Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how much you’ll spend each day? This comprehensive budget guide breaks down the daily costs for travelers exploring Vietnam, from budget backpackers to mid-range couples and comfortable travelers. Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations, offering incredible value for money across accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Understanding the Vietnam travel cost per day helps you plan effectively and make the most of your adventure in this stunning country.
Understanding Vietnam’s Cost Structure
Vietnam’s tourism infrastructure caters to all budget levels. The country uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and as of early 2025, exchange rates typically range around 24,000-25,000 VND to 1 USD, though this fluctuates regularly.
Costs vary significantly between major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City versus smaller towns and rural areas. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) offer similar pricing, while central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue) can be slightly more expensive in tourist-heavy areas.
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Daily Budget Breakdown by Vietnam Travel Cost
Budget Backpacker: $25-40 Per Day
Budget travelers can explore Vietnam comfortably on approximately $25-40 USD per day by staying in hostels, eating local food, and using public transportation.
Accommodation: $5-12 per night
- Hostel dorm bed: $5-8
- Budget guesthouse private room: $10-12
- Fan room (no AC): $5-7
Food: $8-15 per day
- Street food breakfast (banh mi, pho): $1-2
- Local restaurant lunch: $2-4
- Street food dinner: $2-4
- Snacks and drinks: $2-3
- Coffee: $1-2
Transportation: $3-8 per day
- Local bus: $0.30-1
- Motorbike rental: $5-7 per day
- Short taxi/Grab rides: $2-3
Activities: $5-10 per day
- Many temples and beaches: Free
- Museum entry: $1-3
- Occasional paid activity: $5-10
Mid-Range Traveler: $50-80 Per Day
Mid-range travelers enjoy comfortable hotels, a mix of local and international cuisine, and more organized tours.
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Accommodation: $20-35 per night
- 3-star hotel: $20-30
- Boutique guesthouse: $25-35
- Air-conditioned private room: $20-25
Food: $15-25 per day
- Hotel breakfast: Often included
- Restaurant lunch: $5-8
- Nicer restaurant dinner: $8-12
- Café drinks and snacks: $3-5
Transportation: $10-20 per day
- Grab/taxi rides: $5-10
- Motorbike rental: $5-7
- Occasional private transfer: $5-10
Activities: $15-25 per day
- Guided tours: $15-30
- Cooking classes: $20-30
- Entry fees: $3-7
Comfort/Luxury Traveler: $100-200+ Per Day
Travelers seeking premium experiences can expect to spend $100-200+ per day on upscale hotels, fine dining, and private tours.
Accommodation: $50-150+ per night
- 4-star hotel: $50-80
- 5-star hotel: $100-200+
- Luxury resort: $150-300+
Food: $30-60 per day
- Upscale restaurant meals: $15-30 per meal
- Hotel dining: $20-40
- Specialty coffee and treats: $5-10
Transportation: $20-50 per day
- Private drivers: $30-50
- Premium Grab rides: $10-20
- First-class train tickets: $30-60
Activities: $30-80+ per day
- Private tours: $50-100+
- Spa treatments: $30-60
- Premium experiences: $50-150+
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Cost Comparison Table by Category
| Expense Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5-12 | $20-35 | $50-150+ |
| Food | $8-15 | $15-25 | $30-60+ |
| Transportation | $3-8 | $10-20 | $20-50+ |
| Activities | $5-10 | $15-25 | $30-80+ |
| Daily Total | $25-40 | $50-80 | $100-200+ |
Specific City Cost Variations
Hanoi Daily Costs
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, offers reasonable prices with slight premiums in the Old Quarter tourist area.
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- Budget accommodation: $6-12
- Mid-range hotel: $25-40
- Street food meal: $1.50-3
- Restaurant meal: $5-10
- Local beer: $0.50-1.50
- Coffee: $1-3
Ho Chi Minh City Daily Costs
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has similar pricing to Hanoi, with slightly higher costs in District 1.
- Budget accommodation: $7-12
- Mid-range hotel: $25-45
- Street food meal: $1.50-3
- Restaurant meal: $6-12
- Local beer: $0.60-2
- Coffee: $1.50-3.50
Hoi An Daily Costs
Hoi An’s popularity makes it slightly more expensive, especially in the Ancient Town area.
- Budget accommodation: $8-15
- Mid-range hotel: $30-50
- Street food meal: $2-4
- Restaurant meal: $7-15
- Tailor-made clothing: $30-150
- Bicycle rental: $2-3 per day
Da Nang Daily Costs
Da Nang offers good value, particularly outside the immediate beach resort areas.
- Budget accommodation: $7-13
- Mid-range hotel: $25-45
- Beach restaurant meal: $5-12
- Local restaurant: $3-7
- Beach access: Free
- Motorbike rental: $5-7
Sapa Daily Costs
Mountain town Sapa has higher prices due to its remote location and tourism popularity.
- Budget accommodation: $10-15
- Mid-range hotel: $30-50
- Restaurant meal: $5-10
- Trekking guide: $15-30 per day
- Motorbike rental: $7-10
Transportation Costs in Detail
Domestic Flights
Flying between major cities saves time but increases costs.
- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: $30-100
- Hanoi to Da Nang: $25-80
- Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang: $25-70
- Budget airlines (VietJet, Bamboo): Generally cheaper
- Vietnam Airlines: Premium pricing
Trains
Vietnamese trains offer scenic travel at budget-friendly prices.
- Hanoi to Sapa (overnight): $20-40
- Hanoi to Hue: $30-60
- Hue to Da Nang: $5-10
- Soft sleeper berth: $25-45
- Hard seat: $10-20
Buses
Buses provide the most economical long-distance option.
- Hanoi to Sapa: $10-15
- Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: $5-8
- Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne: $7-12
- Sleeper bus (overnight): $15-25
- Standard bus: $5-15
Local Transportation
Getting around cities remains very affordable.
- City bus: $0.30-0.50
- Grab bike (motorbike taxi): $1-3 for short trips
- Grab car: $2-8 for city trips
- Motorbike rental: $5-7 per day
- Bicycle rental: $2-3 per day
- Cyclo (tourist areas): $5-10 per hour
Food and Dining Costs
Street Food
Street food represents Vietnam’s best culinary value.
- Pho (noodle soup): $1.50-3
- Banh mi (sandwich): $1-2
- Com tam (broken rice): $2-3
- Spring rolls: $1-2
- Fresh fruit: $1-2
- Sugar cane juice: $0.50-1
Local Restaurants
Family-run restaurants offer authentic meals at low prices.
- Rice or noodle dish: $2-5
- Stir-fried vegetables: $2-4
- Grilled meat/fish: $3-7
- Soup: $2-4
- Vietnamese coffee: $1-2
- Fresh coconut: $1-2
Tourist/Western Restaurants
International cuisine and tourist-oriented venues cost more.
- Pizza: $7-15
- Burger: $6-12
- Pasta: $7-14
- Western breakfast: $5-10
- Imported beer: $2-4
- Cocktail: $4-8
Activity and Attraction Costs
Free Activities
Many Vietnam experiences cost nothing.
- Exploring cities on foot
- Temple visits (most)
- Public beaches
- Markets and street scenes
- Watching street life from cafés
- Sunset viewing spots
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Paid Attractions
Entry fees remain affordable for most sites.
- Museum entry: $1-5
- Temple complexes: $2-7
- Water puppet show: $5-10
- Cu Chi Tunnels: $6-8
- Imperial City (Hue): $7-10
- My Son Sanctuary: $5-7
Tours and Experiences
Organized activities add to daily budgets but offer unique experiences.
- Ha Long Bay day cruise: $30-50
- Ha Long Bay overnight: $80-150+
- Mekong Delta tour: $20-40
- Cooking class: $20-35
- City food tour: $25-45
- Motorbike tour: $50-100
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Money-Saving Tips for Vietnam
- Book accommodation in advance: Securing hotels early often yields 10-30% discounts, especially during peak season (November-March).
- Eat where locals eat: Street stalls and local restaurants offer authentic food at a fraction of tourist venue prices.
- Use the Grab app: This ride-hailing service provides transparent, fair pricing without negotiation hassles.
- Travel during shoulder season: April-May and September-October offer lower prices with decent weather in most regions.
- Buy combination tickets: Many attractions offer multi-site passes that reduce per-entry costs.
- Rent motorbikes carefully: Compare rental shop prices, as tourist areas often charge 30-50% premiums.
- Withdraw larger cash amounts: ATM fees typically run $2-5 per transaction, so fewer withdrawals save money.
- Book tours locally: Purchasing tours directly from local operators costs 20-40% less than pre-booking through international platforms.
- Use overnight transportation: Sleeper buses and trains save a night’s accommodation while covering distance.
- Shop at local markets: Supermarkets and tourist shops charge significantly higher prices than traditional markets.
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Sample Daily Itinerary Budgets
Budget Backpacker Day in Hanoi ($32)
- Hostel dorm bed: $7
- Breakfast banh mi: $1.50
- Old Quarter walking tour: Free
- Lunch pho: $2
- Coffee: $1
- Temple of Literature entry: $1
- Dinner at local restaurant: $4
- Water puppet show: $6
- Drinks and snacks: $3
- Local bus rides: $1
- Beer with travelers: $2
- Total: $28.50
Mid-Range Couple Day in Hoi An ($140 for two)
- 3-star hotel: $35
- Hotel breakfast: Included
- Ancient Town exploration: $7 (tickets)
- Lunch at riverside restaurant: $18
- Tailor visit and deposit: $50
- Afternoon coffee: $6
- Cooking class: $50 (for two)
- Grab rides: $8
- Drinks and snacks: $6
- Total: $180 ($90 per person, including tailor deposit)
Comfortable Traveler Day in Ho Chi Minh City ($165)
- 4-star hotel: $65
- Breakfast at the hotel: Included
- Cu Chi Tunnels private tour: $45
- Lunch at District 1 restaurant: $15
- War Remnants Museum: $2
- Coffee at rooftop café: $5
- Grab rides throughout day: $15
- Dinner at upscale Vietnamese restaurant: $25
- Rooftop bar drinks: $18
- Total: $190
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Regional Cost Differences to Consider
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay): Generally affordable with seasonal price increases in Ha Long Bay and Sapa during peak tourism months. Sapa accommodation and tours cost 20-40% more than equivalent services in other regions due to its remote mountain location.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): Hoi An represents the most expensive destination in this region, particularly within the Ancient Town area, where restaurants and accommodations charge tourist premiums of 30-50%. Da Nang offers better value, especially outside the immediate beach resort zones.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Ho Chi Minh City prices align with Hanoi, while Mekong Delta towns offer some of Vietnam’s lowest costs. Phu Quoc island presents the highest prices countrywide due to its resort development and island logistics.
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Seasonal Price Variations
- Peak Season (December-February): Accommodation prices increase 30-100% in popular destinations, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Ha Long Bay cruises, Sapa trekking tours, and Hoi An hotels see the steepest increases. Booking 2-3 months ahead helps secure better rates.
- Shoulder Season (March-April, September-October): Prices drop 20-40% from peak levels while weather remains favorable in most regions. This period offers excellent value with fewer crowds and negotiable rates for last-minute bookings.
- Low Season (May-August, heavy rain periods): Accommodation costs drop 30-60% from peak prices, with exceptional bargains in beach destinations. Some island resorts close during heavy monsoon periods, while cities remain fully operational year-round.
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Long-Term Travel Discounts
Travelers staying in Vietnam for extended periods can negotiate significant discounts. Monthly accommodation rates are typically 30-50% lower than daily rates, with guesthouses offering the best long-term deals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much money do I need per day in Vietnam as a budget traveler?
Budget travelers can comfortably explore Vietnam on $25-40 per day. This budget covers hostel accommodation, local street food, public transportation or motorbike rental, and occasional paid attractions. Sticking to local eateries, staying in dorms, and using buses keeps costs at the lower end.
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- Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand for daily travel costs?
Vietnam generally offers slightly lower daily costs compared to Thailand, particularly for accommodation and food. Street food in Vietnam costs approximately 10-20% less, and budget accommodation is often $2-5 cheaper per night. However, some Thai destinations outside major tourist areas can be comparably affordable.
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- How much does food cost per day in Vietnam?
Food costs vary dramatically by dining choice. Budget travelers eating primarily street food spend $8-15 daily, while mid-range travelers mixing local and tourist restaurants spend $15-25. Those preferring upscale dining budget $30-60+ per day. A typical street food meal costs $1.50-3, while restaurant meals run $5-15.
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- What is the most expensive part of traveling in Vietnam?
For most travelers, accommodation represents the largest expense, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay. Tours and organized activities, especially overnight cruises ($80-200+), significantly impact budgets. Internal flights, while time-saving, cost considerably more than buses or trains.
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- Do I need to budget extra for visa costs in Vietnam?
Visa requirements and costs depend on nationality. Many nationalities now enjoy visa-free entry for 15-45 days. E-visas cost approximately $25 and allow 30-90 day stays for eligible nationalities. Travelers should verify current requirements as policies change regularly. Budget an additional $25-50 for visa processing if required.
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- Can couples travel in Vietnam on $100 per day total?
Couples can travel in Vietnam on a combined $100 daily budget by choosing mid-range to budget-friendly options. This allows approximately $40-50 for accommodation, $25-35 for food, $15-20 for transportation, and $10-20 for activities. Mixing budget and mid-range choices provides comfort while maintaining affordability.
- How much cash should I carry daily in Vietnam?
Carrying approximately $30-50 in Vietnamese Dong covers most daily needs, as many small vendors, street food stalls, and local transportation don’t accept cards. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators increasingly accept cards, but cash remains essential for local experiences.
- Is tipping expected in Vietnam, and should I budget for it?
Tipping is not traditionally expected in Vietnam, but is increasingly appreciated in tourist areas. Budget an additional 5-10% for exceptional service at upscale restaurants and for tour guides. Street food vendors and local restaurants don’t expect tips. Small amounts (20,000-50,000 VND) are appropriate for helpful hotel staff.
Summary: Vietnam travel costs per day vary significantly based on travel style, destinations, and seasonal timing. Budget backpackers comfortably explore on $25-40 daily, mid-range travelers enjoy comfort at $50-80, and luxury seekers spend $100-200+ for premium experiences.
Food represents exceptional value, with street food meals costing $1.50-3 and quality restaurant dining available for $5-15. Accommodation ranges from $5 hostel beds to $150+ luxury hotels, while transportation remains affordable with buses, trains, and Grab rides.
Smart budgeting strategies include eating at local venues, booking accommodation in advance, traveling during shoulder seasons, and purchasing tours from local operators. Vietnam’s incredible value for money, combined with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, makes it one of Southeast Asia’s best destinations for travelers across all budget levels.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available tourism data, official travel resources, and general cost estimates current as of early 2025. Prices and rules may vary depending on season, specific locations, traveler profile, and exchange rate fluctuations. Always verify current costs, visa requirements, and travel advisories before your trip. Individual spending patterns significantly influence actual daily costs.
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