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Tour prices and service costs always make the first impression on tourists when looking for a trip. Therefore, they have a strong impact on tourists' decisions on whether or not to book that tour. Places with good service and affordable prices are always the top priority.
Prices are usually displayed larger than everything else in every tour listed online. Photo: The Independent
Vietnam is experiencing miraculous economic growth. Logically, the costs of traveling to Vietnam should be on par with regional powers like Singapore or Malaysia. So why is there such a paradox? Asia King Travel will reveal reasons explaining why an S-shaped country has this "advantage".
The Vietnamese currency is quite "cheap" compared to most others. From any tourism activities, you can get by on a money-saving that barely covers a fancy dinner in places like Paris or New York. But it's not just budget travelers who benefit. Even luxury ones can live like kings and queens without spending a fortune.
The exchange rate between the Vietnamese dong and major currencies is favorable for travelers. Tourists’ money goes way further in Vietnam compared to back home. For example, at current rates, USD 1 is worth around VND 24,500. So a USD 100 bill is a ton of buying power for accommodation, food, activities, and more.
You can receive lots of Vietnamese dong exchange from major currencies.
It's wild to think USD 50-60 in the US is just enough food for a day, it can be almost a week here. So forget pinching pennies, the country makes your hard-earned cash stretch significantly further than other popular destinations.
One of the biggest reasons is the country's low overall cost of living. Vietnam's per capita income is only at the middle level according to the WTO, leading to lower prices in general compared to developed countries. This also affects the prices of tourism products and services.
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You don't need to prepare much, just buy cheaper essential items in Vietnam. Photo: VnExpress
As a visitor, you get to utilize low local prices on lots of travel essentials. The low daily costs give you the flexibility to splurge occasionally without breaking the bank.
Grabbing a meal in Vietnam is a piece of cake. You can easily find delicious street food like banh mi or pho for just a buck! Lively markets supply the freshest products. Saleswomen will complain your VND 200,000 note (USD 8) is too large to make the change. Even sitting at a local restaurant won't put too much of a dent in your wallet. You will talk full meals for under USD 20 in most places!
You won't believe how inexpensive such a hearty meal is. Photo: Tripadvisor
And getting around is just as wallet-friendly. Using ride-hailing service apps helps you save more money with discounts. A 30-minute ride across the city might only set you back USD 3 or 4. Domestic flights are also affordable if you need to hop between provinces. You can often find flights under USD 50 if you book in advance.
Vietnam is a budget travel paradise in sightseeing and attractions. Majestic temples, stunning beaches, and fascinating cultural experiences won't cost you an arm and a leg. One of the best things is that many are free or nominal entry fees.
Come and receive nature's gift. Photo: Lao Dong
The country’s beautiful scenery probably motivates you to travel. You can climb mountains or go to the beach without having to spend a lot of money on tickets. Many natural tourist destinations are not only beautiful in terms of scenery but also have historical and cultural value. It's like you're getting everything in one package.
The country has a lot of pagodas and relic sites since they mostly worshipped Buddhists in feudal periods. Venerable monks will invite you on tour without asking for any return. You can spend hours wandering ancient temple complexes, admiring the unique intricate architecture. Just be sure to follow the etiquette.
Selling cheap tickets or offering free tours is a way to encourage visitors to explore historical sites. Photo: 24h
If you're more of a city slicker, don't worry – there are free (or nearly free) activities in urban centers too. Many cities open walking streets for free, a great way to learn about local culture. Museums will charge you a small entrance fee before looking at priceless artifacts. Malls and supermarkets have so much fun even if you don’t want to pay anything.
Dozens of accommodations for you to choose from modest hostels to luxurious resorts. But the real gems are the local guesthouses and homestays. For like USD 10-20 per night, you get your own clean room, often with an ensuite bathroom, AC, and maybe a mini-fridge. Friendly owners usually give you the inside scoop on the area. Some guesthouses have dope rooftop bars or restaurants too.
Homestays are cozy at very affordable prices. Photo: Digiticket
Not just for budget travelers, middle and upper guests can enjoy high-end experiences from USD 100 per night. This price is too cheap for a 4-5 star living room with polished furnishings. Moreover, the prices of supplementary services are slightly higher than the standard level.
Vietnam's booming tourism industry is a crowded playing field vying for visitors' attention. This fierce competition is actually a major win for backpackers. With so many businesses fighting over the same pool of tourists, they must get creative and aggressive pricing to get the booking.
It's a simple case of supply and demand economics. The supply of tourism services vastly outstrips visitor demand, so operators are motivated to undercut each other on pricing to fill rooms, seats, and tour bookings. This pricing battle turns into a race to the bottom that tourists can happily take advantage of.
Tourism businesses attract customers through promotional activities at travel fairs. Photo: Thoi Dai
For example, you might find two neighboring hotels charging USD 25 and USD 30 per night for nearly identical rooms and amenities. Or tour companies offering similar Ha Long Bay cruise itineraries for USD 80 and USD 90 per person. With so many comparable options, tourists can simply shop around for the best deal.
So while the sheer quantity of tourism options can feel overwhelming, it's also what makes traveling there such an affordable luxury. Smart consumers can take advantage of the competition to score unbeatable deals and plan their budgets further.
Suggested for you: Center Vietnam Tour 5 days: Rural Life Discovery
One of the best ways to keep costs down in Vietnam is to bargain like a local. Don't be afraid to haggle for everything. The starting price is usually inflated for tourists, so politely negotiate to get a better deal. A simple head shake with a smile can work wonders.
Sticking to local guesthouses, hostels, and homestays instead of fancy resorts is a no-brainer. You'll find clean, basic rooms for a fraction of the cost of upscale places. Plus, you'll get a more authentic experience by staying in neighborhoods alongside locals.
Sometimes bargaining is just a way for the seller to start a conversation. Photo: Mr Linh's Adventure
The street stalls and markets are the cheapest yet finest Vietnamese cuisine. You can fill your belly without blowing your budget with pho, banh mi and tropical fruits. Don’t forget to do research for the busier, more popular vendors.
If you don’t mind the lack of personal places, public transportation like buses, trains, and motorbike taxis are dirt cheap compared to private transfers or renting a car. They're also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The facilities and service quality in Vietnam are much better than what tourists pay for. The affordable price is a significant advantage when comparing the S-shaped country to other destinations. Visiting beautiful places at a low cost is truly a great deal. Contact Asia King Travel to catch the bundle now.
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