Thinking about traveling to Vietnam? Surely, images of exotic landscapes, endless bays, ancient temples, and the fascinating chaos of motorbikes on the streets come to mind. Many travelers also consider it one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel to. But how true is this? The reality is that Vietnam not only offers affordable prices but also luxurious experiences that are surprisingly good value for money.
In this article, we show you how far your money can go in Vietnam: from meals for under €3 to five-star cruises in Halong Bay, budget accommodations, and transportation tips. All with real-life experiences and practical advice to help you plan your trip the best way possible.
Vietnam, a country that has it all
Vietnam is one of the most complete destinations in Southeast Asia. It combines lush nature, world-renowned cuisine, and vibrant cities. It has also established itself as a very attractive country for travelers with varied budgets: you can sleep in a simple hostel for a few euros, but also enjoy luxury hotels and exclusive cruises without spending what you would in Europe or the United States.
One of this country’s strong points is its culinary culture . Here you’ll find the famous phở (noodle soup), delicious bánh mì (French-influenced sandwiches), and a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, thanks to the influence of Buddhism. In fact, Vietnam is considered the world’s second-largest coffee exporter , and many claim that one of the best coffees you’ll ever taste is here.
Eating in Vietnam: cheap and varied
One of the biggest draws for travelers is how affordable it is to eat in Vietnam. To give you an idea:
- A vegetarian buffet costs less than €4 per person .
- A traditional phở can be enjoyed for around €3 .
- Simple dishes such as tofu with tomato are available for €2 .
Compared to what you’d pay in the West, the difference is huge. A full multi-course meal can cost less than €5, while in a luxury restaurant in a five-star hotel, you can enjoy several courses for around €18, something unthinkable in cities like Paris or New York.
👉 Bonus tip: Search for local restaurants on apps like Google Maps using keywords like ăn chay (vegetarian). You’ll find hidden gems and menus that will surprise you.
Currency in Vietnam and how to pay
In Vietnam, the official currency is the dong (VND) . Bills range from 1,000 to 500,000, so don’t be surprised if you become a millionaire when you exchange your money.
Some important considerations:
- Cash is essential . Although more and more places accept cards, many charge a 3% surcharge.
- Prices are usually rounded , without decimals.
- Apps like Grab (similar to Uber) allow you to pay digitally and are a safe and economical alternative for getting around.
Transportation: How to get around in a long and diverse country
Vietnam is a country with long distances between its major cities. Therefore, it’s important to plan your transportation according to your itinerary:
- Domestic flights : fast and cheap (€50–60 from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 2 hours).
- Trains : recommended if you’re looking for the experience, but not to save time (the same journey can take 40 hours).
- Limousine minivans : comfortable, with reclining seats and even massagers, ideal for 3–5 hour journeys.
- Sleeper buses : affordable and popular with backpackers.
- Grab (motorcycles or cars) : perfect for short trips within cities.
👉 Bonus tip: Always have internet on your phone. eSIMs from services like Holafly allow you to have unlimited data upon arrival, which is essential for using maps, translating, and ordering transportation.
Traffic in Vietnam: A Cultural Experience
The chaos of Vietnamese traffic is almost a tourist attraction in itself. Thousands of motorbikes circulate at the same time, and crossing the street can seem like an impossible task. The golden rule is to walk slowly and let the vehicles gauge your path. Locals often raise their hands when crossing to be more visible.
Although new laws are being implemented to improve mobility, the key is to stay calm, observe carefully, and never rush.
Accommodation: from hostels to five-star hotels
The range of sleeping options in Vietnam is very wide:
- Boutique and 3- to 4-star hotels : These can be found from €20–25 per night, although the quality does not always correspond to the advertised category.
- Luxury hotels : For €65 a night, you can stay in a real five-star hotel with a spa, pool, 24-hour gym, and buffet breakfast included.
- Budget hostels : dorm beds for less than €10.
👉 Practical tip: Always check recent reviews on platforms like Booking, TripAdvisor, or Google Maps before booking. Some accommodations don’t deliver what they promise.
Halong Bay Cruises: Affordable Luxury
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, and cruising among its karst formations is a unique experience. Luxury cruises offer cabins with private balconies, spas, Vietnamese cooking classes, live music, and excursions to fishing villages.
The surprising thing is that, unlike other tourist destinations, the prices are very competitive: a luxury cruise can cost the same as a night in a standard European hotel, but with an unforgettable experience included.
Benefits of traveling to Vietnam
- Varied and affordable food : perfect for vegetarians, meat lovers, and coffee lovers.
- Accommodation for all budgets : from backpackers to luxury travelers.
- Unique landscapes : bays, mountains, rice fields and tropical beaches.
- Hospitable culture : Vietnamese people value visitors learning basic words of their language.
- Easy digital connectivity : thanks to eSIMs and apps like Grab.
Extra tips for your trip to Vietnam
- Learn basic Vietnamese words like xin chào (hello) or cảm ơn (thank you). The locals really appreciate it.
- Set aside a full day to wander around Hanoi and photograph everyday life.
- Avoid peak season (July-August) if you want to enjoy Halong Bay with fewer tourists.
- If you’re a digital nomad, many cafes have stable Wi-Fi and ideal spaces for working.
Vietnam is a country where your money really goes further, without sacrificing luxury experiences. You can enjoy everything from local meals for €2 to dream cruises in Halong Bay, all in one trip.
Don’t wait any longer to discover it. Plan your adventure, check out reviews, choose your transportation wisely, and embark on an experience that combines affordability, culture, and affordable luxury.
👉 Start planning your trip today and see for yourself how far your money can go in Vietnam.
