Quick answer: Vietnam is among the cheapest countries to visit in 2026.
Moreover, InterNations ranks it as the lowest-cost destination for expats and travelers.
The Vietnam cost per day varies by traveler type: backpackers 25–35, mid-range 50–80, and luxury 150–250+ USD.
Moreover, costs differ by city; Ho Chi Minh City is about 87 USD per day, while Dalat is about 37.
Moreover, the Vietnam cost per day remains competitive, and the country is the best value destination in Southeast Asia. Street food costs about $1.50 to $2.50. Guesthouses start from $10, and night buses between cities cost $12–$16. A two-week trip can cost $700–$900 for a backpacker. This guide breaks down real costs by category and travel style.
📊 Average Daily Costs by Travel Style
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $25–35 | Hostel dorm ($5–15), street food, public transport, basic activities |
| Mid-range | $50–80 | Guesthouse/hotel ($25–40), local restaurants, Grab taxis, tours |
| Comfortable | $100–150 | 3–4 star hotel, restaurant meals, domestic flights, private transfers |
| Luxury | $250+ | 5-star resorts, premium cruises, private guides |
💰 Daily Costs by City (2026)
| City | Average Daily Cost (USD) | 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 |
Check hotels in your destination city to compare real-time prices.
🏨 Accommodation Costs
Hostel dorm beds range from $4–15 per night. Dalat has the cheapest dorms at $4, while Da Nang and Hoi An are pricier at $10.
Budget guesthouses and simple hotels start from $10–20 per night. A clean private room with air conditioning in a 2–3 star hotel can be found for $15–25.
Mid-range hotels (3–4 star) cost $40–100 per night.
Luxury resorts start from $100 per night and can exceed $300 for five-star properties.
Ha Long Bay overnight cruises cost $120–350 per person, including cabin, meals, and activities.
Pro tip: Book accommodation 2–4 weeks in advance for the best prices, especially during peak season (December–February).
🍜 Food Costs
Food is one of the easiest categories to keep cheap in Vietnam.
Street food: $1–3 per dish. Pho costs $1.50–2.50, banh mi $1–1.50, bun cha and com tam $1.50–2.50.
Local restaurants: $3–10 per person for a full meal.
International restaurants: $10–25 per person.
Upscale dining: $30–70+ per person.
Drinks: Vietnamese coffee $1–2, fresh coconut $1–2, bia hoi (local draught beer) under $1.
Daily food cost estimates:
- Backpacker: $6–10 per day (street food only)
- Mid-range: $15–25 per day (mix of street food and local restaurants)
- Luxury: $40–100+ per day (fine dining and international restaurants)
🚗 Transport Costs
GrabBike (motorbike taxi): $1–2 for short city trips.
GrabCar (car taxi): $2–8 for city journeys.
Public city bus: Under $1 per trip.
Overnight sleeper bus: $10–16 for most routes, up to $28 for VIP cabins.
Reunification Express train: Soft sleeper $55–75 for full journey; day trips $12–20.
Domestic flight: $30–100 per leg depending on route and timing.
Motorbike rental: $3–5 per day.
🎟️ Activity Costs
Museum entry: $1–3.
Traditional massage (1 hour): $5.70 (150,000 VND).
Ha Long Bay 2-day cruise: $100–150, including meals, kayaking, and cave visits.
Sapa 2-day trek: $60–70, including guide, meals, and homestay.
Ha Giang Loop (3-day motorbike tour): $50–100 as passenger with Easy Rider.
📊 Sample Trip Costs (Per Person)
| Trip Length | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $175–245 | $350–560 |
| 2 weeks | $350–490 | $700–1,120 |
| 1 month | $750–1,050 | $1,500–2,400 |
These figures exclude international flights to Vietnam.
💎 Final Verdict
Vietnam is consistently one of the cheapest countries in the world to visit.
A budget traveler can comfortably explore the country for $25–35 per day.
Moreover, the Vietnam cost per day makes a mid-range trip affordable at $50–80 per day.
The biggest costs are international flights, so once you’re in the country, your money goes a long way.
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.
