Planning a trip to Vietnam but wondering about the costs? You’re not alone. Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and incredibly affordable prices. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or seeking luxury experiences, understanding how much it costs to travel to Vietnam will help you plan the perfect trip within your budget.

On average, budget travelers spend $24 per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $65 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $183 per day in Vietnam. However, these costs can vary significantly depending on your travel style, destinations, and the time of year you visit.

Quick overview: How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam?

Wondering how much does it cost to travel to Vietnam? The answer largely depends on your travel style, destinations, and how you plan your trip. Here’s a quick snapshot of average daily expenses for different types of travelers:

These estimates cover accommodation, food, transportation, and activities within Vietnam. However, international flights, travel insurance, and visa fees are additional pre-trip expenses to factor into your total budget.

Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable travel destinations, offering great value for money across the board. Whether you’re planning a two-week backpacking adventure or a luxury retreat, you’ll find Vietnam’s cost of travel fits a wide range of budgets.

Pre-trip expenses for Vietnam travel

Before you even land in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to account for pre-departure costs—these can quickly add up if not planned for in advance.

Vietnam visa costs and requirements

Most foreign travelers are required to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. The most popular and affordable choice is the e-visa Vietnam, which is processed entirely online.

• E-visa (single entry, valid for 90 days): $25 USD
• E-visa (multiple entry): $50 USD
• Processing time: Typically 3–5 business days
• How to apply: Via the official Vietnam Immigration Portal

Visa-free entry: Citizens of countries such as the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and a few ASEAN nations enjoy visa exemptions for stays up to 15–45 days, depending on nationality.

Important: Always apply through the government site to avoid third-party scams or hidden processing fees. Also, carry at least one passport-sized photo and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.

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International flight costs to Vietnam

Flight prices to Vietnam depend heavily on your location, seasonality, and how early you book. Below are general round-trip estimates:

• From North America (e.g., Los Angeles, New York): $600–1,200 USD
• From Western Europe (e.g., Paris, Frankfurt): $400–800 USD
• From Australia/New Zealand: $300–600 USD
• From Southeast Asia (e.g., Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur): $100–400 USD

Best airports to fly into:

• Hanoi (Noi Bai International – HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat – SGN)
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Tips for cheaper flights:

• Book 2–3 months in advance
• Be flexible with travel dates
• Use flight aggregators like Skyscanner or Google Flights
• Travel during shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October)

Travel insurance

It’s strongly advised to purchase travel insurance that covers medical treatment, trip cancellations, and adventure activities.

• Basic insurance: $2–5 USD/day
• Comprehensive plan with activities: $5–8 USD/day
• Total (for 2 weeks): $30–110 USD

This is especially critical if you plan to ride motorbikes or engage in activities like diving or trekking.

Pre-trip essentials and shopping

Some items are either more expensive or hard to find once you’re in Vietnam, especially outside major cities.

Bringing these with you can save money and reduce hassle once you’re in the country.

Accommodation costs in Vietnam

Beside research about how much does it cost to travel to Vietnam, you should know about other expense when landing. One of the best parts of traveling in Vietnam is the incredible range of affordable accommodation, suitable for backpackers, families, and luxury travelers alike.

Budget accommodation

Budget travelers will be happy to find clean, safe, and well-reviewed options all over Vietnam.

• Dormitory beds: $5–12 USD/night (includes Wi-Fi, shared bathroom, lockers)
• Private rooms in hostels: $10–20 USD/night
• Guesthouses: $8–15 USD/night for a basic double room with AC and private bath

Backpacker-friendly destinations like Hanoi Old Quarter, Hue, and Hoi An are loaded with affordable options near the main attractions.

Mid-range accommodation

If you prefer privacy, better amenities, and central locations, mid-range hotels offer excellent value.

• 3-star hotels: $20–50 USD/night
  • Includes en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV, room service, and often breakfast
• Boutique hotels: $30–70 USD/night
  • These are often family-run with local charm, modern furnishings, and personalized service

Mid-range stays are widely available in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Luxury accommodation

Vietnam’s luxury hospitality scene is booming, with international-standard services at half the price of equivalent hotels in Western countries.

• 4–5 star hotels: $80–200 USD/night
• Luxury resorts: $150–400 USD/night
  • Includes amenities like infinity pools, spas, fine dining, beachfront or river views
• Top-tier options: Amanoi, Six Senses, Fusion Resort—starting at $300 USD/night and up

Vietnam also offers luxury cruises in Halong Bay and private villas in places like Phu Quoc or Da Lat.

Airbnb and alternative stays

Vietnam has a growing Airbnb market with excellent options for long-term or group stays:

• Entire apartment: $20–100 USD/night
• Private room: $10–40 USD/night

Pros: kitchen access, local experience, ideal for digital nomads or remote workers. Cons: May lack 24/7 check-in or daily cleaning.

Food and drink costs in Vietnam

Food is one of the biggest highlights of visiting Vietnam—and one of the most affordable. Whether you’re grabbing a street-side bánh mì or dining at a fine restaurant, your taste buds and wallet will thank you.

Street food and local dining

Street food is not only delicious but extremely budget-friendly. It’s also the most authentic way to experience Vietnamese cuisine.

Local restaurants typically offer set meals or rice plates between $2–7 USD. Regional specialties (e.g., cao lầu in Hoi An, bún bò Huế in Hue) might cost a bit more but rarely exceed $8 USD.

Mid-range dining

If you’re craving more comfort, ambiance, or international cuisine, Vietnam’s mid-range dining scene is equally satisfying.

Many restaurants offer set menus for $10–20 USD, which are excellent for tasting multiple dishes.

Fine dining and luxury restaurants

Vietnam’s cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have a growing number of fine dining options for travelers with a larger budget.

Beverage costs

Vietnam has a vibrant coffee culture and an emerging craft beer scene.

Transportation costs in Vietnam

Traveling around Vietnam is both easy and affordable thanks to its extensive transport network.

Domestic flights

Vietnam is a long country, and flying saves time. Budget airlines like VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines often have competitive prices.

Tips:

• Book 2–3 weeks in advance
• Avoid weekends and holidays
• Use Vietnamese booking platforms (e.g., Traveloka, Vntrip) for deals

Long-distance buses

For cost-conscious travelers, buses are the cheapest way to move between cities.

Night buses can save on one night of accommodation.

Train travel

Vietnam’s scenic train rides are great for photography and slower-paced travel.

Local transportation

Most cities also have cheap bus systems (under $1 per ride), although they can be confusing for tourists.

Sample Vietnam travel budgets

Let’s answer the big question: How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam for 1–2 weeks? Here are three sample itineraries based on your travel style.

7-day budget itinerary

Destinations: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Total/day: $27–50
7-day Total: $189–350 (not including international flights)

10-day mid-range itinerary

Destinations: Hanoi → Sapa → Halong Bay → Da Nang → HCMC

Total/day: $68–125
10-day Total: $680–1,250

14-day luxury itinerary

Destinations: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue → Hoi An → HCMC → Phu Quoc

Total/day: $185–440
14-day Total: $2,590–6,160

Money-saving tips for Vietnam travel

Here are practical ways to cut costs without compromising on experiences:

Accommodation

• Book directly through hotel websites for discounts or free upgrades
• Stay in local neighborhoods instead of tourist hubs
• Look for weekly or monthly discounts on Airbnb or Booking
• Travel during shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct)

Food & dining

• Eat at street stalls or markets for authentic, cheap meals
• Lunch specials at upscale restaurants offer great value
• Avoid tourist traps near landmarks; walk 5 minutes out for better prices
• Cook occasionally if your accommodation has a kitchen

Transportation

• Use overnight buses or trains to save on hotel stays
• Book flights early and compare with budget carriers
• Use Grab instead of taxis to avoid overcharging
• Rent a motorbike for freedom and savings (ideal for Da Nang, Hoi An)

Activities & tours

• Join group tours instead of private ones
• Look for free walking tours in Hanoi, Hoi An, and HCMC
• Visit temples, markets, and museums that are often cheap or free
• Take advantage of happy hours for entertainment and dining

Vietnam is one of the most rewarding and affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget, a couple seeking comfort, or a luxury traveler looking for unforgettable experiences, Vietnam delivers exceptional value at every price point.

To recap:

• Budget travelers can enjoy Vietnam for as little as $20–30 USD per day, including food, accommodation, and local transport.
• Mid-range travelers should plan for around $40–80 USD per day, allowing for more comfort, diverse meals, and guided activities.
• Luxury seekers can indulge in high-end resorts, fine dining, and private tours from $100–300+ USD per day.

Key expenses like international flights, visa fees, and travel insurance will influence your total trip cost, but daily spending in Vietnam remains impressively low compared to global travel standards.

Final budgeting tips:

• Add a 20% buffer for unexpected expenses or splurges
• Travel in shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) for the best deals
• Use local transportation and embrace street food culture to stretch your money
• Book in advance during peak travel periods like Tet and Christmas

With proper planning, you can experience Vietnam’s vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, flavorful cuisine, and warm hospitality without breaking the bank. So whether you’re wandering through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, cruising Halong Bay, or sipping egg coffee in a Hanoi alley, you’ll find that Vietnam’s affordability is only matched by its charm.

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