Cost of Activities & Tours in Vietnam: What to Expect for Every Adventure

From the majestic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the possibilities for adventure are endless. However, understanding the cost of travelling in vietnam is crucial for effective budget planning. This comprehensive guide will break down what you can expect to pay for various experiences, providing concrete figures and practical tips to help you make the most of your travel budget.

1. Understanding Activity and Tour Costs in Vietnam

The cost of activities and tours in Vietnam can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of activity, its duration, the level of service, the location, and whether you opt for a group tour or a private experience. Generally, you’ll find options to fit every budget, from shoestring to luxury.

• ✨ Type of Activity: Simple activities like museum visits or local cooking classes are typically less expensive than multi-day cruises or extensive trekking expeditions. For instance, a half-day cooking class might range from $25-$45, while a 2-day Ha Long Bay luxury cruise could set you back $400-$800+.
• ✨ Duration: A day trip will naturally cost less than a 2-day or 3-day tour. A day tour to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City could be $20-$60, but an overnight stay with more immersive experiences might be $70-$120.
• ✨ Inclusions: Tours that include meals, transportation, guides, and accommodation will be pricier than those that only cover an entrance fee. Always check what’s included to avoid hidden costs. For example, a “Ha Long Bay cruise” might advertise a low price, but exclude transfer from Hanoi or kayaking fees.
• ✨ Group Size: Private tours offer flexibility and personalized service but come at a higher cost than joining a larger group tour. A private Mekong Delta tour might be $150-$300+, while a group tour is often less than $60.
• ✨ Location and Popularity: Iconic destinations like Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Hoi An generally have a wider range of tour options and sometimes slightly higher prices due to demand, especially for premium experiences. Rural or less-visited areas might offer more budget-friendly local tours.
• ✨ Seasonality: Peak tourist seasons (e.g., December to April) might see slightly higher prices for popular tours and activities, as demand outstrips supply. Booking in advance during these times is often recommended to secure your preferred tour and potentially avoid last-minute price hikes.

2. Entrance Fees in Vietnam

Many of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions require an entrance fee. These fees are generally quite reasonable, contributing to the preservation and maintenance of these historical and natural wonders. While they’re not expensive, they still factor into the overall cost of travelling in Vietnam. It’s important to note that these are usually cash-only transactions at the ticket counter, so have small denominations ready.

2.1. Historical and Cultural Sites

2.2. Natural Attractions

Explore: Vietnam Trip Cost: A Complete Budget Breakdown for Every Travel Style

3. Cost of Popular Tours and Adventures

This section details the vietnam tour prices for some of the country’s most sought-after experiences, categorized by budget levels and specific adventures. These prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on demand, operator, and time of year.

3.1. Ha Long Bay Cruise Cost

A cruise on Ha Long Bay is a quintessential Vietnamese experience, offering stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. The Ha Long Bay cruise cost can range widely depending on the duration (day trip, 1 night, 2 nights), the quality of the boat (from budget junk boats to luxurious steel ships), and the inclusions (meals, activities, transfers).

• ✨ Budget (2-star equivalent):
  • ⚡ Day trip: $30 – $50 per person. These are typically full-day tours from Hanoi, including round-trip bus transfer, a basic boat, lunch, and a short stop for kayaking or swimming. Expect a crowded experience.
  • ⚡ 1-night cruise: $70 – $100 per person. Basic cabin, all meals (usually set menu), basic kayaking/swimming opportunities. Transfers from Hanoi are often an additional cost or included in a slightly higher price point.
• ✨ Mid-Range (3-4 star equivalent):
  • ⚡ 1-night cruise: $120 – $200 per person. Expect a comfortable cabin with a private bathroom, good quality food (buffet or set menu), various activities like tai chi, cooking class, cave visits, and kayaking. Transfers from Hanoi are typically included. These cruises often explore quieter parts of the bay.
  • ⚡ 2-night cruise: $200 – $350 per person. Offers a more extensive itinerary, allowing for deeper exploration of the bay, sometimes including a visit to a less crowded area like Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. More relaxed pace and additional activities.
• ✨ Luxury (5-star equivalent):
  • ⚡ 1-night cruise: $250 – $500+ per person. Spacious, well-appointed cabins, gourmet dining (often à la carte), butler service, private balconies, and exclusive activities like squid fishing, spa treatments, or private excursions. These often focus on providing a serene and indulgent experience.
  • ⚡ 2-night cruise: $400 – $800+ per person. The ultimate in comfort and personalized experiences, with even more time to enjoy the bay, explore secluded coves, and partake in unique activities.

🌟 Insider Tip: For the best Ha Long Bay cruise experience and value, consider booking through a trusted provider like Sun Getaways Travel. With a broad network of partners across Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Cat Ba, they can help you find exclusive rates, reliable transfers, and the cruise that truly fits your travel style — whether you’re after luxury, adventure, or a peaceful escape.

3.2. Mekong Delta Tour Price

Exploring the Mekong Delta offers a fascinating glimpse into local life along the intricate network of rivers, canals, and lush landscapes. The Mekong Delta tour price largely depends on the duration, the specific activities included, and whether it’s a group or private tour.

• ✨ Day Trip (from Ho Chi Minh City):
  • ⚡ Group tour (basic): $20 – $35 per person. Includes round-trip transportation, a boat ride, visits to a few local workshops (e.g., coconut candy, honey bee farm), and sometimes a simple local lunch. These can feel rushed due to the long travel time.
  • ⚡ Group tour (enhanced): $40 – $60 per person. Might include more in-depth activities like cycling through villages, a better quality lunch, or smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience. Some also include a visit to a floating market (though these are often best experienced on multi-day tours).
• ✨ 2-Day/1-Night Tour:
  • ⚡ Group tour: $70 – $120 per person. Includes transportation, accommodation (often a homestay with a local family or a basic hotel), multiple meals, and a wider range of activities such as extensive cycling, cooking classes, visits to fruit orchards, and exploring floating markets early in the morning. This allows for a deeper cultural immersion.
  • ⚡ Private tour: $150 – $300+ per person. Offers a customizable itinerary, private guide and transport, and the flexibility to spend more time at desired locations. Ideal for families or those seeking a highly personalized experience.

3.3. Sapa Trekking Tour Cost

Trekking in Sapa offers stunning mountain scenery, terraced rice paddies, and deep cultural immersion with ethnic minority communities. Sapa trekking tour cost varies based on the length of the trek, whether you opt for a homestay experience, and the inclusions like meals and transportation.

• ✨ 1-Day Trek (from Sapa town):
  • ⚡ Guided group trek: $15 – $30 per person. Typically includes a local H’mong or Dao guide leading a trek through villages and rice fields. Lunch might be included or an optional extra.
• ✨ 2-Day/1-Night Trek (Homestay):
  • ⚡ Group tour: $50 – $80 per person. This usually includes a local guide, one night’s accommodation in a traditional homestay (basic but authentic), several meals cooked by the host family, and transport back to Sapa town. This is a highly recommended way to experience local culture.
  • ⚡ Private tour: $100 – $200+ per person. Offers a more personalized route, a private guide, and the flexibility to trek at your own pace. Ideal for those seeking more solitude or with specific interests.
• ✨ 3-Day/2-Night Trek:
  • ⚡ Group tour: $80 – $150 per person. Provides a more extensive trekking experience, reaching more remote villages, and often includes multiple homestays in different communities. This allows for a deeper exploration of the region and its diverse cultures.

Insider Tip: In remote destinations like Sapa, it’s much safer and more convenient to book your trekking tour in advance through a reputable provider like Sun Getaways Travel. They work closely with local ethnic guides, ensuring you have a genuine cultural experience, with reliable service and English-speaking support. Whether it’s your overnight train tickets, homestay, or trekking route, having everything arranged ahead of time helps you avoid confusion — and gives you peace of mind knowing that Sun Getaways Travel is just a message away if anything comes up.

3.4. Adventure Tour Cost Vietnam

For adrenaline junkies and those seeking active experiences, Vietnam offers a range of adventure tour cost Vietnam options — from caving to canyoning and motorbiking. These activities can be a highlight of your trip, but it’s worth factoring them in when considering how much does it cost to travel Vietnam.

• ✨ Canyoning (Da Lat): $40 – $70 per person. Includes professional guides, all necessary equipment (harnesses, helmets, wetsuits), safety briefing, and often a lunch. Da Lat is a prime spot for this activity, involving abseiling down waterfalls, sliding, and jumping into natural pools.
• ✨ White Water Rafting (Da Lat or Mai Chau): $30 – $60 per person. Seasonal and dependent on water levels. Includes equipment and guide. Less common than other adventure sports but offers a thrilling experience.
• ✨ Kayaking/Stand-Up Paddleboarding (Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha, Hoi An): Often included as part of cruise packages or specific tours. If renting independently, expect to pay $5 – $15 per hour. In Phong Nha, kayaking on the Son River offers stunning views of the karst landscape.
• ✨ Diving and Snorkeling (Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao):
  • ⚡ Snorkeling tour: $20 – $40 per person (includes boat, equipment, lunch).
  • ⚡ Fun dive (certified diver): $40 – $70 per dive (equipment included).
  • ⚡ PADI Open Water Course: $300 – $450 (multi-day course).
• ✨ Motorbike Tours (e.g., Ha Giang Loop, Central Highlands):
  • ⚡ Guided small group tour (easy rider): $60 – $100 per day per person. This price typically includes an experienced local guide/driver, accommodation (homestays or guesthouses), all meals, and the motorbike rental with fuel. This is a popular and relatively safe way to explore the more remote areas.
  • ⚡ Self-drive rental: $8 – $20 per day for the motorbike (plus fuel, accommodation, food). Requires an international driving permit and significant riding experience. Always inspect the bike thoroughly before renting. The Ha Giang Loop is a particularly popular route, often done over 3-5 days.

4. Specialized Activities and Their Costs

Beyond the major tours, Vietnam offers a wealth of unique activities that cater to specific interests, providing deeper cultural engagement.

Cooking Class Vietnam Price

A cooking class Vietnam price typically ranges from affordable to mid-range, offering a delicious cultural experience and a practical skill to take home.

• ✨Half-day group class: $25 – $45 per person. This usually includes a market visit to learn about ingredients, hands-on instruction for several popular Vietnamese dishes (e.g., spring rolls, pho, banh xeo), and the best part – eating your delicious creations. Many classes are vegetarian-friendly.
• ✨ Private class: $50 – $80+ per person. Offers more personalized attention from the chef, the ability to customize the menu to your preferences, and a more intimate learning environment.
• ✨ Location specific: Cooking classes in Hoi An are often slightly more expensive due to their popularity and the charming inclusion of market tours by boat or bicycle. Classes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are also widely available and excellent.

Water Puppet Show Cost (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City)

A traditional Vietnamese art form originating in the Red River Delta, a water puppet show is a delightful and unique experience, especially for families.

• ✨ Ticket Price: $3 – $7 per person. The most famous venue is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi. Shows are typically 45-60 minutes long and often accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music.

Ao Dai Rental (Hoi An/Hue)

Renting a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai (a long, split tunic worn over trousers) for photos is a popular activity, especially in the atmospheric towns of Hoi An and Hue.

• ✨ Rental Cost: $5 – $15 per day, depending on the quality of the fabric, the intricacy of the design, and the rental shop. Many shops also offer tailoring services if you wish to have a custom-made Ao Dai.

Spa and Massage Services

Vietnam is renowned for its affordable and high-quality spa services, offering a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.

• ✨ Foot Massage (30-60 min): $5 – $15. Widely available, from small parlors to larger spas.
• ✨ Full Body Massage (60 min): $10 – $30. Options range from traditional Vietnamese massage to oil massages and hot stone therapies.
• ✨ Spa Packages: $40 – $100+ for multiple treatments, such as body scrubs, facials, and longer massage sessions. Luxury hotels will have higher-end spas with prices to match.

Other Niche Activities

• ✨ Vietnamese Coffee Making Workshop (Da Lat/Hanoi): $20 – $40. Learn about different coffee beans, roasting techniques, and how to brew the perfect Vietnamese coffee.
• ✨ Pottery Making Class (Bat Trang Village, Hanoi): $10 – $20 for a short session to make your own piece.
• ✨ Fishing Boat Trip (Hoi An/Phu Quoc): $20 – $50 for a half-day trip, sometimes including a seafood lunch.

5. Budgeting for Activities: Practical Tips and “What to Do in Vietnam for Free”

Managing your budget for activities doesn’t mean sacrificing incredible experiences. With a bit of planning and local knowledge, you can make your Vietnam travel budget go further.

5.1. Insider Tips for Saving Money on Activities

• ✨ Book locally when possible: Cheaper for day trips; pre-book popular tours like Ha Long Bay.
• ✨ Travel in groups: Group rates save money; join shared tours if solo.
• ✨ Negotiate politely: Common in markets/small services—know fair prices, smile.
• ✨ Go off-peak: Travel May–Sep (except holidays) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
• ✨ Use tour packages: Bundled deals via trusted agencies offer better value.
• ✨ Use student ID: Some attractions give discounts with valid student cards.
• ✨ Focus your budget: Pick key activities you truly want—skip the rest.

5.2. What to Do in Vietnam for Free

You don’t always need to spend money to have incredible experiences in Vietnam. Many of the best moments are entirely free and offer authentic insights into local life and culture:

• ✨ Explore local markets: Visit Ben Thanh (HCMC), Dong Xuan (Hanoi), or Hoi An Market for sights, smells, and snapshots of daily life.
• ✨ Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi): Lively on weekends with street shows and locals hanging out.
• ✨ Visit pagodas & temples: Free entry, peaceful vibes, and rich culture. Dress modestly.
• ✨ Walk Hoi An Ancient Town: Lantern-lit streets, old houses, and magical evenings — all free to roam.
• ✨ Relax on public beaches: Enjoy Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc’s beaches at no cost.
• ✨ Watch street life: A cheap coffee, sit on a stool, and soak in the daily hustle.
• ✨ Join public festivals: Tet, Hue Festival, and more offer vibrant cultural experiences — for free.
• ✨ Explore city parks & lakes: Great for walking, people-watching, or morning tai chi.
• ✨ Visit iconic bridges: See Dragon Bridge in Da Nang or the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An from the outside for great views and photos.

6. FAQs

7. Final Thoughts on Activity Costs in Vietnam

Understanding the cost of activities and tours in Vietnam is a vital step in planning your trip, ensuring you can experience the country to its fullest without budget surprises. From the iconic cruises of Ha Long Bay to the cultural immersions of cooking classes and the thrills of adventure sports, Vietnam offers an adventure for every budget and interest. By being aware of estimated costs, considering different options (group vs. private, budget vs. luxury), and utilizing smart budgeting tips, you can enjoy all the wonders this incredible country has to offer without overspending.

As Ms. Ngoc Diem, our Senior Tour Designer at Sun Getaways Travel, often says, “Vietnam’s magic isn’t just in its breathtaking beauty, but in how accessible its wonders are, even on a modest budget. Planning smart and knowing your options means you can truly experience more of what makes this country so special.”