Vietnam Budget and Costs 2026: How Much Does Vietnam Cost to Travel?
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s more affordable travel destinations, though costs have risen steadily since 2019. The price difference between budget and luxury is larger here than in most countries — a backpacker dorm and a luxury resort can be in the same town.
Daily budget tiers
Budget backpacker: ₫400,000–700,000 ($16–28) per day Dorm bed or very basic private room, street food and local restaurants, local bus and Grab, one activity every few days.
Mid-range independent traveller: ₫800,000–2,000,000 ($32–80) per day Private room with a/c and en suite, sit-down restaurants, occasional activity (cooking class, day trip), domestic flights instead of overnight buses.
Comfort/luxury: ₫3,000,000–10,000,000+ ($120–400+) per day Boutique hotel or resort, quality restaurants, private transfers, daily activities.
Accommodation costs
| Type | Price range |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed | ₫100,000–200,000 ($4–8) |
| Budget private room | ₫250,000–500,000 ($10–20) |
| Mid-range hotel | ₫500,000–1,500,000 ($20–60) |
| Boutique/resort | ₫1,500,000–5,000,000 ($60–200) |
| Luxury resort | ₫5,000,000–40,000,000+ ($200–1,600+) |
Islands (Phu Quoc, Con Dao) cost 30–50% more than mainland equivalents.
Food costs
| Meal type | Price |
|---|---|
| Street food (bowl of noodles, banh mi) | ₫15,000–70,000 ($0.60–2.80) |
| Local restaurant (com binh dan) | ₫40,000–100,000 ($1.60–4) |
| Mid-range restaurant | ₫100,000–300,000 ($4–12) per person |
| Upscale Vietnamese restaurant | ₫300,000–700,000 ($12–28) per person |
| Western restaurant | ₫150,000–400,000 ($6–16) per person |
| Bia hoi (fresh beer) | ₫10,000–20,000 ($0.40–0.80) per glass |
| Ca phe sua da (iced coffee) | ₫20,000–45,000 ($0.80–1.80) |
Transport costs
| Journey | Price |
|---|---|
| City Grab ride (5–10km) | ₫30,000–80,000 ($1.20–3.20) |
| Hanoi–Sapa overnight train (soft sleeper) | ₫350,000–550,000 ($14–22) |
| Hanoi–HCMC flight | ₫600,000–2,500,000 ($24–100) |
| Tourist bus (per leg) | ₫80,000–350,000 ($3.20–14) |
| Motorbike rental (per day) | ₫100,000–200,000 ($4–8) |
| Airport transfer (Grab) | ₫80,000–200,000 ($3.20–8) |
Activity costs
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Ha Long Bay cruise (2-day budget) | ₫1,200,000–2,000,000 ($48–80) |
| Ha Long Bay cruise (2-day luxury) | ₫4,000,000–10,000,000 ($160–400) |
| Cooking class (Hoi An) | ₫500,000–800,000 ($20–32) |
| Cu Chi Tunnels day trip (from HCMC) | ₫250,000–450,000 ($10–18) |
| Diving (2-tank) | ₫700,000–1,500,000 ($28–60) |
| Paradise Cave Phong Nha | ₫350,000 ($14) |
| Ha Giang Easy Rider guide (per day) | ₫600,000–800,000 ($24–32) |
| Hoi An combined ticket | ₫120,000 ($4.80) |
Where money goes furthest
Cities where food and accommodation are cheapest: Hue, Da Lat, Can Tho, Hoi An (budget area outside the Ancient Town).
Cities where costs rise: Hanoi Old Quarter (tourist premium), Da Nang beachfront, Phu Quoc (island surcharge on everything).
Currency and payment
Vietnam is a cash economy for most transactions. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants but not at street food stalls, local transport, or markets. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. ₫200,000–500,000 ($8–20) ATM withdrawal fees are charged by most machines; use a fee-free international card where possible.
The Vietnamese Dong does not convert back easily outside Vietnam — spend remaining cash or exchange back at the airport.