Visiting Vietnam on a Budget

Whether you decide to indulge in luxury or stretch your funds in Vietnam, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience.

After covering your travel expenses, you can enjoy your time for under US$40 a day by staying in hostels and savoring dishes like pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (baguette sandwiches), or splurge on heritage hotels, exciting tours, and fine dining.

In any case, you’ll feast on incredible food, explore vibrant cities, and immerse yourself in a rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, all in one of Asia’s most enchanting destinations.

The key takeaway is that your spending is primarily in your own hands. If you’re fine with a hostel bed, bus rides, and dining at street stalls, the essential living costs in Vietnam won’t break the bank.

However, if you desire luxurious amenities, guided tours, and fine dining—or opt for a rental car and driver—your expenses will increase significantly. Here are our top tips for budget-friendly exploration of Vietnam.

Choose the right time for your visit

Vietnam experiences heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon between May and September and the northeast monsoon from October to April, making it a seasonally variable destination. Flight and accommodation costs rise when the weather is pleasant and drop during the rainy spells, but different climates across the country mean you can often find enjoyable spots to visit even in the peak of the wet season.

Airfare is typically highest during July and August, which aligns with the warmest weather along the central coast. Another peak occurs from December to March as many travelers flock to Phu Quoc island and the hiking trails in the northwest. Be mindful of additional price hikes around local holidays like Reunification Day on April 30, International Workers’ Day on May 1, and the Tet lunar new year in January or February, when travel activity surges across the nation.

Consider flying into Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) instead of Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) boasts the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam, often making flights here more affordable than those to Hanoi in the north, thanks to intense competition among airlines. However, keep in mind that living expenses in HCMC can be higher than in Hanoi. Any savings from your flight can quickly diminish if you linger too long in the former Saigon, so be sure to plan your itinerary wisely.

Explore Vietnam from the back door

There's no need to fly straight into Vietnam—land border crossings with Laos, Cambodia, and China make it accessible. Often, you can find affordable flight options to smaller Chinese cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which connect to northern Vietnam via bus or train through Nanning, crossing at the border in Lang Son.

If you prefer to enter from the south, think about flying into Thailand and making your way overland through Laos or Cambodia. The journey from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, then on to HCMC, is a favorite among backpackers.

Avoid spending too much time in major cities

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be pricier compared to other regions in Vietnam, so plan your sightseeing wisely—focus on key attractions and savor street food before moving on to quieter areas that are easier on the wallet.

One reason Vietnam’s bustling megacities are costly is the vast array of activities, sights, and culinary delights available. However, if you can resist the urge to do it all, enjoying Hanoi and HCMC on a budget is still within reach.

Opt for the 'open tour' bus

While you won't experience deep cultural immersion on an 'open tour' bus, taking this well-trodden path can save you precious time—something every traveler values. Although fares are generally higher than regular buses, you get clarity on what you're paying for, eliminating the need to negotiate fares.

These services begin and end in the city rather than at a bus station, helping you avoid extra taxi costs at either end of your journey. Many long-haul routes operate overnight, allowing you to skip the expense of a hotel stay, and they usually avoid the minor stops that can bog down long-distance travel.

Travel through the night

Budget flights in Vietnam can be quite economical, but it's important to weigh any savings against their carbon footprint. A more sustainable option is to travel overnight. For longer journeys, like from Hanoi or HCMC to Hoi An or Nha Trang, consider using sleeper buses or trains to save on accommodation costs without sacrificing precious daylight for sightseeing. Both buses and trains offer reclining seats and fully flat berths.

Maximize your hostel experience

Once a rarity in Vietnam, hostels are now ubiquitous, including trendy spots like Hanoi’s Nexy Hostel and HCMC’s Hideout Hostel. Many hostels feature on-site bars, restaurants, and even swimming pools. While some offer private rooms along with dorms, if you prefer solitude, you might find cheaper private accommodations at standard budget hotels.

Stay in a hillside homestay

Vietnam’s lush hills boast numerous hotels, but for a more authentic experience at a lower cost, opt for village homestays. In regions like the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, Cham Islands, and tranquil areas in the northwest such as Mai Chau, Ba Be, and Moc Chau, you can enjoy simple yet comfortable lodging and a genuine immersion into local culture, often accompanied by delicious home-cooked meals.

Dine on the streets

Street food is essential to Asian culture, and Vietnam is no different. For a price that won't dent your wallet, indulge in a variety of dishes like pho soup, banh mi sandwiches, banh xeo pancakes, bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), and the vibrant flavors of banana flower salad and bo la lot – skewers of beef wrapped in betel leaves.

During lunch and dinner, street vendors lay out plastic tables and chairs on the sidewalks, providing a spot for you to enjoy your meal – the best selections can be found at night markets and bustling transport hubs.

Order through the app

A budget-friendly option for meals is to use a local food delivery app for lunch or dinner. Delivery costs are typically lower than dining in at the same establishments, and your food arrives as swiftly as the motorcycle courier can navigate the traffic. With apps like Grab Food, Shopee, and BAEMIN, you can pay via your phone and have your meal delivered right to your hotel or hostel door. Just switch the app language to English and ask the front desk for dish recommendations and the best places to order from.

Beware of 'optional' charges

In some fancier restaurants and hotels in Vietnam, you might be offered extras like tissues, bottled water, moist towels, and peanuts. However, don’t assume these items are complimentary; they can often be charged at a premium. It’s wise to check beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.

Discover affordable adventures

Vietnam is a vast playground for thrill-seekers, but organized tours and adventure activities can quickly drain your budget. For more economical excitement, bring your own snorkeling gear, opt for public ferries instead of boat tours, and rent a bike, motorcycle, or scooter to explore at your own pace rather than relying on guided tours.

If hiking is on your agenda, look for trekking paths you can tackle independently, like the trails on Cat Ba Island or the walks to minority villages near Bac Ha in the far northwest. Many homestays can arrange affordable local guides, which often costs less than booking through an agency and supports the local economy directly.

Focus on the free attractions

While entry fees to Vietnam’s remarkable museums, which provide an unflinching view of the American War history, are reasonable, many captivating pagodas, temples, and cathedrals are entirely free to visit. You can also admire Vietnam’s stunning colonial architecture at no cost by exploring from the outside.

For temples, choose from the historic monuments of Hanoi, Hue, and HCMC or contemporary wonders like Chua Bai Dinh near Ninh Binh. To see remnants of French colonial influence, focus on HCMC, Dalat, and Hanoi. Markets are always free to explore, so don’t miss vibrant bazaars like Ben Thanh Market in HCMC and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi.

Sharpen your haggling skills

Some travelers express frustration about being overcharged in Vietnam, but bargaining is part of the culture here – so bring your best negotiation tactics. Treat it like a fun challenge rather than a source of frustration. If a price seems too steep, counter with a lower offer and gauge the seller's reaction. With a little flexibility, you can often agree on a fair price for both sides.

Before using public transport or catching a taxi or rickshaw, check with your hotel or guesthouse to understand the typical fare. Avoid letting the negotiation become contentious – everyone deserves to earn a living, and the amount you're debating may hold more significance for the vendor than it does for you.

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Cut costs on transport in the city center

Metered taxis in Vietnam are quite affordable compared to global rates. However, in tourist hotspots, some drivers may refuse to use the meter, and there are frequent reports of meters being tampered with to inflate fares. Opting for rides through the Grab app is usually more cost-effective than flagging down street taxis.

Even when paying fair prices, taxi expenses can add up quickly. Save some cash by walking, renting a bicycle, or using local buses (just be cautious of pickpockets during busy times).

Enjoy bia hoi

A night out in the trendy bars of Hanoi or HCMC can significantly impact your travel budget and leave you with a hefty hangover. Instead, consider spending an evening enjoying bia hoi – Vietnam’s light, homemade draft beer – to avoid both pitfalls.

Much cheaper than bottled beer, this refreshing beverage is typically enjoyed on plastic stools at street corners, often accompanied by light snacks to keep the conversation going. You can find it everywhere from Dien Bien Phu to Cat Ba Island, especially in Hanoi.

Daily expenses in Vietnam

• Dorm bed in a hostel: US$5-10

• Basic room for two: US$10–20

• Village homestay: US$5–20

• Room at a beachfront resort: starting at US$80

• Local bus fare: starting at US$1

• Cup of ca phe (drip coffee): US$0.70

• Banh mi sandwich: starting at US$0.70

• Dinner for two at a restaurant: US$15

• Bottle of beer in a bar: US$1

• Glass of bia hoi (local beer): starting at US$0.30

• Estimated daily budget: US$40–70