Vietnam on a Budget
Vietnam is one of Asia’s best-value destinations — here’s how to travel well on ₹4,500–₹8,000 a day.
What things cost
A bowl of pho is ₹100–₹200, a banh mi ₹60–₹120, and a local beer often under ₹100. A clean 3-star double runs ₹2,000–₹3,500 a night, and an overnight train berth ₹1,200–₹2,500. Most travellers spend ₹4,500–₹8,000 a day comfortably, far less than Thailand or Japan.
Eat where the locals eat
The best food in Vietnam is also the cheapest — plastic-stool street stalls and markets. Look for busy stands with a steady local crowd, point at what others are eating, and you’ll eat brilliantly for a few hundred rupees a day. Egg coffee and bia hoi (fresh draught beer) are bargain treats.
Getting around for less
The Reunification Express train and sleeper buses link the whole country cheaply and double as accommodation on overnight legs. In cities, the Grab app (ride-hailing) is cheap and fixes the price so you skip the haggling. Domestic flights are inexpensive when booked a few weeks ahead.
Smart money tips
Carry Vietnamese dong cash — most street stalls and small guesthouses are cash-only. Withdraw larger amounts to reduce ATM fees, agree taxi prices upfront or use Grab, and don’t over-plan: Vietnam rewards slow, spontaneous, low-cost travel.
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Plan my Vietnam tripFrequently asked questions
What things cost — what should I know?
A bowl of pho is ₹100–₹200, a banh mi ₹60–₹120, and a local beer often under ₹100. A clean 3-star double runs ₹2,000–₹3,500 a night, and an overnight train berth ₹1,200–₹2,500. Most travellers spend ₹4,500–₹8,000 a day comfortably, far less than Thailand or Japan.
Eat where the locals eat — what should I know?
The best food in Vietnam is also the cheapest — plastic-stool street stalls and markets. Look for busy stands with a steady local crowd, point at what others are eating, and you’ll eat brilliantly for a few hundred rupees a day. Egg coffee and bia hoi (fresh draught beer) are bargain treats.
Getting around for less — what should I know?
The Reunification Express train and sleeper buses link the whole country cheaply and double as accommodation on overnight legs. In cities, the Grab app (ride-hailing) is cheap and fixes the price so you skip the haggling. Domestic flights are inexpensive when booked a few weeks ahead.
Smart money tips — what should I know?
Carry Vietnamese dong cash — most street stalls and small guesthouses are cash-only. Withdraw larger amounts to reduce ATM fees, agree taxi prices upfront or use Grab, and don’t over-plan: Vietnam rewards slow, spontaneous, low-cost travel.