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Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
Vietnam & Cambodia · Budget

Vietnam and Cambodia budget travel: daily costs and tips

Real-world budgets, price comparisons, and practical hacks to travel both countries cheaply.

Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters of Ha Long Bay
Vietnam & Cambodia · Budget📅 Updated 2026-06-17 · last reviewed by Phuong Le📖 3 min readPLPhuong Le15-yr Hanoi history guide
Last reviewed by Phuong Le: 2026-06-17 · Quarterly review

Quick answer

Costs: Vietnam $30–50/day; Cambodia $25–45/day. Save with hostels, street food, buses/trains. Buy at stations/12Go. Use fee‑free cards; larger withdrawals. eSIMs ~$5–7. Avoid Tet/Khmer New Year surcharges. Angkor: 3‑day pass, bike/share tuk‑tuk. Ha Long: day tour or Cat Ba boat.

Vietnam $30–50/day; Cambodia $25–45/dayBuy at stations or 12GoAvoid Tet/Khmer New Year surcharges

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🔄Reviewed quarterly · last update Jun 2026
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About this guide

Vietnam and Cambodia remain two of Southeast Asia's more affordable destinations in 2026, though costs have shifted upward in recent years. Budget travelers in Vietnam typically spend $20–$35 per day, covering hostel beds ($8–$15/night), street food ($1–$2 per dish), local buses, and basic entrance fees. Mid-range travelers spending $45–$95 per day gain access to private 3-star hotel rooms, which now commonly run $80–$110/night — up from around $60 in 2023, reflecting roughly 14.6% growth in accommodation revenue recorded in 2025. The Vietnam e-visa carries a fixed government fee of $25 for single-entry or $50 for multiple-entry (valid up to 90 days); travelers planning to cross into Cambodia and return should opt for the multiple-entry version from the outset.

Cambodia runs slightly cheaper overall, with budget travelers managing on $15–$25 per day — hostel dorms at $6–$8, street food at $10–$12, and local tuk-tuk rides at $3–$5. The single largest one-off expense is the Angkor Archaeological Park pass: $37 for one day, $62 for three days, or $72 for seven days. Passes must be purchased at the official Angkor Ticket Office or via angkorenterprise.gov.kh — not at the temple gates. The US dollar functions as a de-facto currency alongside the Cambodian Riel (approximately $1 = 4,100 KHR), so currency exchange is rarely necessary, but ATMs typically charge $3–$5 per withdrawal; withdrawing $200 or more at a time keeps those fees manageable. Cambodia is broadly 15–25% cheaper than Thailand, though Siem Reap and Phnom Penh tourist zones price noticeably higher than rural areas.

Several practical habits keep daily costs in check across both countries. Overnight sleeper buses or trains between cities — such as Hanoi–Hue or Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh — eliminate a night's accommodation cost while covering distance simultaneously. The Grab app provides transparent, metered fares in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh and consistently undercuts flagged tuk-tuks and taxis. Traveling during shoulder or low season (May–October) brings accommodation discounts and some tour operators reduce rates by 10–20%. A local SIM card costs $5–$10 for 30 days of data — available from official carrier shops such as Viettel or Mobifone in Vietnam, and Smart or Metfone in Cambodia — and is essential for running Grab, maps, and booking apps. Overlooked costs including visas, entrance fees, and tourist surcharges add roughly $3–$6 per day to Vietnam base estimates; in Cambodia, tap water is not safe to drink, adding around $1 per day for bottled water unless a filtered bottle is carried.

Key facts & good to know

Best time to go
Nov–Apr (dry season, peak prices); May–Oct shoulder/low season cuts accommodation costs and tour prices by 10–20%.
Currencies
Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cambodia: USD is de-facto currency alongside Riel (~$1 = 4,100 KHR); carry USD in Cambodia.
Typical daily budget
Vietnam: $20–$35 budget / $45–$95 mid-range. Cambodia: $15–$25 budget / $50–$100 mid-range. Add $3–$6/day for hidden costs.
Visas
Vietnam e-visa: $25 single-entry or $50 multiple-entry (up to 90 days). Get multiple-entry if crossing into Cambodia and returning.
Angkor Park passes
1-day $37 · 3-day $62 · 7-day $72. Buy only at the official Angkor Ticket Office or angkorenterprise.gov.kh — never at temple gates.
Getting around & apps
Use Grab (like Uber) in both countries — cheaper and transparent vs. taxis or tuk-tuks. Buy a local SIM on arrival for ~$5–$10/30 days.
Saving on transport
Overnight sleeper buses/trains (e.g. Hanoi–Hue, HCMC–Phnom Penh) save a night's accommodation. Domestic flights book $30–$100 in advance.
Scams & safety notes
Cambodia market vendors open at 300–500% above fair value — bargain confidently. ATMs charge $3–$5 per withdrawal; withdraw $200+ to cut fees.

The honest pacing

When we put together the numbers for a Vietnam–Cambodia trip in 2026, the first thing we noticed is that the cost gap between 'budget' and 'comfortable' is smaller than it used to be. Accommodation has climbed — boutique rooms that cost $60/night in 2023 now run $80–$110 — and the Angkor pass alone accounts for $37–$72 of a Cambodia stay before you've paid for a single meal. The overall picture is still affordable by global standards, but the margin for underestimating daily spend is thinner, particularly in peak season between November and April.

We've tried to lay out the numbers as plainly as possible here: what a realistic day actually costs at different comfort levels, where the money quietly disappears (ATM fees, tourist surcharges, domestic flights), and which specific tools and timing choices — Grab over flagged taxis, shoulder-season travel, local SIM cards from carrier shops rather than souvenir stalls — make a consistent difference to the daily total. The figures below are drawn from 2026 data and apply to independent travelers moving through the main circuits of both countries.

Want this tailored to your dates?

We run these routes ourselves. Send your dates, group size and pace and our Hanoi team will build a custom version — with real prices, not estimates.

What to skip on 0 days

These are the 4 mistakes 80% of first-time Vietnam travellers make when researching online.Phuong Le has personally seen each one destroy trips that could have been excellent.

✗
Buying a 1-day Angkor pass when you have 2–3 days in Siem ReapWhen to consider · Only if you genuinely have under 6 hours at the park
The 3-day pass costs $62 versus $37 per day — if you spend two full days at Angkor, the 3-day pass saves $12 and the 7-day pass ($72) saves even more for longer stays; buying day-by-day is consistently the most expensive approach
✗
Exchanging currency at tourist-area stalls or airport kiosks in CambodiaWhen to consider · Never necessary — USD is accepted almost everywhere in Cambodia
The Riel trades at a stable ~4,100 KHR per USD, and Western travelers can pay in dollars at nearly all hotels, restaurants, and attractions; the only reason to hold Riel is for small change, which vendors provide automatically
✗
Withdrawing small amounts from Cambodian ATMs repeatedlyWhen to consider · Only if you are nearly at the end of your trip and need a small top-up
ATMs charge $3–$5 per withdrawal regardless of amount; withdrawing $50 three times costs $9–$15 in fees versus one $200 withdrawal at $3–$5 — the fee is fixed, so small withdrawals multiply the cost quickly
✗
Booking accommodation at high-season rack rates without checking shoulder-season windowsWhen to consider · High season (November–April) travel where dates are fixed and non-negotiable
Traveling May–October cuts accommodation costs noticeably and some tour operators discount by 10–20%; boutique hotels already run $80–$110 in 2026 versus $60 in 2023, so ignoring seasonal pricing compounds an already significant price increase

0-day Vietnam itinerary FAQ

What’s a realistic daily budget per person?
In Vietnam, plan about $25–40 for backpacker style and $40–70 for basic comfort. In Cambodia, plan about $30–45 for backpacker style and $45–75 for basic comfort. These ranges cover a dorm or simple private room, local meals, city transport, a SIM, and a small activity; big-ticket items like boat tours or the Angkor pass add more.
How do payments work and what ATM fees should I expect?
Carry cash; cards work at some hotels and larger restaurants but are less common at small shops and markets. Vietnam ATMs usually charge 20,000–60,000 VND ($0.80–$2.40) per withdrawal with limits around 2–5 million VND; Cambodia ATMs often charge $4–6 with ~$500 limits. Bring clean USD for Cambodia (you’ll get change under $1 in riel), and decline dynamic currency conversion when paying by card.
What are typical transport costs and times between main stops?
Vietnam examples: Hanoi–Ninh Binh 2–2.5 hours by bus/train for 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–10); Hanoi–Hue 12–14 hours by sleeper bus/train for 400,000–1,200,000 VND ($16–48); Da Nang–Hoi An 45–70 minutes, 120,000–150,000 VND by shuttle or 300,000–400,000 VND by taxi. Cambodia examples: Phnom Penh–Siem Reap 5.5–6.5 hours by bus for $8–12; Siem Reap–Battambang 3–4 hours by bus for $6–9. In cities, ride-hail or motorbike taxis often cost $1–3 for short hops.
What about phone data and eating cheaply without getting sick?
Vietnam prepaid data plans cost about 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–8) for 5–15 GB valid 7–30 days; Cambodia plans are roughly $3–7 for 8–15 GB. Eat where there’s steady turnover; street meals run about 25,000–60,000 VND ($1–2.50) in Vietnam and 6,000–12,000 KHR ($1.50–3) in Cambodia. Tap water isn’t potable; a 1.5L bottle is ~8,000–12,000 VND or $0.50–0.75, and many hostels offer refills for a small fee.
How can I keep costs down without hassle?
Use local buses or shared vans for intercity trips and ride-hail apps in cities. Choose simple guesthouses, eat set meals (com binh dan in Vietnam) or market stalls, and do laundry by the kilo ($1–2/kg). In Siem Reap, share a tuk-tuk for the temples ($15–25/day); the Angkor pass is $37 (1-day), $62 (3-day), $72 (7-day), so plan days to match the pass. Book night buses or trains on long routes to combine travel and a night’s accommodation.
Can you help customize a low-cost route and bookings?
Yes—share your dates, pace, and interests, and we can propose a route, daily budget by stop, and the cheapest logical transport links. We’ll point you to booking platforms (e.g., 12Go, Baolau, BookMeBus, airline sites) and direct operators so you can compare prices. You’ll pay the provider directly and keep e-tickets on your phone.
What are typical cancellation and change terms for budget options?
Buses and trains booked online often allow free or low-fee changes up to 24–48 hours before departure; station-bought tickets may be changeable same-day for a fee and rarely refundable. Low-cost flights are usually nonrefundable; changes typically cost $20–50 plus any fare difference. Day tours on major platforms often offer free cancellation up to 24 hours; Angkor passes are nonrefundable and activate on first use.
Any extra costs to plan for at borders or attractions?
Some land borders have small, unofficial add-on fees—carry small USD bills and ask for receipts. Temple dress codes may require renting cover-ups ($1–3). Motorbike rentals run about $5–10/day plus fuel, and deposits or passport holds may be requested—photograph the bike and paperwork at pickup.

People also ask

When is the cheapest time of year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
Low season with rain usually has the lowest prices. In Vietnam, May–September is generally cheaper in the north and south, while the central coast sees the heaviest rain and possible storms October–December. In Cambodia, May–October is low season, and rooms and some tours are often 20–40% cheaper than December–February.
How much do hostels and budget rooms cost per night?
Vietnam: hostel dorms US$4–10, simple private rooms US$10–20, basic hotels US$18–35. Cambodia: hostel dorms US$5–9, simple private rooms US$10–18, basic hotels US$20–30. Prices rise near beaches and during holidays (e.g., Tet in Vietnam, Khmer New Year in Cambodia).
What does motorbike or bicycle rental cost, and how much is fuel?
Vietnam: scooters typically US$5–10 per day; petrol is about 22,000–26,000 VND/liter (~US$0.90–1.10). Cambodia: scooters are around US$6–10 per day; petrol is roughly US$0.95–1.25 per liter. Bicycles are commonly US$2–3 per day in both countries.
How much do beer and nightlife cost?
Vietnam: bia hoi (fresh beer) 5,000–10,000 VND (US$0.20–0.40), bottled beer 15,000–30,000 VND (US$0.60–1.20), basic cocktails 70,000–150,000 VND (US$3–6). Cambodia: draft beer US$0.50–1, bottled US$1–2, cocktails US$2.50–4. Most bars have no cover; clubs in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap may charge US$5–10 on busy nights.
Is bargaining expected, and how much should I negotiate?
Haggling is normal at markets, souvenir stalls, and for unmetered rides; it is not used in minimarts, chain stores, or metered taxis. A common approach is to start 30–40% below the first price and settle about 10–25% under. Agree on the fare before getting in a tuk-tuk or taxi without a meter.
What does laundry cost and how fast is the turnaround?
Vietnam: about 20,000–35,000 VND per kg (US$0.80–1.50) with 24-hour turnaround; express service costs more. Cambodia: roughly US$1.50–2.00 per kg, usually ready in 24 hours. Many hostels and guesthouses offer drop-off laundry or can point you to nearby shops.

Verified sources

  1. ATL DMC booking log · 12,000+ trips since 2011
  2. Vietnam Travel Cost 2026: Real Daily Budget Guide · https://www.wanderonless.com/vietnam-travel-cost-2025-budget-guide/
  3. Vietnam & Cambodia Budget Travel Tips 2026 · https://www.wanderonless.com/vietnam-and-cambodia-budget-travel-tips/
  4. Cambodia Travel Cost 2026: Budget $30–100 Daily · https://www.wanderonless.com/cambodia-travel-cost-2025-budget/
  5. Vietnam Travel Cost Index 2026 (sourced annual index) · https://daytripsvietnam.com/guides/vietnam-travel-cost-index-2026/
  6. Is Cambodia Expensive? Cambodia Travel Budget 2025 · https://shesabroadagain.com/cambodia-travel-budget/
  7. Vietnam E-Visa Cost & Fees 2026 (official fee schedule) · https://www.vietnamvisa.com/evisa-fees.html
  8. Angkor Wat Ticket Prices 2026 – Hello Angkor · https://helloangkor.com/angkor-ticket-prices/

Plan your custom 0-day with Phuong Le

PL

Phuong Le

Senior guide · Hanoi

“Tell us your dates and pace — we'll turn this guide into a realistic, booked-and-paced trip for you, not a generic template.”

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About the authors

PL

Phuong Le · primary author

15-yr Hanoi history guide

Specialty: Hanoi · Halong Bay · Vietnam itineraries.

Editorial process: Pacing and picks tested across thousands of ATL trips · reviewed quarterly.

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