Vietnam Travel Cost: 3 Key Tips First-Time Travelers Shouldn't Ignore

Many questions arise when you plan a journey to Vietnam, such as: What sites should I visit? How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam? Among these questions, the budget is a crucial element that will influence the success of your stay. The costs of the trip depend on several criteria, such as the time of year, the sites visited, the number of participants, and the type of trip. 

To give you a general idea of Vietnam travel costs, here is an estimate of prices including flights, accommodation, food, and tourist activities (updated for 2024). Feel free to check out our website for more information about traveling to Vietnam and the associated costs.
 

Written by Oliver PHUNG (local expert)Updated on 24-08-2024

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Key Takeaways

• Airline tickets vary quite a bit. So, one may find that prices for direct flights are about $1100-$2000.
• Accommodation prices range anywhere from $35/night for 2-star bars to a whopping $324/night in 5-star cruises on Halong Bay.
• Transportation: Buses and trains are budget-friendly; private cars are faster but pricier.
• Food: Meals are affordable, with street food costing as little as $2-$3 per dish.
• Excursions: Costs vary; guided tours typically range from $80/day per person.

1. Vietnam Travel Cost: Essential Notes

To estimate the cost of traveling to Vietnam for 2, 3, or 4 weeks, it is important to first examine the detailed expenses. These figures vary depending on the type of traveler and their needs. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, here are the "fixed" costs you should absolutely take into account:

• 1.1 Airline tickets

The price of plane tickets is a significant part of the budget for a trip to Vietnam. It varies according to the period in which you travel (school holidays, national holidays, high tourist season, etc.), the time of booking (the longer the flight and the busier the period, the earlier you need to book), and it also depends on the airline, the type of flight (direct or with stopovers), and the choice of departure and arrival airport.

To reach Vietnam from the USA, the UK, and Australia, you can opt for flights from major cities.

As a guide, the average price of a flight from these cities to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City varies, but you can get budget-friendly when choosing Ho Chi Minh City as the arrival airport.

From major US cities like New York and Los Angeles. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific (stopover in Hong Kong), Korean Air (Seoul), and ANA (Tokyo) offer competitive prices. 

Travelers from London have direct flight options to Vietnam. Indirect flights are also available with airlines like Qatar Airways (Doha), Emirates (Dubai), and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul). 

From Sydney and Melbourne, Vietnam Airlines provides direct flights to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Indirect options include Singapore Airlines (Singapore) and Thai Airways (Bangkok). 

If you choose a flight with a stopover, ensure you have sufficient time between connections to change planes if necessary. For North American travelers, routes with stopovers in Tokyo or Seoul can be convenient. UK travelers might find Middle Eastern carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates provide efficient connections. Australian travelers benefit from both direct flights and numerous stopover options in major Asian hubs.

>>>Interested in flights to Vietnam? Discover everything you need to know about Vietnam’s airports!

• 1.2 Accommodation

The second important part of the budget for a trip to Vietnam is accommodation. Compared to the US, Australia, or the UK, it's easy to find comfortable accommodation at an affordable price in Vietnam. Accommodation rates depend on the category of the chosen hotel. For instance, the average price for a night in a 2-star hotel ranges from $35 to $41, while for a 3-star hotel, prices vary from $49 to $55. For those opting for deluxe and charming 4- and 5-star hotels, expect to pay around $98 per night.

Prices also vary by region; the more touristy the area, the higher the costs. For example, the average nightly rate at a 3-star hotel on Phu Quoc Island is $71, whereas a similar room in Hoi An or Hue ranges from $44 to $55 per night.

When it comes to Halong Bay, nothing beats a cruise with an overnight stay aboard a traditional junk in this legendary bay, allowing you to peacefully explore its hidden corners. The well-equipped junks on Halong Bay are often referred to as "floating hotels" on the sea, hence their higher prices, ranging from $183 per cabin (for 2-star junks) to $324 per cabin (for 5-star junks).

Peak seasons occur in March, April, November, and especially during year-end celebrations, leading to increased prices across all hotels in the country.

Therefore, budget approximately $648 per room for a 2-week trip in 2-star accommodation, $843/3-star accommodation, and $1500/4-star accommodation. Adjust these calculations accordingly for trips lasting 3 or 4 weeks.

>>> Learn more about: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises - Recommended For 2024

• 1.3 Transport on site

When estimating your Vietnam trip budget, consider the cost of getting around once you arrive. For short trips, pedicabs or motorcycle taxis are adventurous options. For longer journeys, you can choose between private cars, buses, trains, or planes.

Buses and trains are ideal for budget travelers. Buses, including sleeper buses, are the cheapest option, offering up to 50 seats and running day and night. From Hanoi, you can take a night bus to the Sapa Mountains or a coach to Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land) and Halong Bay.

Private cars are the fastest and most convenient for excursions. While you can drive with an international license, renting a car with a driver or booking organized excursions is safer and often cheaper than taxis.

For interregional travel, such as between the North and the Center, night trains or planes are more convenient. The Vietnamese railway network, although slow at 50–60 km/h, offers an affordable and scenic travel experience. Sleeper trains are available for routes like Hanoi to Sapa or Hue. Expect to pay about $27 for a one-way ticket from Hanoi to Sapa and $64 to Hue in an air-conditioned soft sleeper cabin.

Flying is the quickest and most convenient for long distances. Major tourist spots are well-served by airlines. Popular routes include Hanoi to Hue and Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, costing around $97 and €86 per ticket, respectively.

>>> Want to explore the country from north to south? Check out our 2-week Vietnam Itineraries.

• 1.4 Food

We will never stop repeating it: Vietnam's gastronomy is renowned for its diversity and finesse. During your trip to Vietnam, you will have the opportunity to enjoy yourself for a very affordable price. Food won't constitute the bulk of your travel budget in Vietnam for 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Indeed, with just 2–3 euros, you can already taste the country's gastronomic star, pho (beef noodle soup). A meal in a typical restaurant will usually cost around 6 euros, while in an establishment offering a starter, main course, and dessert, you will need around 8–10 euros per person.

When it comes to drinks, Vietnamese coffee and fresh beer (or 'bia hoi') are must-tries during your trip to Vietnam. As the world's second-largest exporter of coffee, Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its quality. Traditional beverages like Ca Phe Sua Da and 'Ca phe trung' or egg coffee are legendary drinks not to be missed during your visit to Hanoi.

For reference, the price of a beer in Vietnam (draught 50 cL) is estimated at $1.5, a coffee at $2, and a small bottle of water at around $0.8.

>>> From street food to luxury restaurants: Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region!

• 1.5 Excursions and visits 

This is the hardest part to estimate because it depends on the sites you will visit during your 2-week trip to Vietnam. This country is full of wonders to discover, no matter if you visit for a short time or plan a longer stay. While some visits are free, most tourist sites do charge entrance fees, though these costs can vary and are rarely exorbitant. For instance, expect to pay around $16 for entrance fees at major sites in Hanoi and $5 to explore the old city of Hoi An.

For guided excursions with a private English-speaking guide and driver, such as the Hanoi city tour or the Ninh Binh excursion, their cost varies from $80 per person per day (for groups of at least 2 people). The more people there are, the lower the price per person because the fixed costs (rental of the car with driver, guide, etc.) will be divided by the number of people in the group.

• 1.6 Tipping

When visiting Vietnam, tipping guides and drivers is common but not obligatory. However, it's greatly valued and crucial for local tourism workers' income. No matter how much you tip, it depends on your satisfaction with the service. As a rough guide, the popular travel resource Guide du Routard suggests tipping between $3 and $6 per day per person for guides and half that for drivers. Keep this in mind when planning your budget for your Vietnam trip.

>>> 🌏 Vietnam 10 days itinerary will take you through Vietnam's secret gems and iconic sights! 🌟🏖️

2. Daily And Overall Budget According To The Type Of Traveler

If you have a small budget and are looking for an affordable Vietnam trip cost, you will favor low-end hotels and homestays. We will eat in typical local restaurants and get around on foot, by taxi, or by bus. We will look for free or inexpensive activities and limit long journeys and excursions. Here are the costs to consider:

• 1 night in a 2-star hotel: 34 to $41
• 2 meals/day/person: 10 to $15
• Transport/day/person: $10
• Activities/day/person: $5

In case you have an average budget to travel to Vietnam, you can stay in higher-end establishments and alternate between local and more charming restaurants. We will travel by private car to visit more out-of-the-way places. Thus, the cost of a two-week trip to Vietnam will not exceed $1000 per person if you travel as a couple (excluding plane tickets). For a trip of 3 or 4 weeks, please allow 2100 - $2700 per person.

• 1 night in a 3-star hotel: 45 to $50
• 2 meals/day/person: 15 to $20
• Transport/day/person: $30
• Activities/day/person: 8$

Finally, for a higher budget, you can stay in high-end hotels and junk hotels while eating at more gourmet restaurants. Travel can be done in a private car with a private driver and an English-speaking guide. A Vietnam trip cost for a two-week period will be approximately 2200 dollars per person (with at least two participants).

• 1 night in a 4-star hotel: 90 to $110
• 2 meals/day/person: 15 to $20
• Transport/day/person: $30
• Activities/day/person: $10

Another thing to note is that not every place accepts dollars, so it's advisable to have some Vietnamese currency on hand for transactions. To learn more about conversion rates and how to identify each banknote, read our Vietnam Currency article!

3. Example of a 14-day itinerary in Vietnam from north to south

If you're coming to Vietnam for the first time, two weeks is long enough to travel from north to south, passing by must-see sites. In northern Vietnam, you can visit the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi, immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the Sapa Mountains with their green rice fields, and visit Bac Ha with its colorful weekly markets. Take boat trips through the picturesque landscapes of Tam Coc to the land bay of Ninh Binh, and above all, take a cruise on the wonderful Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk.

In central Vietnam, visiting the UNESCO-listed charming cities of Hue and Hoi An will help you better understand the history of the country. The south will dazzle you with the Mekong Delta, its orchards and arroyos, and especially its wonderfully lively floating markets.

Check out Kampá Tours Vietnam 2-Week Itinerary: From North to South idea, priced at $1120 per person (excluding international flights), based on a group of six staying in standard hotels.

>>>To better understand the geography and tourist destinations in Vietnam, read our Vietnam Tourist Map article now!!!

Our last words

Estimating the cost to travel in Vietnam is difficult because prices change over time. Yet, before you go to Vietnam, if you have any questions about your trip to our beautiful country and how to prepare your budget, don't hesitate to contact us! To make your trip easier and customize each itinerary to your preferences, we will be happy to assist you in creating a tailor-made trip.

>>> Read more essential information at:

• The five most interesting facts about Vietnamese cuisine
• Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, what name should you use for this city?
• Guardians of Time: A Journey Through the Vietnamese Zodiac
• What to do in Mekong Delta? Complete guide 2024