Saigon is one of the cheapest major cities in Southeast Asia for travelers. With a bit of local knowledge, $30 per day covers comfortable accommodation, three full meals, transport, attractions, and yes — a cold Saigon Beer at sunset. Here’s the math.
Accommodation: $6-10/night
Hostel dorm bed: $5-8 at places like The Common Room Project or Long Hostel. Clean, air-conditioned, social atmosphere. Budget hotel room: $10-15 for a private room with AC and hot water in Pham Ngu Lao or De Tham area.
For this budget, target $8/night in a decent hostel with breakfast included.
Food: $8-12/day
This is where Saigon shines. Three meals of street food cost almost nothing:
- Breakfast: Bánh mì (20K) + Vietnamese coffee (15K) = $1.50
- Lunch: Cơm tấm or bún thịt nướng (40K) = $1.70
- Dinner: Phở or hủ tiếu (45K) + iced tea (5K) = $2.10
- Snacks: Bánh tráng trộn (20K) + fruit smoothie (25K) = $1.90
Daily food total: ~$7.20 — and you’re eating like a local, not a tourist.
Transport: $3-5/day
- Grab bike: 15-30K per ride within District 1
- Walking: District 1 is very walkable — most attractions are within 2km
- Budget tip: Rent a bicycle from your hostel ($2/day) for ultimate freedom
Daily transport: ~$3 if you combine walking with 2-3 Grab rides.
Sightseeing: $3-5/day
Many of Saigon’s best experiences are free:
- Free: Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior), Post Office
- Cheap: War Remnants Museum (40K), Independence Palace (65K), Jade Emperor Pagoda (free)
Average $4/day for one paid attraction plus free wandering.
The Cold Beer: $1-2
Saigon Beer (bia Sài Gòn) at a sidewalk joint: 12-15K VND. That’s $0.60. Have two. You’ve earned it.
Daily Total: ~$24-28
| Category | Budget |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8 |
| Food | $7.50 |
| Transport | $3 |
| Sightseeing | $4 |
| Beer & snacks | $2 |
| Total | $24.50 |
That leaves $5.50 in your pocket for the unexpected — a cooking class, a Grab to District 7 for dinner, or an extra round of bia hơi.
SCALE THIS BUDGET UP TO A FULL VIETNAM TRIP
If Saigon is only one part of your route, these guides help connect city budget to country-level planning: