Vietnam Trip Cost: How much to spend?

Vietnam has consistently ranked among the world's most affordable travel destinations. In 2020, Wonderlist listed Vietnam among the top 10 budget-friendly destinations. In 2022, The Travel named it one of the five most affordable places to visit, and in 2024, Condé Nast Traveler included Vietnam in its list of 21 cheapest destinations worldwide.

Undeniably, being "named" more or less helps Vietnam have advantages in price compared to many destinations in the world. Thus, it is not difficult for you to have a trip to Vietnam, in fact, Vietnam is open to many types of tourists from cheap to luxury travel. But how much should you expect to spend on a trip to Vietnam?

As a trusted Vietnam Tour Operator, Incredible Asia Journeys will help you plan your budget effectively with a Vietnam trip cost breakdown!

Terraced rice fields in Vietnam

1. Vietnam Visa Fees

The first step for every Vietnam trip is to get a visa. However, if you are a citizen of a country that qualifies for visa exemption, you won’t need one. To check whether your country is on the exemption list, refer to the blog Vietnam Visa Guide for the latest updates.

For people who do need a visa, you can choose two main options for a Vietnam visa: e-visa (Electronic Visa) and Visa on Arrival (VOA). The e-visa is the most convenient choice, allowing travelers to apply online in advance. A single-entry e-visa costs $25 and is valid for up to 90 days, while a multiple-entry e-visa costs $50. Processing usually takes 3 to 5 working days, so it’s best to apply early.

If you prefer Visa on Arrival, you’ll first need a pre-approval letter, which must be arranged through an authorized agency. Once you land in Vietnam, you’ll pay a stamping fee of $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry at the immigration counter.

Vietnam Visa

2. Vietnam Flight Ticket Costs

When it comes to flying to Vietnam, the cost is based on where you’re coming from. If you’re traveling from nearby Asian countries, you might find some great deals, while flights from Europe or North America could be a bit more on the pricey side. So, the prices can also change depending on the season affecting your Vietnam trip average cost, which airline you choose, and how early you book your ticket!

For getting around within Vietnam such as from North to South, domestic flights are usually quite affordable to hop between the major cities. A one-way economy class ticket typically falls in the range of $70 to $120, but the exact price can vary based on your chosen route, the airline, and when you decide to book.

Vietnam Airports

Vietnam’s domestic airline network is well-developed, with budget carriers like Vietjet Air, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines, alongside full-service options such as Vietnam Airlines. For example, a one-way economy ticket from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City typically costs between $60 and $120. 

A flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang ranges from $45 to $90, while the Hanoi to Da Nang route costs $50 to $100. Travelers heading to beach destinations like Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh City can expect fares between $50 and $110, and flights from Hanoi to Nha Trang range from $55 to $115.

3. Vietnam Accommodation Cost: Homestays, Hotels or Resorts

Vietnam hotels service

Once you arrive in Vietnam, the first thing you'll need is a place to stay. Luckily, you can choose many kinds of Vietnam accommodations to fit every budget, from budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury resorts. Big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang have more choices, while smaller towns may have fewer high-end hotels.

So, how much budget for Vietnam trip do you want to pay for? For budget travelers with solo Vietnam trip costs, you can choose hostels and guesthouses for as little as US$10 to US$20 a night. These accommodations in Vietnam usually include basic amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and shared or private bathrooms, making them ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.

If you are looking for better amenities in Vietnam, three-star hotels are a great mid-range option, with prices ranging from US$35 to US$45 a night. These hotels often include breakfast, private rooms, and central locations.

5-star resort in Trang An (Ninh Binh)

For those with more money to spend, 4-star hotels offer larger rooms, pools, fitness centers, and better service, with prices typically ranging from US$45 to US$65 a night. These hotels can be found in both major cities and popular beach destinations like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang.

If you’re after a high-end experience, 5-star hotels and resorts in Vietnam are still relatively affordable compared to other countries. Prices range from US$65 to US$85 per night, with luxury amenities like spa services, beachfront views, fine dining and top-notch hospitality. International hotel chains like InterContinental, Sofitel and JW Marriott have a strong presence in Vietnam, along with popular local brands like Vinpearl Resorts.

4. Transportation Costs in Vietnam

Now that you’ve arrived in Vietnam, how do you travel between the country’s amazing tourist attractions?

4.1. Getting Around Cities

• City Bus: The cheapest way to travel within cities. A ticket costs 10,000 – 15,000 VND (around $0.30 – $0.50). Buses cover most areas, but schedules may not always be tourist-friendly.
• Taxi: Taxis start at 10,000 – 12,000 VND per kilometer. Always choose reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun and insist on using the meter.
• Motorbike Taxi (Ride-hailing Apps): Apps like Grab, XanhSM, and Be with motorbike taxi rides starting at 20,000 – 40,000 VND ($1 – $3) are great for you with short distances. 
• Cyclo (Traditional Bicycle Taxi): A fun way to explore cities like Hanoi Old Quarter or Hue Imperial City, with fares ranging from $4 – $10, depending on the ride length.

Dragon Bridge in Danang

4.2. Traveling Between Cities

• Sleeper Bus/Shuttle Bus/Limousine Bus: If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to travel around Vietnam, bus fares are usually between $5 and $25, depending on where you're headed and the kind of bus you choose. For those longer trips, sleeper buses are awesome, while the limousine buses are all about that extra comfort.
• Train: Vietnam’s railway system connects major cities, with ticket prices from $30 - $65 or higher depending on the route and class such as a soft seat or sleeper berth. Trains are a comfortable way to enjoy Vietnam’s scenery. The most famous route is Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, which takes about more than 30 hours.
• Flights: For long distances, flying is the fastest option. Domestic flights start at $70 - $120 for economy class the route and booking time.

Pick-up Car from Hanoi airport

5. Food Prices in Vietnam

When it comes to Vietnamese food, there’s no doubt it’s one of the best in the world! In fact, Vietnam ranked 19th in the world’s top 100 best cuisines in 2024, according to TasteAtlas.

Street food is an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine and is incredibly cheap, costing $1 – $5 per dish. For an authentic taste of local,  you can grab a bowl of Pho from a roadside stall, swallow a crispy Banh Mi, or try Hanoi Bun Cha, you’ll always find delicious options at an affordable price.

For breakfast, expect to pay around $3 – $5 per dish. Many locals start their day with Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls), a light yet flavorful dish, or Xoi (sticky rice) topped with eggs, shredded chicken, or pork floss. In Hanoi, you must try egg coffee, a rich and creamy drink made with whipped egg yolk and strong Vietnamese coffee.

Lunch is usually a more filling meal, with prices ranging from $10 – $15 per meal. Dishes like Com Tam (broken rice with grilled pork) are popular in southern Vietnam, and Cao Lau is a must-try specialty unique to Hoi An. If you’re traveling with friends, sharing a Hot Pot (Lau) is a great way to enjoy a variety of fresh ingredients cooked in a flavorful broth.

For dinner, expect to spend $12 – $18 per meal, especially if you choose mid-range restaurants. Coastal cities like Nha Trang or Phu Quoc are known for their fresh seafood dishes, while central Vietnam is famous for delights like Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake) and Bo La Lot (grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves).

Food tour in Vietnam

6. Vietnam Tours & Excursion/Sightseeing

How much a trip to Vietnam cost? Now, let’s get to the highlight of your trip, tours and sightseeing! The average Vietnam trip cost of entrance tickets for tourist attractions in Vietnam typically ranges from $5 – $10 per site. However, some premium destinations like Ba Na Hills or Fansipan have higher fees due to cable cars and additional services.

For travelers looking to stretch their budget, Incredible Asia Journeys has some amazing group tours that let you explore Vietnam’s most iconic destinations without breaking the bank! You’ll have the chance to join in on fun experiences like the Hanoi Day Trips, Ninh Binh Tours, Ho Chi Minh City Excursions, Hue Heritage Tours, or Hoi An Sightseeing Trips, all while enjoying a more affordable rate!

How much does Vietnam trip cost? To give you a better idea of tour prices, Incredible Asia Journeys provides examples of some of our top-running tours below. These itineraries are well-reviewed and trusted by many travelers, covering Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. The great thing about these tours is that they already include transportation, accommodations, and meals at the rate of 4 stars, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs for getting around or finding places to eat! So, your budget can be spent on other things such as shopping in Vietnam or taking street food tour.

Hue Imperial City

6.1. 1-Week Vietnam Trip Cost (7-11 Days)

• 7 - 11 Days Discover Vietnam: A classic journey covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, and Hoi An, costing $700 – $900 per person.
• 7 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam: This tour explores Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta, with prices starting from $700 – $900 per person.
• 7 Days Southern & Central Vietnam: Experience Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Danang, and Hoi An, also total cost for Vietnam trip at $700 – $900 per person.

6.2. 2 Week Vietnam Trip Cost (14 Days)

• 14 Days Discover Vietnam: This itinerary covers Hanoi, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta, with an average cost of 2-week trip to Vietnam of $1200 – $1500 per person.

Trang An Ninh Binh Boat Tour

We hope this guide from Vietnam travel tips & experiences has helped you find the information you need and estimate how much a Vietnam trip costs based on your travel style and budget.

So why spend hours planning when you can book your dream trip today? Let Incredible Asia Journeys handle everything while you sit back, explore, and make lifelong memories in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.