How much does a trip to Vietnam cost?

By Linh Nguyen, Vietnam host 5 November 2026 6 min read

Lively street food scene in Hanoi's old town at night with vibrant vendor stalls. — Photo by Nguyễn Hưng on Pexels

You step out into the Hanoi air and it hits you like a warm, wet blanket—25 to 30 degrees Celsius, but with humidity that makes it feel closer to 35. It’s early November, and while the forecast promises rain showers, there is a specific golden haze settling over the city. This is the season of com, those fragrant green sticky rice parcels wrapped in lotus leaves that vendors sell from bicycles. You are standing at the edge of the Old Quarter, surrounded by the roar of motorbikes and the scent of frying shallots, and your first thought isn’t about the history or the architecture; it’s about money. How much will this actually cost you?

The Reality of Street Food Costs

Vietnam is famously affordable, but let’s cut through the vague internet myths. In Hanoi right now, eating well does not require a fortune, but it does require knowing where to look. The ground truth on prices here is starkly different from Western averages. A bowl of phở bò (beef noodle soup) at a local street shop will run you between ₫40,000 and ₫55,000—roughly $2.00 USD. If you prefer grilled pork with rice noodles (bún chả), expect to pay ₫45,000 to ₫70,000, or about $2.40.

For the quintessential quick bite, a bánh mì sandwich from a street cart is around ₫20,000 to ₫30,000 ($1.00). These are not tourist traps; these are the meals locals eat daily. If you want to sit down for a proper three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, the bill will be approximately ₫600,000 ($25). Coffee culture is also deeply embedded here. A cappuccino in a café costs about ₫48,900 ($2.00), while a cup of cà phê trứng (egg coffee) at a place like Café Giảng is roughly ₫35,000 ($1.40). Even a domestic draft beer is only about ₫30,000 ($1.20). Your food budget can easily be kept under ₫300,000 ($12) per day if you stick to local spots, though splurging on nice dinners will push that higher.

Accommodation: From Hostels to Boutique Hotels

Housing costs in Hanoi have risen, particularly in the city centre. If you are looking for a modest one-bedroom flat to rent long-term, you are looking at around ₫10,600,000 per month (≈ $440). For short-term travelers, options vary wildly. While I cannot confirm exact nightly rates for every hotel today, we know that serviced apartments like VNAHOMES or boutique stays like Amira Hotel Hanoi cater to different price points. Budget travelers might find dorm beds or basic guest houses for less than ₫300,000 a night, while mid-range hotels typically start around ₫800,000 to ₫1,200,000 ($35–$50). Luxury stays in the French Quarter can easily exceed ₫3,000,000 ($125). When booking, remember that the Old Quarter offers the best immersion, but areas near Hoan Kiem Lake command a premium for the view and convenience.

Getting Around: Navigating Traffic and Transit

Moving through Hanoi requires strategy. Public transit is incredibly cheap—a single fare on a city bus or the new metro line is about ₫9,500 ($0.38). A monthly transit pass is roughly ₫203,000 ($8), which is a steal if you are staying longer. However, as a tourist, you will likely rely on ride-hailing apps (Grab) or traditional taxis. Be aware that current roadworks are disrupting travel. The Tu Lien Bridge construction has put steel hoarding down the median of Nghi Tam and Au Co streets, making Yen Phu Street one-way. Coaches over 16 seats and trucks are banned between Thang Loi Hotel and Thanh Nien. If you are driving or taking a large coach between Noi Bai Airport and the Old Quarter, expect significant delays and detours. For most visitors, hailing a bike taxi or using an app is the most practical way to navigate the chaos, costing anywhere from ₫30,000 to ₫100,000 depending on distance.

Attractions and Experiences

Many of Hanoi’s historical sites are either free or very low-cost. Walking through the Hanoi Old Quarter is free. Visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology usually costs under ₫50,000. Hoa Lo Prison Relic is similarly affordable. However, November brings special events that add value to your trip. Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam is celebrating its 950th anniversary with exhibitions and lantern displays at Van Lake until November 15. The first-ever Global Festival for Traditional Craft Villages is filling the Thang Long Imperial Citadel with international pavilions from November 13-16. Additionally, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival takes over Hoan Kiem Lake’s east shore and Dong Xuan market until November 28. These events are often free to attend, offering rich cultural immersion without the entrance fee.

Daily Budget Breakdowns

So, what does a realistic day look like? Here is a rough guide based on current local prices:

Budget Traveler: ₫600,000 – ₫900,000 per day ($25-$37). Stay in a hostel or basic guest house (₫200k), eat street food exclusively (₫150k), use buses/bike taxis (₫50k), and enjoy free walking tours or park visits. This is entirely feasible and allows for a deep dive into local life.
Mid-Range Traveler: ₫1,500,000 – ₫2,500,000 per day ($62-$103). Stay in a comfortable boutique hotel (₫800k-1.2m), mix street food with occasional mid-range restaurant meals (₫300k), use Grab taxis for convenience (₫200k), and pay for guided tours or festival events. This is the sweet spot for comfort and authenticity.
Comfortable/Luxury Traveler: ₫4,000,000+ per day ($165+). Stay in high-end hotels (₫2.5m+), dine at fine dining establishments or exclusive venues like Hanoi Corner Restaurant, hire private drivers, and access VIP experiences. The sky is the limit here.

Remember, inflation in Vietnam is currently around 3.3%, so prices are stable but slowly creeping up. Always carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) for street vendors and tips. Exchange your money at reputable banks like Shinhan Bank or Wooribank in the Hoan Kiem area rather than street changers. With careful planning, Vietnam remains one of the best values in global travel, allowing you to experience world-class cuisine and culture without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions

How much does street food cost in Hanoi?

Street food is very affordable, with a bowl of pho costing around ₫40,000–55,000 ($2.00) and a banh mi sandwich averaging ₫20,000–30,000 ($1.00).

What are the current transport issues in Hanoi?

Ongoing Tu Lien Bridge works have created traffic bottlenecks on Nghi Tam and Au Co streets. Coaches over 16 seats are banned between Thang Loi Hotel and Thanh Nien, causing delays for airport transfers.

Is it expensive to stay in Hanoi's city center?

Rents have climbed, with modest one-bedroom flats averaging ₫10,600,000/month ($440). Short-term boutique hotels typically start around ₫800,000 ($35) per night.

Are there free events happening in Hanoi in November?

Yes, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival and the Global Festival for Traditional Craft Villages offer free access to installations, pavilions, and heritage trails throughout November.

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