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Budgeting for Vietnam: How much money to bring for food, accommodation and activities

Traveloka Team

3 min read

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s best-value spots. You can eat like a local, stay in solid digs, and fill your days without blowing the budget.

May to September is the cheapest time to go. Expect up to 50% off accommodation compared to peak season. Prices jump during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Christmas, and July/August school holidays. Even then, it still beats most destinations on value.

Food and drinks in Vietnam

Vietnam’s food scene is top-notch and dirt cheap. Street stalls are everywhere, and most dishes cost less than a fiver. Sit-down meals don’t stretch the wallet either, and bia hoi (local draft beer) is often cheaper than water.

Here’s an idea of what to expect:

Street eats like pho, banh mi or bun cha from AU$1 - AU$4

Sit-down meals from AU$4 - AU$14

Draft beer for as little as AU$0.30

Local coffee from around AU$1

You can plan for a daily food budget of around AU$15 - 22 if you stick to local eats. Add a bit more if you’re mixing it up with cafes, cocktails or Western spots.

Here are some experiences that are worth a taste:

Hanoi street food tour: Walk, eat, repeat. Try local favourites like banh vuon and egg coffee.

Hoi An cooking class: Start at the market, finish with a home-cooked feast.

Saigon motorbike food tour: Jump on the back of a vintage scooter and hit the best bites in town.

Saigon River dinner cruise: Sail past city icons like Thu Thiem Bridge and Nha Rong Port, while dining on a top-tier meal with skyline views all around.

Accommodation costs in Vietnam

Whether you're after a bunk bed or a beachfront villa, Vietnam has it all.

Budget: Hostel beds and basic guesthouses from AU$15 - AU$40.

Mid-range: 2/3 star hotels from AU$40 - 85, often with breakfast included.

Luxury: Top hotels and resorts from AU$300, with villas over AU$800 in peak season.

Top picks:

Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop bar: Solid location right off Beer Street with an 11th-floor rooftop bar.

La Siesta Premium Hang Be: Polished boutique stay near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Silverland Yen Hotel: modern rooms, rooftop pool, and walkable to Ben Thanh.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai: Five-star beachfront villa living.

Cost of activities in Vietnam

You don’t need much to keep busy in Vietnam. Museums, cooking classes and day tours all sit in the AU$2 - AU$40 range. Add in a splurge or two, and you’ve still got a budget-friendly trip.

Here are some affordable options to get you started:

Entry to temples, museums and heritage sites from AU$1 - AU$7.

Group cooking classes and cultural tours cost around AU$20 - AU$35.

Day trips to Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta or Marble Mountains from AU$30 - AU$40.

Worth the extra spend:

Overnight Halong Bay Cruise: private cabin, sunset views, and all meals from around AU$170.

High-end spa day: Luxe treatments for a fraction of the Aussie price.

Romantic beach-side dining: World-class flavours without the fine-dining price tag.

Free and cheap stuff to add to your list:

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets.

Chill out on the beaches of Da Nang, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc.

Grab a coffee, sit on a plastic stool and watch the world go by.

Getting around

Vietnam’s transport is cheap, flexible and easy to sort out.

Public transport: Buses and local options are under AU$2 per ride. Budget AU$15 - AU$20 a day if you're adding other options.

Taxi/rideshare: Grab is your best mate in the cities. Fares are low, and rides are easy to organise and track.

Self-drive/motorbikes: Scooters cost around AU$7 - AU$10 per day. Petrol is cheap too.

Private driver: Want a bit more comfort? Hire a private driver for AU$70 - AU$150 per day. It’s a great option for day trips and longer hauls, especially if you’re travelling with mates and splitting the fare.

Plenty of areas are walkable, especially Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoi An’s town centre. For beach cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang, you’ll probably mix walking with short rides.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.