For travellers, Vietnam is a very accessible country. In addition to the stunning scenery, delicious local cuisine, and welcoming locals, moving around the country is easy. But even so, it is also very accessible financially because, having spent about a month traveling throughout Vietnam, I can honestly say that it is quite affordable.
Costs for 1 month in Vietnam
For one person, a month of travel in Vietnam will cost between €1,050.00 and €1,200.00 (flights not included). This takes into account nights spent in hostels and various activities as well as transportation between destinations. The cost wil, obviously, be higher the more luxurious you want to make it for yourself.
Stunning landscapes are awaiting you in Northern Vietnam.
Working with a daily budget
As a backpacker, I try to stick to a daily spending limit so that my monthly total is close to a predetermined figure. That way I can avoid any unpleasant surprises by knowing approximately how much I should budget for the entire trip. I spent about €35 to €40 per day in Vietnam.
The sums listed below are based on my typical expenses for my travels through Vietnam.
1. Food: € 12 (including fruit)
Eat at a local restaurant for the most authentic local experience while also saving money on food. For instance, you can get a filling breakfast like the well-known Phó noodle soup for between €1.40 and €2.00. Fried rice and fried noodles are the most common lunch options, and they'll cost you about €2.50 with a drink. You can eat "above average luxury" (Western) food for dinner for as little as €5 per person. Fish, like everywhere else, is a bit more expensive.
Since supermarkets don't have much fruit, you must visit a market stall. Make sure the prices are listed, as one apple might be quite pricey otherwise.
My favorite breakfast: Noodlesoup with beef (Phó Bó) for + / - € 1.50
2. Drinks: € 5 (coffee and a beer every now and then)
Even though coffee is frequently almost as expensive as breakfast, it is still delicious to have all day. The same goes for a beer every now and then. It's undoubtedly a part of it, but note that it can increase your overall (drinking) budget.
A must try when in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, is Egg Coffee. A delicious coffee made with egg yolk and (since Vietnamese don't like normal milk for their coffee) condensed milk.
3. Accommodation (hostels): € 5- € 8
Some hostels offer breakfast, but I frequently went without it because I preferred the Pho noodle soup so much. By the way, you get great hostels for this price because I've never had a really bad experience with the cleanliness or service. Some hostels include a pool, others have a pool table and a common area (with a bar) to connect with travellers.
By the way, a (basic) hotel room is frequently just as affordable for a couple as a single bed in a hostel. It just depends on how much you enjoy meeting other travelers while staying in hostels.
Yes, that includes a pool at some hostels. Great value for money!
4. Activities (includes scooter rental): € 15
Scooter rentals start at just €5 per day. If you and a friend are traveling together, this amount per person is absolutely minuscule, especially when you can fill up your gas tank for a few euros. At your own pace, take in the sights of your destination. The cost of the activities will increase as you take more tours to discover new places.
A day trip to the stunning limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay will cost you € 26 (including lunch)
5. Transportation (€ 10 - € 20)
Bus travel is the most economical option. Shorter distances typically cost around €10, while overnight buses cost between €15 and €20. The train, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive; I have no experience with domestic flights, but if you’re really short on time they can be of an advantage compared to spending 15 hours in a bus.
Other expenses
- Visa: (apply through the official government website; do not use a third party because they are more expensive, and I haven't had any problems doing it the official way).
- SIM card: €10 (for 30 days 2GB per day of internet at a Viettel store).
Bottlenecks
Of course you want to have fun while you're traveling, but in particular, drinking and parties will have an impact on your budget. If you're feeling good, you'll undoubtedly drink a few beers, which will add up quickly. Naturally, you will need to find the right compromise here, but if you really want to travel on a tight budget, these can account for a significant portion of your travel costs.
To consider:
- Night buses to save money on an overnight stay and travel time;
- Making more of an effort to learn how to do things on your own rather than booking tours for everything instead
- There are many locations where you will be offered a tour, which in my opinion is not always necessary, but you do need to book one for places like the DMZ and Ha Long Bay.
- A VIP bus might be more comfortable, but for an additional €8, you could book another overnight stay.
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