Today I want to tackle a common and practical question about traveling to Vietnam: Is it affordable? The short answer is yes, very much so. Because the Vietnamese national currency, Dong (VND), is weak compared to major world currencies, most travelers to Vietnam will find they have significant purchasing power against the VND. In this post, I’d like to share what is remarkably affordable in Vietnam. Ultimately, I hope you consider traveling to Vietnam not just because it's cheap, but because it's an amazing country where you can enjoy fantastic food, culture, sightseeing, and more without breaking the bank.
Food
Perhaps the greatest value you'll find when traveling to Vietnam is in its food. It's delicious and incredibly affordable. You can easily enjoy a satisfying meal, including drinks, for $2-3 (using US dollars as a universal reference). For instance, our friend and his family are currently traveling in Central Vietnam and they raved about Com Hen dish in Hue, which cost 15,000 VND, roughly 60 cents per dish. They also indulged in a seafood feast complete with crabs, oysters, tiger prawns, vegetables, and seafood soup for $40 for 3 people! Even dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is affordable, ranging between $60-$150 per person compared to $150-$500 per person in the US or Australia. I've yet to experience a Michelin restaurant, but when I do, Vietnam is definitely on my list. It's worth noting that Western food tends to be more expensive due to imported ingredients, often costing double or triple the price of Vietnamese food. So, if you crave a salami pizza, be prepared to pay around $6-10!
Banh Mi Phuong's famous Vietnamese sandwiches as recommended by Anthony Bourdain. Costing around $1.3, it is a must-try when you are in Hoi An, the "banh mi capitol" - Image courtesy of Kristen Wells
When in Vietnam, drink coffee. There's a plethora of unique coffee drinks to explore: salted coffee, coconut coffee, egg coffee, salted caramel coffee, and more, each showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. These drinks typically cost $1-2 each, so at this price point, you might be tempted to have multiple coffee drinks a day. And when you're buzzing from all the caffeine, treat yourself to some delicious smoothies or freshly pressed juices for about the same price.
Do you know that Vietnam is a haven for beer enthusiasts? From the ubiquitous "Bia Hoi," prized for its lightness and affordability at around 50 cents per glass, to popular brands like Saigon, 333, and Huda, to craft beers offering unique flavors ranging from $2 to $5 per glass. It's a fantastic value for beer lovers, costing only a third of what you'd pay in places like Thailand or Bali.
Standing Bar in Hanoi is a social venue on the lake serving a tempting array of 19 micro-brews on tap along with tasty tapas - Image courtesy of vietnam.travel
Services
Services provided by Vietnamese professionals are notably inexpensive due to low wages. A men’s haircut can cost as little as $2, while a women’s cut may range from $4 to $5. During my last visit to Vietnam, I got a perm at a high-end salon in Saigon, which only set me back $30. It's no wonder that foreign visitors often take advantage of Vietnam's affordable hair styling and treatment services, which are comparable in price to a basic haircut in their home countries.
Nail services are also popular and reasonably priced in Vietnam. A full set of gel nails typically costs around $10 in Hanoi, and some salons even offer mobile services, catering to clients at their homes or hotels for added convenience—a small investment for beauty and indulgence.
Getting nails done by a cheerful and talented Vietnamese lady could be a joyful cultural experience - Image courtesy of Vanilla The Beauty Salon
Another service highly appreciated by foreign visitors in Vietnam is laundry services. In Hoi An, for instance, you can have your dirty laundry cleaned for just 30000 VND, which is a little over $1, per kilo. They'll deliver the clean laundry to your hotel, perfectly fresh and ironed. This is a delightful luxury for many Western visitors, where such a service could easily cost $50 and more at home.
Dental care has become a sought-after service among foreign visitors, especially those from countries like Australia and New Zealand, where dental expenses are exorbitant and not covered by national health insurance scheme. Recently, I underwent a routine check-up and cleaning in Australia, and despite having private insurance and choosing an in-network provider, I still had to pay AU$50 out of pocket. The estimate for some fillings was $250, prompting me to postpone those minor procedures until my next trip to Vietnam, where I could expect to pay a fraction of that amount for comparable service quality. Many travelers have specifically planned trips to Vietnam to take advantage of its high-quality yet incredibly affordable dental care, saving themselves thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. However, such decisions come with risks, as is the case with any medical procedures, so I intend to explore the pros and cons of dental tourism in Vietnam in a future blog post.
Accommodation
Compared to many destinations around the world, accommodation in Vietnam is quite affordable. You can book a nice beachfront hotel in Da Nang for just $40 per night. Even 5-star resorts typically range from $120 to $180 per night, roughly half the cost of similar options in Bali. These rates often include amenities like gourmet buffet breakfast, multiple pools, gym, bar, and kids' play areas, offering excellent value for those seeking an ultimate relaxing vacation.
Jade Hill Resort and Spa, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Sapa, offers a serene escape with luxurious accommodations blending tradition and modernity. Family size rooms start at $100/night.
When staying in a big city, an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic experience is staying at an Airbnb. This offers good value for larger groups, as you can rent an entire apartment. Many of the Airbnbs are located outside of the tourist areas, allowing you to experience the daily lives of locals, eat what they eat, and do what they do. It's helpful to have a local guide if you choose this option, so that they can show you around.
For adventurous travelers, I highly recommend the homestay option in smaller cities. These rustic accommodations are extremely affordable while offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with nature.
Transportation
Even though Vietnam lacks an extensive public transportation system like countries such as Thailand, which had a 20-year head start in tourism development, getting around Vietnam is still easy and affordable. In major cities, you can use the Grab app (similar to Uber) to order and pay for rides directly from your phone. For instance, a 5km trip from the center of Hoi An to the popular An Bang beach would typically cost about $3 for a 4-seater car. For longer distances, you can book rides on shuttle buses/limo vans or hire a private car, a good option if you're travelling in a group. The railway system in Vietnam has significantly improved in recent years, offering a truly immersive experience of the country while also being environmentally friendly.
Travelling in Vietnam by train is a great experience in itself, providing travellers the opportunity to see more of the country's beauty as the train traverses through stunning landscapes.
Activities
In addition to affordable half-day or full-day group tours that take you to explore new places (check our website for inspiration), there are plenty of short activities and workshops available if you or the kids need more entertainment or want to dive deeper into the local culture. Some popular options among tourists include lantern making, coffee making, and cooking classes, but there's so much more to explore! You can visit pottery coffee shops where you can create your own pottery piece while sipping coffee, or participate in a natural notebook workshop where you learn to make your own notebook from materials such as soil and botanicals from the surrounding areas. In Hanoi, there's a lovely artistic complex where you can be part of the local community and engage in various arts and crafts. Let me know if you'd like me to cover these hidden gems in future posts.
A photo from my last canyoning day trip in Dalat. An unforgettable experience for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Vietnam offers the opportunity to try activities that might be cost-prohibitive in your own country. For instance, during my first visit to Vietnam with my now-husband, we enjoyed a fantastic full-day abseiling trip in Dalat for about $70 per person. One activity on our list for our next visit is paragliding, which costs only $64 per person compared to $173 per person where we live. Such a significant price difference, but safety isn't compromised; the company we're considering follows strict safety standards, their instructors all have international licenses, and the price includes comprehensive insurance. Take advantage of Vietnam's affordability to check off items from your bucket list, whether it's archery, ice skating, horseback riding or jet skiing. With so many options available, you're sure to find activities that not only fit into your schedule but also your budget.
Gifts and shopping
Mây Kitchenware & Coffeeshop, a women-owned business, offers the most exquisite and high-quality pottery products at reasonable prices - Image from @maykitchenwareee (Instagram)
Hoi An ancient town is renowned for its tailor shops, offering custom-made clothing such as suits and bridesmaids dresses, often available within a day. Silk products are both beautiful and quite affordable. Just outside of Hanoi lies Van Phuc silk village, where you can purchase a variety of silk products at a good price and enjoy the experience of observing silk makers weaving fabric in their homes. It's a must-do activity in Hanoi if you have the time. Alternatively, you can explore the shops on Hang Gai street, famous for silk fashion clothing and accessories. One notable vendor on Hang Gai street is Tan My shop, specializing in traditional Vietnamese embroidery. This women-owned business has preserved the art of embroidery through generations and attracts customers from Japan and around the world with their exquisite products, perfect as special gifts. For a wide selection of Vietnamese handmade items, my favorite spot is Craftlink located near Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam’s first university in Hanoi). As a non-profit fair-trade organisation, they offer a diverse range of beautiful products at reasonable prices, all while supporting local artisans.
Many tourists enjoy browsing Vietnam's markets or shopping malls for knock-off brand shirts, typically priced around $6 each. With some bargaining skills, you may even secure a better deal!
It is easy to find unique and beautiful gifts for under $15 at Craftlink, a non-profit organisation supporting ethnic minority groups, disability groups and traditional craft village groups in restoring cultural traditions and increasing income for the community - Image courtesy of Craftlink
Conclusion
I hope this post has offered valuable insights into the expenses of traveling in Vietnam for those in the planning phase. With a bit of research, you'll discover incredible value in Vietnam. From budget accommodations or luxurious hotels, from street-side eateries to fine dining restaurants, you can enjoy high quality goods and services at a fraction of the cost compared to many other destinations. Whether you're on a tight budget or looking to splurge a bit, I encourage you to consider Vietnam for your next adventure.
It's important to note that prices tend to be higher in major cities and tourist spots, as is typical in any travel destination. If you're seeking excellent value recommendations, feel free to reach out to us. And if you've already visited Vietnam, share your favorite vendors in the comments below. Your insights will surely be appreciated by many readers.
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