Overview
Vietnam stretches 1,650 km along Southeast Asia’s coast, offering some of the world’s best street food, dramatic Ha Long Bay, ancient Hoi An, bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and mountainous Sapa. The Vietnamese dong (VND) makes it one of the cheapest countries to travel with daily costs of $18-$50. The food alone justifies the trip.
Budget travelers spend $18-$27/day, mid-range visitors plan $50-$70/day, and luxury travel runs $180+/day.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($18-$27/day): Budget accommodation ($5-$15/night), local food ($2-$6/day), public transport, free attractions.
Mid-Range ($50-$70/day): Comfortable hotels ($20-$55/night), restaurants ($6-$18/day), guided tours, mixed transport.
Luxury ($180+/day): Luxury accommodation ($60-$250+/night), fine dining ($20-$60/day), private experiences, premium transport.
How to Save Money
- Vietnam is one of the world’s best-value destinations. Eat pho and banh mi for $1-$2. Drink bia hoi (fresh beer) for $0.25. Take sleeper buses between cities. Rent motorbikes for $5-$8/day. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa are highlights.
Worth the Splurge
- The country’s most iconic experience.
- A signature local culinary experience.
- A guided tour of the top natural or cultural attraction.
- A unique activity found only in this destination.
