Vietnam is a dream destination for travellers seeking rich culture, stunning landscapes, and affordability. Travelling Vietnam on a budget is easily possible; over four weeks, we explored bustling cities, serene countryside, and everything in between, all while keeping spending to a minimum.
In this blog, I will show you how you can travel to Vietnam on a budget, answer questions like “Why is Vietnam so cheap,” and provide tips on what currency to take to Vietnam. Let’s dive into our ultimate budget guide for a month-long adventure in Vietnam.
Planning Your Vietnam Trip
Setting a budget before you travel is important as it will determine what areas you want to spend and save money on. We used the Travel Spend app to keep track of our finances and ensure we weren’t over budget. Here’s a breakdown of our costs so you can set a realistic budget for a 4-week trip in Vietnam.
Choosing Destinations in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a mix of vibrant cities and tranquil landscapes. We visited Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Dalat, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba, Hanoi, and the Ha Giang Loop. Each destination had its own unique charm and cost profile.
Creating an Itinerary
Our 4-week itinerary included:
- 3 Nights: Ho Chi Minh City
- 2 Nights: Mekong Delta
- 2 Nights: Mui Ne
- 3 Nights: Dalat
- 3 Nights: Hoi An
- 1 Night: Da Nang
- 3 Nights: Ninh Binh
- 2 Nights: Cat Ba
- 3 Nights: Hanoi
- 5 Nights: Ha Giang Loop
By balancing time between cities and villages, we saw a large portion of the country and kept costs low.
Transportation Costs in Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam is affordable and efficient, with various transportation options available. The cheapest and easiest way to see the country is through train and bus travel. If you want to make sure the budget goes even further, you can opt for overnight trains and buses to save on accommodation.
Train and Bus Travel
We used 12Go Asia to book our buses and trains. They offer a range of different options to fit different budget needs. We chose VIP buses for overnight trips as they offered more comfort with the seats.
Cost of travel for 2 adults over 4 weeks:
- $ 15 USD per day.
To save money on transport, book buses in advance and choose cheaper seats.
Budget Accommodation
Accommodation in Vietnam is easy to find; you can use Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Agoda. We preferred to stay at guesthouses as we often got to meet local families. Hostels are always going to be the cheapest option, especially if you stay in a shared dorm.
Our accommodation costs around for a 4-week trip:
- $11.5 USD per night.
They were usually always clean, and comfortable, and often we chose the option that included breakfast.
Food and Eating Out
Restaurants and eating out were our second-highest cost, not because it wasn’t affordable, but because we splurged a lot in this area as we love food. We did a food tour, went to some more upmarket restaurants, and tried street food.
What we spent on food for two adults:
- $17 USD per day
I believe that if you stick to street food and avoid super touristy restaurants, you can halve this amount very easily. You could get a meal for two for about $3 USD.
Attractions and Activities
We spent a fair amount of money on attractions and activities, from street food tours to cooking classes and the Ha Giang Loop. Vietnam offers so much, and this is where the budget could be blown. It pays to research what activities interest you so you don’t end up on a tour you didn’t want to spend money on.
Our biggest cost was the Ha Giang Loop. We did it with Flipside Adventures and chose to add an extra night at the end. We do not regret this as it was easily the highlight of our trip. Flipside offers smaller tours and a more off-the-beaten-track approach to the loop. However, numerous other companies offer an amazing tour for half the price.
5 days on the Ha Giang Loop for a couple:
- $578 USD
Additional activities cost us:
- $24.5 USD per day.
We did regret some of our choices for activities; for example, we didn’t enjoy a sunrise trip on the Mekong Delta. So again, do your research so you can put your money towards activities you want to experience.
Additional Travel Costs
Miscellaneous expenses can add up, so it’s important to budget for them.
- SIM Cards: A local SIM card costs us around $30 USD, which is essential for navigation and communication.
- Laundry: Laundry services cost us $50 USD for the whole trip.
- Tips and Souvenirs: We spent around money on tips and small souvenirs throughout our trip.
What Currency Should I Take to Vietnam?
Vietnamese Dong vs. USD: While USD is widely accepted, it’s better to exchange money for Vietnamese Dong (VND) for most transactions. There is a limit on ATM withdrawals in Vietnam, so try to bring a fair amount with you, but also don’t carry it all with you in case it gets stolen.
Why is Vietnam So Cheap?
Vietnam’s affordability stems from its low cost of living, natural resources, and competitive pricing in the tourism sector. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam offers excellent value for money in terms of accommodation, food, and activities, which makes it easy to do Vietnam on a Budget.
Travelling in Vietnam for a month on a budget is entirely feasible, and you will still have amazing experiences. By planning carefully and making smart choices, you can enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer without spending a fortune. We hope this guide helps you plan your own budget-friendly adventure in Vietnam.
Have you travelled to Vietnam on a budget? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more travel budget guides and tips.