Your Vietnam trip cost can vary greatly depending on your travel style, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive cost overview divided in 3 travel budget styles per day and per week, so you can plan your trip with confidence and get the most out of your experience in this beautiful country.
- Calculate your Vietnam travel cost
- Vietnam travel budget per day & week
- Vietnam cost overview
- Cheapest and most expensive season
- Vietnam travel budget tips
Calculate your Vietnam trip cost
This tool provides a general cost overview for your Vietnam trip based on your travel style. By entering details about your preferred accommodation, transportation, food, and activities, the calculator will estimate your trip’s average cost. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and actual expenses may vary depending on the season and other factors.
- How long is your trip
- What kind of accommodations do you like
- What kind of transportation
- Food
- Activities
Vietnam travel budget per day & week
When it comes to traveling in Vietnam, your budget will largely depend on your preferred travel style. Whether you’re a budget traveler, mid-range traveler, or high-end traveler, Vietnam has something to offer for all budgets. From budget-friendly hostels and street food to luxurious resorts and fine dining restaurants, there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste and budget in Vietnam.
Budget traveler – travel budget
Vietnam is a popular destination for budget travelers and backpackers, offering affordable options for accommodation, food, and activities. With its delicious and cheap street food, coupled with an abundance of budget-friendly accommodations, it’s easy to have an enjoyable time in Vietnam without breaking the bank.
- Per Day: $25-$35
- Per Week (7 days): $175-$245
Breakdown
- Accommodation: Budget accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses, and homestays can range from $5-15 per night, so for a week, you could expect to spend around $35-105.
- Transportation: Local buses and trains are relatively cheap in Vietnam, with prices ranging from $1-15 depending on the distance. For a week, transportation costs could add up to around $20-30.
- Activities: There are many free or low-cost activities to do in Vietnam, such as visiting temples, hiking, or exploring local markets. Some more popular activities like a Halong Bay cruise or a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels can cost between $20-40 per person. For a week, budgeting around $50-60 for activities would be reasonable.
- Food & Drink: Vietnamese street food is known for being delicious and affordable. A budget of $10-15 per day for food and drink would allow you to enjoy local specialties and eat at small restaurants or street stalls. For a week, this would add up to around $70-105.
Mid-range traveler – travel budget
For travelers looking for more comfort and convenience, Vietnam is also a great destination for mid-range travel. With a slightly higher budget, mid-range travelers can enjoy more upscale accommodations, transportation, and dining options, while still getting good value for their money.
- Per Day: $50-$80
- Per Week (7 days): $350-$560
Breakdown
- Accommodation: For mid-range accommodation, you can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per night for a private room in a hotel or a guesthouse.
- Transportation: Transportation costs can vary depending on how you choose to travel. If you opt for public transportation like buses and trains, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per day for transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing services will cost more. Renting a motorbike or a car will cost around $10 to $20 per day.
- Activities: Mid-range activities in Vietnam can include guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, and other experiences. Expect to pay around $30 to $50 per activity.
- Food & Drink: Mid-range meals in Vietnam can cost around $5 to $10 per meal. Local street food is usually the cheapest option, while restaurants and cafes will be more expensive. Drinks like beer and cocktails can cost around $2 to $5 each.
Luxury traveler – travel budget
Vietnam offers a plethora of luxury experiences for travelers looking for a high-end getaway. From 5-star hotels and resorts to private tours and fine dining experiences, Vietnam caters to those with discerning tastes and a willingness to spend more.
- Per Day: $150-$300
- Per Week (7 days): $1,050-$2,100
Breakdown
- Accommodation: As a luxury traveler in Vietnam, you can expect to indulge in high-end accommodations with prices ranging from $100 to $500 per night, depending on the level of luxury and location. Private villas, beachfront resorts, and five-star hotels are among the options available.
- Transportation: Transportation options for luxury travelers in Vietnam include private cars, chauffeur services, private jets, and helicopters. Expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 per day for transportation services, depending on the mode of transportation and distance.
- Activities: Luxury activities in Vietnam could include private tours, exclusive events, and personalized experiences. Prices can vary greatly depending on the activity and level of exclusivity, but expect to pay upwards of $200 per activity.
- Food & Drink: Fine dining experiences are also a must for luxury travelers in Vietnam, with high-end restaurants and upscale bars offering premium menus and drinks. Expect to pay around $50 to $100 per meal, with drinks costing $10 or more.
Vietnam trip cost overview
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering about the cost, this list provides a comprehensive overview of prices for common expenses. From accommodation and transportation to food and activities, these estimated costs can help you plan and budget for your Vietnam trip. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location, season, and travel style, but this list provides a good starting point for estimating your Vietnam trip cost.
Price for accommodation
- 1 night in a hostel: $5-$15 USD
- Mid-range hotel: $25-$50 USD per night
- High-end resort: $150-$500 USD per night
Price for food and drink
- Street food: $1-$3 USD per meal
- Eating at a local restaurant: $3-$7 USD per meal
- Fine dining restaurant: $30-$80 USD per meal
- Soft drink at a local restaurant: $0.50-$1.50 USD
- Local beer: $0.50-$2 USD
- Beer at a bar: $1-3 per bottle/can
- Wine at a bar: $10-30 per bottle
- Cocktails at a bar: $5-10 per drink
- Coffee at a café: $1-3 per cup
Price for activities & services:
- Entrance fee for a temple: $1-$3 USD
- Massage: $10-$20 USD per hour
- Group tour: $20-$50 USD per person
- Private tour: $50-$150 USD per person
- Spa treatment: $20-$50 USD
- Manicure/Pedicure: $5-$20 USD
- Haircut: $3-$10 USD
- Admission fee for museums: $1-5
Price for transportation
- Renting a car with driver: $50-$100 USD per day
- Bus trip between cities: $5-$20 USD
- Train travel: $10-$50 USD
- Motorbike rental: $5-$10 USD per day
- Taxi per km or mile: $0.50-1 per km
- Domestic flights: $30-100 per person
Miscellaneous
- Laundry service: $1-$2 USD per kilogram
- Souvenir T-shirt: $5-$10 USD
- Tailored suit or dress: $50-$200 USD
- Local sim card: $5-$10 USD
- Pack of cigarettes: $1-$3 USD
Cheapest and most expensive seasons in Vietnam
The cheapest season in Vietnam is generally from May to September, which is the low season due to the hot and rainy weather in most parts of the country. The most expensive season is from December to February, which is the peak season for tourism, especially around the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, and the weather is cooler and drier in the north. Prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities tend to be higher during this period.
Vietnam travel budget tips
- Bargaining is common practice in markets and smaller shops, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
- Always confirm prices before agreeing to services such as taxi rides or tours to avoid being overcharged.
- It’s a good idea to carry cash with you, especially when venturing into rural areas, as many places do not accept credit cards.
- If you’re looking for a cheap mode of transportation, consider renting a bicycle. Many hostels and guesthouses offer bike rentals for a low price.
- Be aware of hidden fees, such as service charges or taxes, when booking accommodations or tours.
- Prices for goods and services can vary widely depending on the region of the country you are in. For example, prices in tourist hotspots like Hoi An or Halong Bay will likely be higher than in more rural areas.
- Vietnamese street food is not only delicious, but it’s also very affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, eating at street food stalls and local markets can help you save a lot of money.
- If you’re planning to stay in Vietnam for an extended period of time, consider renting an apartment or a room in a shared house instead of staying in hotels or guesthouses. This can be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
- The cost of living in Vietnam can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and location. For example, living in a major city like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi will be more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Lastly, keep in mind that while Vietnam is generally a very affordable travel destination, prices for certain activities or services may be higher during peak tourist season or in popular tourist areas.
