How much would a trip to Vietnam cost?

how much does a trip to vietnam cost? $30 to $150 per day

Understanding how much does a trip to vietnam cost ensures a smooth vacation without unexpected financial stress. Proper planning helps avoid common pitfalls like high ATM fees and sudden price increases during holiday periods.
Learning about these expenses protects your travel funds. Explore the specific budget tiers and hidden costs below.

How much would a trip to Vietnam cost?

Vietnam remains one of the worlds most accessible destinations, offering a spectrum of experiences that cater to every budget level. Depending on your travel style, cost of visiting vietnam per day can range from $30 to $50 for backpackers, $70 to $120 for mid-range travelers, and $150 or more for those seeking luxury - ^[1] though one specific mistake regarding ATM withdrawals can cost you nearly 10% of your daily budget if you arent careful.

The overall cost is influenced heavily by the current exchange rate, where 1 USD typically nets you around 25,400 VND, making even a modest budget feel substantial. Beyond the daily basics, you must account for an average cost for 10 days in vietnam totaling between $300 and $1,500 depending on how often you fly internally and ^[2] your tolerance for street food versus air-conditioned dining. Its affordable, but price spikes of 20-30% during peak seasons like Tet can catch unprepared travelers off guard. I learned this the hard way when a $40 room suddenly tripled in price overnight.

Accommodation: From $5 Hostels to High-End Resorts

Where you sleep will be your biggest variable, with options ranging from social hostel dorms to secluded five-star beach villas. Budget travelers can find clean, reliable hostel beds for $5 to $15 per night, particularly in hubs like Hanoi or Da Lat, while mid-range boutique hotels typically charge between $35 and $80 for a private room with breakfast included.

Luxury seekers should expect to pay $150 to $300 or more for international brands or high-end resorts in locations like Da Nang or Phu Quoc. In my experience, the mid-range hotels offer the best bang for your buck - providing high-speed internet and cold AC that you will definitely crave after a day in the humidity. I once tried to save $10 by staying in a fan-only room in August; I didnt sleep a wink and ended up checking into a Marriott by 6 AM. Lesson learned: dont underestimate the heat.

Food and Drink: The Cost of Eating Like a Local

Eating in Vietnam is surprisingly cheap if you stick to local stalls, where a bowl of Pho or a Banh Mi rarely exceeds $1.50 to $3.00. Most travelers spend between $10 and $15 per day on street food and local coffee, though shifting to mid-range restaurants will increase that daily food budget to roughly $25 to $40 per person.

Fine dining and western-style meals in major cities are significantly more expensive, with dinner for two often reaching $50 to $100. While street food is generally safe and delicious, the cost of a single craft beer ($3-5) can equal the price of three local Bia Hoi glasses. Lets be honest: youll likely spend more on liquid hydration and caffeine than on the actual food itself. I found that carrying a reusable bottle with a filter saved me about $2 a day - it sounds small, but that is a free bowl of noodles every single day.

Transportation: Grab, Sleeper Buses, and Flights

Navigating Vietnam is a choice between time and money, with domestic flights, trains, and buses serving as the primary arteries for travelers. Domestic flights between major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are remarkably affordable, often ranging from $30 to $100 ^[4] if booked at least two weeks in advance. However, if youre booking last minute or during holidays, those prices can easily double.

The Logistics of the Sleeper Bus

For budget-conscious travelers, sleeper buses are the standard, costing $12 to $20 for long-haul journeys like Hue to Hanoi. While they save you the cost of a nights accommodation, they are not for everyone. If you are over 180cm tall, prepare for a very cramped night. Ive spent twelve hours with my knees touching my chin on a bus to Sapa. Its a rite of passage, but your back might hate you for it. Trains offer more comfort but are slower and slightly pricier, with soft-sleeper berths typically costing $35 to $55.

Within cities, the Grab app is your best friend. A 15-minute car ride usually costs under $5, while a GrabBike (motorbike taxi) is often less than $1.50. It is efficient. It is cheap. Just wear the helmet.

Hidden Costs: Visas, SIM Cards, and ATM Fees

Many travelers forget to budget for the entry requirements and digital essentials that keep a trip running smoothly. An E-visa for most nationalities costs $25 for a single entry, though multi-entry visas or expedited processing can push this toward $50. Once you land, a local SIM card with a month of high-speed data will set you back $10 to $15 at the airport, or ^[6] slightly less if you buy it in town.

Now, about that 10% mistake I mentioned earlier: ATM fees. Most local banks charge a flat fee per withdrawal (usually 25,000 to 50,000 VND), but they also have low withdrawal limits of around 2 to 3 million VND. If you withdraw small amounts frequently, youll lose a fortune in fees. Always look for banks like TPBank or VPBank, which often allow higher limits and sometimes have zero fees for international cards. I once lost $30 in a week just by hitting the wrong ATMs. Dont be that person.

Vietnam Travel Styles Comparison

Backpacker Budget

• Hostel dorms and low-cost guesthouses ($5-15)

• $30 - $50 USD per person

• Local buses, sleeper buses, and walking

• 100% street food and local markets

Mid-Range Comfort

• Boutique hotels and private Airbnbs ($35-80)

• $70 - $120 USD per person

• Grab taxis and occasional domestic flights

• Mix of street food and sit-down restaurants

Luxury Traveler

• Five-star resorts and luxury cruises ($150+)

• $150+ USD per person

• Private drivers and business class flights

• Fine dining and hotel-based meals

Alex's 10-Day Northern Vietnam Route

Alex, a 24-year-old traveler from London, landed in Hanoi with a $500 budget for 10 days. He initially struggled with the 'tourist price' at the airport and spent $15 on a taxi when the local bus was only $0.50.

He tried to book a Ha Long Bay cruise on the spot but realized the cheap $40 options were overcrowded and lacked safety gear. He almost booked one out of frustration but stopped.

Instead, he spent two hours researching local forums and found a smaller boutique cruise for $120. He decided to cut back on beer for three days to make up the difference.

By the end of the trip, Alex spent a total of $480. He managed to visit Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, proving that a $50 daily average is realistic if you prioritize experiences over luxury transport.

The Miller Family's Tet Holiday Surprise

The Miller family planned a mid-range trip to Da Nang in February 2026. They budgeted $100 per day but didn't realize their dates coincided exactly with the Tet Lunar New Year festival.

Upon arrival, they found that many local restaurants were closed and the ones that remained open had a 20% surcharge. Their pre-booked hotel was fine, but Grab prices had doubled due to high demand.

They pivoted by eating more at the hotel's buffet and walking to nearby attractions instead of hailing cars. They realized that Tet is for family, not just for tourism.

The 5-day stay ended up costing them $650, which was $150 over budget. They learned that visiting during major holidays requires an extra 25% financial buffer for peace of mind.