The Cost of Travel in Vietnam: My 2026 Budget Breakdown

Vietnam is a colorful, busy, and very cheap place to travel. It’s great for backpackers with small budgets or anyone who wants to save money while exploring. I spent two weeks going from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. I stayed in low-cost hostels and a few nicer places, used buses and trains, and ate local food. In this guide, I will show you exactly how much I spent on places to sleep, transport, food, fun things to do, and other small costs. (I didn’t include flights to Vietnam because the price depends on where you fly from.)

This guide is perfect for backpackers, couples, or budget-conscious travelers who want comfort without spending a fortune.

2 Weeks in Vietnam: My 2026 Travel Route

In two weeks, I visited seven cities and towns across Vietnam. Each stop added something unique to the experience—scenery, culture, or food. Here’s my travel route:

• Check out one month itinerary for Vietnam

• Hanoi: 3 nights
• Ninh Binh: 1 night
• Phong Nha: 2 nights
• Hue: 1 night
• Hoi An: 3 nights
• Da Lat: 2 nights
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 2 nights

All prices are in VND and converted to USD (1 USD = 26,000 VND, Jan-2026 rate).

Vietnam Accommodation Costs

Accommodation in Vietnam is both cheap and comfortable. Most places include free breakfast, and many are centrally located. Here’s a breakdown of where and how I stayed.

Affordable Places to Stay

You can find a wide range of options from hostels to boutique hotels. I used Booking.com and Agoda for most bookings.

• Hostels/Dorms: 150,000–300,000 VND ($6–12)
• Private Hostel Rooms: 400,000–600,000 VND ($16–24)
• Guesthouses/Homestays: 500,000–800,000 VND ($20–32)
• Boutique Hotels: 800,000–1.5 million VND ($32–60)

Best Budget-Friendly Hotels

Some accommodations stood out for their value and location. These are my top picks:

• Hanoi: $25/night for a boutique hotel in the Old Quarter with rooftop views
• Phong Nha: $22/night for a riverside bungalow with free bikes and family dinners
• Hoi An: $30/night for a villa with a pool and free bicycle rentals

Average daily cost per person: $14
Total over 14 days: $98 per person

Transportation Costs in Vietnam

Vietnam is long and narrow, so traveling from north to south (or vice versa) is simple. I used buses, trains, and a couple of domestic flights to save time and stay comfortable.

How Much Is Intercity Travel?

Here’s what I spent on getting between cities: Check out the popular Hanoi – Danang overnight bus

• Sleeper Bus (Hanoi to Phong Nha): 450,000 VND ($18)
• Train (Phong Nha to Hue): 300,000 VND ($12)
• Minivan (Hue to Hoi An): 250,000 VND ($10)
• Flight (Da Nang to Da Lat): 900,000 VND ($36)
• Flight (Da Lat to HCMC): 1.1 million VND ($44)

Domestic flights on VietJet or Bamboo Airways are affordable and time-saving.

Local Transportation Costs

• Grab rides: 30,000–80,000 VND ($1.20–$3.20)
• Scooter rental: 120,000–200,000 VND ($5–8/day)
• Bicycle rental: Often free at guesthouses

Total spent on transportation: $118 (~$8.50/day)

Food Prices in Vietnam (2025)

Vietnamese food is delicious, healthy, and very budget-friendly. You’ll enjoy rich flavors whether you eat street food or dine in restaurants.

What Does Food Cost in Vietnam?

• Street food (pho, banh mi): 30,000–60,000 VND ($1.20–$2.40)
• Local restaurants: 80,000–120,000 VND ($3.20–$4.80)
• Western meals: 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–10)
• Coffee/juice: 25,000–50,000 VND ($1–$2)

Some regional dishes I loved:

• Hanoi: Bun cha and egg coffee
• Hue: Banh beo (steamed rice cakes)
• Hoi An: Cao lau noodles
• Saigon: Banh xeo (crispy pancakes)

Average daily food cost: $10
Total over 14 days: $140

Vietnam Travel Activities: What I Spent

Free Things to Do in Vietnam

• Walking tours in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Saigon
• Strolling Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets
• Exploring Hue’s ruins and temples
• Markets, lakes, and local temples

Low-Cost Attractions and Tours

Even paid experiences were very affordable:

• Phong Nha Cave tour: $35
• Hue Imperial City: 200,000 VND ($8)
• My Son Sanctuary tour: $25
• War Remnants Museum (Saigon): 40,000 VND ($1.60)

Total spent on activities: $65 ($4.60/day)

Extra Costs: Miscellaneous Travel Expenses

• SIM card (10 GB): 200,000 VND ($8)
• Laundry: 50,000 VND ($2/load)
• Souvenirs: $15
• Travel insurance (14 days): $40

Total miscellaneous costs: $65

Total Vietnam Trip Cost (2026)

Money Tips for Traveling in Vietnam

• Carry some cash — not all places accept cards.
• Use Wise or Revolut to avoid ATM and FX fees.
• Book flights early to get the best domestic rates.
• Street food = cheaper, tastier, safer than you think.

Final Thoughts: Is Vietnam Worth It?

Vietnam offers incredible value for every dollar. With just $45/day, you can enjoy good food, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you ride a scooter through rice fields or enjoy coffee by the lake, Vietnam will surprise you with how much it offers for so little.

Plan Your Trip with Confidence

Need help planning your route or choosing where to stay? Check out our custom Vietnam travel packages or get a free consultation from our travel team.

FAQ: Vietnam Travel Budget 2026