Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel well, and it still surprises people on a first trip. You can eat a bowl of pho for the price of a bottled water back home, cross the country on a comfortable sleeper train for the cost of a taxi ride, and sleep in a clean, friendly guesthouse for very little. The honest answer to is Vietnam expensive is no, it is superb value, and the only real costs are Ha Long Bay cruises, internal flights and the odd splurge. Here is what a trip really costs. For the wider plan, see our Vietnam travel guide.
What is cheap and what is not
- Very cheap: street food, local restaurants, coffee, buses and trains, SIM data, and simple guesthouses.
- Mid range: internal flights, Ha Long Bay cruises, tailored clothes in Hoi An, and mid tier hotels.
- Pricier: luxury resorts, private guides and cars, and Western restaurants and bars.
Typical daily costs
Rough guide per person per day, excluding international flights. Prices move, so treat these as planning ranges rather than quotes.
| Style | Where you stay and eat | Rough daily budget |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | Hostel or guesthouse, street food, buses and trains | Very low, among the cheapest in Asia |
| Mid range | Three star hotel, mix of local and restaurant meals, some flights and a cruise | Moderate and very comfortable |
| Comfort | Four or five star hotels, private transfers and guides | Higher, but well below Western prices |
Where your money goes
- Food. The best value in Vietnam. Street food and local restaurants cost very little, and even a sit down meal is cheap.
- Transport. Trains and sleeper buses are inexpensive for long distances, and Grab is cheap in cities. Internal flights are the bigger transport spend but still low.
- Accommodation. A wide range, from a few dollars for a hostel bed to affordable boutique hotels.
- Big ticket items. A Ha Long Bay cruise is the classic splurge, along with internal flights and any Son Doong style adventure.
How to keep costs down
- Eat where locals eat. Street food is cheaper and often better than tourist restaurants.
- Take overnight trains and buses to save both a night's accommodation and daytime travel.
- Book internal flights and Ha Long Bay cruises a little ahead for better prices.
- Use a local SIM and Grab rather than roaming and metered taxis.
- Travel in the shoulder months for lower prices and thinner crowds. See the best time to visit Vietnam.
If you would rather have the logistics handled for you, compare a Vietnam tour package to see what a bundled trip covers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Yes, slightly. Vietnam is generally a touch cheaper than Thailand for food, transport and budget accommodation, and both are excellent value. The gap is small, and street food in either is remarkably cheap.
How much money do I need per day in Vietnam?
It depends on style. Backpackers eating street food and using buses spend very little, mid range travellers with hotels and the odd flight spend a moderate amount, and comfort travel with private guides costs more but stays well below Western prices.
What is the most expensive part of a Vietnam trip?
Usually the Ha Long Bay cruise and internal flights, followed by luxury hotels and Western restaurants. Everyday Vietnamese food and local transport are extremely cheap by comparison.
Should I carry cash or use cards in Vietnam?
Carry cash for most day to day spending, since street food, markets and small guesthouses are cash only. Cards work in hotels, malls and nicer restaurants. Withdraw Vietnamese dong from ATMs as you go.
More Vietnam travel guides
- Vietnam Travel Guide: Visa, Money, Transport and Tips
- Vietnam Itinerary: How Many Days and Sample 7 to 15 Day Routes
- 12 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam: North to South
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