How much money is needed per day in Vietnam for independent travel?

For independent travel in Vietnam in 2026, the daily budget varies greatly: from 450,000–750,000 dong (17–29 USD) for a budget traveler to 2.1–3.8+ million dong (80–145+ USD) for a comfortable vacation. It all depends on your requirements for accommodation, food, and entertainment.

Approximate daily budget for an independent traveler in Vietnam (in Vietnamese dong)

Expense item	Budget traveler	Standard option	Comfortable vacation
Accommodation	150,000 - 250,000	400,000 - 600,000	800,000 - 1,500,000+
Food	200,000 - 300,000	400,000 - 600,000	700,000 - 1,000,000+
Transport (local)	50,000 - 100,000	120,000 - 200,000	200,000 - 500,000
Entertainment/shopping	50,000 - 100,000	150,000 - 300,000	400,000 - 800,000+
TOTAL per day	450,000 - 750,000 ≈ 17 - 29 USD	1,070,000 - 1,700,000 ≈ 41 - 65 USD	2,100,000 - 3,800,000+ ≈ 80 - 145+ USD

What is included in these amounts:

• Accommodation: from a hostel bunk (from 100,000 dong) to a hotel room with a pool (from 400,000 dong for two).
• Food: from a bowl of pho at a street stall (from 40,000 dong) to a seafood dinner at a restaurant (from 300,000 dong).
• Transport: renting a motorbike for a day (from 80,000–120,000 dong) or taxi rides via Grab (from 30,000 dong).
• Entertainment: a day tour (from 500,000 dong), massage (from 150,000 dong/hour).

Remember, these are only basic daily expenses. To the total trip amount, you need to add the cost of flights, insurance, and intercity transport tickets (bus, train).

We have detailed all expense items in our guide How much money to take to Vietnam in 2026, which includes a convenient budget calculator.

How much does a visa to Vietnam cost?
Where to go in Vietnam for the first time?
Where is best to buy tours to Vietnam?
Follow the link, all these questions are discussed in the chat - https://t.me/vietnam_travel_chat