Long story, short: A week in Vietnam from Australia roughly costs AU$1,250–$3,500 per person for a budget-to-mid-range trip, and around AU$5,400 for a family of four travelling comfortably. Flight Centre return economy fares currently start from around $700pp to Ho Chi Minh City and $757pp to Hanoi. A street food meal averages under AU$3, and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant averages around AU$27.

Vietnam is a fun mix of bustling cities, tasty street food, and unforgettable natural wonders such as Halong Bay. It's also one of the best-value destinations Aussies can fly to – but knowing exactly what to budget for flights, visas, food and your daily spend makes all the difference between a relaxed trip and a stressful one. This Vietnam travel guide breaks down approximate 2026 costs, so you can get an idea of how much AUD to VND to sort before you go.

Let's get into it.

How much are flights from Australia to Vietnam?

First things first, you need to actually book your flights!

Based on current Flight Centre search data, return economy fares start from around $700 per person to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and $757 per person to Hanoi (HAN). These are indicative 'from' fares – actual pricing depends on your exact travel dates, how far ahead you book, and the airline, so it's worth checking a fare calendar for the exact dates you’re planning. Shoulder-season months tend to be cheapest, while flying around Tet (Lunar New Year) or the July school holidays pushes fares up considerably.

Once you've landed, cross-country transport options include:

• Domestic flights: with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo Airways, connecting 20+ airports – this is the fastest way to cover the country's length if you're short on time.
• Trains: including the scenic Reunification Express between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – it’s slower than flying, but the coastal views make it worthwhile if you opt for a higher-class cabin.
• Buses: including overnight sleeper buses, which fill the gaps the rail network doesn't reach.
• Scooter or motorbike hire: this is a crow-favourite way to see Vietnam – just make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers it (hint: more on that below).
• Group tours: a good option if it's your first time in Asia or you don't want to nut out the logistics yourself.

Pre-travel costs: visa, insurance and vaccinations

Before you even land, there are a few costs worth budgeting for on top of your flights and daily spend.

Vietnam travel visa cost

Australian passport holders are not on Vietnam's visa-exemption list, so a visa is required for every visit. The most common route is the official e-visa:

• Single entry, 90 days: ₫657,500 (approx. AUD $38–$40)
• Multiple entry, 90 days: ₫1,315,000 (approx. AUD $75–$80)

Apply directly through Vietnam's official e-visa portal to avoid extra service fees charged by third-party sites. Processing typically takes 3–7 working days, so apply at least a week before you fly, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and two blank pages.

Vietnam travel insurance

There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Vietnam, so travel insurance, while not compulsory, is strongly recommended. Indicative 2026 pricing for a one-week comprehensive policy for a solo adult starts from around $88 AUD, though the final price depends on your age, trip length, excess and any pre-existing conditions.

If you're planning to ride a scooter or motorbike (a hugely popular way to see Vietnam), double-check your policy explicitly covers this as many standard policies exclude motorbike incidents unless you add it on, and it's a common reason claims get knocked back.

Vaccinations

Speak to your GP about recommended vaccinations before you go. These can be a bit pricey upfront but often cover you for years, so it's a one-off cost rather than a per-trip one.

How much does transport cost within Vietnam?

Getting around day-to-day in Vietnam is cheap, whether you're on two wheels or four.

Petrol currently averages around AU$1.25 per litre (₫22,629/litre), noticeably cheaper than typical Australian bowser prices. If you're hiring a scooter to get between towns, expect to pay:

• Standard automatic scooter: approx. AU$6 – $15 per day (₫100,000 – 250,000)
• Semi-automatic or touring motorbike: approx. AU$30 – $85 per day, more for multi-day mountain routes like the Ha Giang Loop
• Taxi/Grab starting fare: approx. AU$1.10 (₫20,000)
• Local bus fare: approx. AU$0.45 (₫8,000)

Rental costs are generally already inclusive of basic insurance and road fees but always check what's covered before you ride off. And, confirm your own travel insurance also covers motorbike use, since it's one of the most common coverage gaps for Aussie travellers.

How much does food cost in Vietnam?

A basic street food meal in Vietnam averages under AU$3, and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant averages around AU$27, according to Numbeo's August 2026 cost-of-living data for Vietnam.

Self-catering is possible in the bigger cities, but with meals this cheap, most travellers eat out for most of their trip (including us!). 

How much does accommodation cost in Vietnam?

Accommodation in Vietnam spans everything from $10-a-night homestays to five-star resorts, and quality-for-price is hard to beat compared to home. Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoi An have seen the steepest price increases over the past couple of years thanks to strong visitor demand, while Hue and parts of the Mekong Delta remain noticeably cheaper for comparable quality.

Prices spike around Tet (Lunar New Year, typically late January to mid-February) and the Aussie/NZ summer school holidays; outside of that, you can expect to pay roughly the following. This is a guide only, and prices will fluctuate with seasonality and location.

• Hostel dorm bed: $7.90 – $24.20 AUD per night (approx. ₫130,000 – 385,000)
• Homestay / private guesthouse room: $19 – $40.40 AUD per night (approx. ₫310,000 – 660,000)
• Mid-range 3-star hotel: $48.40 – $96.80 AUD per night (approx. ₫790,000 – 1,580,000)
• Boutique / 4-star hotel: $112.70 – $180 AUD per night (approx. ₫1,840,000 – 2,940,000)
• Luxury 5-star resort: $180 – $805+ AUD per night (approx. ₫2,940,000 – 13,150,000+)