How Much Does a Trip to Vietnam Cost in 2026?

Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations, but the total cost of a trip depends heavily on how you travel, where you go, and how long you stay. Budget travelers can plan for around $35–60 per person per day, while a comfortable mid-range trip typically costs $90–180 per person per day. Luxury travelers can easily spend $300 or more per day.

For most first-time visitors, a 10- to 14-day trip offers a good balance between cost and the number of destinations you can experience. This guide breaks down Vietnam travel costs for accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and different trip lengths so you can build a realistic budget.

Quick answer: A 7-day trip to Vietnam can cost roughly $245–420 for budget travel or $630–1,260 for mid-range travel, excluding international flights.

Vietnam Travel Cost at a Glance

Your daily Vietnam travel budget will vary depending on accommodation, transportation, dining, and activities.

Budget Travel: $35–60 per day

A budget trip can include:

• Hostel or simple guesthouse: $8–20

• Local meals and street food: $6–12

• Local transportation: $5–15

• Activities and entrance fees: $5–10

• Coffee, drinks, and miscellaneous expenses: $3–8

This style works particularly well for backpackers, solo travelers, and visitors planning a longer stay.

Mid-Range Travel: $90–180 per day

A comfortable mid-range budget can cover:

• 3–4-star hotel: $40–90

• Restaurants and local food: $20–40

• Domestic transportation: $15–35

• Tours and attractions: $15–30

• Drinks and other expenses: $10–20

For many first-time visitors, this is the best balance between comfort, convenience, and value.

Luxury Travel: $300+ per day

Luxury travelers can spend $300–1,000+ per day depending on the hotel and experiences chosen. This can include five-star resorts, private transfers, private guides, premium cruises, spa treatments, fine dining, and private excursions.

How Much Does a Trip to Vietnam Cost by Length?

The easiest way to estimate your total Vietnam trip cost is to start with your daily budget and then add international flights and major tours.

5-Day Vietnam Trip Cost

A five-day trip is best focused on one region rather than attempting to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Budget

Approximately $175–300 per person, excluding international flights.

Mid-range

Approximately $450–900 per person.

Luxury

Expect $1,500 or more per person.

A northern itinerary could combine Hanoi with Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay. Alternatively, you could focus on central Vietnam with Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.

7-Day Vietnam Trip Cost

A week gives you enough time to explore one region thoroughly or combine two destinations with efficient transportation.

Budget

$245–420 per person

Mid-range

$630–1,260 per person

Luxury

$2,100+ per person

A good first-trip option is:

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh

or:

Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue

Trying to cover Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City in only seven days is possible, but you'll spend a significant portion of the trip traveling.

10-Day Vietnam Trip Cost

Ten days is enough to experience Vietnam’s major regions if you are comfortable with domestic flights.

Budget

$350–600 per person

Mid-range

$900–1,800 per person

Luxury

$3,000+ per person

A classic 10-day itinerary could look like:

Days 1–3: Hanoi and Northern Vietnam
Days 4–6: Hoi An and Central Vietnam
Days 7–10: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

Domestic flights make this route much more practical than traveling entirely by train or bus.

14-Day Vietnam Trip Cost

For many first-time visitors, two weeks is the ideal length for Vietnam.

Budget

$490–840 per person

Mid-range

$1,260–2,520 per person

Luxury

$4,200+ per person

With 14 days, you can comfortably combine:

• Hanoi

• Ninh Binh

• Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

• Hue

• Hoi An

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Mekong Delta

You can also add a mountain destination such as Sa Pa if you are comfortable with a slightly faster itinerary.

21-Day Vietnam Trip Cost

Three weeks allows you to slow down and explore destinations beyond the classic tourist route.

Budget

$735–1,260 per person

Mid-range

$1,890–3,780 per person

Luxury

$6,300+ per person

A longer itinerary could include:

Hanoi → Ha Giang → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Phu Quoc

With 21 days, you have more flexibility to spend several nights in each destination rather than changing hotels constantly.

Is Vietnam Expensive to Visit?

Vietnam is generally an affordable destination for international travelers, especially when compared with Western Europe, North America, Australia, and many major resort destinations.

However, “cheap Vietnam” does not mean every experience is inexpensive.

A local bowl of pho may cost only a few dollars, while a luxury hotel or private Ha Long Bay cruise can cost hundreds of dollars.

Your travel style makes a much bigger difference than the country itself.

A backpacker can comfortably travel on around $35–60 per day, while a traveler seeking boutique hotels, domestic flights, good restaurants, and organized tours may spend $90–180 per day.

Vietnam Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is usually one of the largest parts of a Vietnam travel budget.

Hostels and Budget Guesthouses

Budget accommodation generally costs around $8–20 per night, depending on the destination, room type, and season.

Hostels are particularly common in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and other popular backpacker destinations.

Private guesthouses can provide better value for couples or travelers who want their own bathroom and more privacy.

Mid-Range Hotels

A comfortable 3- or 4-star hotel commonly costs around $40–90 per night.

At this level, you can often expect:

• Private bathroom

• Air conditioning

• Wi-Fi

• Breakfast

• Swimming pool at some properties

• Central or convenient locations

Prices can increase considerably during holidays and peak seasons.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Five-star hotels and resorts can range from around $150 to $500+ per night, with premium villas and private resorts costing substantially more.

Beach destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Ninh Van Bay can be considerably more expensive than smaller inland destinations.

How Much Does Food Cost in Vietnam?

Food is one of the easiest areas to control when planning a Vietnam travel budget.

Street Food

Local street food is often the most affordable option.

Typical dishes include:

• Pho

• Banh mi

• Bun cha

• Com tam

• Bun rieu

• Banh xeo

• Goi cuon

A simple local meal may cost around $1.50–3.50, depending on the location and restaurant.

Local Restaurants

A meal at a casual Vietnamese restaurant can commonly cost around $3–10 per person.

Tourist-oriented restaurants and restaurants in premium neighborhoods may cost considerably more.

Cafes and Drinks

Vietnamese coffee is relatively inexpensive, with local coffee commonly costing around $1–3.

Specialty cafes, rooftop bars, craft beer venues, and international restaurants can have significantly higher prices.

Typical Food Budget

A traveler eating mostly local food could spend approximately:

Budget: $6–12/day
Mid-range: $20–40/day
Higher-end: $50+/day

Vietnam Transportation Costs

Transportation can have a significant effect on your total trip cost, especially when traveling between northern, central, and southern Vietnam.

Domestic Flights

Flying is usually the most efficient option for long distances.

Routes such as:

Hanoi → Da Nang

and

Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City

can save many hours compared with overland travel.

Domestic airfare varies depending on airline, route, baggage, travel dates, and how early you book.

A useful planning estimate is around $40–85 for many one-way domestic flights, although fares can be higher during busy periods.

Trains

Vietnam's north-south railway is useful for travelers who prefer slower overland travel.

Train travel is particularly appealing for routes such as:

Hue → Da Nang

where the coastal scenery can be part of the experience.

Sleeper cabins are available for longer journeys.

Sleeper Buses

Sleeper buses are generally among the cheapest options for long-distance travel.

They can be particularly useful for travelers moving between nearby destinations without flying.

Grab and Local Transportation

Ride-hailing services such as Grab are widely useful in major Vietnamese cities.

They can be convenient for:

• Airport transfers

• Short city trips

• Motorbike rides

• Car rides

Always check the fare and destination before starting the journey.

How Much Do Activities Cost in Vietnam?

Activities range from inexpensive museum visits to premium multi-day experiences.

Many temples, markets, viewpoints, and neighborhoods can be explored for little or no admission cost.

Typical paid activities include:

• Museums and historic attractions: a few dollars

• Cooking classes: approximately $20–50

• Day tours: approximately $20–60

• Trekking tours: approximately $50–120+

• Mekong Delta tours: approximately $20–80+

• Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruises: from budget options to several hundred dollars for luxury experiences

The type of cruise, cabin, itinerary, and season can have a major impact on the price.

How Much Does a Ha Long Bay Cruise Cost?

Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay can be one of the larger expenses in a Vietnam itinerary.

Budget and group cruises can offer relatively affordable overnight packages, while premium cruises with larger cabins, private balconies, fine dining, and smaller groups can cost considerably more.

For budgeting purposes, travelers should consider approximately $100–400+ per person for an overnight cruise depending on the operator and level of service.

If your overall budget is limited, choosing a good-value cruise rather than a luxury vessel can significantly reduce your total Vietnam trip cost.

Regional Differences in Vietnam Travel Costs

Vietnam does not have one uniform price level.

Your spending can change depending on where you travel.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

The two largest cities offer the widest range of prices.

You can find:

• Cheap street food

• Budget hostels

• Affordable local restaurants

alongside:

• Luxury hotels

• Fine dining

• Rooftop bars

• Premium experiences

Hoi An and Hue

Both destinations can offer excellent value, particularly outside the busiest tourist areas.

Hoi An's historic center and popular riverside restaurants can carry a tourist premium, while Hue often offers strong value for accommodation and local food.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh can be a good choice for travelers looking for beautiful scenery without resort-level prices.

Homestays, local restaurants, and countryside activities can keep daily spending relatively low.

Ha Giang

Ha Giang can also offer good value, particularly for travelers staying in local homestays.

However, organized motorcycle tours, private drivers, and multi-day excursions will increase the overall budget.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc can be more expensive than many mainland destinations, particularly for beachfront resorts, international restaurants, and premium activities.

Travelers on a tight budget can still find affordable accommodation and local food away from the major resort areas.

How Much Does Vietnam Cost for a Couple?

Traveling as a couple can provide good value because accommodation and some transportation costs can be shared.

A rough daily budget for two people is:

Budget couple

$70–120 per day

Mid-range couple

$150–300 per day

Luxury couple

$600+ per day

For a two-week mid-range trip, a couple might therefore budget around $2,100–4,200 for expenses inside Vietnam, excluding international flights.

The final amount depends heavily on hotel standards, private tours, dining preferences, and the number of domestic flights.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Vietnam

You do not need to sacrifice the quality of your trip to reduce your Vietnam travel cost.

Eat Where Locals Eat

Street food and neighborhood restaurants can provide excellent food at much lower prices than tourist-focused restaurants.

Look for busy establishments with high customer turnover.

Stay Outside Premium Tourist Zones

Hotels a few streets away from major attractions can sometimes offer better value while remaining within walking distance.

Use Local Transportation

For appropriate routes, buses, trains, and shared transfers can be considerably cheaper than private transportation.

Travel During Shoulder Seasons

Hotel and flight prices can vary depending on demand.

Traveling outside major holiday periods can give you more accommodation choices and potentially lower prices.

Combine Free and Paid Activities

You do not need a paid tour every day.

Balance expensive experiences such as cruises and guided excursions with:

• Walking tours

• Markets

• Beaches

• Cafes

• Neighborhood exploration

• Public parks

• Local food experiences

Money and Payment Tips for Vietnam

The Vietnamese currency is the đồng (VND).

Cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and other urban businesses, but cash remains useful for smaller purchases.

Keep some smaller denominations available for:

• Street food

• Local markets

• Small cafes

• Taxis

• Small shops

• Rural destinations

When paying by card, choose to pay in VND rather than allowing dynamic currency conversion into your home currency when the payment terminal gives you that choice.

ATM availability is generally good in major cities, although travelers visiting remote areas should carry enough cash for their needs.

What Is Not Included in These Vietnam Travel Costs?

The daily estimates in this guide primarily cover expenses inside Vietnam.

Your complete vacation budget may also need to include:

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Vietnam visa or entry-related costs

• Airport parking or transportation in your home country

• Checked baggage fees

• Shopping

• Alcohol and nightlife

• Travel gear

• SIM or eSIM costs

• Private guides

• Luxury experiences

International airfare can vary dramatically based on your departure city, airline, season, and booking date, so it is best calculated separately.

How Much Money Should You Budget for Vietnam?

For a first-time traveler, a useful starting point is:

$35–60/day: Budget travel
$90–180/day: Comfortable mid-range travel
$300+/day: Luxury travel

If you are planning a two-week Vietnam itinerary, a mid-range traveler should consider roughly $1,260–2,520 per person for expenses inside Vietnam, before international airfare.

The most important step is to decide your travel style first. Once you know whether you prefer hostels, boutique hotels, local food, private tours, or luxury resorts, estimating your total Vietnam trip cost becomes much easier.

Final Thoughts: How Much Does a Trip to Vietnam Cost?

So, how much does a trip to Vietnam cost?

For most travelers, Vietnam offers an excellent combination of affordability, variety, and comfort. A backpacker can experience the country on around $35–60 per day, while travelers seeking comfortable hotels, domestic flights, restaurants, and guided experiences should plan around $90–180 per day. Luxury travelers can spend $300 or considerably more each day.

For the best balance of destinations and travel pace, 10–14 days is a strong choice for a first trip to Vietnam. With three weeks or more, you can slow down, explore destinations such as Ha Giang and Phong Nha, and spend more time in local communities.

The key is not simply to choose the cheapest possible itinerary. Instead, decide what experiences matter most, allocate your budget accordingly, and leave some flexibility for unexpected discoveries along the way.