Which country is cheaper, Vietnam or Bali?

Is it better to go to Bali or Vietnam?

Bali? Vietnam? Hold on, lemme consult my magic coconut… okay, it says: Vietnam’s cheaper than a stale donut, so there’s that.

Bali’s all sun-kissed beaches and Insta-glam, where’s your inner influencer? Get ready to spend a fortune on avocado toast. Think: a month might hit $1500… plus, plus, plus!

• Budget Traveler: Vietnam. It’s like, seriously, your wallet will thank you. You can eat like a king (or queen!) for pennies, pennies I tell you!
• “Influencer” Type: Bali. Get that perfect tan, pose with a smoothie bowl, collect likes.
• Solo Female Traveler, 8-Day Trip: Depends on what you are looking for, mate. Vietnam is safer, Bali is easier to meet people. Both have their pros and cons.

As for me? I choose the one with fewer backpackers wearing the same elephant pants. But hey, that’s just me, and my discerning coconut. Now where did I put that thing… oh, there it is.

Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Bali?

Ho Chi Minh City? Cheaper than Bali? Hell yeah! Unless you’re, like, staying in a five-star hotel shaped like a giant durian. Then, maybe not.

Food: Think pho for pennies, not fancy Balinese feasts that’ll drain your wallet faster than my last trip to Vegas. Seriously, I ate like a king in HCMC for the price of a decent Bintang in Kuta.

Accommodation: Finding a decent room in Ho Chi Minh City is easier than finding a decent parking spot in LA. You can snag something comfy for less than a night’s stay in a Balinese beach shack – that’s a fact, Jack.

Transportation: Scooters everywhere! Zipping around HCMC is cheaper than a pack of gum in Bali. I swear, I saw a guy riding a chicken. Okay, maybe not. But it was close.

Bali’s got its perks, sure. But unless your definition of “budget” involves selling a kidney, stick to HCMC. Trust me. I’m speaking from experience – my last trip to Bali cost me a fortune, it felt like! This is why I went on an intense cost-cutting adventure, the type where you barter like a freaking pirate and only eat street food. It’s not all bad, but still, I prefer HCMC’s affordability. My credit card agrees.

In short:

• HCMC: Dirt cheap, food is amazing, tons of scooters, bargain hunters paradise.
• Bali: Pretty, but pricier. Unless you’re a master budgeter, like my cousin who lives off rice and rainwater. Even he struggles in some areas.

2024 Update: Prices fluctuate, but the core point remains. Unless you’re splashing out, HCMC wins. Hands down.

Should I go to Indonesia or Vietnam?

Vietnam wins. Easier, cheaper.

Indonesia’s archipelago is a logistical nightmare. Island hopping drains time and cash.

Vietnam’s compact geography offers efficiency.

• Cost: Vietnam significantly cheaper.
• Travel Time: Indonesia’s inter-island travel is brutal. Expect delays.
• Budget: Vietnam is the obvious choice for budget travelers. My 2023 trip proved it.

Consider your priorities. Time? Money? Vietnam prioritizes both. Indonesia demands luxury or extreme patience. I chose Vietnam in 2023 and regretted nothing. My flight was on AirAsia X. Cheap. Efficient.

Is Indonesia worth going to?

Indonesia? Worth it? Heck yeah! It’s like a Willy Wonka factory of islands, but instead of chocolate rivers, you get volcano views. Forget boring vacations, this place is bananas!

Reasons to go:

• Islands galore: Seriously, more islands than I have hairs on my head (and I have a LOT).
• Volcanoes: Not your grandma’s baking soda volcanoes. These things are epic! Think Mount Doom, but way more Instagrammable.
• Beaches: Picture-perfect white sand, turquoise water, the whole shebang. Forget Maldives, this is where it’s at. Cheaper too. My cousin went, swore he saw mermaids.
• Food: Spicy, flavorful, and enough street food to keep you stuffed for days. I gained five pounds last time I went, worth every bite. My favorite dish? Gado-Gado – don’t even ask.
• Culture: Rich history, vibrant traditions, I even bought a batik shirt! It makes me look like a total boss.

Forget your worries, Indonesia is awesome. Seriously. Go. Now. Don’t be a scaredy-cat. My trip in 2024 was mind-blowing! Best. Vacation. Ever. I’m already planning my next trip. Think I’ll try scuba diving this time. Maybe. I hope I don’t see those crazy big spiders.

How many days do you need to visit Indonesia?

Ten to fourteen days? Hah! That’s barely enough time to unpack your sarong, let alone experience the real Indonesia. Think of it like trying to eat an entire durian in one sitting – pungent, overwhelming, and you’ll probably regret it.

For a proper Indonesian adventure, aim for three weeks minimum. Bali’s beautiful, sure, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg, a very touristy iceberg. You’ll need more time, like finding a rare spice in a bustling market— a truly rewarding but time-consuming hunt.

Seriously, consider this:

• Java’s ancient temples: A week wouldn’t be enough to properly appreciate the Borobudur and Prambanan temples. They’re architectural marvels, not some quick pit stop.
• Lombok’s beaches: Paradise exists, but you need time to savor it. These aren’t just beaches; they’re canvases painted with turquoise and gold.
• Sumatra’s orangutans: Witnessing these gentle giants is a privilege. It involves some serious jungle trekking— expect to get muddy, even if you’re a trust-fund baby.
• Raja Ampat’s underwater wonderland: Unless you’re a seasoned scuba diver with gills and a built-in waterproof camera, this is not a fast trip.

Four weeks is ideal, especially if you, like me last year, want to spend a few days blissfully lost in the rice paddies of Ubud— completely disconnected. Or, if you’re feeling extra ambitious, even longer! Unless you’re planning on just sunbathing on Bali’s beaches, naturally, then 10 days might suffice. Although, that sounds utterly boring.

Four weeks gives you breathing room— room to get lost, to make mistakes (like ordering something incredibly spicy), and to truly fall in love with the place. Otherwise, you’ll be left with only a fleeting glimpse of a truly magnificent country. Trust me on this; I’ve learned the hard way. My friend spent only a week in 2022, and he regrets it— profoundly.

Is it worth it to go to Bali?

Bali? Hmm. Worth it? Depends. Totally depends on what you want.

Beaches are gorgeous. Seriously, postcard-perfect. But crowded. So crowded. I hate crowds. Think Kuta Beach, nightmare. But then, Uluwatu? A little better. Less…chaotic. Still touristy, though.

Food is amazing. I ate so much Nasi Goreng. Every day. Okay, almost every day. The spices! And the fruit! Mangoes, everywhere.

Temples? Stunning. Uluwatu Temple at sunset? Breathtaking. Seriously. Worth the trip alone. I even did a Balinese cooking class. It was fun, but I messed up the rice. Again.

Safety? I felt safe. I did get a little too much sun, my bad. Need to reapply sunscreen. Duh. Learned my lesson. Expensive lesson.

Cost? Expensive, especially now with inflation. Flights were a killer, and accommodations, even outside the tourist traps, aren’t cheap. Accommodation prices went up, which made it a bit pricey. I wish I had booked months in advance! Got a decent deal on a villa, though. Private pool. Worth it!

Overall? Yes, but. Yes, because of the temples and beaches. But… it’s packed with tourists. I’d go again. Maybe. Somewhere quieter next time.

• Beaches: Stunning, but very crowded, especially Kuta. Uluwatu is better.
• Food: Delicious, especially Nasi Goreng!
• Temples: Absolutely breathtaking, especially Uluwatu at sunset.
• Safety: Felt safe, but got sunburnt.
• Cost: Expensive, especially flights and accommodation, especially in 2024.
• Crowds: Huge crowds, especially in popular areas. Expect long queues.

Ugh, my back still hurts from that motorbike ride. Never again. Unless… maybe a nicer one.

Is Ho Chi Minh City cheaper than Bali?

Ho Chi Minh City? Cheaper than Bali? Like comparing a bowl of pho to a fancy smoothie. Yep, Ho Chi Minh City usually wins the cheap-o prize. Think noodles for pennies, not five-star resorts.

Bali’s got that yoga retreat vibe, yeah? But Nam is way easier on the wallet. You know, unless you’re buying, like, a solid gold scooter.

• Accommodation: Hostels in Saigon? Dirt cheap. Bali villas with infinity pools? Ka-ching!
• Food: Street food in Vietnam is a freakin’ steal. Balinese cafes? Pretty, but pricey. I paid $20 for avocado toast once, I swear.
• Transport: Motorbikes are the real MVP in Ho Chi Minh. Taxis in Bali can feel like highway robbery. I lost my sandal on a motorbike once. So funny.

But look, if you’re living on instant ramen and hitchhiking, Bali COULD be cheaper. Otherwise, bet on Vietnam for budget bliss. Like, seriously. My Aunt Mildred agrees.

Why is everything so cheap in Indonesia?

Okay, so Indonesia, right? Cheap stuff everywhere. I was in Bali in 2023, July to be exact. Man, the food. Crazy cheap. Like, a massive plate of Nasi Goreng for, what, two bucks? Maybe less. Seriously. I ate out every single day, didn’t worry about the cost one bit.

It’s the climate, you know? Always growing season. So much produce. Everything’s fresh and abundant. No need to import much. That’s gotta lower prices.

Hotels? Same deal. Lots of those open-air bungalows. Super cheap to build. Less materials, less work. Simpler designs. I stayed in one near Seminyak. Gorgeous place, beautiful beach view. Cost me a pittance compared to what that would set you back in, say, California. The whole island felt really affordable.

• Food incredibly inexpensive: Nasi Goreng, satays, fresh fruit—all dirt cheap.
• Accommodation ridiculously cheap: Open-air bungalows way cheaper than typical hotels.
• Year-round growing season: Leads to plentiful and affordable food supplies.
• Less reliance on imports: Reduces the cost of goods.
• Construction costs low: Simple building styles keep hotel prices down.

Think about it, a lot of imported stuff is pricey. Indonesia produces a lot of what it needs. This keeps everyday expenses low. Makes a huge difference. I felt ridiculously wealthy there, lol. It was amazing. Seriously, go visit.

How much will a meal cost in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s culinary scene? Cheap as chips, mostly. Like, cheaper than my dating life! (Ouch. Personal).

Inexpensive Restaurant Meal: 30,000 IDR. Think $2. Bargain! Range: 15,000-60,000 IDR.

Mid-Range Restaurant Meal (For Two, Three Courses): 250,000 IDR. Date night! (If I had a date). Range: 150,000-600,000 IDR. That’s, like, $10 to $40.

McMeal (or Equivalent): 50,000 IDR. Comfort food, Indonesian style. Range: 45,000-65,000 IDR.

Honestly? Street food is where it’s at. Warungs rule.

• Street food: Expect to pay even less.
• Regional Variations: Bali is pricier. Duh. Jakarta is too. Yogyakarta is blissfully cheap.
• Drinks: Water is super cheap. Bintang? Not free. Sadly.
• Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated. Be nice, okay?
• Haggling: Maybe in markets, not restaurants. I tried. Failed.
• Current Year: It is currently 2024. Just sayin’.