Vietnam is one of the best-value destinations in the world — but the dong’s many zeros and frequent tourist pricing can blur how cheap things actually are. Here’s what to expect and how to keep your budget on track.
Typical costs
Street food and local eateries are extremely affordable; a bowl of pho costs a fraction of a Western meal. Local buses and trains are cheap; ride-hailing apps keep taxi prices honest. Budget stays and mid-range hotels both offer strong value.
Where tourists overpay
- Unmetered taxis and “the meter’s broken” — prefer ride-hailing apps.
- Tourist-area restaurants with no prices listed.
- Day tours sold at a markup near major sights.
Tame the dong
Paying 500,000 dong feels alarming until you realize it’s modest. Currencies instantly shows what any dong amount is in your home currency — offline too — so you can tell a great deal from a tourist trap in a glance and keep a running sense of your trip budget.
Budgeting tip
Set a rough daily spend in your own currency and check against it each evening. Because Vietnam is cheap, small discipline goes a long way.
Get Currencies on the App Store
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam cheap to travel?
Very — food, transport and stays are excellent value, especially if you eat local and use ride-hailing apps.
How do I deal with the dong’s many zeros?
Use a converter like Currencies to instantly see amounts in your home currency and avoid misreading prices.
How do I avoid overpaying in Vietnam?
Use metered or app-based rides, eat where prices are listed, and convert quotes to judge them quickly.