How Much Does It Cost to Go to Vietnam for 2 Weeks? A Budget Breakdown

If you’re looking for an affordable yet culturally rich travel destination, Vietnam should be at the top of your list. This Southeast Asian country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and culinary delights, all at a relatively low cost. So, how much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the expenses and provide you with an estimated budget to help you plan your dream vacation.

Is 2 weeks enough to explore Vietnam?

Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage offer an abundance of experiences that can easily fill a 2-week itinerary. However, covering the entire country in just 2 weeks can be challenging, as Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south.

While uncovering Vietnam’s intricacies could take months, a 2-week visit is sufficient to gain a meaningful taste of the country’s offerings and cover significant ground with precise planning. This duration provides ample time to truly acquaint yourself with Vietnam’s essence without feeling shortchanged.

Suggested 2-week itinerary in Vietnam:

How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks: Budget breakdown

Accommodation costs in Vietnam

When considering how much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks, accommodation expenses play a significant role. The season in which you travel greatly impacts the rates, with peak periods from November to March and July to August commanding higher nightly costs. Conversely, the low seasons may offer discounts ranging from 30% to 50% on room tariffs.

The cost of hotels tends to be more expensive in major metropolises like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City compared to smaller towns or rural locales such as Hoi An and Sapa. However, the rooms in big cities are often more compact in size. If your priority is relaxation and comfort, it’s advisable to dedicate a larger portion of your accommodation budget to leisure-oriented destinations like Hoi An, Sapa, Halong Bay, or the Mekong Delta region.

• Budget hostels: 5 USD – 15 USD (7 AUD – 23 AUD) per night
• Mid-range hotels: 20 USD – 60 USD (30 AUD – 90 AUD) per night
• High-end hotels and resorts: 80 USD – 300+ USD (120 AUD – 450 AUD) per night

How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks in accommodations costs? You can expect to spend around 200 USD – 600 USD (300 AUD – 900 AUD) on accommodation, depending on your preferred level of comfort.

An additional must-do activity in Vietnam is an overnight cruise, such as the Halong Bay cruise, Lan Ha Bay cruise in the north, and the Mekong cruise in the south. For Halong Bay cruises, highly recommended options include Stellar of the Sea, Orchid Cruises, and Emperor Cruises. These luxurious vessels offer an unforgettable journey, with prices typically ranging from 300 USD to 600 USD (450 AUD – 900 AUD) per person. However, special promotional offers may be available, so it’s advisable to inquire about any current deals.

Transportation costs in Vietnam

How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks in transportation costs? In Vietnam, public transportation is both accessible and budget-friendly, offering various options depending on your travel needs. For journeys between cities, flying is generally the most efficient choice, with domestic airfares typically costing between 50 USD and 150 USD (75 AUD – 225 AUD).

While train and long-distance bus services are available for intercity travel, these options are less appealing due to limited cost savings and reduced comfort levels compared to flying. A soft sleeper ticket on a train from Hanoi to Da Nang, for example, can cost between 40 USD (60 AUD) and 80 USD (120 AUD), while a bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City generally ranges from 30 USD to 50 USD (45 AUD – 75 AUD).

Within cities, taxis are widely available, with fares starting at around 0.5 USD to 1 USD per kilometer. Although motorbikes are a common mode of transportation in Vietnam, renting one for about 20 USD (30 AUD) a day is generally not recommended due to safety risks. Instead, if you’re exploring a city, hiring a private car with a driver is a more reliable and comfortable option, typically costing between 50 USD and 100 USD (75 AUD – 151 AUD) for a full day’s service.

Food costs in Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and affordability, making it an absolute delight for food lovers on a budget. How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks in food costs? One of the cheapest and most authentic ways to experience the local culinary scene is by indulging in street food. A filling meal from a street stall can cost as little as 1-3 USD (1.5 – 4.5 AUD), featuring classics like pho noodle soup, banh mi, and broken rice plates. Local restaurants offer casual dining experiences, where you can enjoy a meal for as little as 2 to 6 USD (3 -9 AUD).

For a more formal setting, mid-range restaurants charge between 8 and 20 USD (12 – 30 AUD) per meal, while upscale or luxury dining can exceed 40 USD (60 AUD) per dish. Despite these variations, food in Vietnam remains accessible and varied.

One of the nation’s iconic drinks, Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da), is famously cheap. At street stalls, you can grab a cup for just VND 25,000, which is roughly 1 USD. The quintessential Vietnamese dish, Pho, has prices that range from 1.3 to 2.6 USD (2.9 – 3.9 AUD)

Activities and sightseeing costs in Vietnam

How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks? When budgeting for a 2-week trip to Vietnam, it’s crucial to account for sightseeing expenses, which can vary depending on your interests and chosen activities. However, there are plenty of affordable and even free attractions across the country. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with some popular Vietnamese tourist attractions and activities:

• Temples and Shrines: Many temples and shrines in Vietnam are open to visitors either for free or for a small fee. The typical cost for entry is around 2 USD (3 AUD) per person.
• Beaches: Vietnam is home to stunning beaches like those in Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Visiting these coastal gems can range from free to around 4 USD (6 AUD) for entrance fees and parking.
• Markets: The vibrant markets in Vietnam, such as Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, offer a wealth of experiences. Entry to these markets is free, but your expenses depend on how much you shop or eat. Street food in markets generally costs less than 1 USD (1.5 AUD) per dish.
• Water Puppet Shows: A unique Vietnamese art form, water puppetry is a must-see. Tickets for these performances typically range from 4 USD to 13 USD (6 AUD – 20 AUD), depending on the location and quality of the show.

In addition to these attractions, Vietnam offers many budget-friendly or free activities, such as walking tours, parks, and public gardens, which can be an excellent way to experience the culture without overspending.

Souvenir costs in Vietnam

When it comes to souvenirs in Vietnam, the options are plentiful, and the costs can vary significantly depending on what you’re looking for and where you shop. If you’re wondering “How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks?”, factoring in souvenir expenses is crucial.

• Traditional Conical Hat (Non La): These iconic hats, made from palm leaves, are a staple in Vietnamese culture and commonly worn by farmers for sun and rain protection. You can find them in most markets and souvenir shops across Vietnam, with prices ranging from 2 to 9 USD (3 – 14 AUD).
• Vietnamese Coffee: Known for its bold and aromatic flavor, Vietnamese coffee is a popular souvenir. You can buy coffee beans or pre-packaged coffee in many shops. The price varies based on quality and brand but typically ranges from 4 to 25 USD (6 – 38 AUD).
• Ao Dai (Traditional Vietnamese Clothing): The ao dai is a long, elegant dress worn for special occasions. The cost for ao dai can vary greatly depending on the fabric quality and customization. You can expect to pay anywhere from 22 to 88 USD (33 – 133 AUD).

>> Vietnam Travel Guide: What To Know Before Your Journey. Discovery here!

Tips for saving money when traveling to Vietnam

• Stay in hostels or budget hotels: Hostels and budget hotels offer affordable accommodation options without compromising on comfort.
• Eat like a local: Street food and local restaurants serve delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine at incredibly low prices.
• Use public transportation: Vietnam’s public transportation system, including buses and trains, is efficient and cost-effective.
• Haggle for souvenirs: Haggling is a common practice in Vietnam, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs and other purchases.
• Travel during the low season: Visiting Vietnam during the low season (May to September) can result in lower prices for accommodation and activities.
• Book tours and activities in advance: Many tour operators and activity providers offer discounts for early bookings, helping you save money.
• Utilize travel credit cards and rewards: Using travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and taking advantage of rewards programs can help offset some of your expenses.

Hopefully, the information in this article has helped you answer the question How much does it cost to go to Vietnam for 2 weeks? With careful budgeting and planning, a 2-week adventure in this captivating country can be an affordable and enriching experience.

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