Aug 11, 2023
By Ms. Anh Thu
Overview
Is Vietnam a cheap country to travel to? Are things cheap in Vietnam? For the majority of travelers, traveling to Vietnam is affordable, and families and couples may easily have a cheap vacation there. Basically, Vietnam is a cheap vacation destination for travelers all across the world compared to other countries. If you want to explore Vietnam is a fantastic destination with rich culture but are on a limited travel budget, read on to get an insight!
Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination in South East Asia, offering affordable travel options. Everything in Vietnam seems much cheaper than in other parts of the world, which surprises so many people, most notably Eastern travelers. There are some reasons why Vietnam is so cheap answering the question “Is Vietnam a cheap country to travel to?”
First of all, the country's low prices can be attributed to its currency, which is often cheaper than the Vietnamese Dong. Countries using the US Dollar, Euro, or British Pound have a strong purchasing power against the Vietnamese Dong. Read to find the places to exchange money in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
Second, Socio-geography also contributes to low prices in Vietnam. Vietnam is a country located in the tropical monsoon region, which is hot and humid, creating favorable conditions for farming and animal husbandry. Therefore, Vietnam is a large producer and exporter of food, which makes these products cheap. In addition, Vietnam is also a strong country in the textile industry, making the prices of clothes and shoes also reasonable.
The other justification for the fact Vietnam is a cheap country to travel, Vietnam's labor force is large with low prices, which contributes to its low food prices and other goods. This is why Vietnam is a cheap country for international tourists.
In general, the budget to travel to and stay in Vietnam is small, this is reflected in the cost of each below categories:
Vietnam has a well-developed transport system, offering various modes of transportation for exploring the country.
Planes are ideal for long distances, as they are environmentally friendly and can be the only option for quick connections.
Trains are a popular choice for comfortable and long journeys with stunning views of Vietnam's countryside. The average cost of a one-way flight is $25. Trains are a great option for comfortable and long journeys with a view, with prices ranging from $15-80 depending on the distance.
Overnight buses are also a fun and affordable way to travel around Vietnam, but the quality can vary between companies. Buses can be cheap and enjoyable, but the quality can vary between companies.
Motorbikes are ideal for adventure and convenience, with the Hai Van Pass being the most famous road in Vietnam. The views are breathtaking, and the adrenaline rush is indescribable. Renting a motorbike for longer periods can result in better prices. Overall, Vietnam offers a diverse range of transportation options to suit different travel needs and preferences.
Vietnam offers affordable accommodation options for backpackers and those seeking a luxurious stay. Hostels range from $5-15, with vibrant options like pools, game areas, and bars. Private rooms in hostels, hotels, or homestays start at around $12 and can increase depending on the level of luxury desired. Five-star hotels can be found for as little as $30, making it an affordable option compared to other countries.
Worldpackers connects travelers with incredible hosts worldwide, offering free accommodation in exchange for skills and time. This can be shared rooms or private rooms, often with like-minded volunteers who become lifelong friends. Additionally, living alongside locals provides an authentic experience and a chance to live with locals. Staying in a double room in a guest house seems to be cheaper than two separate beds in a dorm room for a couple. On the contrary, the cost of accommodation would be a little more expensive for an alone traveler, they can consider staying in a dorm or hammock instead.
Street food in Vietnam is a budget-friendly option that can be found at prices ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 VND (50 cents to $2.50). It is delicious and can be found in various forms, such as banh mi, pho, and hand-rolled spring rolls. Find out more about the best street food in Vietnam here: click
Restaurant food in Vietnam is also affordable, with prices ranging from 40,000 to 350,000 VND ($2-$15). While local food still tastes great, it may be a bit more expensive than street food stalls. Western food is available in most of Vietnam but is often more expensive than local options. Western food is often more expensive than local options, but it is difficult to find in off-the-beaten-track spots. Local Vietnamese food in Hoi An is a popular destination for foodies.
Locally brewed options like Saigon Beer, Bia Hoi, and 333 are affordable. However, if you are looking for imported beers, the prices may be higher, and drinking in restaurants can be more expensive. To avoid paying through the nose all night, it is recommended to buy pre-drinks and avoid drinking at nightclubs.
Have you ever wondered what to do in Vietnam if you're a budget traveler? This list mentions the most popular activities’ cost among international tourists in Vietnam you can make a consideration.
Sapa Trek: 350,000-1,500,000VND ($15-$65USD)
Trekking in Northern Vietnam's Sapa is stunning with dramatic mountains, dense green foliage, and rice paddies. It is important to watch your footing, especially during rainy weather, as the trails can get pretty precarious at times. Treks are significantly cheaper if booked with a local guide when arriving in Sapa town, starting at around 350,000VND ($15) per day. A 2-day trip to Sapa can cost around 62$.
Halong Bay Cruise: 3,000,000-10,000,000VND ($130-$450USD)
Halong Bay is a must-visit destination in Vietnam. Coming to Vietnam without visiting Halong Bay is such a mistake. The lowest cost can be over 3,000,000VND ($130USD), but prices can rise quickly and reach 450$, most notably if you book a luxurious cruise. If you're unsure which Halong Bay trip is best for you, have a look at our comparison of some of the more well-liked choices.
Cu Chi Tunnels: 350,000-750,000VND ($15-30USD)
A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is an eye-opening experience, where you can crawl through the tunnels that the Vietcong used during the Vietnam War (or as they call it in Vietnam, The American War). You can learn about the battle tactics and traps used by the Vietcong and some of the atrocities committed by the US Army during this period. Firing some great weaponry is allowed at an additional cost. You can also make a tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels for your trip to South Vietnam.
The Golden Bridge - Bana Hills: 1.500.000 VND - 1.900.000 VND (60$- ~80$)
The Golden Bridge, also known as the Giant Hand Bridge, is the most grandeur bridge in Vietnam and is situated on Nui Chua Mountain in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang. Known as a fairyland, Ba Na attracts thousands of visitors daily. The bridge's magnetic appearance has made it an Instagrammable spot for travelers.
Vietnam offers affordable travel options for backpackers:
Daily budget for Pacbacker: $30 or less
Daily budget for Flashpacker: $30-50
Living-it-up daily budget: more than $50
Knowing what's cheaper to buy in Vietnam?
Shopping in Vietnam offers a unique opportunity to experience local culture and discover great deals. It is cheaper to buy locally made goods such as souvenirs than anywhere else in the world. It can be seen that Ao dai, conical hats, Tailor Clothing, Pottery, Vietnamese Coffee, Ethnic Handicrafts, Lacquerware, and Paintings,..are popular items that tourists often purchase at a reasonable cost for their trip to Vietnam to save their moments in this beautiful country.
When purchasing items in Vietnam, you should haggle although Vietnam is a cheap country since the vendor will sometimes propose a price that is far greater than the item's original cost. To visitors from abroad like you, this could appear weird. However, Vietnam is a country where bartering is common in numerous locations, including local marketplaces. You can stop vendors from taking advantage of you by haggling. Locals frequently provide a little gratuity of between 40 and 50 percent of the original cost.
To avoid hassles and secure accommodations, travelers often book their first or two nights before arriving to avoid negotiating. Be cautious on your first day, as locals may not yet know what a fair price looks like. Book your Halong Bay tour in advance, especially during high season, and read reviews online to ensure you're with a trusted tour agency. Get Your Guide, which features local tour agencies with customer reviews and provides cancellation cover, is a recommended option. Vietnam Escape Tours is the best place to book a tour and get your tour guide.
Vietnam is a must-visit destination with its dynamic landscapes, rich history, and world-famous food. For the question: Is Vietnam a cheap country to travel to? I have no hesitation to say yes to all international travelers, Vietnam is a cheap destination for tourists. It offers a memorable trip on a budget, making it an ideal destination for those on a tight budget. Vietnam's affordable yet incredible offerings ensure you don't miss out on any essentials, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a budget-friendly adventure.
Yes, when visiting Vietnam you can join in a group tour. There are many options for group tour in Vietnam to join in to save your budget. This group tours are suitable for the people who have low budget, the people who want to meet other people to get more fun, more interacting with other people or for solo traveler. When you join in a group tour you have more friends and you can share the guide fee, bus fee and it can make your tour price much lower than a private tour in Vietnam. The places for group tours should be the popular destiantions and the tour operator like Vietnam Escape Tours can arrange a Vietnam Group Tours for you. You can check Hanoi group tours for the group tours in Hanoi and we have other group tours in other area like Group Tours from Hoi An, Group Tours from Ho Chi Minh.
Now you have the answer to the question Is Vietnam a cheap country to travel to? If you are planning to make a tour in Vietnam, do not hesitate to pack your pack back and ready to go right away. Vietnam Escape Tours hopes you will have a great trip here. Thank you for reading!