A boatwoman paddles a produce-laden sampan through a palm-canopied Mekong Delta canal
Vietnam is inexpensive by most standards, but the difference between a relaxed budget and a tight one is almost entirely about how you move between places.
Daily Budget, by Travel Style
| Style | Per day (per person) | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $25–35 | Dorm bed, street food, local buses |
| Mid-range | $60–100 | Private room, mix of local & sit-down meals, occasional ride-hailing |
| Comfort | $150+ | Boutique hotel, private drivers, curated tours |
Getting Around
- Trains (Reunification Express): slower than flying, scenic on the Hanoi–Huế and Đà Nẵng–Nha Trang stretches. Book a soft-sleeper berth for overnight legs.
- Domestic flights: cheap and fast for long jumps like Hanoi–Saigon — worth it if your route already has enough ground time.
- Ride-hailing apps: the default in every major city; the price is fixed and shown before you accept.
- Motorbike rental: roughly $5–8/day outside the cities. Requires an international driving permit and an honest read on your own riding experience.
"Don't buy a bus ticket for a route a train also runs — the train is almost always worth the extra few dollars." — Đức, route planner
Where the Money Actually Goes
Transport between regions is the line item first-time travelers underestimate — budget it before accommodation, not after.
LT
Written by
League of Titans Team
Travel Team
Our route designers and travel specialists across Vietnam — the people behind every itinerary, every recommendation, and every detail you don't have to worry about.