Prices in Vietnam - 2021: food, accommodation, excursions

The article is based on the personal experience of wintering in Vietnam and the impressions of friends-tourists who had a rest in the country on a tour.

• My name is Irina, I'm 22
• Over the past year, traveled a good half of Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea), got sick all the visa in India, just returned from Istanbul
• I work a little freelance in different areas - smm, telegrams, copywriting, sometimes translation, in general, a little bit of everything 🙂

During my stay in Thailand, at some point my friend and I discovered that Thai visas were running out and we didn't want to return home. We thought about Vietnam as the next location. Fruits, sea, stunning landscapes, new impressions from an unknown country, and prices in Vietnam are low ... We woke up when we had printed visas in our hands - we were traveling for more than 15 days - and documents for departure.

I'm talking about how much Vietnam is now: housing prices, food, entertainment. My personal impressions and feedback from friends - is it worth it?

When is it cheaper to travel? Season in Vietnam

Vietnam has 3 climatic zones: north, center and south. Tours most often rest in the southern part - the main resorts are located here:

• Nha Trang
• Mui Ne (aka Phan Thiet)
• Phu Quoc

Peak tourist activity in Mui Ne and Fukuoka falls in winter and early spring (in March, in April). The wet season here starts around May and lasts until November. In Nha Trang vice versa: sun from March to September, rains from October to November, cold from December to February. Although the air temperature still does not drop below + 22 ° C.

When to go to Vietnam?

Green - dry season
Red is the rainy season

- I will remain the captain of the Obvious and tell you that it is cheaper to rest in tropical countries during the rainy season. Vietnam is no exception in this sense. In parallel with the rise in humidity, prices are falling.

- But! There is another travel hack: vouchers are much cheaper in December (before the New Year holidays) and in May (after the May holidays) - because the flow of tourists is falling.

We lived in Da Nang (the center of the country) most of the time. The weather was not very lucky. December was gloomy and windy, but the sea was perfect for surfing.

Prices for tours to Vietnam

For a vacation of 15 days or less, a visa to Vietnam is not required. For a longer trip, you must obtain a document (in Russia or upon arrival).

The country is only developing its directions, and the prices for tours to Vietnam are quite democratic. We ourselves flew from Thailand, and bought tickets and a hotel separately, somewhat in a hurry.
If it is possible to plan a vacation in advance, 2-3 months in advance, then it is more profitable to take a voucher, and not try to "fold" the trip yourself.

We are looking for tours on proven aggregators:

• Travelata
• Level.Travel
• Onlinetours

You can see offers from different tour operators in one place. Fast and convenient!

✓ The minimum cost of a vacation in a season - for 10 days and with a flight from Moscow - from 75,000 rubles for two.

✓ In the off-season, Vietnam for two on the same conditions - from 50,000 rubles.

✓ Tours to Vietnam for a family (mom + dad + child) are sharply more expensive than ordinary "adults" - from 125,000 rubles for 10 days.

✓ Vouchers for the New Year - from 130,000 rubles for two.

It is difficult to find a package vacation in Vietnam in 2021, the prices for which would take into account all-inclusive meals, but it is possible: from 115,000 rubles for two. On the other hand, this is not required - tasty and inexpensive food in the country is not a problem. Where and how much, we will tell below.

If you collect a trip to Vietnam for two on your own, the price will be something like this:

• Flights (direct flight) ≈ 65,000 rubles round trip
• Accommodation ≈ 700 rubles (night in a double room in a 3-star hotel)
• Insurance ≈ 1500 rubles
• Transfer from / to the airport ≈ 2000 rubles (you can take a bus about 350 rubles in both directions)

Total for conditional 10 days: the same 75,000 rubles.

Accommodation: hotel prices in Vietnam

In Vietnam, renting an apartment on airbnb is unlikely to be cheaper than a hotel. Separate housing (apartment / villa) costs around 2000-3000 rubles per night. This is an option if you are traveling with a large company and for a long time. In other cases, the hotel is more budgetary. You can rent only a room in a common house for 600-800 rubles, but is it necessary if the prices for hotels in Vietnam are the same and lower?

What works?

• Hotellook is an aggregator in Asia that checks the cost of different booking sites, especially relevant, because Booking does not always offer the best hotel prices here.
• Booking - since there are a lot of new hotels and hostels in Vietnam, there are often profitable promotions in the direction.

Prices in Vietnam - 2021 (per night, 2 guests):

We managed to rent a nice room with cleaning, not far from the coast of Da Nang, for only 6,000 rubles for two for two weeks (in low season) through Booking. The only negative is the too persistent cleaning lady who offers cleaning every morning until you categorically shout “NO THANK YOU” in response. On the other hand, you paid for the cleaning - get it =)

Tramps with couchsurfing in a hurry to break off:
a rare Vietnamese knows about the service, there are very few hosts.

10 good hotels in Vietnam

Luxury and inexpensive hotels in Vietnam with a good reputation among tourists.
Our top 10:

Nyachang

• 3 * Hanoi Golden Hotel - there is no territory, there is a rooftop pool. Clean, comfortable rooms, decent food. For the money, the hotel is very good.
  Tour for 10 days: from 90,000 rubles
• 3 * Asia Paradise Hotel is a popular place among Russian tourists :) A good city hotel, the most beautiful beach of Nha Trang is within a minute's reach.
  Tour for 10 days: from 95,000 rubles
• 5 * Amiana Resort & Villas Nha Trang - reviews of friends: "We did not expect that there is such a thing in Nha Trang." My fellow traveler and I too 🙂 Three large swimming pools (one with salt water and sand around), our own white sand beach (they say, they brought it from the Maldives especially), excellent staff, good breakfasts, spa. I really don't want to leave there!
  Tour for 10 days: from 170,000 rubles
• 5 * Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang - gives the right to unlimited stay in the Vinpearl amusement park (the main attraction in Nha Trang), a clean beach. Ideal for families with children, but quite expensive.
  Tour for 10 days: from 185,000 rubles
• 2 * Ocean Bay Hotel - the hotel where our friends lived. Quite basic to sleep in, but neat.
  Tour for 10 days: from 85,000 rubles

FUKUOK

• The 4 * Famiana Resort & Spa is a stunning beachfront hotel. Palm trees are everywhere. An excellent choice for both family and luxury holidays. It is possible to rent an apartment (villa). Near the territory there are a scattering of cafes. And what are the sunsets!
  Tour for 10 days: from 130,000 rubles
• 3 * Hiep Thanh Resort is a pleasant hotel on the coast. There is a swimming pool, beach area, and the territory itself looks like a small paradise.
  Tour for 10 days: from 100,000 rubles

FANTHYET

• 4 * Dessole Beach Resort Mui Ne is a hotel for our compatriots, a lot of package tourists. Everything is adapted for the Russian man in the street, the staff is also Russian-speaking. Located in the center of the village, close to shops, cafes, spas. Large area, two swimming pools, a nice beach. Nice and inexpensive for a classic beach holiday and for a trip with the whole family!
  Tour for 10 days: from 150,000 rubles (all inclusive)

DANANG

• 4 * Monarque Hotel Danang - we lived in it. Of all the obvious advantages, it is worth highlighting the free airport shuttle, the ability to rent a bike for free, breakfasts and afternoon tea with snacks. The beach is located a hundred meters from the hotel, there are restaurants and eateries nearby.
  Night in a double room: from 3500 rubles

HANOI

• 4 * Hanoi Bonsella Prestige Hotel & Spa is a new hotel in Vietnam, built in 2018. There are almost no Russians there, because the tour operators have not yet got there.Located near the famous Hoan Kiem Lake (where the "Turtle House" is), it fulfills its 4 stars like all 5 - staff, service, children's rooms and restaurants.
  Night in a double room: from 3600 rubles

Vietnam Food Prices - 2021

About something, but about staying hungry on an Asian trip, you don't have to worry - the prices in Vietnam for food in 2021 in local cafes are ridiculous, and you can gorge yourself up to the dump for some 30,000 dong (≈ 83 rubles).

Prices in a cafe in Vietnam (average bill per person, excluding alcohol):

Fast food is here literally at every step and for every taste. My friend and I are vegetarians and there were no problems with that. The main part of the Vietnamese population is Buddhists, the phrase “no meat” is understood everywhere and is happy to replace meat with something else. I advise you not to be afraid of local cafe-tents and forget about McDonald's and other fast food chains! Vietnamese know a lot about delicious dishes, the local cuisine is much better (and cheaper)!

What to try?

• Fo Bo! Why else should you go to Vietnam ?! Traditional pho soup is everywhere and always, it will definitely come your way. You can choose pho bo (with beef), pho ga (with chicken) and fo ka (with fish). Don't forget about the magic phrases "non spicy / non hut"!
  25,000-30,000 VND (less than 100 rubles)

As it turned out, after Korea, my body got used to it and fell in love with the sharpest spices, and in Vietnam it was even bland. What not to say about my friends. The poor fellows came to their senses for a day 🙂 Therefore, start with "nonhat", and then according to your mood.

• Spring rolls (Nem) - rice paper rolls with different fillings
  6000 VND for 1 piece (17 rubles)
• Bánh mì - an integral part of Vietnamese "post-colonial" cuisine. Sandwiches stuffed with herbs, vegetables, spices, eggs and meat. Very often you can find them in a traditional French bun (croissant or baguette).
  15,000-20,000 VND (50 rubles)
• Banyung, bant'ing (Bánh chưng) - classic, stuffed glutinous rice baked in banana leaf rolls.
  35,000-50,000 VND (95-140 rubles)

For vegetarians and just the curious, I advise you to find Buddhist canteen... Very cool there they make a substitute for shrimp and meat (you can't tell, damn it!). You can find them near large Buddhist temples, the signs are usually green. They look like ordinary canteens :) Price list from $ 1!

Food Prices in Vietnam - 2021

Dong to ruble exchange rate: 1 dong ≈ 0.0032 rubles. To translate price tags remember: drop three zeros and multiply by 3.

If you decide to cook on your own, then here are the approximate prices in Vietnam for groceries in the store:

Fruit prices are a different story: the cost largely depends on the resort and the season. During the harvest season, they are 2-3 times cheaper.

You can buy food at the local market or in the CircleK chain of stores. It's like our "Daily" (small supermarket). There is not much "specific" food, mostly the most necessary and snacks. But around the clock!

You can shop thoroughly in the local giant supermarkets:

✓ Big C

✓ CoopMart

✓ MaxiMark

Beaches in Vietnam

Pure golden Vietnamese beaches, strewn with shells, just won my heart. During our travels, we often met the same views, "as in the Bounty advertisement." And wild beaches occupied by fishermen, crabbers and kitesurfers! Just a fairy tale ...

I am telling you about the places I have visited personally.

• In Da Nang the coastline stretches along the "peninsula" and is called the Mikhe beach (there is also "Chinese beach" nearby, which is, in fact, the same thing). Luxurious promenade, with eateries, rows of sun loungers and dressing rooms

There are sunbeds, both atelier and from "grandmothers" (entrepreneurs aged with 2-3 sunbeds, which demand a tribute from you). The price fluctuates around 30,000 dong (80 rubles). In the evenings, local musicians try to "raise movement" on a large rebuilt stage, but it does not always work out.

• Nha Trang is also famous for its huge beaches surrounded by tropical plants. On the main city, you can find rent of boats, yachts and everything else that your heart desires.
• North of Cape Honchong (about 4 km from Nha Trang), surrounded by mountains, there is a huge eponymous beach... I don't dare call it wild, but tourists here are really less concentrated than in urban Nha Trang.
• Zoklet beach - one of those reserved, from the advertisement for "Bounty". It is located 50 km from Nha Trang. It is better to get to it on your bike for the whole day. The sea is shallow and strewn with small islands, which is why there are no such strong waves as in other parts of Vietnam. We came here precisely for a calm, measured rest, in search of Zen. Plus, there are several cafes where you can eat fresh fish. By the way, the prices for seafood here are much more pleasant than at other resorts (seafood salad is about 80,000 dongs ≈ 220 rubles).
• Bay Sao Beach in Fukuoka it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches. And not for nothing! Clear water, white sand, palms and bungalows ... Very atmospheric! This is a tourist area, so it will be expensive. Lots of standard entertainment, beautiful restaurants by the sea ... All inclusive 🙂

How much do tours in Vietnam cost?

Vietnam is a pretty big and definitely fascinating country. Interesting sights can be found in each of its parts.

A must-see excursion program that can be found at any resort is, of course: temples, climbing mountains to holy places, waterfalls. Tours are sold at hotels that cooperate with Russian tour operators, or on the streets.

If you want original routes and privacy, you can look at Tripster - there are collected individual (and not only) tours with Russian-speaking guides.

Excursions in Vietnam - prices in 2021:
* for example, let's take Nha Trang

You can use the services of agencies with English-speaking guides, but you need at least a minimum of English. The price for the excursion should drop 2-3 times. For me, this is a good option: on excursions you need to watch more than listen. And maybe you will tighten your tongue!

Prices for other entertainment

For lovers of outdoor activities, you can advise coastal entertainment along the resort areas - surfing, diving, sailing, fishing and relaxing massage after exercise will add pleasant memories to the piggy bank :)

- Lesson at a surf school ≈ $ 20

- Diving lesson ≈ $ 40

- Cook caught fish at a seaside restaurant ≈ $ 3

- Snorkeling (snorkeling), equipment rental for a day ≈ $ 20

- Massage ≈ $ 5-8

Where to go in Vietnam? Entertainment

Where, where and how much to go in Vietnam? Entertainment at different resorts.

Night clubs

The championship in party-drinking in Vietnam is definitely in Nha Trang. The coastline in this area is littered with entertainment establishments where you can forget about everything for this night or sit with friends in a hookah bar for a pint of the best. Some thematic festivals are constantly held here, in other cities this is tight.

Nightclubs are concentrated on Tran Phu Street, the most famous places are:

✓ Club Zima (aka Z-club) is a Russian-speaking place, the owner of Russian origin (according to rumors).

✓ Skylight - located on the roof of the tallest building in Nha Trang.

✓ Havana Club is a place on the beach.

Prices on average - from $ 6 service fee (at the entrance or on the check). Opening hours in most cases until 2:00 am. But you can meet the sunrise on the beach with your friends in hop ...

But not Nha Trang alone. At night, a simple Ho Chi Minh city falls asleep and turns into a solid Walking Street - one of the most popular places in Vietnam. A bunch of different people pick you up into the stream and carry you away along the noise of bars, along the way, ladyboys grab you by the arms and offer you “to spend the evening with a glass of alcohol”.

Famous nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City:

✓ Apocalypse Now

✓ Lush

✓ Glow Skybar

Transport

In Vietnam, the transport network is quite developed. You can get around the city both by taxi (Grab works here) and by public buses. Their itineraries can be viewed and checked on google.maps, or you can ask the locals.

The price of a bus ticket in the city usually does not exceed 9000 dong (25 rubles).

➢ The fare from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) is 30,000 VND (85 rubles). The bus has wi-fi so that you can check your way on the map or post a photo on Instagram =) The price of the same taxi ride is about 700,000 dongs (1930 rubles).

Finding a stop can be a real quest. For a long time we tried to figure out how to get from the airport to the center of Hanoi by public transport. Initially, they just rushed around the perimeter in search of bus number 86, but the secret was that you had to go around the airport and find a bus station. There, the good uncles, the drivers, suggested how to get to the desired point.

➢ You can also get from Cam Ranh Airport to the center of Nha Trang by public transport. The issue price is 50,000 dongs (140 rubles). It is necessary to find a girl with a sign "Airport Bus No. 18" at the exit from the international terminal of the airport, take her ticket and wait for the transport there. Taxi - from 530,000 dong (1,460 rubles).

Intercity buses also run in Vietnam. We called them patibass - buses are equipped with neon lights. In fact, these are bus reserved seats (yes, there are beds in two rows instead of seats): with blankets, drinks and everything you need. Each city has huge bus stations, from where you can get to any major city in Vietnam. It is much cheaper than planes and is especially convenient if you want to see all of Vietnam on your own.

We got from Hanoi to Da Nang for about 500,000 dong (1,400 rubles) for one in 10 hours in complete comfort. There were almost no locals on the bus, most likely because of the price (something suggested that it was quite an expensive pleasure).

Car and scooter rental

Vietnamese naturally live on bikes. Seems to be born, get married, and move right into them.

Only in Vietnam can you find such an abundance of mopeds on the roads. When you first come to this country you think that you have lost your mind - the flow never stops. Therefore, to cross the road, you just need to ... go. And only then will the Vietnamese go around you. You can stand on the sidelines in the hope that someone will slow down and let you pass until next season =). And take care of your ears - they honk here always, everywhere and just like that!

You can rent a scooter at every corner from 100,000 dongs per day ≈ 275 rubles. Sometimes it's easier to just walk along the main streets and ask “bike for rent”. So some Vietnamese ran up to us from the other end of the district to offer his moped.

Regarding scooter rental - you can and should bargain with the Vietnamese, but not overdo it. So, for a week of rent, we gave only 500,000 dongs (instead of 700,000 dongs). I advise you to check the bike ten times before you take it: the brake may not work (why is it?), The arrow on the dashboard (gasoline is there or not ...) and so on.

My opinion, supported by the observation of the traffic situation in the country, is that renting a car in Vietnam is inconvenient and unreasonably expensive. Cars are rented mainly by Russian companies and websites, prices from $ 40 ≈ 2500 rubles. Locals offer a car immediately with a driver, allegedly it is impossible to arrange a lease without a local license. Price - from 150,000 dongs (410 rubles) from morning to evening.

Do not forget that in Vietnam there is a completely different logic of traffic (for a European it looks like a continuous humming chaos). Driving a car and scooter can be life-threatening (and no joke at all)!

Shopping in Vietnam

Vietnam is famous for its coffee, fruits, herbs and teas. All this can be purchased either at exorbitant souvenir shops, or simply find the nearest markets on maps.me (food prices in Vietnam are the lowest here) or supermarkets.

For example, in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, we stumbled upon the huge Bentan market. Most of it, of course, was inundated with cheap synthetics of all sorts and types, but the other wing of the market was exactly grocery, with a small food court. I do not advise you to eat there, but to buy coffee at reasonable prices is quite. Better to go deeper into the ranks, where prices are nicer and sellers are calmer. And yes, you can bargain :).

What can you bring from Vietnam

I haven’t heard about clothing shopping in Vietnam - it’s somehow not popular, and why? Chinese consumer goods are now abundant in the homeland, and the time of shuttles has long passed.

• Exotic fruits / dried fruits / nuts
  From 10,000 VND
• Homeopathic remedies and herbal cosmetics
  From 8000 VND
• Coffee
  From 50,000 VND
• Green tea
  From 25,000 VND

Bottom line: what budget is needed for a vacation in Vietnam?

But first, about the cost of air tickets (for individuals). We are looking for:

• Aviasales
• Skyscanner

Flights from Moscow to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh or Nha Trang range from 30,000 rubles round trip in the off-season.
During the season, you can also grab a ticket to Vietnam for 30,000-35,000 rubles in both directions, but with a certain degree of luck (it ends quickly). On average, the price is about 40,000 rubles.

Life hack: it is really possible to catch very favorable tickets from Irkutsk. The cost of a flight to Vietnam is around 10,000 rubles (with luggage, one way), direct flight. From Novosibirsk a little more expensive, in the region of 15,000 rubles. Siberians, this is your chance :)

I flew from Thailand, so a one-way ticket came out for just under $ 100. This is a huge plus, if you are already in Asia, then flights between countries (Korea, Japan, Vietnam) become fast and cheap. Eh, immense homeland, while you fly by! ..

So for budget vacation for 10 days for two:

Total: ± 80,000 rubles.

No problems, vacation for two in Vietnam for 10 days, with a tour package from Moscow, purchased not in advance, without discounts and promotions:

Total: ± 115,000 rubles.

Recall that you can go to Vietnam and all inclusive. Prices for a similar luxury vacation (let's call it this way): range from 115,000 to 355,000 rubles, depending on the resort (cheaper in Mui Ne, more expensive in Nha Trang). But we don't recommend! It's too interesting a destination not to leave the hotel =)

Bonus from the author: where to change money? Currency exchange for Vietnamese dongs.

In order to buy something, need to sell something you need to exchange money for local currency. Cash is important, especially in countries where cash desks are not always available, not like credit card terminals.

First of all, when the cash quickly ran out, my friend and I asked ourselves a question - where to change dollars for dongs, and so as not to cheat and not killed? The answer was found in foreign forums.

If you do not see an exchange office or bank nearby, then you should contact the local "black merchants". In small towns it can be:

• pawnshops
• jewelry stores
• pharmacies

Jewelry and pawnshops are easy to define - tents with a bunch of gold jewelry on display cases. They can even be in the most inveterate ghetto.

Sometimes currency can be changed at local banks, but they work according to very strange time periods and rules. In addition, they can be located on the other side of the city. It is also possible to exchange at the airport upon arrival, but often the exchange rate there is completely unprofitable. It is better not to take rubles with you, in Vietnam you will definitely not change them.

So, the prices for vacations in Vietnam have been estimated. Next in line is a story about resorts: Nha Trang is the most popular among Russians