Vietnam Travel Cost: Top 5 cheap places to visit in North Vietnam

North Vietnam is full of beautiful places, rich cultures, and lively cities you can visit without spending too much money. Whether you love hiking in the mountains, exploring old historical sites, or enjoying peaceful scenery, North Vietnam has something for everyone. This guide will show you the top 5 cheap places to visit in this region. Get ready to explore North Vietnam and have amazing adventures. 

Vietnam Travel Cost Per Day

One of the most common questions travellers ask is, “How much does a trip to Vietnam cost?” The answer can vary depending on your travel style and preferences, but Vietnam is generally very budget-friendly. On average, you can expect to spend around $25 to $50 per day. This includes accommodation in budget hotels or hostels, meals at local restaurants, transportation, and some entry fees to attractions. By opting for street food, using public transport, and staying in less touristy areas, you can keep your daily expenses even lower. With careful planning, a trip to Vietnam can be both affordable and enjoyable.

• Average travel cost per day in Vietnam: $25-$50/per person 

Cheap places to visit North Vietnam

Hanoi  City - The Capital of Vietnam

Hanoi, the capital city, is a vibrant blend of old and new, with its ancient temples, bustling markets, and lively street scenes.

• Why it's affordable: The city offers various budget accommodations, from hostels to budget hotels. Street food is delicious and cheap, with dishes like pho and banh mi costing just a few dollars. Many attractions, such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and numerous free museums and parks, can be enjoyed at little to no cost.

Sapa Vietnam - The great place to see

Sapa is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields and the unique culture of its ethnic minority groups.

• Why it's affordable: Affordable homestays and guesthouses provide a cost-effective way to experience local culture. Trekking through the rice fields and visiting local villages is inexpensive, especially if you hire a local guide. Public transportation from Hanoi to Sapa, such as buses and trains, is reasonably priced.

Ha Long Bay - The World Heritage Site

Known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site you can’t miss when coming to Vietnam. 

• Why it's affordable: While luxury cruises can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for day trips or overnight cruises. Shared boats and group tours help lower the cost. Alternatively, you can visit the bay on a budget by staying in nearby Cat Ba Island, which offers cheaper accommodation and food options.

Ninh Binh - A peaceful and affordable land 

Often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Binh features dramatic limestone karsts, lush greenery, and ancient temples.

• Why it's affordable: Ninh Binh is less touristy than Ha Long Bay, which helps keep prices low. Budget guesthouses and homestays are widely available. You can rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the area inexpensively. Many attractions, such as the Trang An Grottoes and Bich Dong Pagoda, have low entry fees. The highest entrance ticket is just around $10 including the boat ride ticket. 

Ha Giang - Majestic landscape 

Ha Giang is known for its rugged, mountainous landscapes and ethnic minority villages, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

• Why it's affordable: The region is less developed for tourism, meaning lower accommodation and food prices. You can rent a motorbike to explore the stunning Ha Giang Loop, a scenic route that winds through the mountains. Staying in local homestays not only keeps costs down but also provides an authentic cultural experience.

Average travel cost for a day tour in North Vietnam

Here's a breakdown of the average travel cost for a day tour in five popular destinations in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ha Giang. 

Hanoi travel cost for a day 

• Guide:$10 - $20 per day
• Meals: $5 - $10 per day
• Accommodation: $15 - $30 per night (hostel) or $40 - $100 per night (hotel)
• Transport: $5 per day (public transport) or $20 - $30 per day (taxi)
• Entrance fees: $5 - $10 per attraction (varies depending on the attraction)

Total: $40 - $80 per day

Ninh Binh travel cost for a day 

• Guide:$10 - $20 per day
• Meals: $5 - $10 per day
• Accommodation: $20 - $40 per night (homestay) or $50 - $100 per night (hotel)
• Transport: Included in most tours (bicycle or motorbike rental: $5 - $10 per day)
• Entrance fees: $10 - $20 per attraction (varies depending on the attraction)

Total: $45 - $90 per day

Ha Long Bay travel cost for a day 

• Guide: Included in most cruises (private guide: additional $30 - $50 per day)
• Meals: Included in most cruises
• Accommodation: Included in cruises (starts from $30 per night for budget cruises)
• Transport: Included in cruises (roundtrip transfer from Hanoi: $10 - $20)
• Entrance fees: Included in most cruises (entrance fee to Ha Long Bay: $10)

Total: $50 - $150 per day (depending on the cruise type)

Sapa travel cost for a day 

• Guide:$10 - $20 per day
• Meals: $5 - $10 per day
• Accommodation: $15 - $30 per night (homestay) or $40 - $100 per night (hotel)
• Transport: Included in most tours (trekking tours typically cover transportation)
• Entrance fees: $5 - $10 per attraction (varies depending on the attraction)

Total: $40 - $80 per day

Ha Giang travel cost for a day 

• Guide:$15 - $25 per da
• Meals: $5 - $10 per day
• Accommodation: $10 - $20 per night (homestay) or $30 - $50 per night (hotel)
• Transport: Motorbike rental: $10 - $15 per day
• Entrance fees: $5 - $10 per attraction (varies depending on the attraction)

Total: $45 - $75 per day

Please note: 

• These are just average costs and can vary depending on your travel style, the season, and the specific tours or activities you choose.g.
• Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but it is appreciated by guides and other service providers. A small tip of $5 - $10 per day is appropriate.

Suggested tour package for a trip to North Vietnam

First-time travellers might find it hard to explore Vietnam by themselves. Plan travel routes, book transport, and hotels, and find attractions… all require careful search and lots of reliable information. Sometimes, self-organized tours cost more than tours booked through travel agencies. 

So, you can consider the following options for some places in the North of Vietnam. You can also check the package price to estimate how much Vietnam travel prices. 

Ninh Binh Day Tour: $68 ~ $80

• Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi
• Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party
• Tuyet Tinh Coc - Mua Cave - Trang An

Hanoi Day Tour: $30 ~$60

• Hanoi City Full-Day Tour
• Hanoi Special Package tour three in one: Cyclo (1h), Food tour (3h) and Foot Massage (30')
• Hanoi Street Food by Night

Halong Bay Day Tour: $65 ~ $75

• UNIQUE FULL-DAY TOUR: CAT BA ISLAND – LAN HA BAY FROM HANOI
• Halong Bay daily tour on Cozy Cruise with 6 hours of Cruising.
• Halong Bay full-day Tour- 6 hours cruising

Sapa Tour: $95-$135

• Sapa Tour 2 days 1 night by the early morning Bus (Cat Cat village- Ham Rong Mountain)
• Sapa Tour 2 days 1 night by the morning early bus (Cat Cat- Lao Chai - Ta Van)

In conclusion, North Vietnam offers an array of budget-friendly destinations for travellers. By exploring these top places to visit, you can immerse yourself in the region's culture and beauty without overspending. With average travel costs per day in Vietnam being reasonable, budget-conscious travellers can enjoy fulfilling journeys.