Vietnam
Vietnam- WHAT TO EXPECT
Hey there, explorers! You seriously need to put Vietnam on your bucket list. Picture this: bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, then, hidden gems like Ninh Binh with its tranquil rivers, the epic mountain ride through Ha Giang Loop, and the beach paradise, Nha Trang. Foodies, get ready to fall in love with their street foods. For those of you who love a bit of a cultural adventure, places like Hoi An and the magical Ha Long Bay are an absolute must-see. Yes, there might be a bit of a language barrier, but the locals are just so friendly and welcoming, plus it’s really affordable there – you’re going to love every minute!
AVERAGE COSTS IN THIS AREA
Transportation– As Vietnam is such a large country, you will likely spend a fair amount of money on transportation if you are looking to visit a few different places during your trip. Although the transport is fairly affordable, costs will vary depending on the mode of transport, distance and class of service. For buses, including night buses, you can expect to pay anywhere from 100,000 to 400,000 VND (£3.40-£13.40) for intercity routes. Overnight journeys are usually towards the higher end of this range.
Trains offer another way to explore the country, with prices varying based on distance and class. We took the train from Da Nang – Ninh Binh, and I have to say it was a much more comfortable overnight journey than taking a sleeper bus!
Domestic flights can be quite economical due to the competition among airlines, and they are a good choice if you are tight on time.
The total cost for 1 person of between-city transport for 1 month in Vietnam was £160. This included 7 journeys, most of which were buses but this also includes 1 train and 2 ferry crossings.
Accommodation– The cost of accommodation in Vietnam can vary greatly depending on the type of lodging, location and the level of luxury you’re seeking. We found accommodation in Vietnam to be very budget friendly with high value for money.
The total cost for 2 people staying in a double room (always with air conditioning, sometimes with a balcony too) for 1 month was £296. Breaking it down, this is ~£12 per night, which I think is super affordable, especially for the quality of accommodation we were receiving!
Food– The food in Vietnam is not only delicious, but also quite affordable, making it a food lover’s paradise! Street food in Vietnam is a highlight and extremely wallet-friendly. You can enjoy dishes like Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) for about 30,000 to 50,000 VND (£1-£1.60) per serving.
A beer at local spots will usually cost around 15,000 to 30,000 VND (£0.50-£1).
For those seeking Western options or more upscale dining experiences, you can expect to pay between the range of 200,000 to 500,000 VND (£6.70-£16.70) depending on the restaurant and dishes you choose.
Coffee lovers will be pleased to know that a cup of traditional Vietnamese drip coffee will typically cost the same as a beer – around 15,000 to 30,000 VND (£0.50-£1) at a local cafe.
In Vietnam, on average, I spent £9.90 on food per day!
Suggested Daily Budget– When we visited Vietnam, we didn’t stick to a strict budget. Our average daily spend per person was $48 – this included all transport, visas, activities, accommodation and food. You could easily spend much less by eating more street food and staying in hostels!
tips for first visit
1. Navigate the Streets Smartly: Vietnamese cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are famous for their bustling motorbike traffic. When crossing the streets, walk at a steady and predictable pace – the motorcyclists will skillfully maneuver around you.
2. Master the art of bargaining: In local markets and with street vendors, bargaining is part of the culture. Start at about half the asking price and negotiate with a smile – remember, it’s a friendly interaction, not a battle.
3. Try the street food: Vietnamese cuisine is a delight to explore, with street food stalls offering an authentic taste of the country. Don’t miss out on local favourites like Pho, Banh Mi and Bun cha.
