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Vietnam Trip Cost Breakdown: 9 Days in Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Ba, and Hoi An

Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers, offering a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty at affordable costs. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to visit Vietnam, this detailed breakdown in Indian Rupees will help you plan your trip, save money, and enjoy everything from cafes, coastlines, cities to—of course, coffee! Because if you’ve not tasted Vietnamese coffee, you’ve missed on something major in life!

Here’s how much I spent to visit Vietnam in 2024:

Detailed Vietnam Trip Cost Breakdown for 9 Days

Vietnam is a land of contrasts—from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene rice terraces of Sapa, this guide gives you an idea of how much to budget and how to make the most of your trip. (Psst! Find the total trip cost towards the end of the blog.)

Flights: International and Domestic

India to Vietnam flight cost

The cost of travelling to Vietnam from India largely depends on your flight expenses. A round-trip ticket from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Hanoi costs around ₹25,000–₹35,000 per person. We paid ₹21,554 per person for a round ticket from Mumbai to Hanoi. VietJet Air, AirAsia, and Thai Airways are budget-friendly options.

Best Route for Savings: Book flights 2–3 months in advance using websites like Skyscanner.

Vietnam Domestic flights and Alternatives

Hanoi to Da Nang (for Hoi An): A flight from Hanoi to Da Nang costs ₹2,500–₹4,000.
Hải Phòng to Hanoi: Flights between Hải Phòng and Hanoi are also common and cost around ₹1,500–₹3,000 depending on the airline and booking time. These flights are often quick and convenient for travellers arriving in or departing from Hải Phòng.

Alternative Transport: If you’re not in a rush, taking a bus or train is a cheaper alternative at around ₹500–₹1,500. Even limousine buses are a good option costing you around ₹1500 per person.

Vietnam Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian travellers need a visa for Vietnam. Please note, there is no visa on arrival option available. Here’s what you should know:

E-Visa for Vietnam

Cost: $25 (approx. ₹2,100)
Validity: 30 days, single-entry
How to Apply: Vietnam E-Visa Portal
Processing Time: Apply at least 2-3 weeks in advance in case there’s any rectification required.

How to travel Vietnam on a budget: Cost breakdown for 9 days in Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Ba & Hoi An

Accommodation Costs in Vietnam

Vietnam offers accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and homestays:

Hanoi (Old Quarter): Hostel beds for ₹800–₹1,200, boutique hotels for ₹2,000–₹3,500.
Sapa: Basic homestays with meals included cost ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night. Resorts for ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 a night.
Cat Ba Island: Stays start at ₹1,500.
Hoi An: Boutique homestays for ₹1,200–₹3,000, ideal for couples or solo travellers.

Total Accommodation Cost (9 Nights): ₹7,200–₹25,000. We paid approx. 20,000 for 9 nights of hotel/homestay/resort accommodation.

How to save money on accommodation: Avoid the overnight cruise stay and save some ₹12,000. Go for AirBnbs as you’ll get beautiful options for lesser price.

Transportation: Intercity and Local Travel

Intercity Travel Costs

Hanoi to Sapa: A limousine bus from Hanoi to Sapa costs around ₹1,300. This luxurious bus offers more comfort and amenities, but if you opt for a regular bus, expect to pay around ₹1,500.
Sapa to Cat Ba: Combined sleeper bus and ferry routes cost around ₹2,500–₹3,500.
Cat Ba to Hoi An: Sleeper buses cost around ₹2,000–₹2,500.

Local Transportation

Rent a scooter for ₹300–₹500 per day, especially in places like Cat Ba, Sapa, and Hoi An.
Use Grab rides (Vietnam’s version of Uber) for intra-city travel, whether you want to ride on a two-wheeler or a taxi.

You do not require a international license to rent out a scooter. Sometimes they don’t even ask for your country license! But in case they do, check out how to get an international driver’s permit:

Food and Drinks

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of flavours at very affordable prices. Apart from food, the country is also known for its local beverages that you must try during your visit.

Vietnamese Street Food

Banh Mi: Vietnamese sandwiches filled with meat, pickles, and herbs. ₹100–₹150.
Pho: Traditional noodle soup with beef or chicken. ₹150–₹250.
Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs. ₹250–₹300.

There are vegetarian/vegan alternatives, so do not worry!

Drinks to Try

Vietnamese Coffee (Ca Phe): Strong and flavourful, available in hot and iced versions. Don’t miss Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk). ₹80–₹120 per cup.
Egg Coffee: A Hanoi specialty made with egg yolk and condensed milk. ₹120–₹150 per cup.
Beer (Bia): Vietnam is famous for its affordable beer. Bia Hoi, a local draft beer served fresh daily, costs around ₹50–₹100 per glass, while bottled beers like Saigon or Hanoi beer are ₹120–₹200.
Rice Wine (Ruou): A traditional alcoholic drink often served in rural areas. Prices vary, typically ₹100–₹150 for a shot.

Local Cafes and Dining Options

Local Cafes: Perfect for enjoying a casual coffee or tea with snacks. Budget around ₹150–₹300.
Mid-Range Dining: Enjoy authentic dishes like Cao Lau or Claypot Fish at smaller restaurants for ₹300–₹500 per meal.
Fine Dining: Upscale restaurants or rooftop bars with views cost ₹1,200+ per meal, especially in cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.

Activities and Sightseeing Costs

Vietnam is filled with unique experiences ranging from natural wonders to cultural landmarks. Here’s a breakdown of some must-visit activities along with their approximate costs:

Sightseeing Cost in Hanoi

Old Quarter: Free to explore; a great place to stroll, especially in the evening.
Temple of Literature: Entry fee ₹200.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: Entry fee ₹300.

Sightseeing Cost in Sapa

Fansipan Cable Car Fee: ₹1,800–₹2,200 round-trip.
Additional Tram Ride to the Summit: ₹500.
Sapa Glass Bridge (Rong May Glass Bridge): ₹2,500.
Guided Trekking through Rice Terraces: Opt for a half or full-day guided trek. Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000, including a local guide.

Sightseeing Cost in Cat Ba Island (Ha Long Bay)

Half-Day La Han Bay Cruise: ₹2,500–₹3,500, with lunch or evening snacks included.
Full-Day Option: For a more comprehensive experience, full-day cruises cost around ₹4,500.

Sightseeing Cost in Hoi An

Hoi An Boat Ride: ₹400–₹700 for a 30 minute ride.
Lantern-Making Workshop: ₹800–₹1,000.
My Son Sanctuary: ₹500.
Basket Boat Ride in Coconut Forest: ₹500.

Estimated Total Activity Costs: ₹10,000–₹16,000

About me

Hi, I’m Lia – the voice, heart, and soul behind Life with Lia. This little corner of the internet is my space to share stories, thoughts, and experiences that shape the way I live, learn, and grow every single day.