If you're thinking of visiting Vietnam, you may be wondering how much it will cost to travel to Vietnam. The good news is that Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Whether you like to travel on your own or prefer a private tour, Vietnam offers something for every wallet.

Although it is reasonably priced, you won't miss out on quality experiences and great service. With our carefully selected hotels and activities, Vietnam CK will ensure you get the best for your money. Or try to use our Trip Calculator.

PREVIEW OF CONTENTS

• The cost of a classic trip to Vietnam

• Prices of international flights to Vietnam

• Accommodation prices in Vietnam

• Transport prices in Vietnam

• Prices of attractions/activities in Vietnam

• Food prices in Vietnam

• Tips for making the most of your money

Based on our 2024 data, approximately 31% of travellers prefer to spend 6-8 days in Vietnam. In such cases, they usually focus on one part of Vietnam - either the northern, central or southern region - or engage in cross-border travel to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia.

Meanwhile, about 21% opt for an 11-12 day trip across Vietnam, which includes key destinations such as Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north, Hanoi and Da Nang in the central region, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south.

For private tours, the average cost ranges from USD 180 to USD 200 per person per day for two occupancy in four-star hotels, rising to USD 200 to USD 250 in five-star hotels and USD 150 to USD 180 on average in three-star hotels. This price includes the hotel stay, admission to the sights, private guides and transportation.

For a typical 11-day, 10-night tour to Vietnam, the cost is usually between US$1,500 and US$3,000 per person. (This does not include an international flight to and from your home).

If you are traveling with a family of 4-6 people, sharing a vehicle and multiple guide fees can reduce the cost per person by approximately 10%.

For reference, here is an approximate breakdown of expenses in Vietnam:

• Hotel.

• Transportation cost: 15-25%, varies depending on the number of flights included and choice of vehicle type, which is determined by factors such as group size and travel preferences.

• Meals: 10-15%.

• Attractions and activities: 10% (e.g.: Depending on choice of sights and whether unique experiential activities are selected: 15-20%).

• Guide services and miscellaneous expenses: 10-15%.

Here are two itineraries with quotes for your reference:

16 Day Vietnam North to SouthTour : Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta: $1,855 per person (based on 2 people and 4-star hotels).

8 day North Vietnamsightseeing tour : 1555 USD per person (based on 2 people and 4 star hotels).

The average cost of a return flight from Europe to Vietnam usually ranges from US$600 to US$1,500, depending on factors such as the airline, booking time, and travel season.

It is most cost-effective to fly to Vietnam during the low travel season (approximately April to May and September to October) when tourist arrivals decrease. It is recommended to book flights 3-6 months in advance to get the best deal.

In addition, budget carriers such as Qatar and Turkish Airlines sometimes offer bargain prices.

For comparison, check out the cheapest month to fly from Vienna to Ho Chi Minh City.

As of February 2024, there are no direct flights from Vienna or Prague to Ho Chi Minh City/Ha Noi. (This may change by the time you read this)

Upon arrival in Vietnam, you will most likely land in either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, the country's two main cities. Generally, the cheapest flights to Vietnam tend to be in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to the services of several airlines.

Accommodation costs are a significant part of travel expenses in Vietnam and vary considerably depending on the options you choose and the time of year you travel to Vietnam. During the high seasons, usually November to March and July to August, prices tend to be higher, while discounts ranging from 30% to 50% may be offered during the low seasons.

In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, hotel prices are usually higher compared to smaller cities or rural areas such as Hoi An and Sapa, while rooms are usually smaller. If you're looking for relaxation and comfort, we recommend setting aside a larger budget to stay in leisure-friendly locations such as Hoi An, Sapa, Ha Long Bay or the Mekong Delta.

Hotel prices in the main destinations are listed here for your reference.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, we recommend staying in bustling urban areas to enjoy city life. Hotel prices:

Hotels: 3-star (60-100 USD), 4-star (80-150 USD), 5-star (120-220 USD).

Some of our selected hotels for comparison:

• La Siesta Premium Hang Be, from 130 USD.
• In Ho Chi Minh City: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, from USD 90.

For a relaxing stay in Hoi An, we recommend boutique hotels in the Ancient City area, which offer the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere. Prices usually range from US$30-60 for economy options, US$50-100 for comfort accommodation and US$90-180 for luxury options.

• La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, from $80

If you're looking for tranquillity and a close-to-nature experience in Sapa, we recommend staying at a resort in the mountains or valley rather than in the city centre.

• One of our selected hotels for reference: Topas Ecolodge, a boutique resort on top of the mountains, $230.

(My experience: I spent two nights at Topas Ecolodge and it was my favorite hotel during my travels in Vietnam. The amazing views, infinity pool and villa were perfect. I definitely plan to return again in the future.)

Another unforgettable experience in Vietnam is a night cruise, such as the Ha Long Bay cruise in the north and the Mekong cruise in the south.

For Ha Long Bay cruises, we recommend Stellar of the Sea, Orchid and Emperor Cruises, for example, with prices ranging from $300 to $600. Contact us for special offers, and contact us today to secure a cabin on Mekong Sampan cruises, where booking availability is often required six months in advance.

Public transport in Vietnam is convenient and affordable. For longer distance travel, we recommend using air travel. For short distances or exploring within cities, we recommend using a private car, which is easy and flexible.

Transport costs between cities

For inter-city travel, air travel is the preferred option with competitively priced tickets ranging from US$50 to US$150. Budget airlines such as Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways offer affordable domestic flights within Vietnam.

Although train and long-distance bus services are available, they are not recommended due to limited cost savings compared to air travel and relatively lower comfort levels. For example, a soft sleeper ticket on an overnight train from Hanoi to Da Nang can range from $40 to $80, while a bus ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City usually costs around $30 to $50.

However, there is one notable exception - the train between Hanoi and Lao Cai (Sapa), which offers a luxury sleeper experience rather than mere transportation. The price of this unique journey ranges from $30 to $80 depending on whether you choose shared or VIP air-conditioned cabins.

(My experience: I tried Chapa Express (one of the luxury train suppliers). The train was clean and the bed was comfortable. There was water, banana, tea and coffee bags, oreo and toothbrushes. One downside is the noise during the ride which affects the quality of sleep, but the luxury train experience is still worth trying).

Intra-city transport costs

Taxis are readily available in urban areas, with prices usually starting at $0.5-1 per kilometer. Although motorbikes are prevalent in Vietnam, renting them at a cost of around US$20 per day is not recommended for safety reasons.

We highly recommend hiring a private car with a driver to get around the city. This option costs between 50 and 100 USD for a full day of service and represents the most efficient and convenient means of transportation.

Vietnam offers plenty of things to see and do. Prices for attractions and activities can vary, but most are reasonably priced.

Most museums and historical sites have entrance fees of US$2-5 per person. Nature parks usually charge 10-20 USD per person.

The price of a water puppet show in Hanoi can range from 4 to 15 USD per person, depending on the location and quality of the show. An AO performance in Ho Chi Minh City costs approximately USD 50 per person.

For some unique cultural experiences such as cooking classes and gourmet tours, prices are around 30-50 USD per person.

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours and affordability.

• Street food is plentiful and can be cheap at US$1 to US$3 per dish.
• Casual dining at local restaurants usually ranges between US$2 and US$6 per meal.
• Mid-range restaurants typically charge US$8 to US$20 per meal, while a meal at high-end or upscale establishments can cost US$40 or more.

Local coffee is extremely cheap in Vietnam. At modest street stalls, you can enjoy a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) for as little as VND10,000 (approximately US$0.50).

As for Pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, prices usually range from VND30,000 to VND60,000 (approximately US$1.3 to US$2.6).

The average daily spend on eating out in Vietnam is approximately USD 20-50 per person per day.

It is important to note that tipping is not customary in Vietnam and the above prices generally represent the final amount you should pay.

Vietnam e-visas are issued for up to 90 days, single entry for US$25 or multiple entries for US$50. Applying for an e-visa is efficient and convenient. You can apply for an e-visa online. You can also apply for an URGENT Vietnam eVisa.

After obtaining your visa, many travelers also choose airport Fast Track service to skip immigration queues and enter Vietnam faster, especially during peak arrival times at airports like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Travel insurance to Vietnam usually costs between 30 and 200 USD, depending on the extent of coverage and length of travel.

Tips on how to make the most of your money for your trip to Vietnam

• Plan and research in advance: find out in advance the best times to travel, accommodation options, local transport and food prices to get an idea of the total cost of your trip. We are experts at this. Let us know your requirements and budget, and we'll be happy to tailor-make your trip.

• Be flexible: Try to be flexible about the date and time of your trip, as prices can vary depending on the time of year (especially around Christmas and New Year holidays). This can help you save money on flights, hotels, and other expenses.

• Eat like a local: Local street food is relatively inexpensive and is an excellent way to experience a country's culture while saving money. Avoid eating in touristy areas, as food prices are usually higher in these places.

• Travel with a local travel agent: choose a reliable and local travel agency, such as VIETNAM CK, which offers affordable packages and deals to help you save money.