Traveling to ho chi minh city is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to ho chi minh city’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in ho chi minh city for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, ho chi minh city can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore ho chi minh city on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of ho chi minh city without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to ho chi minh city
Your journey to ho chi minh city usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to ho chi minh city.
How to Find Cheap Flights to ho chi minh city:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to ho chi minh city 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to ho chi minh city and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to ho chi minh city.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If ho chi minh city is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near ho chi minh city can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to ho chi minh city: $100–$350
- International Flights to ho chi minh city: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in ho chi minh city
Lodging in ho chi minh city ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in ho chi minh city that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in ho chi minh city on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting ho chi minh city on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of ho chi minh city.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in ho chi minh city may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in ho chi minh city at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in ho chi minh city.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in ho chi minh city close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in ho chi minh city: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in ho chi minh city: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in ho chi minh city: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around ho chi minh city on a Budget
Once you’re in ho chi minh city, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in ho chi minh city:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like ho chi minh city have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in ho chi minh city for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring ho chi minh city on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of ho chi minh city, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in ho chi minh city unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central ho chi minh city is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass ho chi minh city: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in ho chi minh city: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in ho chi minh city
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to ho chi minh city—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in ho chi minh city.
Where and What to Eat in ho chi minh city on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, ho chi minh city is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in ho chi minh city are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in ho chi minh city and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in ho chi minh city offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in ho chi minh city—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in ho chi minh city:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in ho chi minh city: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in ho chi minh city for Less
Even if you’re traveling to ho chi minh city on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in ho chi minh city:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in ho chi minh city offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in ho chi minh city are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to ho chi minh city.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in ho chi minh city.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in ho chi minh city for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in ho chi minh city:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in ho chi minh city
It’s tempting to shop when visiting ho chi minh city, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in ho chi minh city:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to ho chi minh city.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from ho chi minh city that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in ho chi minh city’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in ho chi minh city: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for ho chi minh city
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to ho chi minh city | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in ho chi minh city | $250–$600 |
| Transport in ho chi minh city | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in ho chi minh city | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in ho chi minh city | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in ho chi minh city | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in ho chi minh city affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting ho chi minh city
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in ho chi minh city.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in ho chi minh city.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of ho chi minh city can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like ho chi minh city have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in ho chi minh city.
Conclusion: Enjoying ho chi minh city on a Budget
Visiting ho chi minh city doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of ho chi minh city—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, ho chi minh city can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: ho chi minh city is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.