Northern Vietnam is a land of dramatic mountains, ancient cities, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the terraced rice fields of Sapa, the north offers unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler. But how much does it really cost to explore Northern Vietnam in 2025?
After researching and planning my own trip, here’s a complete breakdown of what you can expect to spend in Northern Vietnam—whether you’re a backpacker, a mid-range explorer, or seeking a bit of luxury.
Northern Vietnam Travel Budget at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of daily costs for different travel styles in Northern Vietnam (2025, in USD):
| Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $7 – $15 | $20 – $50 | $70 – $180+ |
| Food & Drink | $6 – $12 | $18 – $35 | $45 – $90+ |
| Local Transport | $3 – $8 | $8 – $18 | $25 – $50+ |
| Activities/Tours | $3 – $10 | $15 – $40 | $50 – $120+ |
| Daily Total | $19 – $45 | $61 – $143 | $190 – $440+ |
These estimates do not include international flights or visa costs.
Getting to Northern Vietnam
By Air:
- Most travelers arrive via Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport.
- Domestic flights from other Vietnamese cities: $30–$80 (book in advance on Kiwi.com).
By Train:
- The Reunification Express connects Hanoi with central and southern Vietnam.
- Hue/Da Nang to Hanoi: $25–$50 (soft seat/sleeper)
By Bus:
- Sleeper buses are cheap and frequent.
- Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh: $10–$20 per journey
Accommodation Costs
Northern Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options:
- Budget:
- Hostel dorm: $5–$7/night
- Basic guesthouse: $10–$15/night
- Mid-Range:
- Boutique hotel or B&B: $20–$50/night
- Often includes breakfast and good locations
- Luxury:
- 4–5 star hotels, Ha Long Bay cruises: $70–$180+/night
- Expect top service, pools, and stunning views
Tip: Book in advance on Booking.com for the best rates, especially in Hanoi and Sapa during high season.
Food & Drink Budget
Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, hearty, and affordable:
- Budget:
- Street food (pho, bun cha, banh cuon): $1–$2/meal
- Local restaurants: $2–$4/meal
- Daily total: $6–$12
- Mid-Range:
- Sit-down restaurants: $5–$10/meal
- Western food: $8–$15/meal
- Daily total: $18–$35
- Luxury:
- Fine dining: $30–$60+/person
- Upscale bars/cafes: $5–$10/drink
- Daily total: $45–$90+
Don’t miss:
- Hanoi’s egg coffee
- Sapa’s salmon hotpot
- Ha Long Bay’s fresh seafood
Transportation Within Northern Vietnam
- Scooter Rental: $5–$8/day (plus fuel)
- Great for exploring Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang independently.
- See our Scooter Rental Guide.
- Taxis/Grab: $1–$5 for short rides; $10–$20 for longer trips
- Grab is widely available in Hanoi.
- Buses: $1–$3 for local routes
- Intercity buses (e.g., Hanoi to Sapa): $10–$20
- Trains:
- Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai): $15–$35 (overnight sleeper)
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh: $5–$10
- Private Car/Driver: $30–$50/day
- Ideal for families or groups, especially for Ha Giang Loop or remote areas.
Activities & Tours Budget
- Budget:
- Temples, pagodas, and markets: Free–$2 entry
- Walking tours: $3–$10
- Hiking in Sapa: Free (self-guided)
- Mid-Range:
- Cooking class: $20–$35
- Ha Long Bay day cruise: $35–$60
- Guided trekking in Sapa: $15–$30
- Entry to major attractions: $2–$5
- Luxury:
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise: $90–$180+
- Private tours: $50–$120+
- Spa treatments: $30–$80
Book tours and skip-the-line tickets on Tiqets or GetYourGuide.
Sample Northern Vietnam Budgets (Per Person, Per Day)
1. Budget Backpacker: $19–$45/day
- Hostel dorm or basic guesthouse
- Street food and local restaurants
- Buses or scooter rental
- Free/cheap attractions, occasional group tour
2. Mid-Range Explorer: $61–$143/day
- Boutique hotel or B&B
- Mix of local and Western food
- Grab/taxis, occasional private driver
- Cooking class, guided tours, Ha Long Bay cruise
3. Luxury Indulger: $190–$440+/day
- 4–5 star hotel or luxury cruise
- Fine dining, cocktails, room service
- Private car/driver
- Private tours, spa treatments
Money-Saving Tips for Northern Vietnam
- Travel in Shoulder Season: (March–May, September–November) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Eat Local: Street food is delicious and cheap.
- Book Combo Tours: Many agencies offer discounts for booking multiple tours.
- Use Public Transport: Buses and trains are safe and affordable.
- Refill Water Bottles: Many hotels and cafes offer free refills—bring a filtering water bottle.
- Negotiate: Bargain politely in markets and for some services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Vietnam cheaper than the south or center?
Generally, yes—especially for food and local transport. Hanoi and Sapa offer excellent value.
How much cash should I carry?
Cash is needed for street food, markets, and small shops. ATMs are widely available in all major towns.
Are there ATMs and card payments?
Yes, in all cities and tourist areas. Smaller places may be cash-only.
Can I get by without speaking Vietnamese?
Yes, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases is appreciated.
Is tipping expected?
Not required, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated for good service.
Final Thoughts
Northern Vietnam is a region of incredible value, offering a rich mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty for every budget. Whether you’re backpacking, traveling with family, or seeking luxury, you’ll find your money goes a long way here.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out our guides to Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay for more inspiration!
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