Prices of Essential Items for Tourism in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide
Last Updated on 25 December, 2024 by admin
Vietnam is a renowned destination for travellers worldwide, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and affordable prices. Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer stay, understanding the cost of essential items and services can help you craft a well-budgeted itinerary. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of typical expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and more, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Affordable Accommodation Options
Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. For budget travellers, hostels cost between £4–£8 / $5–$10 / AUD 7–15 per night, offering shared facilities and a chance to meet fellow travellers. If you prefer privacy, guesthouses offer private rooms for £8–£16 / $10–$20 / AUD 15–30 per night, ideal for a comfortable yet affordable stay.
Mid-range hotels, offering amenities such as air conditioning and breakfast, are priced at £24–£48 / $30–$60 / AUD 45–90 per night. For luxury seekers, Vietnam’s high-end resorts and five-star hotels start at £80+ / $100+ / AUD 150+ per night, featuring premium services and prime locations. Booking through platforms like Agoda or Booking.com can secure discounts.
Transport: Exploring Vietnam with Ease
Vietnam’s transport system is affordable and accessible. Local transport options include motorbike rentals, priced at £4–£8 / $5–$10 / AUD 7–15 per day, offering flexibility for exploring. Taxi fares average £0.40–£0.60 / $0.50–$0.70 / AUD 0.80–1.10 per kilometre, while ridesharing apps like Grab offer cost-effective and convenient travel.
For intercity travel, buses are budget-friendly at £8–£16 / $10–$20 / AUD 15–30, depending on distance. For a scenic experience, train fares range from £8–£40 / $10–$50 / AUD 15–75, varying by class and route. For faster travel, domestic flights cost approximately £20–£80 / $25–$100 / AUD 40–150, with fares depending on the route and booking time.
Food and Beverages: Flavourful and Affordable
Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight for travellers, offering delicious meals at low prices. Street food dishes like pho cost £1.20–£2.40 / $1.50–$3 / AUD 2–4.50, and banh mi sandwiches are available for £0.80–£1.60 / $1–$2 / AUD 1.50–3. Dining at local restaurants costs around £2.40–£5.60 / $3–$7 / AUD 4.50–10.50, while fine dining is priced between £16–£40 / $20–$50 / AUD 30–75 per person.
Beverages are equally affordable, with Vietnamese coffee priced at £0.80–£1.60 / $1–$2 / AUD 1.50–3, beer at £0.40–£1.60 / $0.50–$2 / AUD 0.80–3, and bottled water costing £0.24–£0.40 / $0.30–$0.50 / AUD 0.50–0.80.
Entry Fees for Attractions
Vietnam’s cultural and natural attractions are accessible at minimal costs. Visiting historical sites like temples or museums costs £1.60–£4 / $2–$5 / AUD 3–8, while national parks charge around £2.40–£8 / $3–$10 / AUD 5–15. Beaches are generally free to access, though some may have small maintenance fees.
Shopping for Essentials and Souvenirs
Essentials like bottled water, snacks, and toiletries cost between £0.24–£1.60 / $0.30–$2 / AUD 0.50–3. For souvenirs, local markets offer handicrafts, textiles, and traditional products at reasonable prices. Bargaining is common, so negotiate to get the best deals.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Staying connected is simple with a local SIM card with data, costing £4–£8 / $5–$10 / AUD 7–15 for a basic package. While tipping is not mandatory, leaving a small amount (e.g., £0.80–£1.60 / $1–$2 / AUD 1.50–3) is appreciated for excellent service. Other necessities like sunscreen and mosquito repellent are readily available for £2.40–£4 / $3–$5 / AUD 5–8.
Budget Planning Tips
Vietnam is ideal for all budgets:
- Budget travellers: £16–£32 / $20–$40 / AUD 30–60 per day.
- Mid-range travellers: £40–£80 / $50–$100 / AUD 75–150 per day.
- Luxury travellers: £120+ / $150+ / AUD 220+ per day.
Book accommodation and transport early, dine at local eateries, and avoid tourist traps to maximise savings. Packing essentials like reusable water bottles and sunscreen also helps cut unnecessary expenses.
Overview of Costs: Summary Table
| Category | GBP (£) | USD ($) | AUD (A$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel (per night) | £4–£8 | $5–$10 | A$7–A$15 |
| Guesthouse (per night) | £8–£16 | $10–$20 | A$15–A$30 |
| Mid-range hotel | £24–£48 | $30–$60 | A$45–A$90 |
| Luxury hotel | £80+ | $100+ | A$150+ |
| Motorbike rental (per day) | £4–£8 | $5–$10 | A$7–A$15 |
| Taxi fare (per km) | £0.40–£0.60 | $0.50–$0.70 | A$0.80–A$1.10 |
| Bus ticket | £8–£16 | $10–$20 | A$15–A$30 |
| Train ticket | £8–£40 | $10–$50 | A$15–A$75 |
| Domestic flight | £20–£80 | $25–$100 | A$40–A$150 |
| Pho (bowl of soup) | £1.20–£2.40 | $1.50–$3 | A$2–A$4.50 |
| Banh mi (sandwich) | £0.80–£1.60 | $1–$2 | A$1.50–A$3 |
| Local restaurant meal | £2.40–£5.60 | $3–$7 | A$4.50–A$10.50 |
| Fine dining meal | £16–£40 | $20–$50 | A$30–A$75 |
| Coffee | £0.80–£1.60 | $1–$2 | A$1.50–A$3 |
| Beer | £0.40–£1.60 | $0.50–$2 | A$0.80–A$3 |
| Entry fees (attractions) | £1.60–£8 | $2–$10 | A$3–A$15 |
| SIM card + data | £4–£8 | $5–$10 | A$7–A$15 |
Detailed Costs for Key Categories
Accommodation: Vietnam offers options for all budgets. Hostels provide the most economical choice, while luxury resorts cater to travellers seeking premium experiences. Mid-range hotels are perfect for those looking for balance between cost and comfort.
Transportation: Getting around is affordable with motorbike rentals, local taxis, and budget-friendly bus or train services. For intercity travel, domestic flights are convenient but slightly more expensive.
Food and Beverages: Vietnamese cuisine is not only delicious but also wallet-friendly. From street food to fine dining, travellers can enjoy hearty meals at various price points. Drinks like coffee and local beer are particularly inexpensive.
Attractions and Souvenirs: Entry fees to cultural sites and natural reserves are modest, while essentials and souvenirs like handicrafts are reasonably priced.
Vietnam is a dream destination for travellers, offering unbeatable value across all aspects of tourism. Use this guide and price table to plan your trip and ensure an enjoyable, cost-effective adventure. Whether you’re on a tight budget or indulging in luxury, Vietnam has something extraordinary to offer.
Start packing and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
