Vietnam Travel Budget: My Real Costs Breakdown for a Frugal Trip

Travelers often ask about expenses when planning a Vietnam trip. Here's a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to travel Vietnam based on my frugal solo journey, helping you set a realistic budget.

Costs vary by travel style—budget backpackers spend less, while luxury seekers spend more. As a frugal traveler favoring street food and private rooms over high-end hotels, my daily spend averaged $30–$40. Use this guide to tailor your Vietnam travel budget.

Specifically: How much did it cost me to travel Vietnam?

Vietnam Pre-Trip Expenses

For stays over 15 days, secure a tourist e-visa before arrival. Apply online hassle-free, but allow 4+ days for processing. Print the approved visa or risk boarding denial. Check eligible countries via the official site.

E-visa cost: US$25

Avoid third-party sites charging less (e.g., $17)—likely scams. I followed official instructions and got approval hours before my flight (don't procrastinate like I did). I initially sought a 3-month visa via New York consulate to avoid extensions or visa runs—details in a separate post.

Official Vietnam e-visa application link.

For 15-day stays, visa-on-arrival incurs a small fee (country-dependent). Bring two passport photos or pay extra.

Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Essential for your budget: Factor in insurance, especially for scooter rentals and urban risks like bag-snatching in Ho Chi Minh City. Costs vary by nationality, trip length, and activities. World Nomads offers Standard and Explorer plans.

Items I Purchased Pre-Trip

To avoid higher tourist prices or availability issues:

• Sunscreen
• Body/face lotion (non-whitening options scarce in Asia)
• Mosquito repellent
• Contact lens solution
• Travel adapter (UK/Australia plugs only; US/EU 2-pin fits)

How Much is Accommodation in Vietnam?

Dorm beds start at $2/night, typically US$4–$5; pricier ones ($10+) offer no clear upgrade. Phu Quoc's top dorm hit $15 (4-bed AC).

I opted for private rooms in guesthouses, hostels, homestays, and small hotels: $9–$36/night (peak: rooftop pool in Da Nang). Average: VND330,000 (~US$14) for double at single occupancy; doubles similar for two.

Accommodation drives your budget—luxury brands exceed $100/night. I used Booking.com for transparency (total incl. taxes/fees; lists hostels, homestays, apartments, Halong cruises).Daily budget: $5 (dorms) to $100+ (hotels). Match your style.

How Much Is Food in Vietnam?

Street food lovers thrive: US$1–$2/meal. Pho: VND25,000 (US$1.08); banh mi: VND20,000–25,000 (US$0.86–$1.08) (higher in tourist spots).

Sit-down restaurants: VND60,000–120,000 (US$2.60–$5.20). Western pizza: VND222,000 (US$9.55). Priciest meal: VND265,000 (US$11.40).

Snacks: Grocery items < US$1.

Daily food budget: US$10

How Much Are Drinks in Vietnam?

Coffee culture shines: Iced coconut coffee VND39,000–75,000 (US$1.68–$3.23); yogurt coffee VND30,000 (US$1.29); egg coffee VND35,000 (US$1.51).

Hipster coffee: VND40,000+ (US$1.72+); cappuccino VND50,000 (US$2.15); cheapest VND10,000 (US$0.43). Large water: VND10,000 (US$0.43) (tap unsafe; budget daily).

Smoothies: VND20,000–80,000 (US$0.86–$3.44); avg. VND40,000 (US$1.72).

Beer: VND10,000–30,000 (US$0.43–$1.29); craft VND60,000 (US$2.58).

Wine: VND55,000–130,000 (US$2.37–$5.59).

Cocktails: VND132,000–210,000 (US$5.68–$9).

Daily drinks: US$5–10

How Much is Entertainment in Vietnam?

Attraction examples:

• Ho Chi Minh City Art Museum: VND30,000 (US$1.29)
• War Remnants Museum: VND40,000 (US$1.72)
• Massage: VND150,000 (US$6.45)
• Dalat Crazy House: VND50,000 (US$2.15)
• Da Nang Skylight (w/drink): VND160,000 (US$6.88)
• Hoi An Ancient Town: VND120,000 (US$5.16)
• Marble Mountains: VND40,000 (US$1.72)
• My Son ruins: VND150,000 (US$6.45)
• Bike rental: VND20,000 (US$0.86)
• Waterfall: VND20,000 (US$0.86)

Daily: US$10 (museums cheap; max $7/site).

How Much are Excursions in Vietnam?

Examples:

Hoi An–My Son (UNESCO): VND120,000 (US$5.16).

Hanoi private walk (WithLocals): US$50.

Mui Ne dunes: VND150,000 (US$6.45) + jeep VND150,000.

Dalat Easy Rider full-day: VND800,000 (US$34.40).

Phu Quoc snorkeling: VND345,000 (US$14.84). Airbnb Experiences: Saigon scooter food tour US$24; Mekong boat US$25 + $8 tip/breakfast.

Daily: Not every day; most <US$15. Budget for priorities like UNESCO sites, Halong, Mekong.

How Much is Transportation in Vietnam?

Domestic flights: Max US$50 (book 2–3 weeks ahead via Skyscanner/Google Flights).

• Ho Chi Minh–Phu Quoc: US$43
• Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh: US$52
• Da Nang–Hanoi: US$46

Trains: VND145,000–177,000 (US$6.24–$7.60); book via Baolau.com.

Taxis: Airport/hotel Phu Quoc/Saigon up to VND250,000 (US$10.75); shorter VND85,000–100,000 (US$3.66–$4.30).

Moto-taxis: VND40,000–70,000 (US$1.72–$3).Ferries: Phu Quoc VND330,000 (US$14.19).

Scooter rental: Phu Quoc VND120,000/day (US$5.12) + gas VND35,000 (US$1.51).

Bike rental: Hoi An VND20,000/day (US$0.86).

Daily: Lower for slow travel/buses vs. flights.

Other Expenses: SIM Card & Laundry

SIM: Ho Chi Minh airport VND230,000 (US$9.89); top-up VND100,000 (US$4.30). See best tourist SIM guide.

Laundry: VND50,000 (US$2.15).

Also: Souvenirs (Hoi An tailoring), postcards, haircuts, toiletries.

Total Vietnam Travel Budget

My average: US$30–$40/day (private rooms, excursions, coffees/cocktails). Dorms + cheap eats: $30 possible.

1-month total: US$1,214.52

Over 7 weeks across 12 spots, transport added up. Fewer stops save money (unless flying). Prioritize top destinations. Tracked via TrailWallet app.

Questions? Comment below!