheap travel in Vietnam.
- Mid-tier hotels: generally, the price of a night stay can range from 25 to 50 USD, for complete privacy and amenities, and in locations that may be central or popular attractions.
- First class hotels and resorts: luxury brand hotels with prices from 100 USD per night or higher for services such as swimming pools, restaurants, professional services, etc. This type of accommodation is becoming very popular in famous tourist destinations like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Danang.
Different accommodation choices in Vietnam
Dining
Vietnam is known for its rich and world-famous cuisine, visitors will be overwhelmed by a wide variety of choices ranging from street food to fine dining.
Street food: mostly served for 1-5 USD for 1 dish of pho, bun cha, banh mi, or com tam – a must-try for cheap travel in Vietnam.
Local restaurants: A meal per person is from 5-10 USD per meal and offers a variety or a mixture of dishes from seafood to many traditional local dishes for a main meal.
If you want high-end menus, then fine dining restaurants or restaurants in 4-5 star hotels usually cost from 20 USD or more per person with carefully made dishes, comfortable space and professional service.
Vietnam dining options for every budget.
>>> You can also explore Top 9 Michelin-starred Restaurants in Vietnam (Updated) for a taste of luxury.
Activities and sightseeing
The cost of sightseeing and experiences depends on the type:
Activities and Sightseeing
Cultural and historical sightseeing
Tickets for most museums, monuments, and pagodas are typically between 1 to 5 USD per person. Vietnam is steeped in culture and history so the cost for sightseeing is generally quite inexpensive. This is a great option for those who want to learn about architecture, religion, and ancient historical sites.
Explore nature
Vietnam is well-known for the various landscapes it has, from mountains to islands, and in Vietnam you can trek in the mountains in Sapa, scuba dive in Ha Long Bay, walk around the Son Doong Cave or swim in Phu Quoc with the costing per person for any of those nature based tours ranging from 20 – 80 USD, depending on the tour, package and what it includes.
>>> For travelers who want a well-rounded experience without worrying about planning every detail, the Beauty of Vietnam in 16 Days: From the Northeast to the Highlands offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and local life.
Relaxation
For those who would like some activities like luxury cruises, spas and massages, sea sports, or golf courses will run from 50 to more than 200 USD. This group of clientele is looking for high-end services with relaxation and luxury in mind, so the average Vietnam travel cost rises significantly.
Package tours and special experiences
Culinary tours, 5-star cruises, or scuba diving to see corals often have flexible costs, depending on the level of service and time, this is an attractive option for those who want to experience many activities in a service package that is both convenient and provides a comprehensive experience, from cuisine, culture to nature.
Factors affecting travel cost
Key factors that influence the cost of traveling
Travel season
Costs vary significantly between peak and low seasons. Peak season usually falls in the summer from June to August, Lunar New Year and major holidays, when airfares, hotels and services increase sharply due to high demand. On the contrary, low seasons such as April, May, September-November, except for holidays, costs will be cheaper, hotels and tours have many promotions, helping to save significantly on the average Vietnam travel cost.
Destination
Pricing varies according to region. Cities and popular places with high occupancy such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Ha Long, and Phu Quoc regularly command a higher price than less traveled lesser-known places simple because of the volume of people brought to those locations and out of the services developed. Lesser-known areas such as Ha Giang, Quy Nhon, and Tuy Hoa can be priced lower yet provide a more personal and authentic experience of local life and contribute to cheap travel in Vietnam.
Travel style
Each person has a different travel style and this greatly affects the budget. Budget travelers often choose hostels, eat street food, travel by bus, motorbike or train. On the contrary, high-end travelers prioritize resorts, luxury restaurants, private services such as shuttle buses, private tours, from which the cost can increase many times.
Length of stay
As the length of stay increases the total cost also increase as well, but the average price per day may actually be lower price sometimes. For instance, you may get a package deal, while renting a room for as long, or booking a multi-day sightseeing tour, which would allow you to have a discount. However, you want to evaluate each step of the spend, to evaluate and avoid too many surprise costs.
Time to book tickets and services
Booking air tickets, hotels and tours early often helps you save 20-40% compared to booking close to the date. In addition, airlines, booking platforms and travel companies often have seasonal promotions. If you know how to hunt for deals, you can save significantly on your trip
Incidental expenses and shopping
In addition to basic expenses, you should reserve for additional expenses.
- SIM cards cost about 5-10 USD to ensure continuous internet connection
- Spontaneous drinks and coffee typically run about 1-5 USD per cup depending on the cafe or shop and its location.
- Souvenirs (handicrafts or decorations) can run anywhere from a few to tens of dollars, it just depends on what you want.
It is also good to add a bit of an allowance for tips or taxis that you impulsively add outside of your plan, as this will let you enjoy your trip comfortably without worrying too much about costs.
Tips to save money when traveling to Vietnam
Saving Tips
- Travel in the low season: avoid Tet, summer and major holidays. Instead, go in April-May or September-November, airfares and hotels are often much cheaper
- Book tickets and accommodations early: should book 2-3 months in advance. Airlines and booking platforms often have promotions, helping to save 20-40%
- Eat like a local: cheap street foods and drinks but still ensures deliciousness and safety. Look for restaurants with many locals to ensure quality.
- Move smart: in the city, use Grab, Be, Gojek instead of traditional taxis. For short trips, you should rent a motorbike. For long trips, sleeper buses and trains will be much cheaper than planes.
- Go on a group tour: Mekong, Ha Long or city tours, if you go in a group, will be much cheaper than a private tour
- Bargain skillfully: when shopping at traditional markets, don’t be afraid to bargain. Smile and negotiate in a polite manner to save money and assimilate into the local culture. Find a homestay or guesthouse: Not only do you save money, but you also get to enjoy the local culture. In Sapa, Ha Giang, or Hoi An, many homestays include breakfast and lunch.
Having a clear idea about the Vietnam travel cost while planning your trip allows you to focus on having a great time instead of worrying about overspending. Everything from accommodation and food to sightseeing and transport the Vietnam daily expenses can be customized to suit every type of traveler. For the adventurer with a budget, there are hundreds of cheap travel in Vietnam options, and for those looking for luxury, you’re going to find world-class services that warrant the price. The overall cost for traveling in Vietnam is affordable compared to many other countries, and with this, it makes Vietnam one of the great-value travel destinations in Southeast Asia.
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