How much does a trip cost to Vietnam? Detailed budget plan for Vietnam

“How much does a trip cost to Vietnam” is a question that usually arises when making a budget plan for a vacation in Vietnam. It’s always recommended to plan your travel budget as detailed as possible and cover every important aspect of the trip such as accommodation, transport, food and drink, activities, souvenirs and so on. Let’s find out the cost of a trip to Vietnam with Sao La Tours!

How much does a trip cost to Vietnam?

The amount of money needed for a vacation in Vietnam all comes down to your travel preferences. You can freely choose what type of food to eat, how to travel within the country or what standard of accommodation you would like to choose.

Although the Vietnamese economy is witnessing a rapid pace of growth, it’s still one of the cheapest countries in the world. You can easily have a wonderful vacation in Vietnam with only $30 - $50 per day. If you don’t want to stick with a backpacker’s budget and would like to enjoy a mid-range experience, it only costs between $70 and $110 per day. A luxury trip in Vietnam usually comes at $150 or more per day.  

The below guide consists of all the costs for your vacation in Vietnam, including, flights, hotels, food and other factors such as travel insurance, visas, credit card usage etc.

Travel documents and withdrawal cost in Vietnam

Cost for visa in Vietnam

There are citizens who can enter Vietnam totally visa-free for 15 days. However, it’s important to check the list of Vietnam visa exemption countries and see if your nationality is among the list. In case you need a visa for Vietnam, it’s recommended to apply for an E-visa, which only costs around $25 for a single entry. You need to pay two types of fees: one is the Visa Pre-Approval Letter Fee and the other is the Stamping Fee. Remember to bring cash with you as the fee for stamping needs to be paid in cash at the airport.

Withdrawal fee in Vietnam

If you’re using an ATM card in the Cirrus, Mastercard or Visa networks, you can easily withdraw cash at almost every ATM in Vietnam. Each withdrawal varies depending on which bank you choose and it usually costs VND 40.000 - 66.000.

Cost of travel insurance in Vietnam

The price for a travel insurance is determined by a wide variety of factors, such as your trip length, the benefits covered by the insurance or the type of insurance plan you would like to choose. For example, a one-week travel insurance may cost around $65 to $85.  

How much does a trip cost to Vietnam - Cost breakdown for a trip in Vietnam

Cost of food and drink in Vietnam

A great way to save money when visiting Vietnam is going for street food. A simple yet nutritious street food dish will only cost you from 50 cents to around 3 dollars. There are many delicious dishes for you to try out such as Vietnamese spring rolls, Banh Mi or Bun Cha.

Eating at local restaurants can give you a more comfortable experience, with private space and air conditioner. The price for restaurant meals ranges from $2.5 to $16 per person and there’s a wide range of options, from Western to Asian food and local dishes.

Bottled water can be found at any food stall or convenience store. You can buy 1.5 liters of water for about 50 cents to 1 dollar. If you crave for some beer, opt for local ones such as 333, Hanoi or Saigon Beer. The average price for beer in Vietnam is from 50 cents to 1.50 dollars.

Cost of accommodation in Vietnam

Accommodation usually takes up a high percentage in any travel budget. Nevertheless, you can sigh in relief as accommodation in Vietnam is extremely affordable. Travelers can easily find a good hostel dorm for only $5 to $14 per night. Of course, you can also opt for a more comfortable experience by paying $13 to $55 or more for a hotel room. The quality of the hotel is often judged according to the number of stars.

Transportation cost in Vietnam

For short distance traveling, you can choose to go on a taxi, which usually cost between 50 - 70 cents per kilometer. To avoid getting overcharged, book a taxi ride on Grab or Uber apps. Some backpackers also travel by motorbike taxis (or Xe Ôm) to save money.

Cost for activities in Vietnam

There’s a myriad of activities and places waiting for you to explore in Vietnam. Below are some of the most common activities for first-timer travelers:

• Trekking in Sapa: From $16 to $60 per day

• Cruising around Halong Bay: From $120 to $450 for a three-day cruise

• Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels: From $12 to $30

• Exploring War Remnants Museum: $2 for entrance fee

• Motorbike tour around Ha Giang Loop: From $25 to $65 per day

Hopefully the above information will help you figure out “How much does a trip cost to Vietnam”. A trip to Vietnam fits every type of budget and you’ll always find the way to make the best out of your vacation. If you’re having a hard time making a budget plan, simply send Sao La Tours a message/email or call our hotline and we’ll help you arrange a detailed itinerary.