Is $30 a day really realistic?

Yes, if you don't drink cocktails, avoid expensive tours, and prioritize street food over cafes.

Should I carry a lot of cash?

Carry enough for two days, but use ATMs regularly. Withdraw larger amounts at once to minimize the flat-fee charges from local banks.

Vietnam on $30 a Day: A Practical Budget Guide

To survive on $30 a day in Vietnam, stick to street food, sleep in highly-rated hostel dorms, and prioritize overnight buses or trains for inter-city travel. Limit your alcohol intake to local 'bia hơi' and use public buses or walking to navigate cities.

Master the Bed-and-Transit Hack. Book overnight trains or 'sleeper' buses for long hauls. You pay for your transportation, but you save the cost of a full night's accommodation. Use apps like 12Go Asia to compare prices.
Eat Like a Local. Avoid sit-down restaurants with menus in English. Stick to plastic-stool street vendors where a bowl of phở or a bánh mì costs between $1.25 and $2.00. Never pay more than $2.50 for a meal.
Control Your Alcohol Spending. Alcohol is the budget killer. Stick to 'bia hơi' (fresh draft beer) found on street corners, which costs about $0.25 to $0.50 per glass, rather than imported beers or cocktails at bars.
Use Local Transportation. Download the Grab app to avoid taxi scams, but prefer walking or city buses ($0.30 per ride) whenever possible. Renting a bicycle for $2 a day is more economical than motorcycle rentals if you account for fuel and safety risks.

Is $30 a day really realistic?: Yes, if you don't drink cocktails, avoid expensive tours, and prioritize street food over cafes.
Should I carry a lot of cash?: Carry enough for two days, but use ATMs regularly. Withdraw larger amounts at once to minimize the flat-fee charges from local banks.