Planning a 2-week trip to Vietnam and wondering, “How much money to bring to Vietnam for 2 weeks?”. The good news is that Vietnam can be surprisingly affordable, but the exact amount you’ll need depends on your travel style and how you prioritize your spending.
To help you plan your budget and discover more exciting experiences in Vietnam, be sure to visit my blog, Go Travel Way: gotravelway.com
Now, let’s break down the costs and help you estimate your budget for an unforgettable Vietnam adventure.
Contents
- 1 Factors Affecting Your Vietnam Budget
- 2 Estimating Your 2-Week Vietnam Budget
- 3 All Vietnam Tours & Excursions in 2025
- 4 All Vietnam Tours & Excursions in 2025
- 5 All Vietnam Tours & Excursions in 2025
- 6 How Much Cash Should You Bring to Vietnam?
- 7 (FAQ) How Much Money To Bring To Vietnam For 2 Weeks?
- 8 Conclusion
Factors Affecting Your Vietnam Budget
As I mentioned, your budget can vary greatly depending on your travel style and preferences. Here are the key factors to consider.
Travel Style
- Backpacking: If you’re on a shoestring budget, backpacking is a great way to experience Vietnam affordably. You can find dorm beds in hostels for as low as $5-$10 per night, eat delicious street food for $1-$3 per meal, and get around using local buses and trains.
- Mid-Range: For a more comfortable experience with occasional splurges, you can expect to spend around $50-$100 daily. This allows for staying in comfortable hotels or guesthouses, enjoying restaurant meals, and taking some domestic flights or private transportation.
- Luxury: If you prefer high-end hotels, fine dining, and personalized experiences, your daily budget could be $100-$200 or more. This allows for luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, private tours, and spa treatments.
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Accommodation
- Variety of Choices: Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget:
- Hostels: Dorm beds in hostels can cost as low as $5-$10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Basic guesthouses typically cost around $10-$30 per night.
- Hotels: Mid-range hotels can range from $30-$80 per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of $100 per night.
- Homestays: Staying in a homestay with a local family can be a unique and affordable option, often costing around $15-$30 per night.
- Tips for Finding Affordable Accommodation:
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, booking in advance can help you secure better deals.
- Consider Location: Staying slightly outside the city centre or in less touristy areas can often be more affordable.
- Look for Deals: Check online travel agencies and booking platforms for discounts and promotions.
Food
- Foodie Paradise: Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise, and you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
- Street Food: Street food is incredibly affordable and delicious, with dishes often costing around $1-$3 per serving.
- Local Restaurants: You can find local restaurants offering hearty meals for around $3-$10 per person.
- Mid-Range Restaurants: Expect to pay around $10-$20 per person for a meal in a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine Dining: Fine dining experiences can cost upwards of $30-$50 or more per person.
- Tips for Saving on Food:
- Embrace Street Food: Don’t be afraid to try the amazing street food – it’s often the most authentic and affordable option.
- Local Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce and ingredients if you can access a kitchen.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer affordable lunch specials or set menus.
Transportation
- Getting Around: Vietnam has various transportation options, each with its own cost.
- Flights: Domestic flights can cost between $30 and $100 per flight, depending on the route and airline.
- Trains: Train tickets can cost between $10 and $50 per journey, depending on the class and distance.
- Buses: Buses are the most affordable option, with fares ranging from $1-$5 for short trips to $10-$20 for longer journeys.
- Taxis: Taxi fares vary depending on the distance, but expect to pay around $0.50-$1 per kilometre.
- Motorbikes: Renting a motorbike can cost around $5-$10 daily.
- Tips for Affordable Transportation:
- Book Flights in Advance: Booking flights in advance can help you secure better deals.
- Consider Overnight Buses or Trains: Save on accommodation costs by taking overnight buses or trains for long-distance travel.
- Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Ride-hailing apps like Grab can be more affordable than traditional taxis.
Activities
- Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for popular tourist attractions typically range from $1-$10 per person.
- Free Activities: There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting temples and pagodas, strolling through parks and markets, and exploring local neighbourhoods.
- Tours: Organized tours can cost between $20 and $100 per day, depending on the type and inclusions.
Miscellaneous Expenses
- Visas: The cost of a visa varies depending on the type and nationality.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential and can cost around $30-$50 per week.
- Souvenirs: Budget for souvenirs and gifts, as Vietnam has a wealth of handicrafts and unique items.
- Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it’s appreciated for good service. You can round up the bill or leave a small tip at your discretion.
Estimating Your 2-Week Vietnam Budget
Okay, number crunchers, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and estimate your budget for a 2-week Vietnam adventure! Remember those factors we discussed earlier? Let’s see how they translate into actual costs for different travel styles.
Budget Backpacker ($30-50 per day)
- Accommodation: Hostels (dorm beds or private rooms), guesthouses, homestays ($5-$20 per night)
- Food: Street food, local eateries, market finds ($1-$5 per meal)
- Transportation: Buses, trains (hard seats or berths), motorbike rentals ($1-$10 per trip)
- Activities: Free walking tours, visiting temples and pagodas, hiking, exploring local markets (mostly free or under $5)
- Example Daily Budget:
- Hostel dorm bed: $10
- Street food breakfast: $2
- Local lunch: $3
- Street food dinner: $3
- Bus tickets: $2
- Total: $20
- Total Estimated Cost for 2 Weeks: $20/day x 14 days = $280 (excluding flights)
All Vietnam Tours & Excursions in 2025
Budget Backpacker
Mid-Range Traveler ($50-100 per day)
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotels, guesthouses with private rooms, boutique hotels ($30-$80 per night)
- Food: Mix of street food, local restaurants, occasional Western meals ($5-$20 per meal)
- Transportation: Domestic flights (short distances), trains (soft seats or sleeper cabins), taxis, Grab rides ($5-$30 per trip)
- Activities: Cooking classes, guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, some nightlife ($10-$50 per activity)
- Example Daily Budget:
- Hotel room: $50
- Cafe breakfast: $5
- Restaurant lunch: $10
- Street food dinner: $5
- Taxi/Grab rides: $10
- Entrance fees/activities: $20
- Total: $100
Total Estimated Cost for 2 Weeks: $100/day x 14 days = $1400 (excluding flights)
All Vietnam Tours & Excursions in 2025
Mid-Range Traveler
Luxury Traveler ($100+ per day)
- Accommodation: Luxury hotels, resorts, villas with private pools ($100-$300+ per night)
- Food: Fine dining restaurants, upscale cafes, rooftop bars with a view ($20-$50+ per meal)
- Transportation: Domestic flights (business class), private car transfers, taxis ($30-$100+ per trip)
- Activities: Private tours, spa treatments, exclusive experiences, high-end shopping ($50-$200+ per activity)
- Example Daily Budget:
- Luxury hotel room: $200
- Upscale breakfast: $15
- Fine dining lunch: $40
- Rooftop bar dinner: $50
- Private car transfer: $50
- Spa treatment: $100
- Total: $455
Total Estimated Cost for 2 Weeks: $455/day x 14 days = $6370 (excluding flights)
All Vietnam Tours & Excursions in 2025
Luxury Traveler
Important Notes
- Flights: Remember that these estimates do not include international flights to and from Vietnam. Flight costs can vary greatly depending on your origin, time of year, and booking in advance.
- Personal Spending: Factor in your personal spending habits, such as shopping, souvenirs, and nightlife.
- Flexibility: These are just estimates; you can adjust your budget based on your priorities and preferences. You can always find ways to save money, like choosing budget-friendly accommodation, eating more street food, and using local transportation.
How Much Cash Should You Bring to Vietnam?
While the world is moving towards a cashless society, cash is still King in many parts of Vietnam, especially in local markets, smaller shops, and rural areas. So, how much should you bring for your 2-week adventure?
Cash vs. Cards
- Cash is King (but Cards are Catching Up): While cash is widely used in Vietnam, especially for smaller transactions and in local markets, card payments are becoming increasingly common, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas. You’ll find that most hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities accept credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard.
- ATMs: ATMs are readily available throughout Vietnam, even in smaller towns. You can easily withdraw Vietnamese Dong (VND) using your debit or credit card. Just be aware of potential ATM fees and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card.
- Currency Exchange: You can exchange US dollars (USD) for Vietnamese Dong at banks, airports, and currency exchange bureaus. It’s generally a good idea to compare exchange rates before you exchange your money to get the best deal.
Recommended Cash Amount
The amount of cash you should bring to Vietnam depends on your budget, travel style, and planned expenses. Here’s a general guideline:
- Budget Backpacker: If you’re on a tight budget, bringing around $500-$1000 in cash should be sufficient for a 2-week trip. You can supplement this with ATM withdrawals as needed.
- Mid-Range Traveler: Consider bringing around $1000-$2000 in cash for a more comfortable trip with some splurges. This allows for more flexibility and covers potential expenses in areas where card payments might not be accepted.
- Luxury Traveler: If you plan to indulge in high-end experiences and rely less on cash, you might bring around $2000-$3000 or more in cash, primarily for tips, smaller purchases, and emergencies.
Tips for Carrying and Managing Cash Safely
- Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Spread your cash across different locations, such as your wallet, money belt, and luggage. This minimizes the risk of losing all your money at once.
- Secure Your Valuables: Use a money belt or a secure bag to keep your cash and important documents safe, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation.
- Be Discreet: Avoid flashing large amounts of cash in public, and be mindful of your surroundings when withdrawing money from ATMs.
- Keep a Record: Keep track of your spending and ATM withdrawals to monitor your budget and ensure you have enough cash for your trip.
(FAQ) How Much Money To Bring To Vietnam For 2 Weeks?
How much cash to take for 2 weeks in Vietnam?
The amount of cash you should bring depends on your spending habits and travel style. As a general guideline:
- Budget Backpacker: $500 – $1000 should be enough, supplemented by ATM withdrawals.
- Mid-Range Traveler: $1000 – $2000 provides more flexibility and covers expenses in cash-based areas.
- Luxury Traveler: $2000 – $3000 or more, mainly for tips, smaller purchases, and emergencies.
Remember to spread your cash across different locations for safety and use ATMs as needed.
How much does it cost to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam?
The cost of a 2-week Vietnam trip can vary greatly!
- Budget Backpacker: You could spend as little as $280 (excluding flights) for 2 weeks by staying in hostels, eating street food, and using local transportation.
- Mid-Range Traveler: A more comfortable trip with some splurges might cost around $1400 (excluding flights).
- Luxury Traveler: A luxurious 2-week experience could cost upwards of $6370 (excluding flights).
Remember to factor in international flights and personal spending habits.
How much VNĐ do you need for 2 weeks?
This depends on your budget! Using the estimations above and considering the current exchange rate (approximately 1 USD = 24,000 VND):
- Budget Backpacker: Around 12,000,000 – 24,000,000 VND
- Mid-Range Traveler: Around 33,600,000 – 48,000,000 VND
- Luxury Traveler: Around 152,880,000 – 192,000,000 VND (or more!)
Remember, these are rough estimates; you can adjust them based on your spending habits.
How much cash should I carry to Vietnam?
It’s generally a good idea to arrive with some Vietnamese Dong (VND) in cash, especially for immediate expenses like taxis from the airport or small purchases. Around $100-$200 equivalent in VND should be sufficient for initial expenses. You can then withdraw more cash from ATMs as needed throughout your trip.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—a breakdown of how much money to bring to Vietnam for two weeks! Remember, your budget is a key ingredient for a successful trip, so plan wisely, prioritize your spending, and embrace those money-saving tips. With a little planning and savvy spending, you can have an unforgettable Vietnam adventure without breaking the bank!
