My Vietnam Trip Cost: How Cheap Is Vietnam and My $25 Daily Budget (2023)

Find out exactly how much it will cost to travel Vietnam budget backpacker style and how cheap is Vietnam. Let’s talk about the price of accommodation, transportation, food, and more before I let you know my EXACT Vietnam trip cost!


Traveling can be expensive, even in Asia, so it’s good to keep track of costs and make a budget. I track my spending so I can share with you how much my Vietnam trip cost.

When I was researching online, Vietnam was on the cheaper side when compared to other countries on the banana pancake trail such as Thailand or Laos. Most websites seemed to recommend approximately $20.00 per person per day.

I actually ended up spending more for my cost to travel Vietnam than I had originally planned and what many other websites recommended during my 28 days. Though, this is due to some surprises which resulted in me changing my normal way of getting around as well as some splurges for bucketlist activities.

Though, before I get into my much my Vietnam trip cost, I will let you know the average prices of accommodation, food, and transportation. Then let you know my daily cost to travel Vietnam each day before we finally find out how much over budget I went and money-saving tips so you can avoid doing the same!


How Cheap Is Vietnam and How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Vietnam?


How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: 12.Go Asia


I am traveling around Vietnam with my partner, James. This allows us to split certain costs such as private rooms, taxis, hiring a motorbike etc. Where this is true I will state that the cost is ‘shared’ or ‘split’. Now time to get on to find the cost to travel in Vietnam…

farmers talking over rice fields in hoi an


Accommodation Costs In Vietnam

For those travelers on a budget, you will absolutely love the accommodation prices in Vietnam. There are plenty of cheap options right throughout the country.

Hostels: One of the cheapest ways to travel Vietnam is by staying in Hostels. Rooms generally start around $5.00 for an air-conditioned dorm room. We found this a much cheaper choice than staying in private rooms so we would often end up booking shared rooms instead. In my opinion, they were great value for money and often would include extras such as free beers in the evening or a free walking tour.

Guesthouses: If you are traveling Vietnam with a friend or with your partner then a good budget option is by booking Guesthouses. These are usually locally owned accommodations that only have a few rooms. You will get a private bathroom and a clean room. Though the furniture might be a bit dated. It is much more of a local experience where it is expected you take your shoes off outside the building and you will be passing by a family every time you enter/exit.

Hotels: If you enjoy a bit of luxury, though cannot often afford it in Western countries. Then you will absolutely love Vietnam. You can find plenty of affordable hotels here starting from $20.00 per night. Brand-name hotels will be a bit pricier, though it is much cheaper than you can find elsewhere in the world. The service is often second to none and you will be living in uttermost luxury.

our homestay room in sapa cost to travel vietnam


Food Prices in Vietnam

Whenever I am asked which country has the best food, I always say Vietnam. The food here is absolutely incredible and extremely easy on the wallet. It is easy to eat out and only spend a couple of dollars. Whilst testing out the street food will cost less than $1.00. The flavors are incredible and no doubt I would come back just to visit some of my favorite restaurants again.

Street food: For those street food lovers Vietnam is the place for you. There are plenty of great options here such as the ever-popular Banh Mi and Pho. Meals start from less than $1.00 and there is no better place to appreciate the crazy hustle and bustle of Vietnam than on little plastic chairs on the curbside. As you will see a bit further down in my daily expenses I actually did not spend too much money on street food in Vietnam. This is simply due to the street food here not being to my personal taste.

Restaurants: I loved all the restaurants in Vietnam. There is plenty of places that cater to vegetarians and vegans, so it was so easy for me to find a delicious spot to eat. The restaurant prices here are insanely affordable and there is always a variety of choices available. I was always able to eat at a restaurant for whatever I was craving and even splurged on my fancier options a couple of times in Hanoi.

fresh coconut ice cream in vietnam


Transportation Costs in Vietnam

Vietnam is a large country and no doubt you will be needing to take some sort of public transportation to get around. Luckily the main tourist hubs are well connected and the network of trains, buses, and planes will deliver you there in one piece. Though, if you are traveling the whole country, prepare yourself for some overnight long and painful journeys. Definitely check out 12.Go Asia to book your transport for easy and comfortable options with reviews so you can know what to expect.

Trains: Taking the train is no doubt my personal favorite way of traveling around Vietnam. The main train line runs from Hanoi all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City and makes plenty of stops in popular tourist towns along the way. This includes Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and more. I highly recommend booking the 4-berth cabins. They might be a bit more expensive, though are much more comfortable than chairs, roomier than the 6 berths, and are air-conditioned.

Buses: Now, this is where my Vietnam trip cost was blown, all thanks to the horrible bus journeys. The majority of the time this is my main way of getting around. It’s cheap, it’s simple and you eventually get to your destination. Though, after one too many squished journeys with insects crawling all over me, I said goodbye to buses in Vietnam and part of my budget.

Flights: Luckily for those travelers who cannot survive overland travel you can find cheap flights around the country. There are airports in all tourist hot spots, making it super easy to get around. Of course, this is the most expensive way to travel. Though there are plenty of budget airline choices and it makes a great alternative for those long 12+ hour overland journeys.

riding a motorbike in hue vietnam


How Cheap Is Vietnam and My Daily Cost To Travel?

Vietnam Trip Cost In Hanoi

Day One – Hanoi

Previous to arriving in Vietnam I had purchased a Visa approval letter online for $17.00 / 385000 VND – Linked is the same company I purchased through and I had no issues at the airport.

While going through immigration I had to buy my Vietnam Visa stamp which cost $25.00 / 565000 VND.

Then James and I split a taxi we had pre-booked from the airport to Chien Hostel  $8.80 / 200000 VND.

Craving western food for dinner I grab mac n cheese, fries and a soft drink from S&L’s Diner costing $6.60 / 150000 VND.

We stay in a large dorm room at Chien Hostel which includes breakfast. It costs $5.05 / 115000 VND per night – Check out my review here.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $62.45 / 1415000 VND

backstreet in hanoi vietnam


Day Two- Hanoi

Breakfast is included in the rate at Chien Hostel.

For lunch, I grab a pizza and tea for $3.50 / 80000 VND.

Then on the way back, we split a cookie for $0.55 / 12500 VND.

We share the cost of a large bottle of water at $0.33 / 7500 VND each.

I join in on a free walking tour which Chien Hostel organizes to familiarize newbies on the highlights of Hanoi.

Dinner at Aubergine Cafe which costs me $4.40 / 100000 VND. I order a lemon juice, caramel, ginger and chili tofu with rice- Highly recommend this place for vegetarians!

We stay in a large dorm room at Chien Hostel which includes breakfast. It costs $5.05 / 115000 VND per night – Check out my review here.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $13.83 / 315000 VND

the main market in hanoi vietnam trip cost


Vietnam Trip Cost In Sapa

Day Three- Sapa

Breakfast is included in the rate at Chien Hostel.

We head to Sapa in Northern Vietnam by taking a bus we booked through Chien Hostel. This costs me $9.02 / 205000 VND.

Once in Sapa, we grab lunch at Little Sapa Restaurant. I grab 2 cups of green tea and a toastie which costs $6.16 / 140000 VND.

Sapa is freezing in February so I purchase a Beanie to keep my head warm for $6.60 / 150000 VND.

Then we split a taxi to take us to our homestay in Ta Van $5.50 / 125000 VND.

Entry fee into the Ta Van area costs us $3.30 / 75000 VND each.

We have dinner at our homestay which is true family-style with a variety of delicious dishes. This costs $3.30 / 75000 VND each.

The homestay costs $5.98 / 136000 VND per night for a private room including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $39.86 / 906000 VND

around our homestay in sapa vietnam


Day Four- Sapa

A basic breakfast is included in the homestay price.

We split a taxi back to Sapa town which costs $4.40 / 100000 VND

For lunch, we hunt for the best deal in town which takes us to La Roma Pizza. We share a pizza, pasta dish, garlic bread and I grab a tea for $7.26 / 165000 VND.

Then stop at a small supermarket we grab 2 chocolate bars each, large water and chips for $2.64 / 60000 VND each.

We hike back to Ta Van and visit Luckydaisy’s Bamboo Bar and Restaurant. We share a banana pancake and grab a green tea which costs $2.64 / 60000 VND.

The homestay costs $5.98 / 136000 VND per night for a private room including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $22.92 / 521000 VND

foggy resort views over rice terraces in sapa


Day Five- Sapa

A basic breakfast is included in the homestay price.

We hike back to Sapa town and grab lunch at Little Sapa Restaurant again. I grab a cup of green tea, hot chips and an egg baguette which costs  $4.84 / 110000 VND.

Then for dinner, we purchase a chocolate croissant from a bakery for $0.66 / 15000 VND.

While in Sapa Town we stay at Luong Thuy Family Hotel in a private room. We split the price which works out to be $4.62 / 105000 VND each per night.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $10.12 / 230000 VND

trekking in sapa through the rain vietnam trip cost


Vietnam Trip Cost In Hanoi

Day Six- Hanoi

We take a bus from Sapa to Hanoi for $9.68 / 220000 VND.

Because we are running late we split a taxi to the bus stop which costs $0.88 / 20000 VND each.

After we arrive in Hanoi we share an Uber to Chien Hostel which costs $0.70 / 16000 VND each.

It’s back for the delicious western food at S&L’s Diner. I grab mac n cheese, hot chips and a soda costing $4.84 / 110000 VND.

Then for dinner, we are craving Indian so stop at Namaste India. I highly recommend this place and is one of the best dining experience I have ever had. It is well worth the price. I order a curry, naan, rice and mango lassie for $9.24 / 210000 VND.

Before bed, we head to the supermarket and purchase a few snacks for our Ha Long Bay trip which costs $2.64 / 60000 VND.

We stay in a large dorm room at Chien Hostel which includes breakfast. It costs $5.05 / 115000 VND per night – Check out my review here.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $33.03 / 751000 VND

fluffy waffles for sale in hanoi vietnam


The Cost To Travel Ha Long Bay

Day Seven- Ha Long Bay

We purchase a 3-day / 2-night tour of Ha Long Bay.  This is an all-inclusive tour and costs $111.81 / 2540000 VND each.

I purchase two soft drinks throughout the day which totals $1.76 / 40000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $113.57 / 2580000 VND

tasha amy on a junk boat cruise around ha long bay


Day Eight- Ha Long Bay

We spend the day relaxing in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ong Island.

Purchase pringles and a soft drinks for snacks during the day which costs $1.76 / 40000 VND

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $1.76 / 40000 VND

view from cat ba national park cost to travel vietnam


The Cost To Travel In Hanoi

Day Nine- Hanoi

I purchase a bottle of water to keep refreshed while trekking on Cat Ba Island. This costs me $0.22 / 5000 VND.

Then we head back to Hanoi for dinner at Namaste India. I order a curry, naan, rice, entree and mango lassie for  $13.20 / 300000 VND.

We stay in a large dorm room at Chien Hostel which includes breakfast. It costs $5.05 / 115000 VND per night – Check out my review here.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $18.47 / 420000 VND

view over ha long bay from clifftop vietnam


Day Ten- Hanoi

Breakfast is included in the rate at Chien Hostel.

We head to Geckos Cafe for Lunch. I purchase a pasta dish and a soda for $3.74 / 85000 VND.

We grab some snacks for the sleeper train from a nearby supermarket. I split the total price with James which works out to be $5.06 / 115000 VND each,

Then for dinner, I get a vegetable Banh Mi for $0.66 / 15000 VND

A 4 berth sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue costs $31.70 / 720000.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $41.16 / 935000 VND

church in hanoi vietnam cost to travel


Vietnam Trip Cost In Hue

Day Eleven- Hue

After arriving in Hue we grab breakfast at Hung Vuong Inn where we share an egg baguette and a drink for $1.62 / 37000 VND.

For lunch, we walk across the river to a local supermarket. Once there we purchase chocolate, cheese, baguette, crackers, and water for $2.42 / 55000 VND each.

Then for dinner, we head to Lien Hoa which is quite a locals restaurant with an interesting English menu. It is sharing style so we order four dishes to share and some rice which works out crazy cheap to $1.98 / 45000 VND each.

We are staying at Thanh An Guesthouse 2 in a private room with two double beds, a balcony, and a bathtub. The shared price is $3.52 / 80000 VND  each per night.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $9.54 / 217000 VND

tasha amy at the imperial city of hue


Day Twelve- Hue

I have a basic breakfast of some of the food we purchased at the supermarket the previous day.

We head over the river to explore the Imperial City of Hue. The entrance fee is $6.60 / 150000 VND.

For lunch, we find a simple restaurant overlooking the street side called Lac Thien Restaurant. I order tofu, rice and a lemon juice for $3.30 / 75000 VND.

We stop off back at the supermarket to purchase some bread, chocolate, soy sauce, water, and noodles. The price comes to $1.54 / 35000 VND each.

Then for dinner, we are craving Indian again so head down the street to Ganesh Indian Restaurant. Here I order a curry, naan, soda, and rice which comes to a total of $7.48 / 170000 VND.

We are staying at Thanh An Guesthouse 2 in a private room with two double beds, a balcony, and a bathtub. The shared price is $3.52 / 80000 VND  each per night.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $22.44 / 510000 VND

beautiful buildings at the imperial city of hue vietnam trip budget


Vietnam Trip Cost In Hoi An

Day Thirteen- Hoi An

I have a basic breakfast of some of the food we purchased at the supermarket the previous day.

We buy tickets and catch a train from Hue to Da Nang. The 4 berth ticket costs $5.63 / 128000 VND.

Once in Da Nang, we catch the public bus to Hoi An for $1.32 / 30000 VND.

Checked into our hostel we bicycle to the beach where parking costs $0.44 / 10000 VND.

At the beach, we share a donut for $0.33 / 7500 VND each.

For dinner, we head out for a western meal at Jim’s Snackbar. I order a burger, chips and a soda for $5.54 / 126000 VND.

Checking out the old town at night costs $5.28 / 120000 VND for the entrance fee.

Then the parking fee for my bicycle in the old town is $0.08 / 2000 VND.

Once there we meet up with some friends and grab a beer ( $1.10 / 25000 VND), share a banana pancake ($0.22 / 5000 VND), ice cream ($0.22 / 5000 VND) and water ($0.22 / 5000 VND).

We are staying in a dorm room at Little Leo’s Homestay & Hostel, this includes free breakfast and free bike hire. The cost per night each is $6.82 / 155000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $27.20 / 618500 VND

main bridge inside the hoi an old town cost to travel vietnam


Day Fourteen- Hoi An

Breakfast is included in the hostel price.

We hire a motorbike for the day and split the cost. It comes to $2.99 / 68000 VND each.

Of course, I have then got to fill up the motorbike, again splitting the price of $1.98 / 45000 VND each.

We explore Tra Que Vegetable Village which is free.

Then for lunch, we head a bit out of town to Restaurant & Cafe Tuan. Here we share a pizza, tofu, rice and a soda which costs $3.30 / 75000 VND each.

Exploring the Pottery Village and the entry cost is $1.10 / 25000 VND as well as $0.11 / 2500 VND each for parking the motorbike.

Heading to the beach for a little relax parking costs are shared of $0.22 / 5000 VND each.

Since beach chairs aren’t free we purchase a drink to use them. This costs $1.43 / 32500 VND.

For dinner, we head to a vegetarian restaurant called Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant. I order a tofu dish with rice and a lemon juice which comes to $2.94 / 67000 VND.

We get a bit hungry later and grab another amazing burger from Jim’s Snackbar. It costs $5.50 / 125000 VND for a burger and soda.

We are staying in a dorm room at Little Leo’s Homestay & Hostel, this includes free breakfast and free bike hire. The cost per night each is $6.82 / 155000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $26.39 / 600000 VND

basket boats in hoi an vietnam trip budget


Day Fifteen- Hoi An

This morning we take a tour of My Son Temple which costs $11.00 / 250000 VND.

The entrance fee to My Son Temple is $6.60 / 150000 VND.

After the sunrise tour, we grab breakfast at. Here I have avocado on toast for $2.42 / 55000 VND.

That evening we pay $0.13 / 3000 VND for bicycle parking in the old town.

Then its time for Indian again so we head to Namaste. Here I get a curry, naan, poppadom, rice, soda, and dessert for $6.60 / 150000 VND.

We are staying in a dorm room at Little Leo’s Homestay & Hostel, this includes free breakfast and free bike hire. The cost per night each is $6.82 / 155000 VND.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $33.57 / 763000 VND

sunrise at my son sanctuary vietnam cost to travel


The Cost To Travel In Da Nang

Day Sixteen- Da Nang

Breakfast is included in the hostel price.

We catch a public bus from Hoi An to Da Nang for $1.32 / 30000 VND.

For lunch, we find an amazingly cheap bakery called BonPas Bakery & Coffee where I grab 1 slice of pizza, a cheese bun, cheesecake and ice tea for $2.20 / 50000 VND.

Then I buy some new earphones for $2.64 / 60000 VND

We do some more grocery shopping at a supermarket and grab some baguettes, peanut butter, water and noodles for $3.96 / 90000 VND.

For dinner, we head back to BonPas Bakery & Coffee and I get 2 slices of pizza, a cheese bun and a drink for  $1.10 / 25000 VND.

We stay at Hachi Hostel in a dorm room. The price is $5.98 / 136000 VND which includes breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $17.20 / 391000 VND

motorbikes lined up in vietnam


The Cost To Travel In Nha Trang

Day Seventeen- Nha Trang

For breakfast/lunch, we stock up on food from BonPas Bakery & Coffee to take on the train with us. The cost is $1.54 / 35000 VND.

We take a train from Da Nang to Nha Trang. It costs $21.00 / 477000 VND for a 4 berth cabin.

Dinner is at a semi upscale restaurant costing $4.40 / 100000 VND

We stay at Tabalo Hostel in a 4 bedroom dorm. It costs us $4.84 / 110000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $31.78 / 722000 VND


Day Eighteen- Nha Trang

Breakfast is included in the rate at Tabalo Hostel.

Down at the beach, we relax and hire beach chairs at $1.54 / 35000 VND each.

For lunch is Cafe Des Amis for tofu, rice and a lemon juice totaling $4.18 / 95000 VND.

Then it’s Indian again for dinner so we head to Taj Grill Indian Restaurant. I get a curry, rice, naan, and soda for $5.50 / 125000 VND.

We visit a small supermarket and purchase some fruit, water and ice cream for $1.54 / 35000 VND.

We stay at Tabalo Hostel in a 4 bedroom dorm. It costs us $4.84 / 110000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $17.60 / 400000 VND

view from boat on a snorkeling tour in nha trang


Day Nineteen- Nha Trang

Breakfast is included in the rate at Tabalo Hostel.

We decide to do an amazing snorkeling tour which costs $15.40 / 350000 VND. This rate includes equipment, lunch, water and entry fee into the protected area.

We decide to be a bit fancy and have dinner at Da Fernando. I grab a pizza and soda which costs $5.72 / 130000 VND.

Then on the way back to the hostel, I grab a bottle of water which costs $0.44 / 10000 VND.

We stay at Tabalo Hostel in a 4 bedroom dorm. It costs us $4.84 / 110000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $26.40 /600000 VND

tasha amy snorkeling in nha trang vietnam cost per day


Day Twenty- Nha Trang

Breakfast is included in the hostel price.

We have lunch at Ciao Vietnam where I grab a tofu and rice dish with a drink. This costs me $2.24 / 51000 VND.

James and I share a box of donuts which we split the price of for $0.22 / 5000 VND.

Then for dinner it’s back to Cafe Des Amis for another delicious tofu dish and drink which costs $3.30 / 75000 VND.

On the way back from dinner we stop to get some snacks from the supermarket which costs $2.42 / 55000 VND.

We finally were over hostels and decided to get a private room for the night at Forget Me Not Hotel. We split the room charge which comes to $5.06 / 115000 VND each.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $13.24 / 301000 VND

beach in nha trang vietnam


Vietnam Trip Cost In Mui Ne

Day Twenty One- Mui Ne

For breakfast, we eat some of the snacks to brought yesterday.

We catch the bus from Nha Trang to Mui Ne. It costs $5.06 / 115000 each.

For lunch, we pop to a restaurant which is next door to our hostel. I order tofu, rice and a soda for $3.34 / 76000 VND.

Then for dinner, we head down the road for more Indian at Mughal House Indian Halal Restaurant. I get a curry, rice, naan, and drink for $5.50 / 125000 VND.

On the way back we stop off to grab a bottle of water which costs $0.19 / 4500 VND.

We stay at Mui Ne Backpacker Village in a dorm. It costs us $5.50 / 125000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $9.59 / 445500 VND

main street in mui ne with seaside restaurants


Day Twenty Two- Mui Ne

For breakfast, we head across the road to The Bar for breakfast. I grab a scrambled egg baguette and water for $2.24 / 51000 VND.

After relaxing in the pool lunch is back over at The Bar. I have a cheese toastie and water which costs $2.42 / 55000VND.

Then we do for a bit of a walk for dinner down at Dong Vui Food Court. Here I get an Indian thali set for $5.50 / 125000 VND.

We stay at Mui Ne Backpacker Village in a dorm. It costs us $5.50 / 125000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $15.66 / 356000 VND

sorting shellfish in fishing village mui ne


Day Twenty Three- Mui Ne

I start the day with a highlights of Mui Ne tour. This costs  $7.04 / 160000 VND each.

Then for lunch, I head back to the restaurant next door and grab$4.84 / 110000 VND.

Afterwards, we head to the supermarket to grab some snacks for tomorrow which split between us costs $2.20 / 50000 VND.

We stay at Mui Ne Backpacker Village in a dorm. It costs us $5.50 / 125000 VND each per night including breakfast.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $19.58 /445000 VND

white sand dunes in mui ne how cheap is vietnam


Vietnam Trip Cost In Ho Chi Minh City

Day Twenty Four- Ho Chi Minh City

We jump on a bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City which costs $4.35 / 99000 VND each.

I purchase a pair of sunglasses for $3.30 / 75000 VND.

We a falafel lunch over at Gotcha! which costs $3.52 / 80000 VND.

Then for dinner, we head to a local restaurant which costs $2.28 / 52000 VND.

Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome. It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $17.80 / 405000 VND

milk drinks for sale in ho chi minh city


Day Twenty Five- Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast is included in the hostel price.

We visit the War Remnants Museum which costs $0.66 / 15000 VND each for entry.

For lunch, we grab another delicious Indian meal over at Namaste India. I order a naan, rice, curry, and soda for $5.50 / 125000 VND.

Then for dinner, I grab a couple of packets of noodles from the supermarket costing $0.26 / 6000 VND.

Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome. It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $10.77 / 245000 VND

ho chi minh statue in the city


Day Twenty Six- Ho Chi Minh City

For breakfast, we head to the supermarkets and grab some snack foods for $2.20 / 50000 VND.

We take the cheapest tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels which costs $6.16 / 140000 VND each.

Also, the entry fee to Cu Chi Tunnels is an extra charge of $4.84 / 110000 VND.

Then we stop back at the Gotcha! for another falafel lunch costing $3.61 / 82000 VND.

Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome. It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $21.16 / 481000 VND

inside the cu chi tunnels vietnam


Day Twenty Seven- Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast is included in the hostel price.

We split a Grab to the beginning of our free walking tour which costs $0.44 / 10000 VND each.

The entry fee into the Independence Palace is $1.76 / 40000 VND.

Then for lunch, we head to and I get a tofu dish with a soda which costs $3.08 / 70000 VND.

We split a Grab to the beginning of our free night tour which costs $0.35 / 8000 VND each.

I pay for petrol in the scooter of the free night tour $3.08 / 70000 VND.

Next, we stop for a milk tea which costs $0.44 / 10000 VND.

Another stop, this time for coconut ice cream which costs $1.76 / 40000 VND.

Tonight we are staying in a dorm room over at HewaHome. It costs $4.35 / 99000 VND per night which includes breakfast and water.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $15.26 /347000 VND

ho chi minh city by night vietnam


Day Twenty Eight- Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast is included in the hostel price.

Then we stop at the supermarket and grab a snack for the bus which costs $0.44/ 10000 VND.

The Grab to the bus terminal costs $0.44 / 1000 VND each.

Daily Cost In Vietnam: $0.88 /20000 VND

ho chi minh train station


My Total Vietnam Trip Cost

Cost To Travel Vietnam VND USD
Accommodation 2,817,000 $123.99
Food 5,182,500 $228.11
Visa Approval Letter 385000 $17.00
Visa Stamp At Airport 565,000 $25.00
Taxi Airport To Old Quarter (split) 200,000 $8.80
Bus Hanoi To Sapa 295,000 $12.99
Beanie To Keep Warm 150,000 $6.60
Taxi To Homestay From Sapa 125,000 $5.50
Entry Fee To Ta Van 75,000 $3.30
Taxi To Sapa From Homestay 100,000 $4.40
Taxi To Bus Stop In Sapa 20,000 $0.88
Bus Sapa To Hanoi 220,000 $9.68
Uber Hanoi Bus Stop To Hostel 16,000 $0.70
Ha Long Bay Tour 3 Days/2 Nights 2,540,000 $111.81
Overnight Train Hanoi To Hue 720,000 $31.69
Imperial City Of Hue Entry Fee 150,000 $6.60
Train Hue To Da Nang 128,000 $5.63
Public Bus Da Nang To Hoi An 30,000 $1.32
Bicycle Parking Fee At Beach 10,000 $0.44
Hoi An Old Town Entry Fee 120,000 $5.28
Bicycle Parking Fee At Old Town X2 5,000 $0.21
Motorbike Hire 68,000 $2.99
Petrol For Motorbike 45,000 $1.98
Pottery Village Entry Fee 25,000 $1.10
Motorbike Parking Pottery Village 2,500 $0.11
Motorbike Parking At Beach 5000 $0.22
Drink Charge To Use Beach Chairs 32,500 $1.42
My Son Temple Tour 250,000 $10.98
My Son Entry Fee 150,000 $6.59
Bracelet 12,000 $0.52
Bus Hoi An To Da Nang 30,000 $1.32
Earphones 60,000 $2.63
Train Da Nang To Nha Trang 477,000 $20.98
Beach Chair Hire Nha Trang 35,000 $1.54
Snorkeling Tour In Nha Trang 350,000 $15.40
Bus From Nha Trang To Mui Ne 115,000 $5.05
Taxi Mui Ne Bus Stop To Hostel 10,000 $0.44
Sunrise Mui Ne Tour 160,000 $7.04
Bus Mui Ne To Ho Chi Minh City 99,000 $4.35
Sunglasses 75,000 $3.30
War Museum Entry 15,000 $0.66
Cu Chi Tunnel Tour 140,000 $6.16
Cu Chi Tunnel Entry Fee 110,000 $4.84
Independence Palace Entry Fee 40,000 $1.76
Scooter Hire In Ho Chi Minh 70,000 $3.08
Ubers Around Ho Chi Minh 28,000 $1.23
Total Costs 16,257,500 $715.62
Cost Per Day 580,625 $25.55

hoi an old town at night vietnam trip costs


Budgeted VS Actual Vietnam Trip Cost

Budgeted Actual Difference
Total Spend $620.00 $715.62 -$95.62
Cost per day $22.14 $25.55 -$3.41

There was a variety of things that put me slightly over budget. I will say that the times we took train journeys it would have been cheaper to take a bus. Though, due to mishaps that happened at the start of the trip we were well put off the idea.

Unlike a lot of other countries such as Cambodia or Vietnam, visiting Ha Long Bay was a crazy expense which was a one-off. This certainly bumped up my cost per day. Lastly, I did not really eat any street food in Vietnam (yes, I know, I am disappointed in myself as well). I just was not a fan of many of the general street food dishes so I choose to visit supermarkets or eat out in restaurants quite a lot.

Though, all in all, my cost per day of $25.55 was not too much over budget and I had an excellent time in Vietnam. We did some unforgettable tours which I absolutely loved and I did not regret doing them at all.


How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: 12.Go Asia


ruins at my son sanctuary outside of hoi an


Money Saving Tips To Decrease Your Cost To Travel Vietnam

    • Book hostels with free breakfast.
    • Check out whether your accommodation also includes free water.
    • Share transport with other people, waiting ten minutes to see if anyone else is going to the airport/bus station could save you money.
    • Visit supermarkets! They were my go-to choice in Vietnam and I always seemed to be within a 15-minute walk of one.
    • Use Uber or Grab instead of taxis whenever possible. I swear this saved us from being scammed so many times and we always knew the price we would pay.
    • If the city does not have Uber make sure the taxi driver uses the meter.
    • Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad, which can be a great way of earning some extra cash!

Check out Passport Symphony’s visiting Vietnam tips. 


How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: 12.Go Asia


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Find out exactly how much it will cost to travel Vietnam budget backpacker style so you can find out how cheap is Vietnam. Let’s talk about the price of accommodation, transportation, food and more before I let you know EXACT Vietnam trip cost!


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21 thoughts on “My Vietnam Trip Cost: How Cheap Is Vietnam and My $25 Daily Budget (2023)

  1. Avatar for Malou Yatar
    Malou Yatar says:

    Wow! amazing experience. Definitely help my travel plans this April for a month. Although, I would spend a bit longer in Nah Trang for scuba dive and meet some friends there but travelling alone onwards. I enjoyed reading your blog.
    Thank you so much for sharing, great photos by the way.

  2. Avatar for Ine
    Ine says:

    Wow I didn’t know Vietnam was that cheap! I should include it in my itinerary around Asia. I love street food, and meals for less than 1$ damn that is incredible! Gotta love Asia for its cheap prices… makes it possible to travel a lot longer!

  3. Avatar for vietnamvisa.cheap
    vietnamvisa.cheap says:

    Thanks to this post. It’s very informative. Now I can comfortable create my itinerary and travel Vietnam without any worries. Thanks again!

  4. Avatar for Billie-Rose
    Billie-Rose says:

    Really helpful post! Travelling Vietnam in December and wasnt sure how much I would need, but this is after really helping me. Thank you :)

  5. Avatar for Thanh Tâm
    Thanh Tâm says:

    Vietnam does not have Uber but you can use Grab in Vietnam. It is quite convenient. But I highly recommend you could use Grab bike to feel as local people

  6. Avatar for TICIANO
    TICIANO says:

    Hi Tasha thanks a lot for this post, I love budget expenses breakdowns. When you book through 12go do you have to print the ticket? How did you manage to rent a bike for 3 dollars? Was that a motorbike or just a bycicle? Thanks again

    • Avatar for Tasha Amy
      Tasha Amy says:

      Hey! It depends on the different transport companies whether you need to print your ticket or can just show it on your phone. As far as I am aware you only really know which after booking, though plenty of hostels and guesthouses will happily print it out for you for a couple of cents. The 3 dollar bike was just booked through our guesthouse and was just a regular bicycle.

  7. Avatar for Gareth Davy
    Gareth Davy says:

    Nice post. Very informative and useful, particularly for first time visitors.
    Surprised you paid an entrance fee to Ta Van hamlet. I stayed there last year, at Ta Van Ecologic Homestay and didn’t have to pay anything extra on top of my stay there.

  8. Avatar for Lisa
    Lisa says:

    im in vietnam right now and this post has been super helpful. Thanks for your links which dirrect me to the booking options as well. It also gives me a good idea on the average price for things to not get scammed. And another trip would be to use Grab transport app. Currently you get 10% off when you load credit on and 10,000 off for every trip you pay with thr credit. So a 50,000 trip easily comes down to 90% total 45,000 with additional 10,000 discount. Total 35,000 for a 25 minute ride in car. Around half price if you do the bike option but they can only take one person at a time.

  9. Avatar for Ozzy
    Ozzy says:

    I’m so surprised to see how expensive Vietnam is. I was expecting much cheaper. I’m from Turkey and you can travel Turkey and have good food & visit beautiful places in better prices (less than 25$). Having dinner 4.40 $ and otel with breakfast included 5.05 $? It’s a bir unproportion!

      • Avatar for Tasha Amy
        Tasha Amy says:

        I think it all depends on how you travel (I am not an EXTREME budget backpacker, I would rather pay a couple dollars more to stay in a 6 bedroom dorm vs a 12 bed dorm and I do enjoy restaurants). I have been to both countries and Turkey was more expensive for my ‘travel style’.

  10. Avatar for Kristin
    Kristin says:

    My husband and I are VERY into our budget day to day, but when we travel we seem to let it go out the window! These kinds of posts are SO helpful for us planning our trips…you got to see and do so much while not being too far off your budget!

  11. Avatar for Aarti Kamath
    Aarti Kamath says:

    Wow! now that was so much detailed. I have pinned your post for a proper read again. We have been planning Vietnam for about 10 days – sometime later this year. I am not sure how much we can cover but definitely Ho-chin min and Hanoi. I loved the budgeting you have done for this tour; it is indeed helpful:)

    • Avatar for Tasha Amy
      Tasha Amy says:

      I would recommend just visiting two maybe three places if you only go for 10 days. That way to can see more instead of rushing through ?

  12. Avatar for Josy A
    Josy A says:

    Wowza, what a detailed post!

    I am so impressed that you managed to do so much for such a bargain price! Your photos are stunning too. You look happier and more relaxed as you get further into yuor trip. :)

    • Avatar for Tasha Amy
      Tasha Amy says:

      Haha it definitely took a while to write! Yeah it’s a super affordable and I was able to travel very comfortably. If I was to take buses and eat street food it would have been even more cheaper.

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