Prices in Vietnam in 2026: the full breakdown
Vietnam is still one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia. You can eat a full meal for about $2, sleep in a four-star hotel from around $30 a night, and rent a scooter for $6 a day. Below: detailed tables for food, hotels, transport, tours and shopping, all in dong with a USD guide.
All prices below are in Vietnamese dong (VND) with a rough USD conversion at 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND (the mid-2026 rate). A quick trick: drop the last three zeros and divide by 26 — so 50,000 VND is about $2, and 500,000 VND is about $19. The dong drifts against the dollar, so check the Vietnamese dong exchange rate before you travel.
By the Expatistan cost-of-living index, Vietnam has topped the world for affordability several years running. Living costs here are roughly 60% lower than in the US or UK, and 89% of expats surveyed in 2025 said they were happy with what they spend (Remitly).
Prices current as of July 2026 and updated regularly.
Food prices in Vietnam
The food is one of the main reasons people keep coming back. It is tasty, cheap and varied. A bowl of pho bo for about $2, a banh mi for well under a dollar, a fresh coconut for pocket change — those are normal prices, not special offers.
Street food and local eateries
The best value is the street stall and the local canteen where Vietnamese people actually eat:
| Dish | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Pho bo (beef noodle soup) | 40,000–70,000 | ~$1.60–2.80 |
| Banh mi (sandwich) | 20,000–45,000 | ~$0.80–1.80 |
| Rice with meat (com thit) | 50,000–90,000 | ~$2–3.60 |
| Noodles with chicken | 45,000–80,000 | ~$1.80–3.20 |
| Spring rolls (each) | 10,000 | ~$0.40 |
| Banh xeo pancake | from 40,000 | from ~$1.60 |
The average bill at a local eatery is about 50,000 VND (~$2) per person. For two, lunch and dinner run 200,000–300,000 VND (~$8–12) a day.
💬 "Two of us spent about $9 a day each eating out — cafe lunches and dinners, delivery, fruit, drinks and snacks. It is genuinely hard to eat this well this cheaply anywhere else in the region." — a common refrain among long-stay travellers, r/VietnamTravel, 2025
Tourist cafes and restaurants
Places aimed at foreigners cost two or three times more, but by global standards they are still cheap.
| Item | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Salad / starter | 80,000–120,000 | ~$3.20–4.80 |
| Main course | 120,000–220,000 | ~$4.80–8.80 |
| Dessert | 60,000–100,000 | ~$2.40–4 |
| Seafood set (for two) | from 700,000 | from ~$28 |
| Fresh oysters (6) | 80,000 | ~$3.20 |
| Grilled lobster | 300,000 | ~$12 |
| Big Mac combo | 99,000 | ~$4 |
Dinner for two with wine at an upscale restaurant starts around 1,500,000 VND (~$60). That is the premium tier, and it is far from everywhere in Vietnam.
Groceries at the supermarket
If you are renting an apartment or just want to snack in your room, here are prices at supermarkets like Big C, Winmart and Co.opmart:
| Item | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bread (loaf) | 12,000–18,000 | ~$0.50–0.70 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 15,000–30,000 | ~$0.60–1.20 |
| Milk (1 L) | 30,000–38,000 | ~$1.20–1.50 |
| Eggs (10) | 22,000–30,000 | ~$0.90–1.20 |
| Chicken (1 kg) | from 100,000 | from ~$4 |
| Fish (1 kg) | from 80,000 | from ~$3.20 |
| Water (1.5 L) | 8,000–12,000 | ~$0.30–0.50 |
Drinks and alcohol
Vietnam is a paradise for anyone who likes cheap beer and good coffee. Local beer costs less than a bottle of water at a European airport.
| Drink | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local beer (Bia Saigon, 333) | 12,000–30,000 | ~$0.50–1.20 |
| Imported beer (Heineken) | from 35,000 | from ~$1.40 |
| Beer at a restaurant | 30,000–60,000 | ~$1.20–2.40 |
| Vietnamese coffee | ~25,000 | ~$1 |
| Fresh juice / smoothie | 15,000–25,000 | ~$0.60–1 |
| Coconut | 10,000–15,000 | ~$0.40–0.60 |
| Cocktail at a bar | 70,000–150,000 | ~$2.80–6 |
Local beer is three to four times cheaper than imported. Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) runs about $1 — a must-try.
Beer here is among the cheapest in the world: a can of Bia Saigon from a shop is around $0.50, and drink spending works out roughly half of what you would pay in Bali or Thailand.
Fruit
Vietnamese markets carry dozens of tropical fruits at prices that seem unreal back home:
| Fruit | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mango | 25,000–40,000 | ~$1–1.60 |
| Bananas | 12,000–20,000 | ~$0.50–0.80 |
| Pineapple (each) | 10,000–18,000 | ~$0.40–0.70 |
| Papaya | 18,000–30,000 | ~$0.70–1.20 |
| Rambutan | 30,000–60,000 | ~$1.20–2.40 |
| Mangosteen | 40,000–80,000 | ~$1.60–3.20 |
| Dragon fruit | from 15,000 | from ~$0.60 |
Accommodation and hotel prices
For anyone used to European or North American prices, accommodation in Vietnam is a pleasant shock. A four-star hotel in Nha Trang with a pool and breakfast starts around $30 a night for two. Phu Quoc is pricier, but the standard is higher too.
Hotels — a city-by-city comparison
| Type | Nha Trang | Phu Quoc | Da Nang | HCMC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel / guesthouse | $6–12 | $10–15 | $7–14 | $7–12 |
| 2–3★ hotel | $15–35 | $15–30 | $20–40 | $20–35 |
| 4★ hotel | $30–70 | $45–90 | $50–85 | $40–80 |
| 5★ hotel | $40–180 | $110–300 | $100–200 | $80–200 |
Real examples (2026):
- Nagar Hotel 4★ (Nha Trang) — about $30 a night for two
- Regalia Gold 5★ (Nha Trang) — $30–50
- Movenpick Resort 5★ (Phu Quoc) — about $130 with breakfast
- New World Phu Quoc Resort 5★ — $500–1,000 for a villa
💬 "In Nha Trang for $30 a night we had a four-star with a pool, breakfast and a sea view. In Thailand that gets you a hostel. Vietnam runs 30-50% cheaper than Thailand on hotels." — a common expat sentiment, Tripadvisor forums, 2026
Long-term rentals
If you are staying a month or longer, renting an apartment works out far cheaper:
The deposit is usually one month, and contracts start at three months, though you can often negotiate one. The easiest way to find a place is through local Facebook groups and Zalo, or by walking the neighbourhood and calling the numbers on "for rent" signs.
According to International Living, in smaller cities (Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang) monthly living costs come to $400–600 per person including rent. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi it is $700–1,300, driven by higher rents.
Skip the airport queue in 5–10 min
In winter, immigration lines run 60–90 min. With Fast Track you’re met at the aircraft and taken through the priority lane. Arrange it before you fly.
Telegram managerTransport prices
Transport in Vietnam is cheap but chaotic. Your two main tools are Grab (the local Uber) and a rented scooter.
Getting around town
💬 "Grab is a must-have. Without it, cab drivers can rig the meter or take you the long way. In Grab the price is fixed up front — no surprises." — a common tip from travellers on r/VietnamTravel, 2025
Renting a scooter or car
If you are here six months or more, buying a used bike ($200–500) beats renting. When you leave, you sell it for roughly what you paid.
Intercity travel
| Route | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|
| Sleeper bus HCMC → Nha Trang | ~$12 |
| Train (seat) | ~$12 |
| Train (sleeper berth) | ~$28 |
| Domestic flight | ~$20–50 |
| Bus Hanoi → Da Nang | ~$20 |
| Fast ferry to Con Dao | ~$50 |
Sleeper buses are a handy way to travel: flat berths, air-con, Wi-Fi. Cheaper than flying, and you don't lose a day.
Airport transfers
| Route | Bus | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Cam Ranh → Nha Trang | 65,000 VND (~$2.60) | 350,000–450,000 VND (~$14–18) |
| Noi Bai → Hanoi | 35,000 VND (~$1.40) | ~400,000 VND (~$16) |
Tour and activity prices
Attraction tickets
| Attraction | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| VinWonders Nha Trang (adult) | 1,050,000 | ~$40 |
| VinWonders Nha Trang (child) | 800,000 | ~$31 |
| Cable car + water park (Phu Quoc) | 700,000 | ~$28 |
| Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge) | 950,000 | ~$38 |
| Yang Bay eco-park | 200,000 | ~$8 |
| Ba Ho waterfalls | 185,000 | ~$7.40 |
| Po Nagar Cham towers | 30,000 | ~$1.20 |
| Cu Chi tunnels (HCMC) | 220,000 | ~$8.80 |
| War Remnants Museum | 40,000 | ~$1.60 |
VinWonders (Vinpearl) is the priciest item on the list and the biggest: rides, water park and aquarium all on one ticket. In 2026 it is 1,050,000 VND (~$40) for an adult, though tickets bought after 4pm drop to around 550,000–700,000 VND.
Guided tours
| Tour | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|
| Nha Trang city tour | ~$30 |
| Southern islands (Nha Trang) | ~$63 |
| Snorkelling tour | ~$30 |
| Yang Bay eco-park (with transfer) | ~$50 |
| Group trip to Da Lat | ~$57 |
| Dinner cruise (Nha Trang) | ~$90 |
| Diving (Phu Quoc) | ~$130 |
| Mekong Delta | ~$240 |
Beach activities and massage
| Activity | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sunbed + umbrella (day) | 50,000–100,000 | ~$2–4 |
| Banana boat (10–15 min) | 200,000–400,000 | ~$8–16 |
| Jet ski (15–20 min) | 400,000–700,000 | ~$16–28 |
| Kayak / SUP (hour) | from 150,000 | from ~$6 |
| Foot massage (60 min) | 100,000–250,000 | ~$4–10 |
| Full-body massage (60 min) | 200,000–350,000 | ~$8–14 |
| Spa package | 400,000–2,000,000 | ~$16–80 |
A massage is one of the great everyday pleasures here. For $4–8 you get a full hour of relaxation. It is pricier in tourist zones and cheaper in residential ones.
Getting set up in Vietnam?
SIM, visas, transfers, tours — our manager sorts it out for you, in English.
Message the managerShopping and souvenir prices
What to bring home from Vietnam? Coffee, tea, spices, silk, pearls and local balms are the classics.
| Item | Price (VND) | Price (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Magnets, keyrings, postcards | 20,000–50,000 | ~$0.80–2 |
| Vietnamese coffee (500 g) | 100,000–250,000 | ~$4–10 |
| Weasel (luwak) coffee (100 g) | from 200,000 | from ~$8 |
| Tea, spices | from 50,000 | from ~$2 |
| Textiles, scarves, bags | 150,000–400,000 | ~$6–16 |
| Silk goods | from 300,000 | from ~$12 |
| Pearls (strand) | from 200,000 | from ~$8 |
| "Golden Star" balm | ~15,000 | ~$0.60 |
Where to buy:
- Markets (Ben Thanh in HCMC, the Nha Trang night market) — cheaper, but you must haggle. A 30-50% discount off the opening price is almost always on the table.
- Supermarkets (Big C, Winmart) — fixed prices, handy for coffee and groceries.
- Malls (Vincom) — fixed prices, air-con, guaranteed quality, and cards accepted.
💬 "At Ben Thanh market they offered luwak coffee for 150,000 VND per 500 g — that is a fake, guaranteed. Real luwak starts at 200,000 VND per 100 g and comes from specialist shops with a certificate." — a recurring warning from travellers on Tripadvisor forums, 2024–2025
SIM, insurance and visa
SIM card and internet
Mobile data in Vietnam is cheap and fast. The main carriers are Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone. You will need your passport to register a local SIM.
You can buy a SIM right at the airport. If you would rather not swap cards, buy an eSIM online before you fly — it activates the moment you land, and everything (WhatsApp, maps, Grab) works without a VPN.
Travel insurance
Insurance is not required to enter Vietnam, but we strongly recommend it. A doctor's consultation runs $50–100, and hospitalisation can run into thousands of dollars. Make sure any policy covers scooter riding if you plan to ride — many exclude it by default.
Visa
Visa rules depend on your passport. Many nationalities (UK, most of the EU, and others) get a visa exemption of up to 45 days. For everyone else, and for longer stays, the e-visa is the standard route — apply on the official evisa.gov.vn:
- E-visa (single-entry, 90 days) — $25
- Multiple-entry e-visa (90 days) — $50
Monthly living costs (if you stay a while)
Staying longer than a trip? Once you stack the unit prices above into a month, the line items look like this for a couple. It is the same food, transport and rent — just totalled up.
Monthly budget (long stay, two people)
| Item | Per month (~USD) |
|---|---|
| Studio rental | $300–500 |
| Utilities + internet | $30–60 |
| Food (cook + eat out) | $300–500 |
| Transport (scooter) | $80–100 |
| SIM / data | $10–20 |
| Entertainment + sport | $100–200 |
| Total | ~$820–1,380 |
These figures match what long-stay travellers actually report. Nomads who keep public spending logs land around $1,000–1,400 a month for a couple, including rent, once the one-off first-month setup costs are behind them.
Tourist price vs local price
Vietnam is cheap, but there are two prices for a lot of things: the local one and the tourist one. Nobody is out to fleece you, but if you look like you just landed, the opening number goes up. Here is where the gap shows and how to close it.
The pattern is simple. Anything with a printed menu, a meter or a fixed ticket charges everyone the same: supermarkets, Grab, hotel bookings, attraction gates. The gap only shows up where the price is spoken out loud, like markets, menu-less street stalls, unmetered taxis, and the sunbed and boat touts on the beach.
- Markets and souvenirs. The first quote can be double. A calm counter-offer of 40–50% off, then meeting in the middle, is normal and expected. Walking away drops the price fast.
- Taxis. Book on Grab or Maxim so the fare is fixed in the app before you get in. A metered street cab can quietly run 20–30% higher.
- Food. Stalls aimed at Vietnamese diners rarely overcharge. If there is no menu, ask the price before you order — the difference between asking and not asking is usually a dollar or two.
- Fruit. A market vendor may quote a tourist rate first; supermarkets have fixed prices but charge 30–50% more for the same mangoes. Ask, then decide.
For the bigger levers, like travelling in low season, booking hotels directly, or taking sleeper buses instead of flights, see the full playbook in our Vietnam travel budget guide.
Prices city by city
Prices vary by region across Vietnam:
| Category | Nha Trang | Phu Quoc | Da Nang | HCMC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pho bo | 40–60K VND | 50–70K VND | 40–60K VND | 40–70K VND |
| 4★ hotel/night | $30–70 | $45–90 | $50–85 | $40–80 |
| Studio rental/mo | $300–500 | $400–600 | $300–500 | $400–700 |
| Massage (60 min) | $6–14 | $8–16 | $8–14 | $6–12 |
| Grab (5 km) | $2–4 | $3–5 | $2–4 | $2–3 |
| Beer (bottle, cafe) | 25–40K VND | 30–50K VND | 25–40K VND | 25–40K VND |
Nha Trang is the classic beach resort — solid infrastructure, mid-range prices. Phu Quoc is pricier but more atmospheric: an island of beaches and sunsets. Da Nang is the sweet spot, with good beaches and gentle prices. Ho Chi Minh City is the metropolis — higher rent, but cheap food and endless things to do.
FAQ
Is Vietnam cheap to travel in?
Yes — a street meal is about $2, a one-hour massage $6, a scooter $6 a day and a decent hotel room $30 a night. That is roughly 30-50% below Thailand across the main categories. What you actually spend depends on your pace; for full day, week and 10-day totals by traveller type, see how much a trip to Vietnam costs.
How much is food in Vietnam in 2026?
A meal at a local eatery is about 50,000 VND (~$2), a tourist restaurant 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–10). Two people spend roughly $10–25 a day on food. The trick: look for places full of Vietnamese diners — plastic stools on the pavement and a queue of locals. It is tastier and cheaper there.
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam per month?
A couple can live comfortably on $800–1,400 a month: an air-conditioned studio, cafe meals, a scooter and some entertainment. Nha Trang and Da Lat are cheaper; Ho Chi Minh City is pricier.
Is Vietnam expensive for tourists?
No — it is one of the cheapest countries in Asia, 30-50% below Thailand on the main categories. A comfortable daily budget is $50–70 per person. For comparison, the same comfort in Bali runs $80–120. The food and the range of sights hold their own against far pricier destinations.
How much money should I bring to Vietnam?
For 10 days for two (excluding flights): $500 (budget) to $1,300 (comfort) to $2,700+ (luxury). Bring a card plus some USD in new $50 and $100 bills — change a little at the airport for the taxi, then the rest in town at a better rate. ATMs are everywhere if you run short.
How much does beer cost in Vietnam?
Local beer (Bia Saigon, 333) is from 12,000 VND (~$0.50) in a shop and from 25,000 VND (~$1) in a cafe. Imported (Heineken) is from 35,000 VND (~$1.40). The cheapest of all is draught bia hoi in Hanoi: 5,000–10,000 VND (~$0.20–0.40) a glass, brewed fresh daily.
What currency does Vietnam use?
The Vietnamese dong (VND). In mid-2026 the rate is roughly 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND. Quick conversion: drop the last three zeros and divide by 26. So 100,000 VND is about $4, and 500,000 VND is about $19. For the live rate and how it has moved, see our Vietnamese dong exchange rate guide.
Can I pay by card in Vietnam, or do I need cash?
Carry cash for street food, markets and small cafes — that is where most of the daily spending happens. Cards work at hotels, malls and mid-range restaurants. ATMs are everywhere but often charge 20,000–50,000 VND per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often, and always have some cash on you.
Prices current as of July 2026 and updated regularly. USD figures use a rate of 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND; check the live rate before you travel.
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