HO CHI MINH - VIETNAM

This blog will guide you on how to reach Ho Chi Minh, visa requirements, accommodation options, dining recommendations, and all other essential information to help you make the most of your budget-friendly trip to Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the vibrant heart of southern Vietnam. We visited for 11 nights in October 2024 and had an amazing time. However, 11 nights in one location is too long, so we took a side trip to Da Nang for three nights and to be honest, wish we spent more time there.

Ho Chi Min City (HCMC) is bursting with energy and is a destination that combines a fascinating history with modern skyscrapers, bustling street markets, and a thriving yet very affordable culinary scene. This city has something for everyone: from its French colonial architecture and War Remnants Museum to the bustling Ben Thanh Market and chaotic traffic that will test your nerves in the best way possible.

This city offers a fantastic mix of affordable experiences. With its inexpensive food stalls, cheap accommodation options, and free cultural attractions, it’s easy to explore the city without breaking the bank. Whether you're wandering through ancient pagodas or sipping a cup of Vietnamese coffee in a roadside café, Ho Chi Minh lets you live large on a small budget.

How to Get There

Flights: Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport is well-serviced by many budget airlines, including AirAsia, VietJet Air, and Jetstar. Flights are available from major cities in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. You can often find great deals if you book in advance, especially during off-peak seasons. Vietjet now flys direct from Australia, however the airline is not known for its luxurious seats or stunning in flight service.

If you’re traveling overland from neighboring countries, buses run from Cambodia and Laos directly into Ho Chi Minh City. These routes are often more affordable than flying, with fares as low as $15 USD for long-distance buses.

Tip: We arrived at midnight, thinking we would breeze through immigration however there was literally hundreds of people in the line ahead and took about 45 minutes to get through. If you have an airport pick up or someone picking you up, be aware that you might take a while to get out of the airport. When leaving, the process of going through immigration and security is equally as slow, so make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.

Budget Tip: Use comparison sites such as Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the cheapest options. Try booking flights in the middle of the week and consider traveling during the low season to score even better deals.

Visa Information and Entry Requirements:

Visa Requirements: Vietnam offers visa-free entry to a select number of countries (Full list below). For others, tourists can apply for an e-visa (valid for 30 days), which costs around $25 USD and can be processed online before arrival. Another option is the Visa on Arrival (VOA) if you’re flying into Vietnam and have arranged pre-approval online.

Necessary Documents: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and bring along a printed copy of your visa approval letter if you’re doing a Visa on Arrival. Proof of onward travel may also be required. NOTE: Your Visa and your tickets MUST have the exact name as shown on your passport. When we booked our flight from HCMC to Da Nang, Vietjet didnt ask for my middle names when booking (There was no space for it) however when we went through security, we were sent back to have my middle names added for 108,000VND (Around $5USD).

Budget Tip: Apply for your visa directly through the Vietnamese government’s official e-visa website to avoid any unnecessary fees that third-party agencies may charge.

Currency and Budgeting Tips

Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. At the time of writing, $1 USD is roughly 24,000 VND and AUD is 17,000. For budget travelers, you can expect to spend between $30-40 USD per day on basic accommodation, meals, and activities.

Recommendation: Opt for local ATMs when withdrawing Vietnamese Dong (VND) since cash is generally preferred over card payments in most establishments. Street vendors and small businesses might not accept card payments. It is advisable to exchange currency at banks or exchange offices for better rates rather than at the airport. However, if you arrive without cash, withdraw 2,000,000VND at the airport and make a small purchase to break one of the bills. You will need 10,000VND in cash for the airport fee, which your taxi or driver will request.

ATM's will dispense between 2-5 million Dong at a time. Each time you make a withdrawal, you will get charged a fee ranging from 22,000 - 80,000 VND. So withdraw the maximum you can each time to minimise fees.

Despite having a WISE travel card, we discovered that after accounting for their fees and conversion rates, it was more cost-effective to withdraw money using my Australian debit card. It was also challenging to use the travel card at local ATMs or vendors' machines, which was both inconsistent and frustrating. Ultimately, cash is the preferred payment method in Vietnam.

Budget Tip: Utilize a conversion app to quickly assess whether you are receiving a good deal. Our experience showed that shopping at malls like Vivo City was more favorable and less stressful compared to shopping at Ben Thanh Market, where initial prices are often unreasonably high. Negotiating to lower prices can be challenging, with the added pressure of feeling guilty for not helping the seller. For instance, we purchased a suitcase on the first day for 1,300,000, but after bargaining and feeling pressured, we settled on 900,000. Despite considering it a fair price, we still felt uneasy about haggling. Interestingly, our friend returned four days later and managed to buy the same suitcase for 500,000 after initially being quoted 1,300,000 and walking away from the seller's final offer of 800,000. It's essential to be willing to walk away and compare prices elsewhere before making a purchase.

Where to Stay

Budget Accommodation Options: Ho Chi Minh City has no shortage of budget accommodations. You can find hostels for as low as $5-10 USD per night in areas like District 1 (backpacker-friendly). For a bit more comfort, mid-range guesthouses, hotels and homestays range from $15-25 USD per night.

Budget Tip: Check out platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, and Hostelworld for the best deals. Staying slightly outside the city center can also save you money on accommodation while still offering easy access to main attractions. Grab taxis are very cheap so getting around wont break the bank.

Saving Money on Accommodation Tips:

• Book early at places with free cancellation.

• Monitor prices regularly for price drops.

• Rebook at lower prices and cancel old reservations.

For the first few nights we stayed at "The Botanic House" which was 480,000VND per night ($20USD) and was basic but comfortable and in a fantastic location in District 1. It was walking distance to Ben Thanh Market and a great place to position yourself to enjoy the city.

For the next few nights, we decided to increase our budget and checked in at "The Happy Life Grand" located right next to the Botanic House. This hotel boasted a rooftop pool and bar (though the bar didn't open until 4pm). The room was quite lovely, featuring a spacious bed, a desk, a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles and a shower over the bath (which unfortunately leaked onto the floor near the toilet). The accommodation also included an impressive breakfast buffet priced at 2,000,000VND (83USD) per night. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, ensuring a pleasant stay. However, considering its close proximity to another hotel and the affordability of food in the area, I don't think I could justify paying four times that of the hotel next door.

Where to Eat and the Cost of Food

Vietnamese street food is some of the most affordable and delicious in Asia. Try a hearty bowl of "pho" for around $1.50 USD, "banh mi" sandwiches for under $1, or fresh spring rolls for as little as $0.50 USD at local food stalls. Markets like Ben Thanh and Binh Tay are great places to sample various dishes, however you will find some amazing food within walking distance of where ever you are. You don't have to look far.

Dining Out vs. Cooking: If you’re staying at a guesthouse or hostel with kitchen facilities, you can also buy fresh produce from local markets and cook your own meals, though dining out is often cheaper and a big part of the experience of visiting Vietnam.

Health Tips: When eating out in Vietnam, it's important to be mindful of a few things to avoid getting sick. First, stick to busy food stalls and restaurants with a high turnover, as fresh food is less likely to sit out. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the cooking area and utensils. Always ask if the ice is made from filtered water, as tap water can be unsafe. It's also wise to avoid raw or undercooked seafood and opt for dishes that are cooked thoroughly. Finally, stick to bottled or boiled water for drinking to avoid any waterborne illnesses.

Budget Tips: Look for restaurants that are not near the touristy areas for the best value. Even one street back, you will find the prices drop significantly and are often more authentic. Ho Chi Minh is probably the most expensive city to dine out at in Vietnam, however we still managed to enjoy a delicious meal with beer for under $5.

After about eight days of traveling, we decided to take a break from Vietnamese food and went to a pizza restaurant in a touristy area. We ended up spending $75USD for four people, which included 10 beers. Although it was still much cheaper than it would have been in Australia or the US, we felt a bit extravagant considering there were many other delicious and more affordable options available.

Apps like GrabFood or Baemin can deliver meals at local prices without the hassle of dining out.

How to Get Around

Public Transportation: Ho Chi Minh City has a variety of cheap transport options. Public buses cost as little as 5,000 VND (around $0.25 USD). Alternatively, Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) offers affordable rides via motorbikes or cars. Generally we found that Grab's were cheaper than taxis which we felt had sped up meters. A 20 minute ride in a Grab costs around 100,000VD ($4USD) a fraction of what it costs in other countries. Petrol at the time of writing (Oct 2024) was around $1USD a litre.

Renting Vehicles: For the adventurous, renting a motorbike costs around 150,000-200,000 VND ($6-8 USD) per day. Be aware of traffic conditions and local driving laws.

Walking and Cycling: Ho Chi Minh is best explored on foot, especially around areas like District 1. For budget travelers, this is not only cost-effective but gives you a chance to soak up the local atmosphere.

Budget Tip: Consider buying a public transport pass or using GrabBike, which is cheaper than regular taxis.

Top Free or Cheap Things to Do

Must-See Attractions: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office—both free and stunning examples of French colonial architecture. The War Remnants Museum is a must-see for a minimal entry fee (around 40,000 VND or $1.75 USD).

We did a half day motorcycle tour with Saigon Adventure which was $26AUD and was one of the highlights on the trip. If you can do this on a Sunday when traffic is lighter, it's recommended. The drivers are very safe and they take you to see many of the popular sights around the city. Click on the link above to view or book the tour.

Make sure you take a walk down the Bui Vien Walking Street and enjoy a beverage or two and marvel at the bright lights and buzzing atmosphere. Even if you are a non drinker, you have to see it. Be aware though that this is a tourist area and many bars charge accordingly. However, we found a few places that were selling beer for 20,000VND (75 cents). We wouldn't recommend ordering cocktails as every bar we ordered one from was either weak as or disgusting.

A visit to The Oasis Cafe is highly recommended as we are sure you have never seen anything like it. Enjoy a reasonably priced beer or coffee while sitting in booths that are literally built into a huge pond with impressive Koi fish swimming around.

Outdoor and Nature Activities: Relax in the beautiful Tao Dan Park or take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, both of which are free and great for people-watching.

Budget Tip: Free guided walking tours are available and can be booked through local universities or tour groups.

Hidden Gems for Budget Travelers

Underrated Spots: Escape the city’s hustle by visiting the hidden Tan Dinh Church, known for its striking pink façade. You can also explore lesser-known neighbourhoods like Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, for authentic local experiences.

Local Events/Festivals: If you're in town during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), the city comes alive with festivities, and many events are free to the public however you will find flight and accomodation prices increase due to high demand.

Sample Itinerary for Budget Travelers

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Breakfast at a local pho stall ($2 USD)

• Explore Ben Thanh Market for lunch ($3 USD)

• Free walking tour around District 1

  
  

Day 2:

• Morning coffee in a local café ($1 USD)

• Motorcycle City Tour ($18 USD)

• Street food dinner in District 3 ($2 USD)

  
  

Day 3:

• Visit Tao Dan Park (Free)

• Explore Cholon (Chinatown) by foot

• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral (Free)

Final Tips for Saving Money

General Money-Saving Tips: Avoid peak seasons like the Tet Luna Festival (Jan 29 2025) for cheaper accommodation rates. Stay in guesthouses or hostels in less touristy districts like District 3 for lower prices. Walking and using GrabBike are great options for cheap transportation.

Budgeting Tools: Use apps like Splitwise or Tricount to track expenses if traveling with a group, or Revolut to manage spending and currency exchanges while in Vietnam.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, exciting destination that offers plenty of budget-friendly activities, accommodation, and food options. In fact, out of the 30 plus countries we have visited, we would say that Vietnam is the cheapest country to visit or live in.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a culture seeker, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the city without overspending.

Have you been to Ho Chi Minh City on a budget? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more travel tips!