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Vietnam Budget Guide

Vietnam is affordable. Here's what to expect for daily costs.

Daily Budget Overview

  • Budget: $25-40 USD/day (hostels, street food)
  • Mid-range: $50-80 USD/day (hotels, restaurants)
  • Comfort: $100-150 USD/day (nice hotels, tours)
  • Currency: 1 USD ≈ 24,500 VND

Cost Breakdown

Accommodation

Hostel dorm

$5-10

Budget hotel

$15-30

Mid-range hotel

$40-80

Food & Drinks

Street food meal

$1-3

Restaurant meal

$5-15

Local beer

$0.50-1

Pho (noodle soup): $1.50-3 | Banh mi (sandwich): $1-2 | Coffee: $1-3

Activities & Transport

Museum entry

$2-5

Day tour

$25-60

Grab ride (5km)

$2-4

Sample Daily Budgets

Backpacker: $30/day

Hostel dorm ($8) + Street food x3 ($6) + Local transport ($3) + One activity ($10) + Drinks ($3)

Mid-range: $70/day

3-star hotel ($35) + Mix of street/restaurant food ($15) + Grab rides ($8) + Tour or activity ($12)

Comfort: $120/day

4-star hotel ($60) + Restaurant meals ($30) + Private transfers ($15) + Premium tour ($15)

Money Tips

  • ATMs: Withdraw in VND. Use Citibank or HSBC for lower fees.
  • Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cash for markets.
  • Tipping: Not expected, but 5-10% appreciated at restaurants.
  • Bargaining: Expected at markets. Start at 50% of asking price.

Official Resources