Vietnam Budget Travel Guide – 2025 Edition

If you're dreaming of epic landscapes, mouthwatering street food, and authentic culture—all without crushing your wallet—then Vietnam is the place to be in 2025. This Southeast Asian gem offers incredible experiences for travelers on a budget, with daily costs often under $30.

In this guide, you'll learn how to explore Vietnam on a budget, where to eat for under $5, how to get around cheaply, and where to find affordable accommodations that don’t skimp on charm.

Why Vietnam Is Perfect for Budget Travelers

Few countries offer the same bang for your buck as Vietnam. Whether you’re backpacking from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, motorbiking through the mountains of Ha Giang, or relaxing in a beach hammock in Da Nang—Vietnam delivers top-tier value.

In 2025, it’s still very possible to travel in Vietnam for $25–$35 per day. Here's how it breaks down:

• Accommodation: $6–$12 for hostels or guesthouses

• Food: $3–$6 per day (yes, seriously!)

• Transportation: $1–$5 (local buses, trains, or Grab rides)

• Activities & extras: $5–$10 (entrance fees, SIM card, tours)

Where to Stay in Vietnam for Less Than $15/Night

Vietnam has one of the best backpacker hostel networks in the world. Most budget accommodations include free Wi-Fi, clean rooms, and even breakfast.

Top Hostels Under $15:

• Hanoi Buffalo Hostel – Free beer, free walking tours, and a rooftop pool.

• Sigoong Hostel Saigon – A social spot in Ho Chi Minh City with modern decor.

• Da Nang Capsule Hotel – Futuristic design with privacy pods near the beach.

For more great deals, search here and filter for guesthouses or dorm beds. You’ll be surprised by what $10 can get you.

Where to Eat in Vietnam for Under $5

If you're wondering where to eat for under $5 in Vietnam, the answer is everywhere. Vietnamese street food is world-renowned—not just for taste, but for value.

Must-Try Budget Dishes:

• Pho – Hearty noodle soup with herbs and beef (~$1.50)

• Banh Mi – Crusty baguette sandwich filled with pork, pâté, and veggies (~$1)

• Bun Cha – Grilled pork and noodles with dipping sauce (~$2)

• Fresh Spring Rolls – Healthy, filling, and dirt cheap (~$1)

Head to night markets and local food stalls rather than sit-down restaurants. Look for places busy with locals—that’s always a good sign.

How to Get Around Vietnam on a Budget

Transportation is ultra-cheap and fairly efficient, whether you’re covering long distances or navigating a city.

Affordable Options:

• Sleeper buses – Travel overnight and save on a night’s stay ($10–$15)

• Trains – Scenic, safe, and affordable for longer routes

• Grab app – Southeast Asia’s Uber; rides usually cost under $2 in cities

• Local buses – The cheapest option for getting around town (~$0.30)

Use tools like Skyscanner to book regional flights or find budget airlines with free baggage in 2025. For shorter distances, train travel is scenic and comfortable.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in Vietnam

You don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy the best of Vietnam. Many of the top attractions are either free or cost just a few dollars.

Top Activities for Budget Travelers:

• Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter – Free to roam, rich in history

• Hike in Sapa or Ha Giang – DIY trekking or budget homestays

• Visit the Imperial City in Hue – Entry is about $6

• Chill at Da Nang’s beaches – Soft sand and turquoise water, free!

• Take a DIY Ha Long Bay tour – Public ferries and local operators are cheaper than packaged cruises

Local tip: Ask your hostel staff about free walking tours and community-run events. They’re often not listed online.

Packing List for Budget Travelers in Vietnam

Packing light can help you save on luggage fees and make your trip smoother. Here’s a quick list:

• Travel backpack (40L max)

• Reusable water bottle

• Lightweight rain jacket

• Flip flops + comfy walking shoes

• Travel towel & toiletries

• Power bank & universal adapter

• Offline maps + Grab app

Pro tip: No need to overpack—Vietnam has affordable markets for clothes, toiletries, and supplies if you need extras.

Final Thoughts: Vietnam Is the Ultimate Budget Destination

With its flavorful food, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Vietnam is a dream for budget-conscious explorers. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned nomad, you’ll find that your money stretches further here than almost anywhere else.

From where to sleep to how to find cheap eats and transportation, this budget travel guide to Vietnam 2025 gives you everything you need to start planning. Ready to take the leap? Book those cheap flights, grab your pack, and get ready for a trip you’ll never forget.

Let Vietnam surprise you—in the best and most affordable way possible.