Vietnam is still cheap, but the "dollar-a-day" days are gone. If you're backpacking Hanoi to Saigon, here is the honest truth about your Vietnam travel budget.
You can survive on $30 USD/day. This means dorm beds ($5-8), street food only ($1.50/meal), and cheap beer. If you want a private room and the occasional burger, bump that to $45-50.
Avoid random taxis like the plague. They will rig the meter. Download Grab before you arrive. For long distances, the sleeper bus is the backpacker standard ($10-12). It saves a night of accommodation, but don't expect much sleep.
If you're eating at street stalls (tiny plastic chairs), your budget will last forever. Banh Mi is usually under a buck. If you insist on Western food, you're going to pay Western prices. Drink Bia Hoi on the street corners for cents, not $5 cocktails in clubs.
Don't be too cheap. Pay for a decent Ha Long Bay Cruise ($100+). The ultra-cheap ones are death traps and usually pollute the bay. Also, budget for travel insurance. Motorbike accidents happen daily here—don't risk it.
Full post at: https://vietadvisor.travel/tips-advices/vietnam-travel-budget
The Hard Numbers
You can survive on $30 USD/day. This means dorm beds ($5-8), street food only ($1.50/meal), and cheap beer. If you want a private room and the occasional burger, bump that to $45-50.
Transport Scams & Savings
Avoid random taxis like the plague. They will rig the meter. Download Grab before you arrive. For long distances, the sleeper bus is the backpacker standard ($10-12). It saves a night of accommodation, but don't expect much sleep.
The Food Situation
If you're eating at street stalls (tiny plastic chairs), your budget will last forever. Banh Mi is usually under a buck. If you insist on Western food, you're going to pay Western prices. Drink Bia Hoi on the street corners for cents, not $5 cocktails in clubs.
Worth the Cash?
Don't be too cheap. Pay for a decent Ha Long Bay Cruise ($100+). The ultra-cheap ones are death traps and usually pollute the bay. Also, budget for travel insurance. Motorbike accidents happen daily here—don't risk it.
Full post at: https://vietadvisor.travel/tips-advices/vietnam-travel-budget