Ho Chi Minh City on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, 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 | $9 dorm | $23 ($45 room) | $85 ($170 room) |
| Food & drink | $10 | $25 | $65 |
| Local transport | $3 | $8 | $25 |
| Activities & sights | $5 | $15 | $45 |
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 Ho Chi Minh City
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $81 | $423 | $1,320 |
| 5 days | $135 | $705 | $2,200 |
| 7 days | $189 | $987 | $3,080 |
| 14 days | $378 | $1,974 | $6,160 |
Book for less
Flights to Ho Chi Minh City
- From Bangkok
- From Chiang Mai
- From Phuket
- From Bali
- From Kuala Lumpur
- From Penang
- From Singapore
- From Hanoi
- From Da Nang
- From Siem Reap
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
December to April (dry season). May to November brings short, heavy afternoon rains.
Money-saving tips
- Grab is the easiest way around; the new Metro Line 1 is cheap for the east of the city.
- Eat broken rice (com tam) and banh mi from street stalls.
- Stay in District 1 or 3 to walk to most sights.
Free things to do
- Walk Nguyen Hue walking street in the evening.
- See the outside of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
- Explore Ben Thanh Market's surrounding streets.
Compare Ho Chi Minh City with
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Bangkok
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Chiang Mai
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Phuket
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Bali
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Kuala Lumpur
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Penang (George Town)
Questions
How much does a day in Ho Chi Minh City cost?
As a rough guide: about $27 per day for a backpacker, $71 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $220 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Ho Chi Minh City?
For one backpacker about $135; for two people mid-range about $705 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
December to April (dry season). May to November brings short, heavy afternoon rains.
What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City?
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