Expected Expenses for a Road Trip in Vietnam

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City

With the vaccinations rolling out and COVID cases dropping, traveling is only a matter of time. While we still need to take precautions, we will eventually be able to resume international travel soon. If you're looking for an exotic location for your next road trip, Vietnam might be just what you're looking for. But before embarking on this adventure, it's essential to know how much money you'll need for a memorable trip. Below are a few of the most common expenses you'll have on a Vietnamese road trip.

See more about the COVID cases in Vietnam here (the site is in Vietnamese but it should give you good coverage of the statistics of the current cases)

Accommodation (Hotels and Other Options)

The most apparent expense you should expect is lodging. After a long day of exploring Vietnam, you’re going to need a place to rest. Hotels in Vietnam can cost $100 a day on average, but some budget options (especially in rural areas) maybe around $60 to $70. The cost will depend on how luxurious the hotel is and how long you stay. If you want to save money, you can always stay at a hostel. For example, the average cost of a 3-star hotel in Vietnam will run you between $60 to $100 per day. Five-star hotels usually run between $75 to $100 for the room only, excluding room service or other luxuries like in-room massages.

See the WHO's Guide to Staying at a Hotel during COVID-19

Transportation (Renting or Buying Your Own)

Once you’ve figured out how extended your trip will be and booked your hotel, now is the time to focus on how you will get around. In addition to your flight, you also need to factor in transportation costs when you arrive. It would help if you also decided whether you're going to rent a car or a motorbike to see Vietnam. Motorbikes are the most viable option in Vietnam, and you can also choose to rent one or even buy one if you're embarking on a long trip. Note that if you're going to drive in Vietnam, beware of the traffic laws and prepare a valid driving license.

See more on Can Tourists Drive in Vietnam?

Once you decide your mode of travel, you also need to have the available funds to pay for it. In case you’re short on cash but still want to see everything Vietnam has to offer, you could consider applying for a personal loan so you know exactly how much you're going to spend without going over budget or maxing out your credit cards. A private lender can usually offer lower rates and possibly more money when compared to a traditional bank loan.

Vietnam is a country rich in culture and history, so don't miss out on visiting the prime landmarks

Activities to Check on Your Bucket List

While in Vietnam, you'll want to take in as much culture as possible by immersing in the local life. Cooking classes, learning the language, and even traditional dances are great ways to experience the country. However, you do need to budget for them, so do your research before arriving. Grouped tours and services are generally cheaper, but you will have to sacrifice personalization and a bit of the service's quality.

Exciting Food to Try in Vietnam

Vietnamese food is both cheap and incredibly delicious

Finally, you need to think about the cost of food. Although the cost of food in Vietnam is considerably lower than in most places, you also need to think about quality. If you choose only to eat street food, then you can eat well for about $10 to $15 a day. If you prefer to eat at 5-star restaurants, then the cost will be significantly more. Vietnam is a country rich in culture, delicious food and friendly people. Plan ahead and make sure your road trip is one to remember.