Quick Answer: Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. A 7-day trip costs $400–1,200 per person. Budget travelers spend $25–40/day, mid-range $60–120/day, luxury $150+/day.
Budget Overview
Vietnam is incredibly budget-friendly. Street food costs $1–2, guesthouses $8–15/night, and local transport is under $1. Your money goes very far here — it's one of the best value destinations in the world.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–15/night | $30–80/night | $100–300+/night |
| Food | $5–10/day | $15–30/day | $40–100+/day |
| Transport | $3–8/day | $10–25/day | $30–60+/day |
| Activities | $0–5/day | $10–30/day | $30–100+/day |
| Total/day | $13–38 | $65–165 | $200–560+ |
Prices based on 2025–2026 data. Exchange rate: ~25,000 VND = 1 USD.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler ($25–40/day)
- Hostel/Guesthouse: $5–15/night
- Street food: $5–10/day (pho $1, banh mi $0.50, coffee $0.50)
- Local transport: $3–8/day (buses, motorbike rental)
- Activities: $0–5/day (temples, markets, walking)
Mid-Range Traveler ($60–120/day)
- Boutique hotel: $30–80/night
- Restaurants: $15–30/day
- Transport: $10–25/day (Grab, domestic flights)
- Activities: $10–30/day (tours, cooking classes)
Luxury Traveler ($150+/day)
- Luxury hotel/resort: $100–300+/night
- Fine dining: $40–100+/day
- Private transport: $30–60+/day
- Private tours: $30–100+/day
Accommodation Costs
Vietnam has excellent accommodation at every price point. Book on Booking.com or Agoda for the best deals.
| Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels (dorm) | $3–10/night | Solo travelers, backpackers |
| Guesthouses | $8–20/night | Budget couples, authentic experience |
| Boutique hotels | $25–60/night | Comfort, unique design |
| 3-star hotels | $30–80/night | Families, comfort |
| 5-star resorts | $100–400+/night | Luxury, special occasions |
💡 Tip: Book directly with hotels for better prices. Many offer 10–15% discounts for direct bookings. Agoda often has the best prices for Vietnam.
Food Costs
Vietnamese food is incredible and incredibly cheap. Street food is often better than restaurant food. Don't be afraid to eat at plastic-chair stalls — that's where the best food is.
| Meal Type | Cost | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Street food | $0.50–2 | Pho, banh mi, bun cha, spring rolls |
| Local restaurants | $2–5 | Com binh dan (rice plates), hotpot |
| Tourist restaurants | $5–15 | Western food, upscale Vietnamese |
| Fine dining | $20–60+ | Rooftop restaurants, fusion cuisine |
💡 Tip: Vietnam's coffee culture is amazing. Try "ca phe sua da" (iced coffee with condensed milk) for $0.50–1. Egg coffee in Hanoi is a must-try — it's like liquid tiramisu.
Transportation Costs
Within Cities
- Grab (Uber equivalent): $1–5 for most rides
- Motorbike rental: $5–10/day
- Local bus: $0.30–0.50
- Cyclo (pedicab): $2–5 (negotiate first)
Between Cities
- Domestic flights: $30–80 (VietJet, Bamboo Airways)
- Reunification Express train: $25–60 (Hanoi to HCMC, 30+ hours)
- Sleeper buses: $10–25 (comfortable for overnight travel)
- Open Tour buses: $15–30 (hop-on-hop-off between tourist cities)
⚠️ Book domestic flights early: VietJet flash sales start at $20 one-way. Sign up for their newsletter to catch deals. Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best prices.
Money-Saving Tips
- Eat street food: $0.50–2 per meal, incredibly delicious
- Drink local coffee: $0.50 vs $3–5 at Western cafes
- Use sleeper buses: Save on accommodation by traveling overnight
- Book domestic flights early: VietJet sales start at $20 one-way
- Negotiate at markets: Always bargain (start at 50% of asking price)
- Rent a motorbike: $5–10/day, cheapest way to explore
- Drink "bia hoi": Fresh draft beer for $0.20–0.30 per glass
- Use ATMs wisely: Withdraw larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Vietnam cost?
A 7-day trip costs $400–1,200 per person depending on your travel style. Budget travelers spend $25–40/day, mid-range $60–120/day, and luxury travelers $150+/day. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities — not international flights.
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Yes, generally. Street food is cheaper ($0.50–2 vs $1–3), accommodation is similar, and transport is slightly cheaper. Vietnam offers better value for budget travelers, while Thailand has more developed tourist infrastructure.
How much cash should I bring to Vietnam?
Bring $200–400 in USD cash for a one-week trip. Exchange at gold shops (best rates) or banks. ATMs are widely available — withdraw VND for daily expenses. Carry small bills (10,000–50,000 VND) for street food and markets. Credit cards work at hotels and upscale restaurants.