How much should I budget for a trip to Vietnam? Sao La Tours FAQ

“How much should I budget for a trip to Vietnam” is one of the most frequently asked questions that Sao La Tours have received. Making a budget plan before traveling to Vietnam can be difficult if you’re not sure about the costs of accommodation, transportation, food or other essential costs for the trip. Let Sao La Tours break it down for you in the following article.

Where to visit and how much time to spend in Vietnam?

The most ideal timeframe for a perfect trip in Vietnam is usually 10 days. However, if you want to have a deeper understanding about Vietnamese culture, history and people, we suggest dedicating a full month to visit this beautiful Southeast Asian country. During those four weeks, you can visit almost all of the highlights in Vietnam:

• Hanoi: 6 days/ 5 nights

• Sapa: 3 days/ 2 nights

• Bai Tu Long Bay/ Halong Bay: 2 days/ 1 night

• Ninh Binh: 4 days/ 3 nights

• Phong Nha: 3 days/ 2 nights

• Da Nang: 3 days/ 2 nights

• Hoi An: 6 days/ 5 nights

• Da Lat: 4 days/ 3 nights

• Ho Chi Minh City: 4 days/ 3 nights

• Can Tho: 2 days/ 1 night

Accommodation cost in Vietnam

The price for accommodation in Vietnam varies depending on each region, city or province. The average cost is usually between $20 to $40 per night for a large, decent room equipped with good amenities and located in the town/city center.

• Hanoi: $18 - $24 a night per hotel room

• Sapa: $55 per person for a two-day excursion and overnight stay in a family home

• Bai Tu Long Bay: $144 per person for a two-day cruise trip

• Ninh Binh: $26 a night for a large room in a homestay outside the town center

• Phong Nha: $61 a night for a hotel room outside the town center

• Danang: $49 a night per room at a beachfront hotel

• Hoi An: $22 - $31 a night per hotel room

• Da Lat: $35 per night at an apartment

• Saigon: $39 a night per hotel room

• Can Tho: $20 per night at a hostel

Transportation cost in Vietnam

Traveling by bus is one of the most favorable choices as buses are quite comfortable and clean. Some buses also offer adjustable seats which allow you to use them as a bed if you travel long distances. You might also want to try getting around by train, which is considered a not-to-be-missed experience in Vietnam. Here are the common costs for transportation when visiting Vietnam:

• Train from Hanoi to Sapa: $61 per person for a private cabin and $32 per person for a shared cabin

• Bus from Sapa to Hanoi: Around $12 - $15 per person

• Bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Around $7 - $10 per person

• Bus from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha: Around $10 - $14 per person

• Bus from Phong Nha to Da Nang: Around $10 - 13 per person

• Bus from Hoi An to Da Lat: Around $14 - $17 per person

• Bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City: Around $16 - $18 per person

Entrance fees and cost of activities in Vietnam

There’s a myriad of things you want to try out in Vietnam. From tasting the foods to visiting historical sites, natural wonders or going on a boat trip.

Hanoi food tour ($26 - $30 per person): During this tour, you’ll have a chance to sample the most iconic dishes of Hanoi such as egg coffee, Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi, sticky rice, beef noodles and so on.

• Hoa Lo prison: $1.5 per person (for entrance fee)

• Sapa trekking tour and family homestay: $60 per person

• Bai Tu Long Bay cruise trip: $150 per person

• Trang An Caves in Ninh Binh: Around $9 per person (for entrance fee)

• Mua Caves in Ninh Binh: $5 per person (for entrance fee)

• Food tour by motorbike in Hoi An: $36 - $50 per person

• Crazy House in Da Lat: Around $2 (for entrance fee)

• Foot scrub at spa in Saigon: $17 per person

Food and drink costs in Vietnam

Vietnamese food is always highly recommended thanks to its amazing taste and super cheap price. For breakfast or lunch, you can try Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette) that only costs around $1 - $1.5 or Bun Cha ($4 per portion). Pho is a great choice for a fresh and nutritious dinner (approximately $2 - $3). There are many other dishes for you to taste such as Banh Xeo (about $1 per portion), chicken and rice ($2 per portion), dumplings and wontons (about $3 - $4) and many more.

Drinks in Vietnam are also very budget-friendly. Fresh beer in Hanoi only costs around $0.5 or less for a glass, while local bottled beer usually comes with a price of $1. Other things you might want to sample are coconut smoothies (about $2), cocktails (about $4), hot chocolate ($2.5) etc.

How much should I budget for a trip to Vietnam?

Now it’s time to sum up all of the costs above:

• Accommodation: $20 a day per person

• Transportation: $5 a day per person

• Activities: $8 a day person

• Food and drink: $7 a day per person

• Total cost in Vietnam per person: Around $40

Finding the answer to the question: “How much should I budget for a trip to Vietnam” may take some time. In fact, it all comes down to how much you are willing to spend during your vacation in Vietnam. Contact Sao La Tours and we will give you a detailed budget plan, all customized to your travel preferences.