Is Vietnam Expensive? A Guide to the Cost of Traveling in Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the first questions you may ask is: Is Vietnam expensive?

For Australian travelers, Vietnam is generally an affordable destination with excellent value for money. Compared with Australia, everyday expenses such as food, accommodation, transportation, and many activities can be significantly lower.

However, how much you spend depends on the way you travel. Vietnam offers everything from inexpensive local meals and budget accommodation to boutique hotels, private tours, luxury cruises, and high-end resorts.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Vietnam?

There is no single budget that suits every traveler, but Vietnam can accommodate a wide range of travel styles.

As a general guide, an Australian traveler might spend approximately:

Budget travel: AUD $25–$40 per person per day
Comfortable travel: AUD $50–$100 per person per day
Luxury travel: AUD $100+ per person per day

These estimates are for daily expenses in Vietnam and do not include international flights. Your actual costs will depend on your accommodation, dining choices, transportation, activities, and the destinations you visit.

Food and Drinks in Vietnam

Food is one of the biggest advantages for travelers on a budget.

A local Vietnamese meal such as phở, bún chả, cơm, or bánh mì can be very affordable, particularly at local restaurants and street-food stalls. You can also find a wide range of cafés, international restaurants, and fine-dining venues if you prefer a more premium experience.

Vietnamese coffee is another must-try. A traditional cà phê sữa đá or a cup of local coffee usually costs much less than a similar drink in Australia.

For many visitors, Vietnam makes it possible to enjoy excellent food without having to spend a large part of their daily travel budget on dining.

Accommodation: From Budget to Luxury

Vietnam has accommodation for almost every budget.

Depending on the destination and season, travelers can choose from:

Hostels and budget guesthouses
Comfortable 3-star hotels
Boutique hotels
4- and 5-star hotels
Luxury resorts and private villas

Popular destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City offer a wide variety of accommodation.

Booking in advance can be particularly helpful during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel periods.

Transportation in Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is generally affordable, especially compared with Australia.

Within cities, travelers can use taxis, local buses, or ride-hailing services such as Grab. For longer journeys, there are domestic flights, trains, sleeper buses, and private transfers.

For families, couples, or small groups, a private car with a driver can also be a convenient option. Although it costs more than public transportation, it can offer better comfort and flexibility, particularly for day trips.

How Much Do Activities Cost?

Vietnam offers plenty of experiences that cost little or nothing.

Walking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, exploring local markets, visiting temples, enjoying the beach, or simply discovering a city’s neighborhoods can all be part of your trip without a large entrance fee.

Other experiences, such as a Ha Long Bay cruise, private guided tour, cooking class, food tour, or luxury resort stay, will naturally cost more.

The advantage is that you can easily combine affordable activities with a few special experiences to create a trip that matches your budget.

Is Vietnam Cheaper Than Australia?

For most Australian visitors, Vietnam is considerably cheaper for everyday travel expenses.

A meal at a local Vietnamese restaurant, a short taxi ride, a cup of coffee, or a comfortable hotel room can often cost less than what travelers are accustomed to paying in Australia.

At the same time, Vietnam is not limited to budget travel. If you want a luxury holiday, you can find premium hotels, private tours, fine dining, luxury cruises, and high-end resorts throughout the country.

This flexibility is one of Vietnam’s greatest advantages as a travel destination.

Tips for Getting More Value from Your Money

A few simple choices can help you make the most of your budget:

Eat local.

Vietnamese local restaurants and street food offer excellent quality at affordable prices.

Book accommodation in advance.

Prices can vary depending on the season and availability.

Compare transportation options.

For longer journeys, compare flights, trains, buses, and private transfers based on both price and travel time.

Keep some Vietnamese cash with you.

Cards are widely accepted in hotels and many restaurants, but cash remains useful for markets, street food, and smaller businesses.

Plan your itinerary carefully.

Combining nearby destinations can reduce transportation costs and give you more time to enjoy each place.

Travel Vietnam with Go Vietnam Travel

Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly holiday, a comfortable family trip, a romantic getaway, or a private luxury experience, Vietnam offers plenty of choices.

At Go Vietnam Travel, we help international travelers, including visitors from Australia, discover Vietnam through thoughtfully planned itineraries and authentic local experiences.

From Hanoi and Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, and beyond, our local knowledge can help you choose experiences that suit your interests, travel style, and budget.

So, Is Vietnam Expensive?

Compared with Australia, Vietnam is generally an affordable destination and offers excellent value for money.

You don’t need a huge budget to enjoy great food, comfortable accommodation, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences. At the same time, if you prefer to travel in comfort or luxury, Vietnam has plenty of premium options.

If Vietnam is on your travel list, your Australian dollars can go a long way here — and the experiences are worth even more.

Start planning your Vietnam journey with Go Vietnam Travel.

Travel costs vary depending on destination, season, exchange rates, accommodation standards, and personal spending habits. Prices mentioned in this article are general estimates and should be used as a guide only.

Updated 26-08-2026

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Is Vietnam Expensive? A Guide to the Cost of Traveling in Vietnam

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Vietnam?

Food and Drinks in Vietnam

Accommodation: From Budget to Luxury

Transportation in Vietnam

How Much Do Activities Cost?

Is Vietnam Cheaper Than Australia?

Tips for Getting More Value from Your Money

Travel Vietnam with Go Vietnam Travel

So, Is Vietnam Expensive?

Best Time to Visit Vietnam: A Complete Weather Guide by Region

Vietnam Visa for Australian Citizens: Complete E-Visa Guide

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