Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Hochiminh City
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $21-63 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Hochiminh City
Accommodation
$8-20 per night
Budget hostels with dorms, basic guesthouses in backpacker districts, fan-cooled rooms in local neighborhoods
Food & Dining
$10-20 per day
Street food stalls, local pho shops, banh mi stands, market food courts, sidewalk cafes
Transportation
$3-8 per day
Local buses, walking, bicycle rentals, occasional motorbike taxis for short trips
Activities
$0-15 per day
Free walking tours, public parks, historic sites with minimal entry fees, self-guided neighborhood walks
Currency: ₫ Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Hochiminh City
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local street food stalls and markets - typically 70-80% cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants
Use ride-hailing apps instead of street taxis - prevents overcharging and saves 30-50%
Stay in Districts 3, 5, or 7 instead of District 1 - similar quality at 40-60% lower prices
Visit during rainy season (May-October) for 30-50% lower accommodation rates
Buy produce and snacks at local markets instead of convenience stores - saves 50-70%
Book combined day tours instead of individual attractions - often 20-40% cheaper
Learn basic Vietnamese numbers to negotiate better prices at markets
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking street taxis without meters - can cost 200-400% more than fair prices
Eating only in tourist-heavy areas like Bui Vien or Pham Ngu Lao - typically 100-150% markup
Not checking ride-hailing app prices before agreeing to street motorbike taxis - usually 300-500% more expensive
Exchanging money at airports or tourist exchange booths - lose 5-10% compared to local banks or ATMs