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Why Vietnam Is Perfect for Ultra-Budget Travel

I made a Vietnam $15 a day budget after traveling a lot. In Vietnam, I could sleep, eat fresh, and save money. Street food, local buses, and walkable cities made my money go far. I look for free things to do in Vietnam. I walk around Hanoi’s lakes, visit pagodas, and watch beach sunsets. This way, I save money without missing out.

How Vietnam compares

Vietnam is great for travelers on a tight budget. You can live well on $15–$30 a day. Dorms cost 90,000–350,000 VND, and street food is 10,000–50,000 VND. This budget works if you choose dorms, ride buses, and shop at markets. It also lets you splurge on a night bus or museum ticket.

Category	Typical Cost (VND)	Typical Cost (USD)	Budget Tip
Dorm bed	90,000–350,000	$4–$15	Pick hostels that have a free breakfast and lockers.
Private room	300,000–600,000	$12.50–$25	Book your trip on a weekday during the off-season to get lower rates.
Street food	10,000–50,000	$0.50–$2	Eat at the spots where the locals are lined up during busy times.
Local restaurant	40,000–100,000	$2–$5	Check for set lunch menus, they often give you the best value.
Western meal	120,000–350,000	$6–$15	Limit yourself to one big splurge per city so you don’t go over your daily budget.

Top Destinations From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi is perfect for taking it slow. I love exploring the Old Quarter, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, and checking out the temples from the outside. You can eat cheap at food courts and small banh mi spots. Heading south, Hoi An and Da Nang offer amazing views without costing a lot with some of the best tailors in the world, for a cheap dress or suit. Hue has a ton of history and Nha Trang has great beaches, and both are super affordable. In Ho Chi Minh City, I stick to District 1 and District 3 for the best street food.

When to Visit

I always travel in Vietnam between March and April or September and December for the best deals. The weather is great, and there aren’t as many tourists. Since Vietnam is a big country, I check the forecast for each city I’m visiting. This helps me stick to a $15-a-day budget and still find plenty of free things to do.

Cost Breakdown

My Vietnam trip budget of $15 a day is all about planning my day around sleeping, eating, and getting around. I stay in clean dorms that include free breakfast, grab cheap street food, and keep an eye on public transport prices.

Typical Spend

1.Sleep: I look for dorm beds for $4–$7 (about 90,000–160,000 VND) on Hostelworld or Booking. Reviews help me find good ones. Prices drop during off-peak times.

2.Eat: Meals cost 10,000–50,000 VND. I enjoy pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Free water or a 1.5L bottle for 10,000–20,000 VND makes meals affordable.

3. Move: I use public transport, like city buses for 4,000–10,000 VND per ride. GrabBike is fast for short trips. Walking helps me save money and see more.

Sample daily budgets at $10–$15–$20

Daily Total	Sleep	Food	Transport	Water/Extras	What It Looks Like
$10	$4 dorm	$4	$1 buses	$1	Two street meals, fruit snack, slow travel day on foot
$15	$6 dorm	$6	$2	$1	Three dishes, a couple of bus rides or GrabBike hops
$20	$8 private	$7	$3	$2	Off-peak private room, coffee and dessert, extra transfers

Where to Trim Costs

I like to find free things to do in Vietnam. I’ll explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, check out pagodas, and walk around the lakes. Taking overnight buses or trains is a great way to save money, too. I stay away from expensive restaurants and use Bus 86 to the airport instead of a taxi. I also save cash by refilling my water bottle at hostels and buying a monthly open bus ticket. Eating street food is the best way to keep meal costs down while having a blast.

Cheapest Stays

I start by picking my bed for the night. This choice helps me stay within my Vietnam $15 a day budget. I look for places with clean sheets, Wi-Fi, and a good location. This way, I can walk more and save money on rides. When prices drop, I find hostels under $5 Vietnam. This lets me spend more on coffee and museums.

Expected Prices

Dorms cost 90,000–350,000 VND ($4–$15). Simple privates are 300,000–600,000 VND ($12.50–$25). Private rooms offer more for less, like kitchens and water stations.

Off-peak, I can find beds for under $5. This keeps me on budget without stress.

• Dorm beds: $4–$15 depending on city, season, and weekend spikes.
• Private rooms: $12.50–$25 in guesthouses and hostels, often with A/C.
• Bonus value: free breakfast can save $1–$2 per day.

Best-Value Areas in Hanoi

In Hanoi, I make sure to stay close to good food, cool sights, and bus routes. The hostels around Hoan Kiem Lake are great because they give you easy access to the lake and Bus 86. Prices are pretty good, too, from about $7 for a dorm bed to around $14 for a room in a three-star hotel, and a lot of times, that includes breakfast.

• Hoan Kiem (Old Quarter): lively nights, nonstop eats, loads of Hanoi Old Quarter hostels.
• Ba Dinh: quieter sleeps near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature; I’ve found privates from $19 and occasional dorms from $14.
• Hai Ba Trung: good for longer stays, parks and malls nearby; I’ve seen 2–3 star rooms from $10–$12.

These areas make travel cheap and sightseeing easy. This helps me stay within my Vietnam $15 a day budget without missing out.

Booking Tips, Reviews, and Free Breakfast Hacks

I always look for places with a rating of 8.5 or higher on Hostelworld or Booking.com. I make sure to read the most recent reviews to see what people say about cleanliness and the Wi-Fi. I’ll even check photos of the breakfast to see if they offer things like eggs, fruit, and coffee. I also make sure to ask about free water and how much laundry costs, all of these little things add up and help me save money.

• Always search smart: compare the deals you find on travel sites with what the hotel offers directly, then choose the best total value.
• To save money, I travel during the off-season. I can often find hostels in smaller cities for less than $5 a night.
• First, check a map and pick a walkable neighborhood. That way, you won’t need to pay for rides, which helps protect your $15 a day budget in Vietnam.

Cheapest Vietnamese Street Food

I look for markets and corners with the cheapest Vietnamese street food. It’s hot, fast, and filling. On a Vietnam $15 a day budget, I eat street-side for flavor and savings. Then, I go to a simple diner for a real chair and a fan. Tracking local restaurant prices Vietnam helps me stay on target. I don’t miss the dishes I love.

Street food prices: 10,000–50,000 VND per dish

Most street food carts have their prices posted, but I always double-check before ordering. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, I usually pay between 10,000 and 50,000 VND for a snack or a small bowl of food. That price range lets me grab two or three small meals a day and still have enough left over for a coffee or a cold drink.

• Snacks and sides: 10,000–20,000 VND
• Noodle bowls and rice plates: 25,000–50,000 VND
• Drink add-ons: 8,000–20,000 VND for tea or iced water

What to Order

My go-to lineup includes pho banh mi bun cha and fresh spring rolls. I once paid under $3 for two bowls of pho near Hoan Kiem. Banh mi is on a crackly baguette with pate and herbs. Bun cha brings grilled pork, vermicelli, and dipping broth. Fresh spring rolls are light, cheap, and easy to carry.

• Best times to buy: early breakfast and late evening for the freshest prep
• Watch the grill: high heat, quick turnover, and steady queues signal quality
• Ask for herbs and lime to brighten the broth or fillings

Restaurant Costs vs. Street Carts

When I want a seat and some air conditioning, I check out the prices at local restaurants in Vietnam. I try to find a place where a plate costs between 40,000 and 100,000 VND (about $2 to $5). Western food is way more expensive, usually running from 120,000 to 350,000 VND ($6 to $15).

Great for a treat, but two Western meals can strain a Vietnam $15 a day budget fast.

Meal Type	Typical Price (VND)	USD Approx.	What I Get	Budget Tip
Street cart snack	10,000–20,000	$0.40–$0.80	Spring rolls or sticky rice	Pair two snacks for a light lunch
Street noodle bowl	25,000–50,000	$1–$2	Piping hot pho or bun bo Hue	Pick busy stalls for speed and freshness
Local sit-down	40,000–100,000	$2–$5	Set rice plate or clay pot	Lunch specials stretch the budget
Western cafe meal	120,000–350,000	$6–$15	Pizza, burger, or pasta	Limit to once every few days
Vietnamese coffee	25,000–35,000	$1–$1.40	Cà phê đá or cà phê sữa đá	Order takeout to skip service fees
Local beer	10,000–30,000	$0.40–$1.20	Bia hơi or bottled lager	Happy hours keep costs low

Public Transport Prices

I keep my city moves light and cheap. It starts with knowing the real public transport Vietnam prices. With a clear plan, I can hop between neighborhoods, airports, and even provinces without breaking my $15-a-day target.

City Buses

For short hops, I budget 4,000–10,000 VND per ride. Buses in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are frequent, safe, and easy once you learn the routes. I carry small bills, board at the front, and watch for stop buzzers so I can exit without stress. If I’m unsure about a line, I ask the conductor or check the stop name on the screen. It’s not fancy, but the savings add up fast when I’m moving several times a day.

Airport to City on Bus 86 in Hanoi

From Noi Bai, Bus 86 Hanoi is my go-to. I’ve paid about 30,000 VND one-way. It runs every 20–30 minutes from around 5:05 to 23:00, with clear English and Vietnamese announcements and room for backpacks. When I need to save even more, I’ve used buses 7 or 17 for around 10,000 VND to Kim Ma or Long Bien, then walked a bit. It takes longer, but it keeps my daily spend in check.

Grab, Taxis, Xe om

For door-to-door trips, I compare Grab Vietnam costs before I hail a street taxi. Typical fares run 12,000–15,000 VND per km for cars and 10,000–15,000 VND per km for xe om motorbikes. I make sure to double-check the plate and driver name in the app for safety reasons.

Be sure to use an app like Grab or agree on a fixed price before you get in a taxi. It’s an important lesson to learn, and can save you a lot of money. One time, I saw a 10-minute ride end up costing a traveler 350,000 VND because they didn’t confirm the rate first. It was a costly reminder to always be on your guard.

Long-Distance Buses and Trains

For getting between cities, I plan my route based on how far I’m going. Buses usually cost about 40,000–60,000 VND for every 100 kilometers. A trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can cost around 800,000 VND if you book through a site, while an open pass for a month of travel is a little over 1,000,000 VND. I prefer taking a sleeper bus on overnight routes to save on a night’s accommodation.

For trains, I book a hard or soft sleeper depending on my comfort level and budget, they typically cost between $15 and $65, depending on the route. My recent trips included an 8-hour ride from Hanoi to Sapa, a 9.5-hour trip from Hanoi to Phong Nha, a quick 2.5-hour jaunt from Da Nang to Hue, and a 9-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang.

Route/Service	Typical Price	Timing/Frequency	Notes
City bus (urban)	4,000–10,000 VND per ride	Every 5–15 minutes peak	Cheapest way to cross town; carry small bills
Bus 86 Hanoi (Noi Bai–Downtown)	~30,000 VND one-way	Every 20–30 minutes, 05:05–23:00	Luggage space; bilingual stop announcements
Public bus #7 or #17 (Noi Bai)	~10,000 VND	Regular daytime intervals	Cheaper but requires extra walking or a transfer
GrabBike / xe om	10,000–15,000 VND per km	On-demand	Confirm plate; helmets provided; fastest in traffic
GrabCar / taxi	12,000–15,000 VND per km	On-demand	Use the app or set a fixed fare to avoid meter issues
Intercity bus	40,000–60,000 VND per 100 km	Multiple daily departures	Night rides on sleeper buses Vietnam save on accommodation
North–South bus (Hanoi–HCMC)	~800,000 VND	Daily	Budget-friendly for long hauls; book seats early
Open bus pass (1 month)	Just over 1,000,000 VND	Flexible hops	Great for multi-stop coastal routes
Overnight train (soft sleeper)	$15–$65	Varies by route	More comfort; bring a light jacket and snacks
Sample rail: Da Nang–Hue	Budget-friendly	~2.5 hours	Scenic coastline; arrive relaxed and daylight-ready

Connectivity and Essentials

In Hanoi, my offline map froze. Now, I buy a local SIM at the airport before I leave. This way, I can use rides, maps, and translations right away. It helps me stay on budget and avoid extra costs. An E-sim is also a reccomendation of mine, so you dont have to go through those struggles at the airport trying to get a Grab.

Why Buying a Local SIM on Arrival Saves Time and Money

Look for Viettel, Vinaphone, or MobiFone counters at the airport. Get a 5–15 GB data pack and check the cost. Show your passport, pay in cash, and test the data before you go. It’s cheaper than roaming and helps me find the best Grab prices.

Tip I use every trip:

• Airport setup takes 5–10 minutes and avoids hunting for shops downtown.
• Data-first plans are cheaper than voice; calls work on WhatsApp or Zalo.
• Keep the receipt for the phone number and data end date.

Dong basics

I keep a quick sheet of Vietnamese Dong conversions in my notes. $1 USD is about 22,895 VND (a 2022 reference I still double-check against live rates). Coins are rare, so I fold notes by value to avoid mix-ups. For big spends, some vendors take USD, but I compare their rate to my own math first.

• Small buys: pay in VND for the best value.
• Large tours or rentals: USD may work, but I do a quick conversion check.
• Street spots expect cash; midrange cafes and hotels often accept cards or QR.
• Remember to do your research into the Vietnamese tipping system, not only for your budget but also socially.

ATM, travel cards, and filtered water savings

ATMs are easy to find in cities. I use a travel card Vietnam banks accept with low FX fees and free withdrawals. Then, I carry backup USD for emergencies. One larger withdrawal beats several small ones, which cuts per-transaction fees.

• Withdraw in VND and decline “dynamic currency conversion.”
• Keep a small stash of low notes for buses and street food.
• Split cash between money belt and day pouch.

When it comes to drinks, I usually refill my bottle at the hostel’s water dispenser since it’s filtered and safe. Otherwise, I’ll buy a 1.5-liter bottle for about 10,000 to 20,000 VND. These small things can save me a dollar or two a day, which helps me stay on my $15 budget without any stress.

Free Things to Do in Vietnam

I plan no-spend days to keep my Vietnam $15 a day budget safe. I make simple loops and carry water. This way, the city or coast does the work. These free activities in Vietnam keep costs low and fun.

Hanoi on Foot

I stick to a simple walking route in Hanoi. I start at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and make my way through the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter. I’ll walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can watch people doing tai chi at sunrise. Then, I’ll check out the Temple of the Jade Mountain from the famous red bridge without actually going inside. Next, I wander over to the French Quarter to see the wide streets and colorful buildings around the Hanoi Opera House. I usually end my day at West Lake to watch the sunset and do some people-watching. It’s a great way to spend hours exploring without having to pay for any tickets.

Beach Days in Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne

Public sand keeps my Vietnam $15 a day budget intact. The Da Nang Nha Trang Mui Ne beaches offer full days for little more than sunscreen and a mango. I swim at My Khe in Da Nang at sunrise.

I love to just chill and read under the palm trees on Tran Phu in Nha Trang, or walk along the edge of the dunes near Mui Ne just before sunset. If I want a change of scenery, I’ll take a walk along the coast past Son Tra’s waterfront or check out the fishing boats on the north end of Nha Trang. There are places like the Marble Mountains nearby, but I usually just stick to the free seaside paths and only pay to go inside if it’s something I really want to see.

Markets, Pagodas, and Self-guided Walking Routes

I plan my routes using hostel maps or Google. In the mornings, I head to a wet market to see all the colors and smells. During the day, I find a cool, quiet courtyard at a pagoda to escape the heat. In the evenings, I walk along a river or a lake to catch the golden light. These free activities in Vietnam make any city feel like a giant open-air gallery.

• Create a loop: market start, neighborhood pagoda, park break, sunset promenade.
• Track transit points to bail out if heat rises.
• Log steps and water breaks to keep pace with the Vietnam $15 a day budget.

In Ho Chi Minh City, I love to window-shop down Nguyen Hue Walking Street and then just relax under the trees at Tao Dan Park. It’s an easy, laid-back vibe, and the only thing you’re really spending is your time.

Beer prices Vietnam

I plan my drinks like I plan my meals. I look for local, cheap options. I track beer prices in Vietnam and find bia hoi Hanoi corners. I choose cafes that fit my budget and use filtered water Vietnam refills to save money and reduce plastic use.

Local beer

I often get a cold Saigon Special, Bia Saigon Green, or 333 for 10,000–30,000 VND. I find them at mom-and-pop shops or street stools. For the cheapest, I go to Bia Hoi Junction in the Old Quarter. It’s a social spot in a glass.

Imported beers cost about 60,000 VND. Clubs charge near 100,000 VND. I drink a local can first, then one inside to save money and enjoy the atmosphere.

Coffee

Vietnamese coffee is my morning pick-me-up. A hot ca phe den or iced ca phe sua da costs 20,000–35,000 VND. I enjoy slow-drip phin brews at sidewalk cafes and switch to brands like Highlands Coffee for air-con and outlets. For long laptop sessions, I choose cafes with loyalty stamps or morning discounts. One strong cup lasts, thanks to the bold roast and sweetness of condensed milk.

Water

Water is where I save a lot. A 1.5L bottle costs 10,000–20,000 VND. Many hostels and coworking spots offer filtered water Vietnam refills. I carry a reusable bottle and refill it twice a day. In hot months, I budget for an extra refill or one more bottle. I avoid single-use items when I can. My wallet and daypack stay lighter.

Drink	Typical Price (VND)	Best Place to Buy	My Budget Tip
Bia hoi (fresh draft)	10,000–15,000	Bia Hoi Junction, street corners in Hanoi	Go early evening for seats and the lowest beer prices Vietnam.
Local canned beer (Saigon, 333)	12,000–30,000	Mini-marts, pavement stalls	Buy two before nightlife; skip club markups.
Imported beer	50,000–70,000	Bars, craft pubs	Share a bottle or choose local to halve costs.
Vietnamese coffee (hot phin)	20,000–30,000	Sidewalk cafes, family shops	Nurse one cup; bring a notebook for a slow hour.
Ca phe sua da (iced)	25,000–35,000	Street carts, neighborhood cafes	Order less ice for a stronger, longer sip.
1.5L bottled water	10,000–20,000	Convenience stores, markets	Buy in pairs to save and keep one chilled.
Refill station (filtered)	Free–5,000	Hostels, coworking spaces	Refill twice daily; track intake during heat.

Budget Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks

I spent about $15 a day, leaving room for extras. This plan follows the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route. It uses sleeper buses to save on hotel costs. You can adjust this budget Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks to fit your needs.

North-to-South

Begin in Hanoi for three days. Explore the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, take Bus 86 to the city center. On Night 3, take an overnight bus or train south. Choose lower berths and bring a hoodie for cold air. Next, ride overnight again after Day 5. Arrive in Hue at dawn. Sleeper buses save money and time.

Hanoi, Ninh Binh/Phong Nha, Hue, Da Nang/Hoi An, HCMC

Days 1–3: Hanoi. Enjoy street food like iced coffee and banh mi. Free city walks help plan the route.

Days 4–5: Ninh Binh or Phong Nha. Bike through karsts and rice fields in Ninh Binh. In Phong Nha, explore caves and rivers. Stay in dorms with breakfast to save money.

Days 6–7: Hue. Walk by the Perfume River and see the Citadel. Local food is affordable, around $2–$4.

Days 8–10: Da Nang and Hoi An. Spend days at the beach in Da Nang. At night, bus to Hoi An for its alleys and noodles. Return to Da Nang to sleep.

Days 11–14: Ho Chi Minh City. Stay in District 1 and explore Ben Thanh Market. This keeps costs low for the two weeks.

Optional Add-ons

For mountains, add a Sapa trek before Ninh Binh. Hire a local guide for about 350,000 VND a day. Stay in homestays for warmth and savings. For rivers, visit the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. Use local buses or a group tour. Return at night to avoid extra hotel costs. Both add-ons fit the budget without increasing costs.

Vietnam $15 a day budget

I keep my Vietnam $15 a day budget simple. I track every purchase and plan one free activity. I also lock in transit first. With a notes app and clear price benchmarks, Vietnam feels easy. I lean on street food, dorms, and public buses to stretch each dollar.

Daily spend Template

Here’s the mix I use when money is tight. I start with a bed, then food, then transit. If a splurge pops up, I swap in a free walk or museum courtyard visit.

• $15 template (lean): bed $4–$7 dorm, food $5–$7 street eats (10,000–50,000 VND per dish), transit $1–$2 using public transport Vietnam prices for city buses at 4,000–10,000 VND.
• $18 buffer (comfortable): upgrade a meal at a local restaurant for $2–$5, add a coffee, and one GrabBike hop at 12,000–15,000 VND per km.
• $10 ultra-tight: dorm $4–$5, two cheap dishes, and walking only. I save treats for next day.

My go-to price benchmarks Vietnam: dorms $4–$7; private rooms $12.50–$25; local restaurants $2–$5; Western meals $6–$15; beer 10,000–30,000 VND; water 10,000–20,000 VND for 1.5L; city buses 4,000–10,000 VND; intercity buses 40,000–60,000 VND per 100 km; overnight trains $15–$65.

Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City

In Hanoi, I walk the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem to keep costs down. Bus 86 from Nội Bài is cheap, frequent, and saves me from taxi games. I eat at market stalls where mains sit under $2.

In Hoi An, I rent a bike for a few dollars and ride to An Bang Beach. I skip ticketed houses on tight days and enjoy the lantern-lit streets at night for free. I eat at Central Market to dodge tourist markups. If needing to find a good places to sleep, here are some Hoi An hostel reviews that might fit in your budget.

In Ho Chi Minh City, I rely on GrabBike for speed-to-price value. I pick cơm tấm shops for $2–$3 plates. Before a night out on Bui Vien, I enjoy a local lager first to steady costs.

Common Pitfalls

• Western restaurants and imported drinks: prices jump fast. I limit them and favor street carts.
• Fast-meter taxis: I use Grab or agree on the fare. Screenshots help if needed.
• Skipping filtered refills: buying bottles adds $1 a day. I refill whenever I see a station.
• Overbooking tours online: I compare in-destination rates for Sapa or the Mekong and save big.
• Short-hop flights: I count the lost “free” night. A sleeper bus or train often fits the Vietnam $15 a day budget better.
• Not thinking about potential crisis: Always make sure you have travel insurance, a doctor’s visit is expensive and will really mess with your budget.

When costs creep, I swap in a free walk, bump one meal to a banh mi, and lean harder on public transport prices. Small switches keep me on target without feeling deprived.

Conclusion

I tried the Vietnam $15 a day budget and it works. I choose simple things each day. I find free things to do, eat street food, and use buses and trains. Dorms cost $4–$7, and I find deals on private rooms. I save on nights by using sleeper buses. I also save on phone and water.

Street food is cheap, costing 10,000–50,000 VND. Meals are $2–$5, and beers are 10,000–30,000 VND. Buses are affordable, with city buses costing coins. Bus 86 from Hanoi’s airport is cheaper than a taxi. Long-distance coaches cost 40,000–60,000 VND per 100 km. Travel in spring or fall for better weather. I love places that offer value, like Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hue’s riverfront. Hoi An’s alleys and Da Nang’s beaches are also great. Ho Chi Minh City’s energy is amazing. This budget travel lets me see Vietnam without spending much. I choose street food over expensive restaurants. I also save by sleeping on buses. With smart choices, the $15 a day budget is a great way to explore.

15$ A Day in Vietnam FAQ