Daily Expenses in Vietnam: How Much Do You Really Need Per Day?
Vietnam has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia thanks to its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and, importantly, affordability. Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget or a traveler seeking comfort, understanding daily expenses in Vietnam will help you plan smarter and enjoy more.
From mouthwatering street food to luxurious spa treatments, let’s break down what you can expect to spend per day in Vietnam—across different travel styles and major categories.
Understanding Daily Expenses in Vietnam: What’s Included?
Before diving into numbers, it’s essential to define what contributes to daily expenses in Vietnam. Your typical daily cost might include:
Accommodation
Meals (street food to restaurants)
Transportation (local buses, Grab, motorbikes)
Attractions & entrance fees
Drinks & snacks
Extras (shopping, spa, tips, etc.)
We’ll break down each of these components so you can customize your budget depending on your travel preferences.
1. Accommodation Costs Per Day
Accommodation is one of the biggest factors in your daily expenses in Vietnam.
Budget Travelers: $8–$15/night
Dorm beds, hostels, and local guesthouses are widely available.
Mid-Range: $25–$60/night
Private rooms in 3-star hotels, boutique homestays, or well-rated Airbnbs.
Luxury Travelers: $80–$300+/night
4–5-star hotels, luxury resorts, or villas in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Average daily accommodation expense:
Budget: $10
Mid-range: $40
Luxury: $150+
2. Food & Drink: Daily Meal Costs in Vietnam
One of the most appealing parts of traveling in Vietnam is the food—and it’s incredibly affordable.
Street food (pho, banh mi, bun cha): $1–$3/meal
Local restaurants: $3–$6/meal
Mid-range Western/Vietnamese restaurants: $10–$20/meal
Fine dining or rooftop bars: $30–$100+/meal
Beverage costs:
Bottled water: $0.30
Local beer (Bia Hoi): $0.50–$1
Coffee (ca phe sua da): $1–$2
Cocktail: $4–$8
Estimated daily food & drink cost:
Budget: $5–$10
Mid-range: $15–$30
Luxury: $50+
3. Transportation Costs in Vietnam Per Day
Vietnam’s transportation system is efficient and cheap.
Motorbike rental: $5–$7/day
Grab (Vietnam’s Uber): $1–$3/short trip
Public buses: $0.30–$1/trip
Taxi (short ride in city): $2–$5
Train or intercity bus: $10–$30 (depends on route)
If you’re moving within one city, expect:
Budget: $2–$5/day
Mid-range: $5–$10/day
Luxury (private car, tours): $30+/day
4. Entrance Fees and Attractions
Most museums, historical sites, or national parks in Vietnam have reasonable entrance fees:
Temple/Museum entry: $1–$3
UNESCO sites (like Hoi An or My Son): $5–$10
Halong Bay boat tour: $30–$60/day
Cu Chi Tunnels tour: $15–$25
Spa or massage: $10–$50/session
Daily cost for sightseeing:
Budget: $2–$5
Mid-range: $10–$20
Luxury (guided tours): $30–$100+
5. Miscellaneous Costs (Shopping, SIM, Tips)
SIM card (with 4G data): $3–$8 for 30 days
Laundry: $1–$2/kg
Souvenirs: $5–$20 (handicrafts, coffee, silk)
Tips: Not mandatory but appreciated—$1–$2 for good service
Extras: Spa, drinks, or last-minute shopping
Budget an extra $5–$15/day for unexpected costs.
Sample Budgets Based on Travel Style
Here’s how your daily expenses in Vietnam may look depending on your travel style:
Backpacker Budget (~$25–$30/day)
Hostel dorm: $10
Street food: $8
Local transport: $2
Attractions: $3
Extras: $5
Mid-Range Budget (~$60–$100/day)
Boutique hotel: $40
Mix of street and restaurant meals: $20
Grab/taxi: $5
Attractions: $10
Extras: $10
Luxury Travel Budget (~$150–$300+/day)
5-star hotel: $150
Fine dining: $50
Private car or tour: $30
Premium experiences: $50
Shopping/extras: $20+
City Comparison: Where You Spend More or Less
Hanoi: Cheap food, low-cost transport, good mid-range hotel options
Ho Chi Minh City: Slightly higher costs for hotels and Western food
Da Nang/Hoi An: Balanced prices, ideal for both budget and luxury
Nha Trang/Phu Quoc: Resorts and seafood can increase your daily expenses
Sapa/Halong Bay: Tours and transport may add to your costs
Tips to Keep Daily Expenses in Vietnam Low
Eat where locals eat—authentic and cheap!
Use Grab instead of taxis for transparency and safety.
Shop in local markets instead of tourist stores.
Join group tours instead of private ones if you’re on a budget.
Book hotels and transport in advance for better rates.
Conclusion: Vietnam is Affordable—Whatever Your Style
Whether you’re a solo traveler watching every dollar or a luxury seeker chasing comfort, Vietnam is one of the best-value destinations in the world. With street food as cheap as $1 and beautiful boutique hotels starting at $25/night, your daily expenses in Vietnam can be as modest—or as lavish—as you wish.
Knowing your daily budget helps you travel smarter, experience deeper, and enjoy Vietnam’s unique blend of affordability and richness. So plan ahead, customize your spending, and make the most of every dong!
You might also be interested in:
Vietnam Travel Cost – Average Price of a Vacation to Vietnam
Budget Vs Luxury Touring Experience In Vietnam: What’s Worth Your Money In 2025?
