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A trip to Vietnam is one of the most affordable and exciting travel experiences in Southeast Asia. From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, tropical beaches to mountain treks, Vietnam offers incredible diversity. In 2024, how much does it cost to travel in Vietnam? What's the typical daily budget and trip to Vietnam cost for backpackers, budget travelers or mid-range tourists? This Vietnam travel guide will break down expected costs to help you budget and plan your perfect Vietnam trip!
Traveling to Vietnam can fit many budgets in 2024. Backpackers can scrape by on $25 USD per person per day, while mid-range travelers stay around $60. Those looking for extra comfort and luxury can expect to budget $100+ per day. With some planning, Vietnam can be experienced for as little as $500 for two weeks, or around $1000 to $1500 for one month.
Typical Daily Backpacker Budget in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations for backpackers and budget travelers. Many enjoy Vietnam on just $25 USD per day per person. This covers the basics: dorm bed, local food, public transportation and simple activities.
Some backpackers get by on even less at $20 per day by choosing the cheapest dorms, eating street food exclusively, and avoiding paid attractions.
To have more flexibility and comfort, budget $35 USD per person per day. This allows for the occasional hotel room, nicer meals out, and activities like entrance fees or motorbike rental.
Many backpackers budget $50 USD per person per day which provides greater choices in accommodation, dining and transportation options. It also enables joining organized tours and excursions.
Keep extra budget for longer distance transportation like flights or overnight trains and buses, and special splurges like scuba diving or Halong Bay cruises.
Accommodation Costs in Vietnam Per Night
One of the biggest daily costs is accommodation. Vietnam offers a wide range of hostels and budget hotels.
Hostel dorm bed - $5 to $10 USD per night
Basic hotel room - $12 to $25 USD for double occupancy
Mid-range hotel - $35 to $60 USD per night
Apartment - Around $25 to $50 USD per night for a simple one bedroom apartment on Airbnb, ideal for longer stays to save money.
Hostel and hotel prices dip even lower during the off-peak summer months of May to September.
The major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are around 25% more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas of Vietnam. But great budget accommodation still abounds.
Food Costs Eating Local in Vietnam
One of the joys of visiting Vietnam is experiencing delicious and cheap Vietnamese street food and local restaurants!
Street food and simple local restaurants cost just $2 to $5 USD per meal in cities across Vietnam. This gets you a bowl of pho noodle soup or rice plate with veggies, meat or fish.
Roadside stalls and markets serve up freshly prepared food and fruit for just $1 to $3 USD per person. Vietnamese coffee and beer is also a steal at 50 cents to $2 USD.
At mid-range restaurants with AC and English menus, meals generally cost $5 to $10 USD per person.
Overall, daily food costs average $5 to $15 USD per person per day eating local Vietnamese food. This is one of the cheapest dining destinations in the world.
Transportation Price Guide for Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam offers great value, whether by bus, train, plane, motorbike or cyclo. Here are average transportation prices in Vietnam:
Bike or motorbike rental - $5 to $10 per day
Cyclo ride - $2 to $5 USD for short trips
Bus ride - Around 5,000 to 7,000 VND ($0.25 to $0.35) for short trips under an hour
Overnight bus - 180,000 to 350,000 VND ($7 to $15 USD) for long distance trips
Train ride - 240,000 VND ($10 USD) for an overnight Hanoi to Hue train in a berth
Domestic flights - From $30 USD for short flights, and around $70 USD for longer routes like Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Taxi rides - Very affordable with trips costing just $1 to $5 USD within a city, depending on distance.
For long distance travel across Vietnam, buses, trains and budget domestic flights help connect the country affordably.
Average Activity Costs in Vietnam
Vietnam offers endless sights and experiences on a budget. Here are typical activity costs:
Entrance fees - Sites range from 5,000 to 20,000 VND ($0.20 to $1 USD) per person for temples, palaces and museums. Some popular attractions like the War Remnants Museum can reach 70,000 VND ($3 USD).
Cooking class - $10 to $30 USD per person
Day tour - Join organized day trips by bus or boat around major cities from $10 to $30 USD per person.
Motorbike tour - Guided all day motorbike tours through the countryside cost around $45 to $60 USD per person.
National park entry - Entry to destinations like Cuc Phuong National Park is around 150,000 VND ($6.50 USD) per person
Adventure activities - Rock climbing, ziplining, or watersports like kayaking are around $25 to $60 USD per person.
You can enjoy Vietnam's sights affordably by choosing more free temple visits and self-guided walking tours over expensive private tours.
Total Vietnam Trip Cost Examples
2 week Vietnam backpacking budget - around $500 USD per person
1 month mid-range budget - approximately $1000 USD per person
2 week mid-range budget including flight - about $1500 USD per person
2 week luxury vacation - upwards of $3000+ per person
To save costs on a longer Vietnam trip, take overnight buses and trains versus flying when possible, choose centrally located accommodation, and cook simple meals yourself.
Tips to Save Money Traveling in Vietnam
Follow these tricks to keep within your Vietnam budget:
Eat street food, local joints and markets over restaurants
Stay in hostel dorms or basic hotels away from city centers
Walk, bike and take local transportation instead of taxis
Join free walking tours and visit temples over paid attractions
Shop at grocery stores and cook yourself when possible
Avoid excessive drinking at tourist bars
Splurge on a few big experiences like Halong Bay or overnight trains
Get a local SIM card for affordable data
Travel during shoulder season months of March-April or September-November
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With some planning, Vietnam can be an incredibly affordable travel adventure and cultural immersion in 2024. The costs above give you a great idea of how to budget your Vietnam trip cost. Just avoid July and August if possible to skip the hot rainy season. And come ready to feast on $1 noodle bowls and $0.25 beers!