Hanoi on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's VND rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8 dorm | $20 ($40 room) | $80 ($160 room) |
| Food & drink | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Local transport | $3 | $8 | $25 |
| Activities & sights | $5 | $18 | $50 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Hanoi
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $78 | $426 | $1,290 |
| 5 days | $130 | $710 | $2,150 |
| 7 days | $182 | $994 | $3,010 |
| 14 days | $364 | $1,988 | $6,020 |
Book for less
Flights to Hanoi
- From Bangkok
- From Chiang Mai
- From Phuket
- From Bali
- From Kuala Lumpur
- From Penang
- From Singapore
- From Ho Chi Minh City
- From Da Nang
- From Siem Reap
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
October to December and March to April. Summers are hot and humid; winters (January to February) are cool and grey.
Money-saving tips
- Use Grab bikes or cars for cheap, fixed-price rides around the city.
- Street-side pho and bun cha are both delicious and very cheap.
- Book Ha Long Bay trips with a reputable operator; the cheapest tours often cut corners.
Free things to do
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, which is car-free on weekend evenings.
- Explore the streets of the Old Quarter.
- Watch the trains pass on Train Street (check current access rules).
Events & festivals near Hanoi
Compare Hanoi with
- Hanoi vs Bangkok
- Hanoi vs Chiang Mai
- Hanoi vs Phuket
- Hanoi vs Bali
- Hanoi vs Kuala Lumpur
- Hanoi vs Penang (George Town)
Questions
How much does a day in Hanoi cost?
As a rough guide: about $26 per day for a backpacker, $71 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $215 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Hanoi?
For one backpacker about $130; for two people mid-range about $710 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October to December and March to April. Summers are hot and humid; winters (January to February) are cool and grey.
What currency is used in Hanoi?
VND. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate