Quick answer: The Vietnam trip cost for a 7-day itinerary ranges $350–$1,120 USD per person, depending on travel style. A backpacker can do 7 days for $350–$490, mid-range $700–$1,120, and luxury $1,500+. For a 14-day trip, budget $700–$1,000 for a mid-range traveler and $1,200–$1,700 for a comfortable trip.
These figures include accommodation, food, transport, and activities — but exclude international flights. Vietnam remains one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia, with daily costs ranging from $25 for backpackers to $150+ for luxury travelers. Overall, travelers can tailor a plan to fit budget and pace.
This guide breaks down real trip costs for 7, 10, and 14 days across three travel styles, with city-by-city breakdowns and money-saving tips.
📊 Trip Costs at a Glance
| Trip Length | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | $350–$490 | $700–$1,120 | $1,500+ |
| 10 days | $500–$700 | $1,000–$1,600 | $2,200+ |
| 14 days | $700–$980 | $1,400–$2,240 | $3,000+ |
These are total trip costs per person, excluding international flights.
Check real-time hotel prices in your destination cities for accurate budgeting.
🗺️ 7-Day Trip Options
Classic 7-Day Route: Hanoi (2 days) → Ha Long Bay (1-day cruise) → Ninh Binh (2 days) → Hanoi (1 day).
- Backpacker: $350–$490 — hostel dorms, street food, overnight buses, basic Ha Long cruise.
- Mid-range: $700–$1,120 — 3-star hotels, local restaurants, 2-day Ha Long cruise, private transfers.
- Comfortable: $1,500+ — 4-star hotels, fine dining, private Ha Long cruise, domestic flight.
Alternative 7-Day Route: Ho Chi Minh City (2 days) → Mekong Delta (2 days) → Cu Chi Tunnels (1 day) → Ho Chi Minh City (1 day).
- Backpacker: $300–$420 — cheaper daily costs in the south.
- Mid-range: $600–$960 — similar to northern route.
🌏 10-Day Trip Options
Classic 10-Day Route: Hanoi (2 days) → Ha Long Bay (2 days) → Ninh Binh (2 days) → Sapa (3 days) → Hanoi (1 day).
- Backpacker: $500–$700 — overnight buses and trains, basic accommodation, street food.
- Mid-range: $1,000–$1,600 — comfortable hotels, mix of street food and restaurants, private transfers for some legs.
Alternative 10-Day Route: Ho Chi Minh City (2 days) → Da Nang / Hoi An (4 days) → Nha Trang (3 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (1 day).
- Backpacker: $450–$630 — domestic flights between cities, budget accommodation.
- Mid-range: $900–$1,440 — includes domestic flights, 3-star hotels, restaurants.
🇻🇳 14-Day Trip Options
Classic 14-Day Route: Hanoi (2 days) → Ha Long Bay (2 days) → Ninh Binh (2 days) → Hue (2 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (3 days).
- Backpacker: $700–$980 — overnight trains and buses, hostel dorms, street food, basic tours.
- Mid-range: $1,400–$2,240 — 3-star hotels, restaurant meals, private transfers, 2-day Ha Long cruise.
- Comfortable: $3,000+ — 4-star hotels, fine dining, private tours, domestic flights.
Alternative 14-Day Route: Ho Chi Minh City (2 days) → Da Nang / Hoi An (4 days) → Nha Trang (3 days) → Dalat (3 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (2 days).
- Backpacker: $650–$910 — cheapest daily costs in Dalat ($37/day), budget flights between cities.
- Mid-range: $1,300–$2,080 — includes domestic flights, 3-star hotels, restaurants.
💸 Daily Cost Breakdown by Category
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–15 | $25–40 | $80–150 |
| Food | $6–10 | $15–25 | $40–80 |
| Transport | $3–5 | $10–20 | $30–50 |
| Activities | $5–10 | $15–30 | $50–100 |
| Total per day | $25–35 | $50–80 | $150–250+ |
💰 City-by-City Daily Costs
| City | Daily Budget | Affordability |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | $87 | Most expensive |
| Hanoi | $57 | Mid-range |
| Da Nang | $55 | Mid-range |
| Phu Quoc | $54 | Mid-range |
| Hoi An | $51 | Affordable |
| Nha Trang | $48 | Affordable |
| Sapa | $45 | Affordable |
| Dalat | $37 | Cheapest |
📌 Money-Saving Tips
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best accommodation and flight deals.
- Eat street food — it’s the cheapest and often the best food in Vietnam.
- Use GrabBike instead of taxis for short trips — 3–4 times cheaper.
- Take overnight buses or trains to save on a night’s accommodation.
- Travel in the shoulder season (March–May, September–November) for lower prices.
- Use local SIM cards instead of international roaming — $5–10 for 30 days.
- Bargain politely at markets, but don’t push too hard.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city to visit in Vietnam?
Dalat ($37/day) and Nha Trang ($48/day).
What is the most expensive city?
Ho Chi Minh City ($87/day).
How much money should I bring for a 2-week trip?
A mid-range traveler should bring $1,400–$2,240, excluding international flights. A backpacker can manage on $700–$980.
Can I travel Vietnam on $30 a day?
Yes — as a backpacker, you can travel on $25–$35 per day.
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Yes — Vietnam is consistently 20–30% cheaper than Thailand for accommodation, food, and transport.
💎 Final Verdict
A 14-day trip to Vietnam is affordable for most budgets. Backpackers can explore the country for $700–$980, while mid-range travelers can enjoy a comfortable trip for $1,400–$2,240. Dalat is the cheapest city, Ho Chi Minh City the most expensive. The best value is in street food, overnight buses, and budget accommodation.
Once you’ve sorted your budget, the rest of Vietnam is waiting. Check out my detailed guides to Hon Thom Island, Sunset Town, and Grand World to start planning your trip.
🏨 Where to Stay & What to Pair It With
Once you’ve sorted your budget, it’s time to book your accommodation. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts across Vietnam — check hotels in Vietnam to compare prices and read guest reviews. For a broader overview, I’ve put together guides to the best hotels on Phu Quoc, best hotels in Da Nang, and best hotels in Nha Trang if you’re still deciding where to base yourself.
Pair your trip with a visit to Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm for a unique cultural experience, or Sim Sơn Winery for a taste of Phu Quoc’s famous sim wine. For a full day of adventure, combine it with VinWonders and Safari — the park is one of the island’s top attractions.
