Vietnam has long been known as one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world. But with tourism booming again and prices rising across Southeast Asia, many travelers now wonder if Vietnam is still a true budget destination in 2026.
The short answer: Vietnam remains one of the best value countries you can visit — and in many cases it is still cheaper than Thailand.
Your daily costs depend on travel style, route and how fast you move around the country. This guide breaks down real Vietnam travel costs so you can plan a realistic budget.
Average cost of a trip to Vietnam
Typical daily budgets in 2026:
• Budget traveler: $25–35/day
• Mid-range traveler: $50–80/day
• Luxury traveler: $120–200+/day
Vietnam is usually 20–30% cheaper than Thailand, especially for accommodation and coffee culture.
For a regional overview read how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost.
Vietnam vs Thailand cost comparison
| Expense | Vietnam | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | $1.50 | $2.50 |
| Local beer | $0.75 | $1.75 |
| Hostel dorm | $9 | $12 |
| Grab/Bolt ride | $2 | $4 |
| Boutique hotel | $40 | $55 |
Vietnam wins on daily affordability, especially for food, coffee and accommodation.
Daily cost comparison table (2026)
| Expense | Budget (Local) | Mid-range (Flashpacker) |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | $1.50 (street food) | $7 (café) |
| Transport | $0.40 (bus) | $10 (Grab ride) |
| Beer | $0.75 (local beer) | $3 (bar) |
| Room | $9 (guesthouse) | $40 (boutique hotel) |
Vietnam remains one of the best destinations in the world for long-term travel.
Accommodation prices in Vietnam
Vietnam offers some of the best value accommodation in Asia. Even in major cities, clean private rooms are incredibly affordable.
Budget accommodation
• Hostels dorm beds: $5–10/night
• Guesthouses: $10–18/night
Mid-range hotels
• Boutique hotels: $25–45/night
• 3-star hotels: $35–60/night
Luxury hotels
• 4–5 star hotels: $80–180/night
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer exceptional value hotels compared to most of Asia.
Food prices in Vietnam
Food is one of the biggest reasons Vietnam feels so cheap.
Street food prices
• Pho soup: $1.50–2.50
• Banh mi sandwich: $1–2
• Vietnamese iced coffee: $1–2
Restaurant prices
• Local restaurant meal: $4–7
• Western restaurant meal: $10–15
Eating local can easily keep your daily food budget under $10 per day.
The coffee culture factor
Vietnam is one of the cheapest coffee destinations in the world. Cafés are everywhere and often become daily work or social spaces for travelers.
Typical prices:
• Vietnamese iced coffee: $1–2
• Specialty café coffee: $2–3
This is one reason digital nomads love Vietnam.
Convenience store budget
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bottled water | $0.40 |
| Local beer | $0.75 |
| Snacks | $0.50–1 |
Daily essentials are extremely affordable.
Transportation costs in Vietnam
Transport is cheap but distances are long, which can increase trip cost.
• City bus: $0.30–0.50
• Grab motorbike ride: $1–3
• Intercity bus: $12–20
• Domestic flight: $30–70
• Motorbike rental: $5–8/day
Grab is the dominant ride-sharing app and the easiest way to get around cities.
North vs South Vietnam costs
North Vietnam (cheapest)
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Sapa.
Central Vietnam (mid-range)
Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang.
South Vietnam (slightly higher)
Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc.
Vietnam remains affordable everywhere.
Activities and tours prices
• Ha Long Bay tour: $35–60
• Cu Chi tunnels tour: $20–35
• Cooking class: $25–45
• Motorbike loop tours: $80–150
Tours are often the biggest daily expense.
Vietnam vs Thailand travel costs
Vietnam is generally 20–30% cheaper than Thailand, especially for accommodation and food.
Read is Thailand expensive to visit in 2026.
Total trip cost examples
2-week budget trip
Flights: $700–1000
Daily budget: $30 × 14 = $420
Activities: $200
Total: $1,320 – $1,620
2-week mid-range trip
Flights: $700–1000
Daily budget: $70 × 14 = $980
Activities: $300
Total: $1,980 – $2,280
For Europe comparison read how much does a 2 week trip to Europe cost.
How to travel Vietnam on a budget
• Eat street food daily
• Use overnight buses or trains
• Travel slowly to reduce transport costs
• Stay in guesthouses or boutique hotels
• Avoid peak holiday periods
Vietnam is one of the easiest countries to travel cheaply.
FAQ
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand in 2026?
Yes, Vietnam is roughly 20–30% cheaper overall.
Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?
Yes in major cities, but cash is still essential for street food and markets.
How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Vietnam?
Most travelers spend $1,300–2,300 total including flights.
Is Vietnam good for budget travel?
Yes. Vietnam is one of the best budget travel destinations in the world.
