Travelling through Vietnam can be as frugal or as indulgent as you choose. Below, two sample two-week itineraries illustrate the stark contrast between a budget-minded adventure and a more comfortable experience. All costs are approximate and based on current exchange rates.
Itinerary Overview
City Stops: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 14 nights, 15 days
Includes: accommodation, food, transport, activities and local SIM/data
Budget Backpacker Experience
This itinerary focuses on shared dorms, street food and public transport, ideal for travellers keen to stretch every pound.
Accommodation
- Dormitory bed in hostels: £6 per night × 14 nights = £84
Food & Drink
- Street-food meals and market snacks: £4 per day × 15 days = £60
- Occasional coffee or beer: £2 per day × 15 days = £30
Transport
- Airport transfers by bus or shared shuttle: £5 × 2 = £10
- Intercity sleeper busses or trains: £12 per journey × 3 = £36
- Local buses and taxis: £3 per day × 15 days = £45
Activities
- Free walking tours, temple visits, street markets: £1–5 per activity × 10 = £30
- Ha Long Bay day cruise (group tour): £25
SIM & Data
- Local SIM with 10 GB data: £5
Total Budget Cost: £84 + £60 + £30 + £10 + £36 + £45 + £30 + £25 + £5 = £325
Average Daily Spend: £325 ÷ 15 days ≈ £22
Comfortable Traveller Experience
This itinerary upgrades to private rooms, restaurant dining and private transfers for a more relaxed journey.
Accommodation
- Private room in mid-range hotels or homestays: £30 per night × 14 nights = £420
Food & Drink
- Mix of local restaurants and Western cafés: £15 per day × 15 days = £225
- Evening drinks or cocktails: £5 per day × 15 days = £75
Transport
- Private airport transfers: £15 × 2 = £30
- Internal flights (Hanoi–Danang, Danang–Ho Chi Minh City): £40 per flight × 2 = £80
- Grab or taxis for local travel: £6 per day × 15 days = £90
Activities
- Guided city tours and paid attractions: £10–20 per activity × 8 = £120
- Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay (incl. meals): £80
SIM & Data
- Local SIM with 20 GB data: £8
Total Comfort Cost: £420 + £225 + £75 + £30 + £80 + £90 + £120 + £80 + £8 = £1,128
Average Daily Spend: £1,128 ÷ 15 days ≈ £75
Cost Comparison Summary
| Category | Budget Backpacker | Comfortable Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £84 | £420 |
| Food & Drink | £90 | £300 |
| Transport | £91 | £200 |
| Activities | £55 | £200 |
| SIM & Data | £5 | £8 |
| Total | £325 | £1,128 |
| Daily Average | £22 | £75 |
Tips for All Travellers
- Book accommodation and internal flights in advance for the best rates.
- Eat where locals eat to enjoy authentic cuisine and save money.
- Compare transport options – overnight buses save on one night’s accommodation, while budget airlines can be more time-efficient.
- Purchase a local SIM on arrival for reliable data at low cost.
- Negotiate politely for longer stays or group tours to secure discounts.
Whether you opt for shoestring travel or a more pampered experience, Vietnam offers incredible value and unforgettable experiences at every price point.
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