Vietnam Budget Guide: How Much a Trip Costs (₹ Breakdowns for Indians)
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-17
Vietnam is cheap by global standards, but “cheap” is useless without a number. This guide gives you the actual breakdown for a Vietnam budget trip: solo, couple, and group budgets for 3, 5, 7, and 10-day trips. VND conversions use ExchangeRate-API’s 2026-07-17 rate, while visa fee and rules come from the official Vietnam e-Visa portal. Planning the wider region? Our Southeast Asia backpacking hub covers the full multi-country route.
Exchange rate used: 1 INR = 269.7 VND (verified 2026-07-17, source: ExchangeRate-API). So 100,000 VND = ₹371, and ₹100 = 26,970 VND.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day budget (solo) | Yes, doable from India | ₹15,000 (~$155.60) |
| 5-day budget (solo) | The sweet spot for first-timers | ₹22,000 (~$228.21) |
| 7-day budget (solo) | The most common Vietnam trip | ₹28,000 (~$290.45) |
| 10-day budget (solo) | Covers north + central comfortably | ₹38,000 (~$394.18) |
| Couple 7-day budget | Mid-range, private rooms | ₹50,000 (~$518.65) to ₹57,000 (~$590.77) per person |
| Group of 4 (7 days) | Dorm + shared costs | ₹22,000 (~$228.21) per person |
| Daily street food spend | 3 meals + snacks | ₹128-₹182 (~35,000-50,000 VND or ~$1.34-$1.91) |
| Dorm bed (Hanoi/HCMC) | Per night | ₹552-₹921 (~150,000-250,000 VND or ~$5.73-$9.55) |
| Beer at local bar | Bia hoi (fresh draft) | ₹18-₹37 (~5,000-10,000 VND or ~$0.19-$0.38) |
Numbers above are on-the-ground spend only. They don’t include flights from India (₹18,000 (~$186.71) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33) round trip from most metros) or the ₹2,410 (~$25) e-visa fee.
The Real Cost Breakdown by Category
Here’s what a typical day costs a solo backpacker in Vietnam in 2026. These figures were cross-checked against current hostel rates, street food menus in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and District 1 in HCMC, and bus fares on the open-tour network.
| Category | Budget (VND/day) | Mid-range (VND/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | 150,000 to 250,000 | 250,000 to 400,000 | Hanoi/HCMC higher; Hoi An/Sapa lower |
| Street food (3 meals) | 80,000 to 120,000 | 150,000 to 250,000 | Pho, banh mi, com tam, bun cha |
| Drinks (water, coffee, 1-2 beers) | 30,000 to 50,000 | 60,000 to 100,000 | Vietnamese coffee is ₹55-₹92 (~15,000-25,000 VND or ~$0.57-$0.96) |
| Local transport (buses, Grab) | 40,000 to 80,000 | 100,000 to 200,000 | Grab bikes are ₹37-₹92 (~10,000-25,000 VND or ~$0.38-$0.96) per ride |
| Attractions/entry | 50,000 to 150,000 | 200,000 to 500,000 | Museum ~₹110 (~30,000 VND or ~$1.15); Ha Long bay tour from ₹2,946 (~800,000 VND or ~$30.56) |
| SIM card data (per day avg) | 15,000 to 25,000 | 25,000 to 40,000 | Viettel/Mobifone tourist SIM 150,000-200,000 VND/week (~₹556-₹741) |
| Total per day | 365,000 to 675,000 | 785,000 to 1,490,000 | ≈ ₹1,350 (~$14) to ₹2,500 (~$25.93) to ₹5,500 (~$57.05) |
At budget level, a solo traveller is spending roughly ₹1,500/day on the ground. A week of that is ₹10,500 (~$108.92). Add flights and visa, and you’ve got your total.
3-Day Vietnam Budget (Solo)
This is the weekend-trip crowd: fly in Friday night, fly out Monday morning. Most people do HCMC only or Hanoi only at this length.
| Item | Cost (VND) | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm (2 nights) | 400,000 | ₹1,480 (~$15.35) |
| Street food (3 days) | 105,000 | ₹128-₹182 (~$1.33-$1.89) |
| Local transport | 150,000 | ₹556 (~$5.77) |
| 1 paid attraction | 200,000 | ₹741 (~$7.69) |
| SIM card | 150,000 | ₹556 (~$5.77) |
| Misc/buffer | 200,000 | ₹741 (~$7.69) |
| On-ground total | 1,205,000 | ₹4,461 (~$46.27) |
| Flight from India | , | ₹18,000 (~$186.71) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33) |
| E-visa fee | , | ₹2,410 (~$25) |
| Trip total | , | ₹25,500 (~$264.51) to ₹32,500 (~$337.12) |
Is ₹25,000 (~$259.33) enough for 3 days in Vietnam? Yes, if you stay in dorms and eat street food. You’ll have ₹5,000 (~$51.87) to ₹6,000 (~$62.24) of buffer for shopping or an extra tour.
5-Day Vietnam Budget (Solo)
This is the minimum for seeing two cities comfortably. Hanoi + Ha Long Bay, or HCMC + Mekong Delta.
| Item | Cost (VND) | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm (4 nights) | 800,000 | ₹2,963 (~$30.74) |
| Street food (5 days) | 175,000 | ₹128-₹182 (~$1.33-$1.89) |
| Local transport | 250,000 | ₹926 (~$9.61) |
| 2 paid attractions + 1 day tour | 1,500,000 | ₹5,556 (~$57.63) |
| SIM card | 200,000 | ₹741 (~$7.69) |
| Misc/buffer | 300,000 | ₹1,111 (~$11.52) |
| On-ground total | 3,225,000 | ₹11,943 (~$123.89) |
| Flight from India | , | ₹18,000 (~$186.71) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33) |
| E-visa fee | , | ₹2,410 (~$25) |
| Trip total | , | ₹33,500 (~$347.50) to ₹40,500 (~$420.11) |
The day tour (Ha Long Bay, Mekong, Cu Chi tunnels) is the swing factor. A budget Ha Long tour from Hanoi runs ₹2,946-₹4,420 (~800,000-1,200,000 VND or ~$30.56-$45.84); mid-range is ₹5,524-₹9,208 (~1,500,000-2,500,000 VND or ~$57.31-$95.51).
7-Day Vietnam Budget (Solo)
The classic Vietnam trip. Hanoi → Ha Long → Hoi An, or HCMC → Da Lat → Hoi An. This is the length where you feel the country.
| Item | Cost (VND) | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm (6 nights) | 1,200,000 | ₹4,444 (~$46.10) |
| Street food (7 days) | 245,000 | ₹128-₹182 (~$1.33-$1.89) |
| Local transport (city + intercity bus) | 500,000 | ₹1,852 (~$19.21) |
| 2 day tours + 2 entries | 3,000,000 | ₹11,111 (~$115.25) |
| SIM card | 200,000 | ₹741 (~$7.69) |
| Misc/buffer | 400,000 | ₹1,481 (~$15.36) |
| On-ground total | 5,545,000 | ₹20,542 (~$213.08) |
| Flight from India | , | ₹18,000 (~$186.71) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33) |
| E-visa fee | , | ₹2,410 (~$25) |
| Trip total | , | ₹42,500 (~$440.85) to ₹49,500 (~$513.47) |
Book a Ha Long Bay day tour via your hostel in Hanoi (₹2,946-₹4,420 (~800,000-1,200,000 VND or ~$30.56-$45.84)) or consider an overnight boat (from ₹6,629 (~1,800,000 VND or ~$68.77)). Book Hoi An cooking class via your hostel; the price is almost always the same.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: The 7-day trip is where Vietnam starts to feel like a steal. You’re spending less per day than a weekend in Goa, and the food is better.
10-Day Vietnam Budget (Solo)
The “I want to see the whole country” trip. North to south or south to north, covering 4 to 5 stops.
| Item | Cost (VND) | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm (9 nights) | 1,800,000 | ₹6,667 (~$69.16) |
| Street food (10 days) | 1,000,000 | ₹3,704 (~$38.42) |
| Local transport (intra-city + 3-4 intercity buses) | 1,000,000 | ₹3,704 (~$38.42) |
| 3 day tours + 3 entries | 4,500,000 | ₹16,667 (~$172.89) |
| SIM card | 200,000 | ₹741 (~$7.69) |
| Misc/buffer | 600,000 | ₹2,222 (~$23.05) |
| On-ground total | 8,100,000 | ₹30,001 (~$311.20) |
| Flight from India | , | ₹18,000 (~$186.71) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33) |
| E-visa fee | , | ₹2,410 (~$25) |
| Trip total | , | ₹54,000 (~$560.14) to ₹61,000 (~$632.76) |
For a detailed 7 to 10-day Vietnam itinerary cost breakdown, see the full guide.
Couple Budget (7 Days)
For two people sharing costs, the per-person number drops because of shared accommodation and transport.
| Item | Per Person (VND) | Per Person (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Private room (6 nights, budget guesthouse) | 2,400,000 | ₹8,889 (~$92.21) |
| Food (mix of street + 1-2 restaurant meals/day) | 1,200,000 | ₹4,444 (~$46.10) |
| Local transport (Grab bikes, shared taxis) | 500,000 | ₹1,852 (~$19.21) |
| Activities (2 day tours shared) | 3,000,000 | ₹11,111 (~$115.25) |
| SIM cards (2) | 300,000 | ₹1,111 (~$11.52) |
| Misc/buffer | 500,000 | ₹1,852 (~$19.21) |
| Per person total | 7,800,000 | ₹28,889 (~$299.67) |
| Couple total (on-ground) | 15,600,000 | ₹57,778 (~$599.33) |
| + 2 flights | , | ₹36,000 (~$373.43) to ₹50,000 (~$518.65) |
| + 2 e-visas | , | ₹4,820 (~$50) |
| Trip total (couple) | , | ₹100,000 (~$1,037.30) to ₹114,000 (~$1,182.53) |
Couples spend ₹50,000 (~$518.65) to ₹57,000 (~$590.77) per person for a comfortable 7 days, which lands total trip cost around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.15 lakh for two. See the full couple budget from India breakdown for room-grade variations.
Group of 4 (7 Days)
Dorms + shared tours + shared Grab cars = the cheapest per-person Vietnam budget. This is roughly what a group trip through the region costs per head for the Vietnam segment.
| Item | Per Person (₹) |
|---|---|
| DIY 7 days (hostels + street food + buses) | ₹22,000 (~$228.21) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33) |
| Bananarchy trip (hostels + internal transport + visa prep + group logistics) | ₹32,000 (~$331.94) to ₹38,000 (~$394.18) |
| Luxury tour operator (hotels + guided + private van) | ₹70,000 (~$726.11) to ₹90,000 (~$933.57) |
The DIY option is the cheapest on paper, but you handle all booking, route planning, and problem-solving yourself. The Bananarchy trip number includes the coordination layer and pre-paid hostels, so the price is fixed upfront.
Visa Cost (Indian Passport)
Vietnam requires an e-visa for Indians. No visa-on-arrival. Apply at the official portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Fee: ₹2,410 (~$25)
- Processing: 3 working days
- Validity: 90 days, multiple entry
For step-by-step application help, see the Vietnam e-Visa guide for Indians and the 90-day e-Visa eligibility guide.
Flights from India
Round-trip airfares from major Indian metros to Vietnam in 2026:
| Route | Airline options | Round-trip (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Hanoi | VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, Indigo | ₹18,000 (~$186.71) to ₹28,000 (~$290.45) |
| Mumbai → HCMC | VietJet, Vietnam Airlines | ₹20,000 (~$207.46) to ₹30,000 (~$311.19) |
| Bangalore → HCMC | AirAsia, Scoot (via Singapore) | ₹22,000 (~$228.21) to ₹32,000 (~$331.94) |
| Kolkata → Hanoi | Cheaper due to proximity | ₹15,000 (~$155.60) to ₹22,000 (~$228.21) |
Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for the best fares. Direct flights to Hanoi and HCMC are limited; most routes have one stop in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.
Getting Around Vietnam
| Route | Mode | Cost (VND) | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi → Hoi An | Sleeper bus (overnight) | 350,000 to 500,000 | Book on 12go |
| HCMC → Da Lat | Sleeper bus | 250,000 to 400,000 | Book on 12go |
| Hanoi → Sapa | Sleeper bus or train | 350,000 to 800,000 | Book on 12go |
| HCMC → Phnom Penh | Bus (border crossing) | 250,000 to 350,000 | Book on 12go |
| Within cities | Grab bike/car | 10,000 to 80,000 | Grab app |
Open-tour buses (FUTA, The Sinh Tourist) are reliable and cheap. Book intercity buses on 12go for fixed prices; walk-up rates at the bus station are similar but you lose flexibility.
Where to Stay and Trip Planning
Local Vietnamese Food
Nhà An in Hanoi: vegan-friendly Vietnamese with a quiet, cozy setting. The bun cha and pho chay portions are generous. Most mains run ₹221-₹331 (~60,000-90,000 VND or ~$2.29-$3.44).
Vietnamese Soul Food (HCMC, District 1): the banh mi here is the real test of a Vietnam trip. Around ₹110-₹147 (~30,000-40,000 VND or ~$1.15-$1.53) for a loaded baguette. Travellers report the broth-based dishes hold up better than the dry noodles.
NGON DA NANG in Da Nang: if you’re passing through central Vietnam, this is the stop. The bun cha ca and banh xeo are the standout plates. Mains ₹258-₹442 (~70,000-120,000 VND or ~$2.67-$4.58).
Hoang’s Restaurant in Hoi An: vegan-leaning menu with Cao Lau and white rose dumplings. Around ₹184-₹368 (~50,000-100,000 VND or ~$1.91-$3.82) per dish.
Sen Trang An in Ninh Binh: after a day of boats and caves, this place is reliable for grilled fish and com tam. Mains ₹221-₹405 (~60,000-110,000 VND or ~$2.29-$4.20).
When You Need Indian Food
Shri Natraj Indian Cuisine (HCMC): North Indian curries, dal makhani, tandoori. Mains ₹552-₹921 (~150,000-250,000 VND or ~$5.73-$9.55). This is the comfort-food stop when you’ve had pho six days in a row.
MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Met 2 (Hanoi): vegetarian Vietnamese, not Indian, but a good option for strict-veg travellers who want variety beyond rice and dal. Mains ₹184-₹331 (~50,000-90,000 VND or ~$1.91-$3.44).
De Tham Restaurant (HCMC, District 1): vegetarian Vietnamese with some Indian-leaning flavours. Around ₹184-₹368 (~50,000-100,000 VND or ~$1.91-$3.82) per dish.
Money: Cards, Cash, and ATMs
Vietnam is more card-friendly than it was five years ago, but cash is still king outside major chains. Here’s the actual setup that works.
Best payment method: Zero-markup forex debit cards (Fi, Niyo) + cash for street food and small vendors. Zero-markup means the rate you see on Google is the rate you get, minus a small ATM fee (~₹100 per withdrawal).
Backup method: Traditional forex cards (HDFC, Axis) with 2% to 3.5% markup built into every transaction. Fine as a backup, expensive as a primary.
Worst option: Airport exchange booths. They quote a rate that looks close to mid-market, then take 5% to 8% in spread plus commission. Avoid.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Withdraw ₹7,366-₹11,049 (~2,000,000-3,000,000 VND or ~$76.41-$114.61) at a time from bank-affiliated ATMs (Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank). Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas; they add a per-transaction fee of ₹184-₹368 (~50,000-100,000 VND or ~$1.91-$3.82) that the zero-markup card can’t recover.
For the full breakdown on ATM fees and forex card markup in Vietnam, including which Indian banks work best, see the dedicated guide. Also see how much cash to carry into Vietnam for the RBI-side rules.
Getting Connected
Buy a tourist SIM at the airport (Viettel or Mobifone, ₹556-₹741 (~150,000-200,000 VND or ~$5.73-$7.64) for 7 days with 3 to 5 GB/day) or grab one at any convenience store in town. Data works well in cities; coverage drops in mountains (Sapa, Ha Giang) and on overnight buses.
If you don’t want to swap your Indian SIM, an eSIM works too. Tourist eSIM plans for Vietnam typically start around $5 for a 7-day plan with 5 GB; buy via your hostel or a reputable local reseller.
You need data to check exchange rates, use Grab, and get bank SMS alerts when your forex card is used.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary with Costs
| Day | Location | Activity | Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanoi | Arrive, Old Quarter walk, street food dinner | 300,000 |
| 2 | Hanoi | Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, water puppet show | 400,000 |
| 3 | Ha Long Bay | Day tour (overnight boat) | 1,200,000 |
| 4 | Hanoi → Hoi An | Sleeper bus, arrive evening | 450,000 |
| 5 | Hoi An | Old Town walk, cooking class, beach | 600,000 |
| 6 | Hoi An | My Son Sanctuary half-day | 700,000 |
| 7 | Hoi An → fly out | Morning market, depart | 200,000 |
| Total | 3,850,000 |
That’s ₹14,259 (~$147.91) on the ground for 7 days excluding accommodation and intercity flights. Add ₹4,420 (~1,200,000 VND or ~$45.84) for 6 nights in hostels and you’re at ₹18,704 (~$194.02) on-ground, plus flights and visa. See Vietnam activities cost guide for more tour pricing.
Common Cost Mistakes Indians Make
- Exchanging money at Delhi airport before flying. The rate is 3% to 5% worse than what your forex card gives you. Skip it.
- Booking day tours through hotel desks. The same Ha Long tour is ₹2,946-₹4,420 (~800,000-1,200,000 VND or ~$30.56-$45.84) at your hostel, ₹5,524-₹7,366 (~1,500,000-2,000,000 VND or ~$57.31-$76.41) at the hotel front desk.
- Eating at restaurants near the major attractions. The pho in Hanoi’s Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake is double the price of the same bowl two streets away.
- Using DCC at ATMs. Dynamic Currency Conversion lets the ATM offer to charge you in INR. Always decline and choose VND, or you’ll pay 3% to 5% extra on every withdrawal.
- Not declaring cash above USD 3,000 at Vietnam customs if carrying that much. It’s a legal threshold, not a suggestion. Declarations are quick.
Subodh’s Take
Vietnam is the easiest Southeast Asia country to do on a tight budget, but the savings compound when you know the real prices. A solo traveller who eats pho for breakfast (₹92 (~25,000 VND or ~$0.96)), banh mi for lunch (₹110 (~30,000 VND or ~$1.15)), and com tam for dinner (₹184 (~50,000 VND or ~$1.91)) is spending ₹390/day on food. That’s less than a single meal at a mid-range restaurant in Bangalore. The trick isn’t finding cheap Vietnam; it’s knowing that the cheap Vietnam you heard about is real, and exactly how cheap it is.
FAQ
Is ₹50,000 (~$518.65) enough for Vietnam for 7 days? Yes, for a solo budget traveller. ₹50,000 (~$518.65) covers flights (₹22,000 (~$228.21)), visa (₹2,410 (~$25)), and 7 days on the ground (₹22,000 (~$228.21) to ₹25,000 (~$259.33)). You’ll have ₹500 (~$5.19) to ₹3,000 (~$31.12) buffer.
Is ₹96,500 (~1,000 USD) enough for 2 weeks in Vietnam? Yes. USD 1,000 = ₹96,500. That covers flights, visa, and 14 days of comfortable budget travel with room for 2 to 3 day tours and a private room every few nights.
Can I use UPI in Vietnam? No. UPI doesn’t work in Vietnam. Use a forex card, zero-markup debit card, or cash.
What is the cheapest way to get from India to Vietnam? Kolkata to Hanoi direct or one-stop flights on VietJet/AirAsia, around ₹15,000 (~$155.60) to ₹22,000 (~$228.21) round trip if booked 4 to 6 weeks ahead.
How much cash should I carry into Vietnam? RBI allows up to USD 3,000 (≈ ₹2,89,000) without declaration. Practically, carry ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 in cash for the first 2 days, then withdraw from ATMs using a zero-markup card.
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand? On street food and dorms, yes by 10% to 20%. On transport and tours, comparable. On alcohol, Thailand is cheaper (Bia Hoi vs beer at 7-Eleven).
What’s the best forex card for Vietnam? Zero-markup cards (Fi, Niyo) give the closest-to-mid-market rate. Traditional HDFC/Axis forex cards work but add 2% to 3.5% markup.
