There is no definitive answer, it's up to your travel style. But below is a brief breakdown of prices in Vietnam depending on how much you want to spend.

(The currency below is in USD)

- Backpacker budget: $40 to $50 per day


- Mid-range budget: $60 to $100 per day


- Luxury budget: $150 to +$200 per day

<< The total cost of a 3-week vacation in Vietnam will likely be the same as your plane tickets! >>

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There is no one-size-fits-all all, but see below an example of a vacation in Vietnam:

-Day 1-5: The South of Vietnam: Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnel, Mekong Delta (and attending our wedding in Saigon)

- Day 6-17: The North of Vietnam

> Day 6-8: Ha Noi (the capital city)


> Day 9-12: Sa Pa (gorgeous rice terraces and mountains)


> Day 13-14: Ha Long Bay (one of the world's 7 wonders)


> Day 15-17: Ninh Binh (the old capital city where King Dinh is from)

- Day 18-22: The Central of Vietnam: a journey to connect with Vietnamese heritage and amazing food in Hue, Da Nang, Phong Nha/Quang Binh (the largest cave in the world), Nha Trang

See the Things to Do tab for more information.

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One great thing about Vietnam is the variety of accommodations to choose from. Whether you’re traveling on a strict budget or set on a luxurious vacation, you’re sure to find something to meet your budget :)


- Low price: $20-$80/day
- Mid-range price: $80-$150/day
- High price: +$150/day

Scooter rentals make vacations in Vietnam easy. If you’re not comfortable driving yourself around a strange country, don’t worry: there’s no shortage of other options:

- Domestic flights: $30 to +$60 depending on the distance and season.

- Buses: about $7 for a 10-hour trip. Many buses include karaoke machines too.

- Trains: a very affordable way to travel around the country if you have lots of time. The longest trek from north to south will cost about $60 but you can see the breathtaking scenery along the way!

- Scooters: you can rent a scooter for about $6/day. Don’t forget to budget some money for gas!

- Taxi/Grab rides: on average 0.7$/1km - the price fluctuates significantly depending on the vehicle (bike or car), distance traveled, and especially the weather (e.g., on rainy days)

Like accommodation, we have an amazing variety of dining options:

- Street food vendors: budget about $10 to $15 daily. Each meal will likely cost between $2 to $5, depending on the ingredients and locations.

- Mid-range casual restaurants: if you want to eat at sit-down restaurants for each meal, plan to spend between $15 to $30 each day of your trip. Meals at casual air-conditioned restaurants usually cost between $5 to $15.

- Fine dining: if you’re planning a luxurious getaway and want to feast like a king without worrying about costs, budget yourself anywhere from $40 to over $200 per day. The cost will be from 1,000,000 VND ($40) per meal.

- Desserts, snacks, and beverages: for non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, fruit drinks, bottled water, and sugary local delights, each drink will cost about $1 to $3.

You’ll also love the broad range of tasty snacks and sweets which range from about $2 to $5.

Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, and the prices listed above are typically the final price you will pay. It's always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff about the prices before ordering.

- Local beer: $1 to $3 depending on the variety and location, craft beers are a little pricier. One fun fact: Vietnamese people like to add ice to their beers!

- Wine: a glass (even local wine) – will likely cost you $5. Splurging on wine with your meal each night could skyrocket your Vietnam vacation costs.

- Distilled liquor: wine lovers on a budget might want to switch to spirits for their trip as liquor prices in Vietnam are considerably lower: about $15 per bottle

Local alcoholic drinks like rice wine, beers, and distilled liquors are easy to find and significantly cheaper than imported options you’re accustomed to. But the fun of traveling is trying new things, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, look for medicinal alcoholic beverages like “rượu thuốc” - distilled with animals like seahorses, scorpions, or snakes :’)

Your costs for activities depend entirely on how much you want to spend. Some popular attractions in Vietnam that may be free or cost a small entrance fee include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Independence Palace, and Hoi An Ancient Town, etc. Other attractions that may be a bit more expensive per person include the Halong Bay Cruise and the Cu Chi Tunnels (from $20 per pax)

Prices in Vietnam for basic goods like these are very affordable so make sure to leave some room in your suitcase:

- Áo dài (Vietnamese traditional costume): on average, expect to spend +$30 depending on how sophisticated they are.

- Traditional Đông Hồ paintings: these intricate paintings cost between $15 and $35 – they’re definitely worth it!

- Guốc mộc: traditional wooden clogs worn during festivals, between $5 and $10.

- Nón lá: these conical straw hats range between $2 and $5.

Like many other things, you can go budget-friendly or all-out – what you want to spend is entirely up to you. These are some of the most common souvenirs to give you a general idea of how much to spend :D