How to Travel Vietnam on $20 Per Day

Vietnam is perfect for budget travel at $20 daily. Sleep in hostels ($8-12), eat street food ($2-4 per meal), and use local buses. Skip tourist restaurants and book accommodations directly.

1. Book hostels or guesthouses. Stay in dorm beds ($8-12) or basic private rooms ($15-18). Book directly with properties or use Hostelworld. Avoid Airbnb fees.
2. Eat like locals do. Street food costs $1-3 per meal. Pho runs $2-3, banh mi $1-2. Local restaurants charge $3-5 for rice dishes. Tourist areas cost 3x more.
3. Use local transport. City buses cost $0.30-0.50. Overnight buses between cities run $8-15. Motorbike taxis cost $1-2 for short rides. Avoid tourist buses.
4. Buy a local SIM card. Get Viettel or Mobifone SIM at airport for $10 with 30GB data. Cheaper than roaming and helps with navigation and bookings.
5. Withdraw cash strategically. ATMs charge $2-5 per withdrawal. Take out larger amounts less frequently. Many places don't accept cards.

Is $20 enough for Ha Long Bay?

Yes, but barely. Sleep in Cat Ba Island hostels ($10), take local boat tours ($15-20), not luxury cruises ($100+). Pack lunch.

Can I bargain everywhere?

Bargain at markets, with motorbike taxis, and street vendors. Don't bargain at restaurants with posted prices or convenience stores.

How much cash should I carry?

Carry $50-100 USD cash as backup. Many rural areas and small vendors only take Vietnamese dong. ATMs are common in cities.

Is it safe to eat street food?

Yes, if it's busy with locals and cooked fresh. Avoid pre-made food sitting out. Trust your gut about cleanliness.