Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the world's most affordable travel destinations. Its reputation for delicious yet cheap street food, low-cost accommodation, and accessible transportation makes it a haven for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers. But how much does Vietnam budget travel actually cost?
While the final figure depends heavily on your travel style, pace, and the season you visit, cheap travel Vietnam is absolutely achievable. This guide breaks down the typical Vietnam expenses for budget travellers in 2025, helping you plan your adventure without breaking the bank.
As a rough guideline, here’s what you might expect to spend per day:
Backpacker Budget: $25 - $35 USD per person per day. This covers hostel dorms, street food/local eateries, local transport (buses/trains), and basic activities/entrance fees.
Comfort Budget: $40 - $60 USD per person per day. This allows for private rooms in budget guesthouses/hotels, a mix of street food and sit-down restaurant meals, more frequent use of Grab/taxis, budget domestic flights for longer distances, and perhaps a few more paid tours or activities.
Disclaimer: These are estimates as of early 2025. Prices can fluctuate based on location, season, and personal spending habits.
Let's dive into the specifics of your potential Vietnam travel budget:
Hostels: Plentiful in major cities and tourist hubs. Expect to pay $5 - $15 USD per night for a dorm bed. Many offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and social events.
Budget Guesthouses & Hotels (Nha Nghi): Simple private rooms can be found for $15 - $25 USD per night, sometimes including a basic breakfast.
Homestays: Offer a cultural experience, often including meals, for around $10 - $20 USD per night.
Overall Vietnam Accommodation Cost (Budget): Plan for $7 - $20 USD per night.
Street Food: The heart of Vietnamese cuisine and incredibly affordable! A bowl of Pho, a Banh Mi sandwich, or fresh spring rolls typically cost $1 - $3 USD. You can easily eat well for $10 - $15 USD per day sticking mainly to street food.
Local Eateries (Quán Cơm Bình Dân): Simple rice dishes with various toppings cost around $2 - $4 USD per plate.
Drinks: Bottled water costs around $0.50 USD. Local beer (Bia Hoi) is famously cheap, often under $1 USD, while canned/bottled beer is $1-$2 USD. Coffee is usually $1 - $3 USD.
Overall Vietnam Food Cost (Budget): Plan for $10 - $20 USD per day.
Local Buses: Extremely cheap for getting around cities, often costing less than $0.50 USD per ride.
Sleeper Buses: Popular for long distances (e.g., Hanoi to Hue). Expect to pay $10 - $20 USD depending on the route and company (Futa, The Sinh Tourist are popular).
Trains: Offer a scenic alternative, slightly more expensive than buses. Basic seats are cheaper, while soft sleeper berths for overnight journeys might cost $20 - $50+ USD (e.g., Hanoi-Hue around $45+, HCMC-Nha Trang around $16-$20).
Motorbike Rental: Around $5 - $10 USD per day (plus fuel). Requires confidence and experience due to chaotic traffic; ensure you have the correct license/IDP.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab): Very convenient and affordable in cities for short trips (car or motorbike taxi). Rides often start from $1 USD.
Budget Domestic Flights: Airlines like Vietjet Air offer cheap flights ($30-$100 USD) that save significant travel time between distant regions. Book in advance for the best prices.
Overall Vietnam Transportation Cost (Budget): Highly variable, but factor in $5 - $15 USD per day on average, depending on how much you move around and your chosen methods.
Many natural attractions and temples have low entrance fees ($1 - $5 USD). Examples include the Temple of Literature in Hanoi or parts of the Hue Citadel.
Museum entrance fees are typically low ($1 - $5 USD). The Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi is around 40,000 VND (~$1.65 USD).
Popular organised tours cost more:
Cu Chi Tunnels (from HCMC): Around $20 USD for a group tour.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Around $20 - $40 USD.
Budget Ha Long Bay Cruise (2D/1N): Expect $110 - $150 USD per person for decent budget options (like Phoenix, Oriental Sails, Swan Cruises). Cheaper options exist but may compromise quality/safety.
Free activities abound: Wander through Hanoi's Old Quarter, relax on beaches, explore local markets, take free walking tours (tip your guide!).
Overall Vietnam Activities Cost (Budget): Budget $5 - $15 USD per day on average, allowing for a mix of free exploration and occasional paid attractions/tours.
Visa: E-visa costs $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry).
SIM Card: Local SIM with data costs around $5 - $10 USD for a tourist package.
Laundry: Around $1 - $2 USD per kilogram at local shops.
Travel Insurance: Essential! Costs vary based on coverage and duration. Don't skip this.
Eat Local: Embrace street food and local eateries (Quán Cơm Bình Dân). It's delicious and drastically cuts costs.
Travel Overnight: Use sleeper buses or trains for long distances to save on a night's accommodation.
Bargain Respectfully: Haggling is expected in markets (not in restaurants or fixed-price stores). Keep it light-hearted.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab is often cheaper and more transparent than hailing street taxis, especially for shorter distances.
Travel Off-Peak: Visiting during the shoulder seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) can mean lower prices for flights and accommodation.
Embrace Free Activities: Walking tours, exploring parks, visiting free-entry temples, relaxing on beaches, people-watching – there's plenty to do without spending much.
Drink Bia Hoi: Enjoy super cheap local draft beer.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Refill it where possible to save money and reduce plastic waste (ensure water is filtered/safe).
Absolutely! Vietnam remains one of the best value destinations in Southeast Asia. While you can spend a lot on luxury experiences, enjoying the country's highlights on a budget is entirely feasible. By eating locally, choosing budget accommodation, using affordable transport, and balancing paid activities with free exploration, you can experience the magic of Vietnam without emptying your wallet.
Planning your Vietnam budget travel itinerary can still be complex. If you prefer a structured trip without the hassle of booking everything yourself, consider one of our specially designed Vietnam package tours that cater to various budgets!
