Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia thanks to its incredible food, beautiful landscapes and very affordable prices.
But how cheap is Vietnam really in 2026?
This guide breaks down the real cost of traveling in Vietnam, including accommodation, food, transport, activities and realistic budgets for 1-week and 2-week trips.
If you haven’t read our country overview yet, see: is Vietnam expensive to visit.
For a regional comparison, read: how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost.
Quick answer: is Vietnam cheap to travel?
Vietnam remains one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.
It offers excellent value for accommodation, street food and transport. You can travel comfortably on a small budget without sacrificing experiences.
| Travel style | Daily budget per person |
|---|---|
| Budget traveler | €25–€35 |
| Mid-range traveler | €40–€65 |
| Luxury traveler | €100+ |
Vietnam is ideal for both backpackers and mid-range travelers.
Flight cost to Vietnam
Flights depend heavily on your departure location and season.
Average return flights:
• Europe → Vietnam: €500–€800
• UK → Vietnam: €550–€850
• US → Vietnam: €700–€1,100
Booking 2–4 months in advance usually gives the best prices.
Accommodation costs in Vietnam
Accommodation in Vietnam offers some of the best value in Asia.
Budget accommodation
• Hostel dorm bed: €5–€9
• Budget guesthouse/private room: €12–€20
Mid-range hotels
• 3-star hotels: €25–€40
• Boutique hotels: €35–€60
Luxury hotels
• 4–5 star hotels: €80–€150+
You can stay in high-quality hotels for a fraction of Western prices.
Food prices in Vietnam
Food is one of the biggest reasons Vietnam is so affordable.
Street food is everywhere and extremely cheap.
Typical food prices:
• Pho or local noodle soup: €1.50–€2.50
• Banh mi sandwich: €1–€2
• Restaurant meal: €4–€7
• Coffee: €1–€2
• Beer: €0.70–€1.50
You can eat very well for under €10 per day.
Transport costs in Vietnam
Vietnam is long and narrow, so transport is an important part of the budget.
Local transport
• Grab motorbike ride: €1–€2
• Taxi short ride: €2–€4
• City bus: under €1
Travel between cities
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Hanoi → Ha Long Bay bus | €10–€15 |
| Hanoi → Hue sleeper train | €30–€40 |
| Hue → Da Nang | €7–€10 |
| Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh flight | €35–€60 |
Domestic flights are cheap and save time.
Attraction and activity prices
Vietnam offers excellent value for experiences.
Typical costs:
• Ha Long Bay day trip: €35–€60
• Cooking class: €20–€30
• Museum entry: €1–€3
• Temple entry: €2–€5
• Motorbike rental per day: €5–€8
Activities rarely break the budget.
How much does a 1-week trip to Vietnam cost?
Budget traveler
• Flights: €550
• Accommodation: €70
• Food: €70
• Transport: €70
• Activities: €80
Total: €840 per person
Mid-range traveler
• Flights: €650
• Accommodation: €200
• Food: €120
• Transport: €120
• Activities: €120
Total: €1,210 per person
How much does a 2-week trip to Vietnam cost?
Budget traveler
• Flights: €550
• Accommodation: €140
• Food: €140
• Transport: €140
• Activities: €160
Total: €1,130 per person
Mid-range traveler
• Flights: €650
• Accommodation: €400
• Food: €240
• Transport: €240
• Activities: €240
Total: €1,770 per person
Sample 10-day Vietnam trip budget
Example mid-range itinerary:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
Typical budget breakdown:
• Flights: €650
• Hotels: €350
• Food: €180
• Transport: €180
• Activities: €180
Total: €1,540 per person
Cost of traveling north to south
Many travelers do a north-to-south itinerary.
Typical route:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City.
This route offers the best mix of culture, food and scenery.
Average cost for this itinerary:
• Budget: €30/day
• Mid-range: €55/day
Cost of popular cities in Vietnam
Vietnam prices vary depending on the city you visit. Major tourist hubs are slightly more expensive, while smaller towns are extremely cheap.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital offers excellent value.
Average daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €28/day
• Mid-range traveler: €55/day
Street food is everywhere and accommodation is very affordable.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s largest city is slightly more expensive than Hanoi but still very affordable.
Average daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €30/day
• Mid-range traveler: €60/day
Transport and nightlife increase daily costs slightly.
Hoi An & Da Nang
Central Vietnam offers some of the best value for accommodation and food.
Average daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €27/day
• Mid-range traveler: €50/day
Hoi An is one of the best value destinations in Southeast Asia
Backpacking vs mid-range vs luxury Vietnam trip
Vietnam is unique because it works for every travel style.
Backpacker Vietnam trip
Backpackers using hostels, buses and street food can travel extremely cheaply.
Typical monthly backpacker budget:
€700–€900
Mid-range Vietnam trip
Travelers staying in boutique hotels and taking domestic flights can travel comfortably.
Typical monthly mid-range budget:
€1,400–€1,800
Luxury Vietnam trip
Luxury hotels, private tours and domestic flights increase costs significantly.
Typical monthly luxury budget:
€3,000+
Vietnam offers incredible value even for luxury travelers.
Sample 2-week backpacking itinerary budget
Example route:
Hanoi → Sapa → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
Budget breakdown:
• Flights: €550
• Hostels: €140
• Food: €140
• Transport: €180
• Activities: €180
Total: €1,190 per person
Best time to visit Vietnam for cheap travel
The cheapest months to visit Vietnam are:
• March – May
• September – November
These shoulder seasons offer:
• Lower hotel prices
• Fewer crowds
• Cheaper flights
• Pleasant weather
Avoid Tet holiday when prices increase dramatically.
Expanded money-saving tips for Vietnam
• Travel overnight on sleeper buses
• Book domestic flights early
• Eat at local street stalls
• Avoid tourist restaurants near landmarks
• Use Grab for city transport
• Travel during shoulder seasons
• Stay in boutique hotels instead of resorts
Small choices make a big difference in Vietnam travel budgets.
When Vietnam becomes more expensive
Prices increase during:
• Lunar New Year (Tet holiday)
• Christmas & New Year
• Domestic summer holidays (June–August)
Traveling outside peak season saves money.
Vietnam travel cost decision table
| Travel question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Vietnam cheap? | Yes |
| Cheapest travel style | Backpacking |
| Good for mid-range travel? | Excellent value |
| Expensive season | Tet holiday |
| Cheapest season | Spring & autumn |
Money-saving tips for Vietnam
• Eat street food daily
• Use Grab instead of taxis
• Book domestic flights early
• Travel outside Tet holiday
• Use sleeper buses for long distances
Vietnam rewards budget travelers who plan ahead.
FAQ about Vietnam travel costs
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Yes. Vietnam is generally 10–20% cheaper overall.
How much money do I need per day in Vietnam?
Budget travelers can spend €30/day. Mid-range travelers average €55/day.
Is Vietnam good for budget travel?
Yes. It’s one of the best budget destinations in the world.
Is Vietnam worth visiting in 2026?
Absolutely. Vietnam offers incredible value, food and scenery at low prices.
Vietnam remains one of the best-value destinations in Asia and a perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers.
