Backpacking Vietnam for Under $30/Day – Full Itinerary + Cost Breakdown
Can you really explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi, cruise through Ha Long Bay, and savor a steaming bowl of pho—all for less than $30 a day?
Absolutely. Welcome to Vietnam on a budget—a backpacker’s paradise where affordability meets adventure.
In this guide, you’ll discover how much it costs to travel Vietnam, a sample 2-week itinerary, budget tips for flights, food, stays, transport, and everything in between.
Why Vietnam Is a Dream for Budget Travelers
From boat rides in Ha Long Bay to late-night lantern strolls in Hoi An, and rich egg coffee mornings in Hanoi—you can do it all without draining your travel fund. Vietnam is not only beautiful and culturally rich—it’s one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a student, or planning a spontaneous backpacking trip, Vietnam offers amazing value for money.
Realistic Daily Costs – What Does $30/Day Cover?
| Category | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Accommodation (hostel dorm) | $5–10 | Many include Wi-Fi and breakfast |
| Meals (street food) | $4–7 | Local dishes like pho and banh mi are cheap and tasty |
| Local Transport | $3–5 | Grab bike, buses, or short taxis |
| Attractions | $2–4 | Museums, temples, and natural sites |
| Extras | $2–4 | SIM card, snacks, water, coffee |
Daily Total: ~$25–30
Travelers can easily adjust this up or down depending on comfort and location.
Time-Based Budget Planning
Vietnam One Week Budget
- Budget: $180–200
- Covers a short itinerary: Hanoi + Ha Long Bay or Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta
- Ideal for quick, focused travel
Budget for 2 Weeks in Vietnam
- Budget: $350–400
- Covers a full north-to-south route or vice versa
- Add destinations like Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue
Vietnam One Month Budget
- Budget: $700–800
- Ideal for slower travel with offbeat spots like Ha Giang, Sapa, Phu Quoc, or extended beach time
Country-Specific Planning: India & USA
Vietnam Budget Trip from India
- Flight: ₹15,000–₹25,000 roundtrip (watch out for deals on VietJet)
- Visa: ₹1,800–₹2,200 (eVisa)
- One-week all-inclusive budget: ₹20,000–₹25,000
Vietnam Trip Cost from USA
- Flight: $650–$900 roundtrip
- Visa: ~$25
- Book early and track prices using Skyscanner or Google Flights
2-Week Backpacking Itinerary (North to South)
Day 1–3: Hanoi
- Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake
- Try egg coffee, pho, and banh mi
- Budget hostel: $6–8/night
Day 4–5: Ha Long Bay
- Overnight cruise (~$35–40 with meals)
- Kayaking, caves, and limestone views
Day 6–8: Ninh Binh or Phong Nha
- Ninh Binh: rice fields and boat rides
- Phong Nha: world-famous caves
- Transport via night bus or train
Day 9–11: Hoi An
- Explore the ancient town, night markets, and beaches
- Get custom clothes made for cheap
Day 12–14: Ho Chi Minh City
- Hit two of Saigon’s must-see stops: the powerful War Remnants Museum and the unforgettable Cu Chi Tunnels—an eye-opening combo for any traveler.
- Enjoy rooftop bars and street food stalls
Where to Stay: Best Budget Hostels
Some great options for budget travelers:
- Hanoi: Nexy Hostel, See You at Lily’s
- Hue: Vietnam Backpacker Hostels
- Da Nang: Rom Casa (made from containers!)
- HCMC: The Hideout, 9 Hostel
Most beds range between $5–10/night. Some offer free walking tours, breakfast, or beer hours!
Find highly-rated, budget-friendly hostels across Vietnam on Hostelworld.
Budget Food Guide – Eat Like a Local
Eating street food is not just cheap—it’s part of the adventure.
Must-try Vietnamese dishes and their typical prices:
- Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup): $1.50
- Banh Mi: $1
- Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): $1.50
- Egg Coffee: $1
- Che (Sweet Dessert Soup): $0.80
Stick to local eateries and street stalls for the best taste and value.
Transport Options for Budget Travelers
Vietnam offers excellent budget transport options:
- Sleeper Trains: Comfortable and affordable for long distances
- Buses: Often the cheapest, especially overnight
- Motorbike Rentals: ~$5/day, great for city travel or coastal roads
- Domestic Flights: Cheap if booked in advance (VietJet, Bamboo Airways)
- Local Transport: Use Grab for cheap rides around cities
Must-Have Tools for Trip Planning
| Tool | Purpose |
| Google Flights / Skyscanner | Find cheap flights |
| Rome2Rio / 12Go Asia | Compare transport options |
| Hostelworld / Booking.com | Find budget hostels |
| XE / Wise App | Currency exchange & payments |
| Maps.me / Google Maps | Offline navigation |
Compare the best flight deals to Vietnam on Skyscanner before booking your tickets
Backpacking Essentials
Packing for Vietnam? Don’t worry—I’ve got your back. These are the must-haves to keep your Vietnam trip smooth, safe, and budget-friendly:
Travel backpack (30–40L)
- Lightweight clothes and sandals
- Refillable water bottle
- Power bank & universal adapter
- Travel insurance
- Unlocked phone + local SIM
- First aid basics (especially if riding a bike)
- Printed bookings and eVisa
Final Thoughts
Vietnam reminds us that the richness of travel lies not in spending more, but in experiencing more. With a little planning, you can eat well, sleep comfortably, and explore one of Asia’s most fascinating countries—all under $30 a day.
Whether it’s your first solo trip or another stamp in your passport, Vietnam will stay with you long after you’ve left. So pack your bag, book that flight, and start your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is $30 a day enough to travel around Vietnam?
Yes, $30/day is more than enough for budget travelers in Vietnam. You can cover accommodation, meals, local transport, and even a few attractions comfortably on this budget.
2. What’s the cheapest way to travel between cities in Vietnam?
Sleeper buses and trains are the most affordable options. Why waste a day traveling? Hop on a night bus and wake up in your next destination—no need to pay for a night’s stay. For longer distances, budget airlines like VietJet offer cheap domestic flights.
3. What are the visa requirements for Vietnam?
Most travelers do need a visa to enter Vietnam, but the process is simple. Many nationalities can apply for a 30-day eVisa online, which is fast and affordable. Some countries, like Japan, South Korea, and members of ASEAN, enjoy visa-free access for short stays. Be sure to check the latest visa rules for your passport before you go.
4. Should solo female travelers worry about safety in Vietnam?
Yes, Vietnam is considered very safe for tourists, including solo and female travelers. Just take standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and watching your belongings in crowded places.
5. When is the best time to visit Vietnam on a budget?
The shoulder seasons—spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)—offer great weather, fewer tourists, and better deals on flights and stays.
If you’re planning a longer trip, don’t miss our guide on the 10 must-visit places in Vietnam to help you build the perfect itinerary beyond the usual tourist spots.
Dreaming of tropical beaches? Check out our full guide to Phu Quoc travel and discover why this island paradise is a must-visit for backpackers and beach lovers alike.
