Hello,
we want to book a 3 day cruise, starting on April 23th. We are traveling from Ninh Binh and do not need a transfer.
Thanks...
Welcome to Vietnam, a beautiful and diverse country where majestic mountains meet long stretches of white sandy beaches, and bustling cities blend with peaceful rural villages.Vietnam has long become an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world, not only for its natural beauty and unique culture but also for its affordability.Whether you are a budget backpacker, a family looking for a memorable vacation, or someone wanting to enjoy luxurious experiences, Vietnam can meet your needs within a suitable budget.
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide so that you can confidently plan your trip to Vietnam by understanding and calculating the related costs.We will explore the main expenses together, from transportation, accommodation, food, sightseeing to other additional costs.In addition, the article will share useful tips and tricks to help you optimize your budget and enjoy a cost-effective yet fulfilling and memorable trip. It is important to note that travel costs can vary significantly depending on many factors, including travel style, when you go, how long you stay, the number of adults, the number of children (exact date of birth), and other personal choices. Therefore, understanding these factors will help you have a smart financial plan and a smooth trip.
Estimated Overall Costs by Travel Style
To begin with, let’s look at some general estimates of Vietnam travel costs based on popular travel styles. This will help you visualize the budget needed for your trip.
Backpacking / Budget travel
If you are a traveler who prioritizes savings and authentic experiences, the backpacking style of travel may be the right choice. With an estimated daily cost ranging from $15 to $50, you will focus on choosing affordable hostels and homestays, enjoying delicious street food, and using public transportation to get around. For example, the cost for a night at a hostel can be as low as $5 to $15, while you can enjoy tasty street meals with a budget of $5 to $15 per day. Transportation costs by local bus or train are usually very low, around $1 to $15 each day. However, it is important to note that even in a budget travel style, there can be significant cost differences depending on whether you choose a private room or a dorm bed, the frequency of participating in tours, and the level of comfort you desire.
Mid-range travel
The mid-range travel style offers a balance between cost and comfort, with estimated daily expenses ranging from $50 to $100. You can choose comfortable 3-star hotels or guesthouses, combining dining at local restaurants with exploring street food. Using taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab for some trips has also become more popular. The cost for a night at a mid-range hotel can range from $20 to $60, while the budget for dining can be from $10 to $20 per day. Transportation costs can be around $10 to $15 per day if you combine public transport and taxi/Grab. The main difference from backpacking is that you can enjoy more privacy and better amenities, occasionally dining at nicer restaurants and using ride-hailing services when needed.
Family travel
Family travel often requires a higher budget, with estimated daily costs ranging from $100 to $200. When traveling with family, choosing family-friendly hotels or more spacious serviced apartments suitable for children is a top priority. You may also want to dine at restaurants with diverse menus and use private transportation or taxi/Grab for more convenience. The cost for one night at a family hotel can range from $40 to $80 (estimated), while the budget for dining for the whole family can be from $30 to $60 per day (estimated). Transportation costs can also be higher, ranging from $20 to $40 per day (estimated), especially if you choose to rent a private car or use taxi/Grab more frequently. Child-friendly recreational activities will also contribute to the overall budget of the trip.
Luxury travel
For travelers who want to enjoy premium experiences and the best services, the luxury travel style has an estimated daily cost starting from $150, and it can even reach $300 or more. You will choose 4-5 star hotels, high-end resorts with world-class amenities and services. Dining at upscale restaurants with a diverse and high-quality menu, using private cars or other premium services for transportation. The cost for one night at a luxury hotel can range from $100 to $500 or more, while the budget for dining can range from $50 to $200 or more per day. The cost of traveling by private car or other premium services can range from $50 to $1000 or more per day. Luxury travel in Vietnam can include everything from comfortable high-end experiences to lavish trips with unlimited spending, where accommodation and transportation costs often make up a large portion of the budget.
Detailed Analysis of Major Expense Items
After gaining an overview of the costs associated with travel styles, let's delve into a detailed analysis of the main expenses you need to consider when planning your trip to Vietnam.
To accurately calculate the final cost for the Vietnam travel program, you need to consider and add up the main expenses as follows:
1. Transportation costs
1.1 Traveling to Vietnam : If you are an international traveler, start by researching the round-trip airfare from your departure point to Vietnam. This price will vary depending on the time of booking, the airline, and the travel season.
1.2 Traveling in Vietnam
- Airplane: If you plan to travel between major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, check the domestic flight prices of airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. One-way ticket prices can range from several hundred thousand to over one million dong depending on the route and airline. Booking tickets early usually helps you get better prices.
- Train: The train is an interesting option for traveling across the country, especially the North-South route. Ticket prices depend on the type of seat and the type of train; for example, the Hanoi - Saigon route can range from 450,000 to 1,565,000 VND one way. You can check ticket prices and book tickets online on the Vietnam Railways website.
- Bus: Long-distance buses are the most economical means of transportation between provinces. The ticket price from Hanoi to Saigon can range from 750,000 to 1,100,000 VND. Websites like Vexere can help you search for and compare ticket prices from various bus companies.
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a popular choice to explore local tourist attractions, with daily rental prices ranging from 100,000 to 180,000 VND depending on the type of vehicle and area.
- Car: If you are traveling with a group or family, renting a self-drive car is a good option, with the rental price for a 4-seater ranging from 500,000 to 1,800,000 VND per day.
2. Accommodation costs
- Vietnam has many different types of accommodation, from budget hotels (prices starting from 154,000 VND/night) to luxury hotels (prices starting from 1,258,000 VND/night and above) and mid-range options (average price of about 2,393,000 VND/night for a double room).
- Homestays and hostels are more budget-friendly options, especially for young travelers or those traveling alone. The price of a homestay can start from 150,000 VND/night, while a hostel can start from 180,000 VND/night.
- Prices will vary depending on the location, time of booking, and amenities. Websites like Agoda, Booking.com, Traveloka, and Trivago can help you compare prices and make reservations.
3. Food expenses
- The cost of food in Vietnam is quite reasonable. You can enjoy street food for prices ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 VND per dish.
- Meals at local restaurants average from 70,000 to 200,000 VND per person.
- If you want to experience higher-end cuisine, upscale restaurants will charge from 300,000 VND and up per person.
4. Tour and activity costs
- The entrance fees for various famous tourist destinations differ. For example, the Saigon Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City is 60,000 VND, the Oceanographic Institute in Nha Trang is 30,000 VND, and Ba Na Hills in Da Nang is 600,000 VND.
- Guided tours vary in price depending on the duration and services included. A 2-day, 1-night tour in Hoi An can range from 1,300,000 to 2,500,000 VND per person.
5. Other incurred expenses
- Visa: Visa fees (if required) depend on your nationality.
- Travel insurance: It is advisable to purchase travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
- Souvenir shopping: Allocate a budget for shopping.
- Personal expenses: Include laundry, phone, and other small expenses.
To accurately calculate the final price
- Detailed planning : Clearly identify the places you want to visit, the duration of your stay at each location, and the activities you want to participate in.
- Price research: Investigate the prices of airline tickets, train tickets, bus tickets, hotel room rates, homestays, hostels, entrance fees for attractions, and the prices of tours for each destination you plan to visit. Use price comparison websites for an overview.
- Estimated dining costs: Based on your eating style (street food, local restaurants, or fine dining) to estimate daily expenses for dining.
- Estimated additional costs: Don't forget to include unforeseen expenses such as visa fees, insurance, shopping, and other personal costs.
- Add up all the expenses: The total of all the expenses above will give you an estimate of the final cost for your trip to Vietnam.
Cost saving tips
- Travel during the off-peak season for better ticket and accommodation prices.
- Book tickets and accommodation early to take advantage of the offers.
- Use public transportation or rent a motorbike to save on travel costs.
- Enjoy street food and local markets for delicious and affordable meals.
- Look for free or low-cost sightseeing activities.
- Consider choosing homestays or hostels instead of luxury hotels.
By planning carefully and researching thoroughly, you can accurately calculate the costs for your trip to Vietnam and have a memorable journey without exceeding your budget.
You can refer to the travel programs designed by experts in Vietnam at the following link : Vietnam Tours Price, just select the arrival date, the number of adults, children (exact date of birth), tour guide, or you can choose to change the accommodation service, and you will have the final accurate best price without needing to ask travel experts.
